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THE
UNDERGROUND WORLD:
A MIRROR OF
LIFE BELOW THE SURFACE,
WITH VIVID DESCRIPTIONS OF THE
HIDDEN WORKS OF NATURE AND ART.
COMPRISING
INCIDENTS AND ADVENTURES BEYOND THE LIGHT OF DAY.
INTERESTING SKETCHES
OF
MINES AND MINING IN ALL PARTS OF THE WORLD—CAVES AND THEIR
MYSTERIES—FAMOUS TUNNELS—DOWN IN THE DEPTHS OF THE SEA.
VOLCANOES AND THEIR ERUPTIONS—PETROLEUM—UNDERGROUND
LIFE OF MAN AND THE LOWER ANIMALS.
SUBTERRANEAN WORKS OF THE ANCIENTS.
BURIED TREASURES, ETC., ETC.
PROFUSELY ILLUSTRATED.
BY
THOS. W. KNOX,
_Author of “Overland through Asia,” “Life and Adventures in
the Orient,” “Camp-Fire and Cotton-Field,” “The Boy Exiles,” etc._
HARTFORD:
THE J. B. BURR PUBLISHING CO.
1877.
COPYRIGHTED.
THE J. B. BURR PUBLISHING CO.
1877.
PREFACE.
The chief intent of this work is the plain, sufficient, and
entertaining description of the marvelous lives not only of miners,
but of all whose lot or choice it is to “delve and dare” underground.
That its object is secured, the author is flatteringly assured by
acknowledged critics,—travelers and book-men themselves, like the
writer, most of them. The narratives of the book are not merely dry
relations of scientific facts freighted with unnecessary technical
terms, as might possibly be suspected from a cursory glance at the
list of the topics treated, but statements of most important and
curious deeds, and descriptions of hidden localities and lives,
interspersed with lively anecdote and “incidents with souls in them,”
it is believed, and the greater part herein for the first time given
to the public. The table of contents will suffice to show how wide
and varied has been the author’s scope of observation and comment,
covering all the most important parts of the globe.
But he has not been satisfied with relying wholly upon his own
observations and world-studies. No man, however active and
industrious, can collate and digest all the interesting information
which may cluster about any important subject. The average life is
too short for the performance of such exhaustive study. The author
has therefore consulted many works upon mining and kindred subjects,
adding their funds of knowledge to his own researches, in order, so
far forth as possible, to perfect his work. Besides, he is specially
indebted to Professor Simonin, author of _La Vie Souterraine_, and
has relied upon him for many facts and figures, particularly in regard
to the coal mines of France and other countries. Many individuals,
professionally conversant with the subjects discoursed of, have also
been personally consulted in various countries; while several literary
gentlemen of eminence have kindly lent the author their aid. Among the
latter it is permissible to mention Mr. Junius Henri Browne, of New
York, and the late Col. Albert S. Evans, of San Francisco.
In preparing the matter for the press, it has been found convenient to
make use of words borrowed from the French and other languages, and
also of terms more or less technical in their character. They are not
numerous, and are so well understood either by context or by popular
use that a glossary is not considered necessary.
The author takes this opportunity to thank the newspaper press and
the public for the generous reception accorded to his previous
publications, hoping, in the language of the business card of the
times, to merit a continuance of the same.
T. W. K.
CONTENTS.
I.
BELOW THE SURFACE.
DIFFUSION OF KNOWLEDGE.—WHAT THE WORLD BELIEVES.—MUNGO PARK
IN AFRICA.—WHY THE NATIVES PITIED HIM.—EXTENT OF UNDERGROUND
LIFE.—DISTRIBUTION OF THE EARTH’S WEALTH.—VALUE OF
MINES.—THEIR EXTENT AND IMPORTANCE.—COAL AND IRON.—MYSTERIES
OF MINES.—EXPERIENCE WITH A NOVICE.—CHANGES OF SEASONS TO A
MINER.—DANGERS IN MINES.—LIFE IN CAVERNS.—UNDERGROUND IN
METAPHOR.—SOCIAL MINING.—OBJECT OF THIS VOLUME. Page 27
II.
DISCOVERY OF COAL.
SAVAGE THEORIES ABOUT COAL.—EXPERIENCE OF A SIBERIAN EXPLORING
PARTY.—BURNING BLACK STONES.—MINERAL FUEL AMONG THE
ANCIENTS.—THEIR MOTIVE POWER.—CHINESE TRADITIONS.—CHINESE
GAS WELLS.—HISTORY OF COAL IN ENGLAND.—A ROYAL EDICT.—CURIOUS
STORY OF THE MINER OF PLENEVAUX.—EXTENT OF COAL FIELDS
THROUGHOUT THE GLOBE.—THE QUAKER AND THE YANKEE PEDLER.—THE
FIRST ANTHRACITE.—BELLINGHAM BAY AND THE CHINOOKS.—HOW
COAL WAS FORMED.—INTERVIEWING A REPTILE.—THEORIES OF THE
ANCIENTS.—RIVERS OF OIL OF VITRIOL.—ANCIENT AND MODERN FIRE
WORSHIPPERS. 37
III.
