It takes money to work a mine, it takes money for the equipment; but those who manage a mine, and yet are not accustomed to the business think that no impediment stands against the easy money they expect to win. Take out the ore and remit the proceeds, write the directors; this is the sense of the meeting, and the puzzled miner looks at his instructions and sends some practical suggestions as to the best methods for opening up the mine, and the machinery which will probably be required. The directors hold a meeting and generally resolve with great show of wisdom to send machinery without delay, effort is made to raise more money through the sale of stock, or if money is in the treasury it is at once appropriated; people who have machinery to sell are called in consultation; and the next thing an equipment is sent out to the puzzled miner, and word goes too that it must be placed in position, without delay, and returns sent in. It is returns, money coming in, that the directors want to see ; the stockholders expect dividends, hurried calls are sent to the manager ; but all in vain, such is not the way to operate a mine, failure almost certainly comes to oppress, and once a mining company has failed there is poor chance of re-establishing the enterprise. That disaster follows too hasty effort at results is because, before the character of the ore is known, before its proper treatment has been ascertained, and often times before the mine is even opened, machinery has been bought and shipped; the directors expecting it will fit requirements, and hazarding the money on a guess are generally obliged to meet, and to explain the disappointments; because machinery bought in this haphazard way can hardly be expected to give good results.

An incident of such work as this can be found in numerous mines. One which has for some years past been prominently before the public is a good example. It was a prospect, and as such had merit, but neither the character of the ore, the amounts to be obtained or the physical requirements had been well established ; yet beneath the magic touch of capital great undertakings were commenced, men swarmed about the property, shafts were sunk, electric plants gave light in all the galleries under ground, mills were in process of erection, houses, railway sidings, everything which engineering, directed by those who had machinery to sell, could devise was being done; and after thousands had been spent it developed that the machinery was not suited to the ore, then other plans were tried; new equipment recommended by those who had machinery to sell was purchased. Three times were failures the sole reward for thousands spent, and the mine was brought to such an ill repute that where a good result might easily have been attained, were debts, a property involved, machinery of little use; and all just struggling to be maintained. Then one of the directors, prominent in business life, admitted that he was a fool, that is, when it came to mining propositions; and so he was, and so are most men who, as directors of mining enterprises, force the issue, seek quick returns and vote to build and establish equipment before the mine is opened. Luck may be with them, and by chance the equipment may be suited to the requirements of the ore, but usually luck leads a man astray, and when an investor hears of rapid work of equipment and development going hand in hand, it will be safe to let such propositions go to others ; for where good mining practice is not well maintained the chances of success are very poor. Naturally one may inquire, what is good mining practice? This question does not admit of easy answer, for no two mines are found the same, and what is good practice in one would probably lead to disaster in another. Yet certain general principles can be considered as bearing on the question, and these being understood the enquirer can form an opinion as to whether the organization and physical development of the mine is proceeding as it should.

Mines may be divided into three classes. First, those which produce ores very high in value, with every ounce of ore worth careful handling.

Second, those yielding rich ores and by their indications promising supplies of mineral which can be milled to certain profit. Third, mines which yield a low grade of ore from which a profit can be had, if the product can be treated to advantage.

Then there is another class of mining propositions, prospects, indicating that by opening up the ground mineral-bearing deposits will be found.