Edward Smith

“ Austle to the sea the descent of the land is very gentle, and the hills running north and south on each side of the river seem to direct its course. In some places these approach very near together, in others they widen, and leave a greater expanse of plain. The whole of these levels from within half a mile of St. Austle to the sea having been found rich in deposits of tin, have at various times been turned over, and great quantities of ore have thus been obtained: they are all at this time enclosed and cultivated. ”

“ Austle the descent of the ground being very rapid the river is precipitated over many considerable rocks, and during the rainy season may be considered as a succession of cascades. In the dry season there is but little water, but after sudden rains the rise is both rapid and dangerous. ”

“ The miner's object is to come at a deposit of tin five feet thick at the bottom of the pit, and as he works forward he throws behind him the waste matter. Water is conveyed from the river by a wooden trough into an insulated mass of the lower stratum, in which the tin is washed. ”