The right of thus intercepting the workings of another mine is conceded by the Mining Code, according to which the "Pertinencia" only extends two hundred varas in perpendicular depth. Below this the ground is free, and the desire to secure it in the richer portions of the vein often occasions a trial of activity between the proprietors of two neighbouring shafts. The one who succeeds is said to "encampanar" his rival; and as the evil cannot be remedied, he enjoys afterwards undisturbed possession of the vein, from immediately below the pertinencia of his adversary, down to any depth to which he may find it convenient to work.
The extraordinary richness of the ores of Santa Anita, some of which were sold during the great Bonanza of that mine in 1740 for their weight in silver, in consequence of the large proportion of gold contained in them, first induced the grandfather of the present Marquis of Rayas, (Don José Sardanēta,) who had acquired ten bars in the mine as "Aviador," to endeavour to "encampanar" the "pertinencias" on the upper part of the ravine, by carrying his own works below them. After several years spent in the attempt, which was prosecuted slowly from the want of funds, he died without having attained his object, bequeathing his projects to his son, and assuring him with his last breath that although he ended his life in poverty himself, a little perseverance in his plans would ensure opulence to his descendants.
This prophecy was fulfilled. The vein of Santa
