DIFFERENT KINDS OF WATER AND GOLD-SAVING.

Daily Southern Cross, Volume XXIV, Issue 3512, 17 October 1868, Page 4

DIFFERENT KINDS OF WATER AND GOLD-SAVING.

To the Editor of the Daily Southern Gross. Sir, — I should feel obliged for the insertion of the following remarks on the subject that has lately occupied the attention of the Kuranui Mining Company at the Tbatnes, viz., the difference in the yield of gold from the use of different descriptions of water. Various opinions have been expressed on the abova subject, yet it must be admitted that w« have re« ceived bub very little light from what has been laid and written to assist us in solving the above problem. Still we are greatly indebted to those gentlemen who seek to benefit society by the discussion of all subjects which have the slightest influence in helping ou the development of the resources of the colony. One reason assigned for the difference in the yield of gold by the use of the water from the Long Drive is the influence of silicic acid on the particles of gold, by forcing & coating on them, so as to interfere with the affinity of the mercury for the precious metal. Silicic acid is found in connection with all natural water ; so that it exists in the creek water as well as that obtained from the Long Drive ; but, supposing it exists in larger quantities iu the latter, it cannot interfere with the amalgamation of the gold with the mercury under the circumstances in which it is found in connection with water. Another geutleman think* that silicon is not likely to interfere with the process of amalgamation, in consequence of the difference in its specific gravity and that of gold. The substance called silicon it not found in any kind of water whatever uncombmed ; therefore it is unnecessary to say anything further respecting it, except that it i» insoluble in water. Its oxide, silicic acid, which his already been referred to, it found in connection with many substances in nature. The next thing suggested as likely to have something to do with the yield of gold in quar z crushing U in the u«e of hard and soft water ; the chief cause of the ihffei* o between hard and soft water in, that hard water contains sulphate of lime, which cannot form any barrier to the union of mercury with gold. The next question is that about the metallic and vegetable particles existing in water, lessening the eflect of mercury on gold. For the former mercury has a strong affinity, but the latter is perfectly harmless. Then, as to the question abuut silicic acid being generated in the process of crushing quartz. Quartz being pure silica, such a thing would not be at all wonderful. We are further aaked, would water of different specific gravity make a difference in t'i« time iu which particles of gold are held in solution ? They would not be held in solution by water, however great its specific gravity. They would be held longer in suspension by water in proportion as its gravity is increased ; but the difference in the specific gravity of tha water at the Thames is so tr.fling as not to warrant us in concluding that that is the cause of loss of the gold in question. Still it it to th« mechanical effects oE the water on the particle* of gold that we must look, and to the purity of .the mercury. Ho doubt there are persons appointed for the purpose of deciding all such important questions, who will soon be able to solve the above problem. Should this not be the case, I will engage to give satisfactory information of the strange disappearance of the gold in question, or make any analysis that is calculated to turther the interest of the golufield. 8/mVSL BKOWN. Parnell, October 15, 1868.

Cows— Pros-its per Head.— The proprietor of one of the largest cheese factories ia Lorraiue Co., Ohio, states tii*t the, net profits of cows supplying milk to Ins establishment, the past season, wai between 50dol. »ud6odol par head. This is a munificent return— better, probably, than any other farm product can show.