BORINGS AND SHAFTS.
HOW COAL MINES ARE DISCOVERED.—OUTCROPPINGS.—SCIENTIFIC
RESEARCHES.—HOW A MARBLE QUARRY WAS FOUND.—BORING A WELL,
AND WHAT CAME OF IT.—A LOCAL DEBATING SOCIETY.—INTIMATE
RELATIONS OF COAL MINES AND THE STEAM ENGINE.—STRIKING
OIL.—“DAD’S STRUCK ILE.”—THE UNHAPPY MAIDEN’S FATE.—COAL INSTEAD
OF WATER.—THE TOOLS TO BE USED.—A DEEP HOLE.—TERRIBLE ACCIDENT,
AND A MINER’S COOLNESS.—SINKING SHAFTS.—AN INGENIOUS
APPARATUS.—ACCIDENTS IN SHAFTS.—REQUIREMENTS OF THE LAW. 53
IV.
ACCIDENTS IN SHAFTS.
ADVENTURE OF THE AUTHOR DESCENDING A SHAFT.—A MINUTE OF
PERIL.—LIFTED THROUGH A SHAFT BY ONE LEG.—A COLLISION IN
MID-AIR.—SENSATIONS OF THE DESCENT.—A MINER’S VIEWS OF
DANGER.—PICTURESQUE SCENE AT A DESCENT.—OFFERING PRAYERS.—SCENE
AT A RUSSIAN MINE.—SAFETY CAGES.—THEIR CONSTRUCTION.—A LUDICROUS
INCIDENT.—HOW A MAN FAILED TO KEEP AN ENGAGEMENT.—DOWN IN
THE SALT MINES OF POLAND.—A PERILOUS DESCENT.—“PLENTY MORE
MEN.”—ACCIDENT NEAR SCRANTON.—“PUTTERS.”—HOW GIRLS WERE
USED IN SCOTLAND.—MAN ENGINES.—THE LEVELS.—AN ACCIDENT
CAUSED BY RATS.—THRILLING AND FATAL ADVENTURE OF TWO PENNSYLVANIA
MINERS.—A FEARFUL FALL OF ROOF.—CARRYING A DYING
COMRADE TOWARD THE LIGHT OF DAY.—EIGHT HOURS OF MORTAL AGONY. 65
V.
SILVER MINES AND MINING.
ANTIQUITY OF SILVER.—REAL ESTATE AND SLAVE PURCHASES IN BIBLICAL
TIMES.—SOLOMON AND HIS SILVER SPECULATIONS.—ABUNDANCE OF
SILVER AMONG THE ANCIENTS.—THE EARLIEST MINES.—ORIENTAL
EXAGGERATION.—SPANISH MINES AND THEIR HISTORY.—MEXICAN MINES.—A
NONDESCRIPT ANIMAL.—NOVEL WAY OF OBTAINING A PIGSKIN.—PERU
AND ITS SILVER.—A HIGH-TONED CITY.—ARIZONA.—BEAUTIES
OF ARIZONA CIVILIZATION.—MINES OF UTAH AND NEVADA.—SAD RESULTS
OF A SPECULATION. 82
VI.
SILVER MINING IN NEVADA.
HOW GOLD WAS DISCOVERED IN NEVADA.—A PECULIAR “BLACK SAND,”
AND WHAT CAME OF IT.—SILVER CURSED AND THROWN AWAY.—ACCIDENTAL
DISCOVERY OF THE VALUE OF THE ORE.—H. T. P. COMSTOCK.—THE
COMSTOCK LODE.—HOW MINING RECORDS WERE KEPT.—YIELD
OF THE NEVADA MINES.—BONANZA AND BORRASCA.—THE BIG
BONANZA.—THE GRAVE OF THE FORESTS.—“WASHOE ZEPHYRS.”—PAY
ROLLS OF THE MINING COMPANIES.—INTERESTING DETAILS. 97
VII.
SPECULATIONS IN NEVADA MINES.
MINING SPECULATIONS.—SWINDLERS IN NEW YORK AND BOSTON.—THE
AUTHOR’S EXPERIENCE.—HOW HE WAS CAUGHT.—THE HOOK AND THE WAY
TO BAIT IT.—LIMITED INVESTMENT.—THE ADVENTURER’S STORY.—FACTS
AND FIGURES.—THE ROMANCE, AND THE SUBSEQUENT REALITY.—ONE
HUNDRED PER CENT. A MONTH.—IRISH DIVIDENDS.—EXPLOSION
OF THE BUBBLE.—THE VICTIMS AND THEIR FATE.—NANKEEN TROUSERS
IN WINTER.—AN ADVENTURER’S EXPERIENCE IN LONDON.—HOW HE
CAUGHT A CAPITALIST.—HELD BY THE GLITTERING EYE. 108
VIII.
