(1) The Geology of the Goldfields of British Guiana (2) The Ore Deposits of South Africa

Abstract

(1) THE history of gold mining in British Guiana dates from 1720, when an expedition was dispatched to Berbice in quest of gold. Further unsuccessful attempts were made at intervals, and modern mining in the colony dates from 1863. The first important success was gained in 1886, and mining regulations were enacted. The efforts were again commercially unprofitable, but some alluvial mining has always since been carried on. Quartz mining first attracted much attention in 1890, but none of the attempts was then commercially successful, because, Mr. Harrison tells us, the work was conducted recklessly, mills being erected before the mines had been adequately prospected. At length, in 1903, more judicious management was rewarded by success, and the mines on the Puruni River added British Guiana to the profitable gold-fields of the British Empire. The greatest yield was 138,000 ounces, in 1893–4, since when the yield has been slowly falling, until the output in 1906–7 was 85,000 ounces.

(1) The Geology of the Goldfields of British Guiana.

By J. B. Harrison. With Historical, Geographical, and other Chapters by F. Fowler and C. W. Anderson. Pp. ix+320. (London: Dulau and Co., 1908.)

(2) The Ore Deposits of South Africa.

By J. P. Johnson. Part i., Base Metals. Pp. iv+61. (London: Crosby Lockwood and Son, 1908.) Price 5s. net.