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MEXICO IN 1827
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in addition to which two new shafts had been sunk, (St. George and St. Patrick,) about fifty varas each, in order to render accessible the workings of some old shafts, upon a very rich portion of the vein, (between La Palma and San Ramon,) which it was found impossible to open anew.

One shaft on the Acosta vein, had been likewise re-timbered down to the Adit level. The shaft of San Estevan had been completely cleared, and was beginning to produce very rich ores.

The mine of Mŏrān had been likewise cleared down to the water, (about eighty feet,) and a horizontal steam-engine erected there, which was to begin working on the 12th of August. It is of fifty-horse power, when worked only to a pressure of 45lbs. on the square inch, but it is calculated to bear a pressure of 200lbs.

With regard to its being fully adequate to clear the mine of water, no doubts are entertained. The deepest workings of the Moran mine do not exceed one hundred and sixty varas; and a few weeks would, consequently, suffice to drain it entirely, were it not for the necessity of re-timbering the whole shaft, as the workmen proceed. There is one curious circumstance with regard to this mine; it has always borne a very high character, and yet, like San José del Oro, no accurate information can now be obtained with regard to the state or extent of its works. About thirty years ago an attempt was made to drain it by some German engineers