MINES AND MINING ENTERPRISES OF NORTH AFRICA.
MINING AMONG THE MOORS, BERBERS, AND ARABS.—THE FRENCH
CONQUEST.—GEOLOGICAL SURVEYS.—MINERAL WEALTH OF ALGERIA.—A
WONDERFUL IRON MINE.—MOKTER-EL HADID.—HOW THE MINE IS
WORKED.—VISIT TO A MOUNTAIN OF SALT.—A REMARKABLE
FORMATION.—ARTESIAN WELLS IN THE DESERT.—SCENE AT THE OPENING
OF ONE.—EFFECTS ON THE PALM-TREE.—A PROPOSED INLAND SEA.—THE
SUEZ CANAL AND ITS HISTORY.—HOW IT WAS MADE.—ADVANTAGES
TO THE WORLD’S COMMERCE. 118
IX.
ADVENTURES OF DIVERS.
GOING UNDER WATER.—PEARL DIVING.—COSTUME OF THE DIVERS.—HOW
THEY DESCEND.—OBTAINING THE PEARL OYSTERS.—DIVING-BELLS.—HOW
THEY ARE MADE.—ADVANTAGES AND DISADVANTAGES.—ADVENTURES
IN DIVING-BELLS.—SUBMARINE ARMOR.—ITS CONSTRUCTION
AND USE.—A DIVER’S ADVENTURE.—A HORRIBLE SIGHT.—THE
DIVER’S STORY.—A PEARL DIVER AND A SHARK.—A NARROW
ESCAPE.—STRATEGY IN THE WATER.—PEARL DIVING.—PREPARATORY
STEPS TO BE TAKEN.—PREPARING FOR THE SEVERE TASK.—TRAINING
THE PAPOOSES IN MEXICO.—A PEARL DIVER AND A
SHARK.—HOW TO AVOID SHARKS AND DOG-FISH.—THE WAYS THAT
ARE DARK, AND THE TRICKS THAT ARE VAIN. 129
X.
RUSSIAN MINES AND MINING.
EXTENT OF THE EMPIRE.—ITS MINERAL RESOURCES.—PETER THE GREAT,
AND WHAT HE DID.—NIKITE DEMIDOFF.—THE DEMIDOFF ESTATES.—IRON
MINES AND A VISIT TO THEM.—WHERE RUSSIA SHEET-IRON IS
MADE.—COPPER AND MALACHITE.—A WONDERFUL SIGHT.—STRANGE
STORY OF AN EMERALD NECKLACE.—GOLD MINING IN SIBERIA.—HARDSHIPS
OF THE MINER.—HOW THEY ARE TREATED.—MODE OF MINING. 145
XI.
A DAY IN POMPEII.
A VISIT TO POMPEII.—NEAPOLITAN HACKMEN.—AN INTERESTING
ADVENTURE.—HOW TO AVOID A QUARREL.—BEGGARS.—BEGGARY AS A FINE
ART.—A PICTURESQUE SCENE.—MAKING MACARONI.—TRICKS OF AN
OLD ROOSTER.—POMPEII.—ITS HISTORY.—DISCOVERY OF THE BURIED
CITY.—A SCENE IN THE STREETS.—AN ANCIENT BAKERY.—HOW THE
MILLS WERE TURNED.—INVESTIGATING AN OVEN.—A WONDERFUL
DISCOVERY.—PRESENT CONDITION OF THE HOUSES.—ADVERTISING IN OLD
TIMES.—POMPEIIAN PERSONALS.—A PICTURE OF THE
DESTRUCTION.—OBSCENE OBJECTS IN THE CITY. 157
XII.
VESUVIUS AND ITS ERUPTIONS.
THE GREAT ERUPTION OF VESUVIUS.—WHAT IT DID.—THREE CITIES WIPED
OUT.—LAVA AND ITS CHARACTER.—GOING TO THE MOUNTAIN.—SKIRMISHING
WITH GUIDES AND BEGGARS.—ARCHITECTURAL STEEDS.—A
HORSE WITH A HAND RAIL AROUND HIM.—COAT-HOOKS TO LET.—A MOTLEY
CROWD.—HOW AN AMERICAN WAS MOUNTED.—A NEW MODE OF
SPURRING.—THE ROAD FROM RESINA.—BURNING LAVA.—CROSSING THE
LAVA BEDS.—CLIMBING ON FOOT.—HAPS AND MISHAPS.—AN ENGLISHMAN’S
ACCIDENT.—LIGHTING A CIGAR AT THE CRATER.—SUFFOCATED BY
SULPHUR FUMES.—DOWN AMONG THE ASHES.—A LONG FALL AND SLIDE.—IN
HERCULANEUM.—UNDERGROUND BENEATH THE CITY.—“LOOK
HERE.”—HOW THE CITY WAS DISCOVERED.—THE ERUPTION OF
1872.—HORRIBLE SCENES.—EXTENT OF THE DESTRUCTION. 178
XIII.
THE CAVERNS OF NAPLES.
EXCAVATIONS NEAR NAPLES.—POZZUOLI.—VISIT TO THE CAVE OF THE
CUMEAN SIBYL.—ACCIDENT TO AN ENGLISH TRAVELLER.—HUMAN
PACK-HORSES.—DARKNESS AND TORCHES.—THE LAKE OF AVERNUS.—DROWNED
IN BOILING WATER.—A DANGEROUS WALK.—IN NERO’S
PRISON.—INSTRUMENTS OF TORTURE.—USE OF THE RACK.—THE IRON
BEDSTEAD.—BROILING A MAN ALIVE.—TREATMENT OF PRISONERS.—AN
ANCIENT FUNERAL.—VIRGIL’S TOMB.—CONSTRUCTING WINE
CELLARS.—NOVEL PLAN OF ROBBERY. 205
XIV.
THE EXCAVATIONS OF DR. SCHLIEMANN, AT MYCENÆ (GREECE).
HIS EARLY LIFE AND IDEAL.—THE TREASURES OF PRIAMUS.—DESCRIPTION
OF THE SPOT.—EARLY HISTORY OF MYCENÆ.—PAUSANIAS, THE
ANCIENT ARCHÆOLOGIST.—WHERE THE EXCAVATIONS WERE COMMENCED.—THE
TOMB OF AGAMEMNON AND HIS FAITHFUL WARRIORS.—DESCRIPTION
OF THE TREASURES FOUND.—PROOFS OF THE IMMENSE
ANTIQUITY OF THE TOMBS.—RECENT PORTRAITS TAKEN OF HEROES
OF ANCIENT GREECE.—HOW IT WAS DONE.—THE VALUE OF THE
DISCOVERIES REGARDING ART MATTERS.—HERACLES STRUGGLING WITH
THE LION.—DR. SCHLIEMANN’S HEROIC WIFE.—DISCOVERY OF THE
TEMPLE OF ÆSCULAPIUS.—A BYZANTINE CAVE UNDER THE ROCK.—A
DISCOVERY WHICH FILLS ATHENS WITH JOY.—THE STATUE OF
VICTORY FOUND IN ALMOST PERFECT CONDITION. 221
XV.
MEXICO AND ITS MINES.
THE USES OF SILVER.—COIN AND ITS ABUNDANCE.—PUZZLES OF POLITICAL
ECONOMISTS.—WONDERFUL SKILL OF THE SILVER-WORKERS.—THE
SILVER PRODUCT.—THE MINES OF MEXICO.—THEIR EXTENT AND
RICHNESS.—GUANAJUATO AND ITS MINES.—THE _VETA MADRE_.—VISIT
TO THE SERRANO MINE.—UNDERGROUND PYROTECHNICS.—THE _VETA
GRANDE_.—THE PACHUCA MINE.—AN OFFER TO THE KING.—THE
GROUND PAVED WITH SILVER.—SULPHUR MINERS.—ASCENT OF A
MEXICAN MOUNTAIN. 236
XVI.
CORAL REEFS AND CAVES IN THE PACIFIC.
THE ISLANDS OF THE PACIFIC.—HOW THEY HAVE BEEN FORMED.—WHAT
THE CORAL IS.—THE WONDROUS ARCHITECTS OF THE SEA.—WHAT
A UNITED STATES STEAMER SAW.—HOW THE CORAL IS FISHED
FOR.—ROMANTIC STORY OF A CAVERN.—HOW IT WAS DISCOVERED.—AN
ELOPEMENT AND EXERCISE IN DIVING.—LOVE AND TURTLES.—A
BATTLE IN THE WATER.—KILLED BY SHARKS.—A MAIDEN’S GRIEF.—THE
PERIL OF A LOVER.—SURPRISING A FATHER-IN-LAW.—END OF A
SUBMARINE COURTSHIP. 248
XVII.
BURGLARS AND BURGLARIES.
REMARKABLE BURGLARIES.—UNDER GROUND FOR DISHONEST
PURPOSES.—WONDERFUL ADROITNESS OF BURGLARS.—A REMARKABLE
ROBBERY.—OCCUPATION OF A LAWYER’S OFFICE.—LABOR UNDER
DIFFICULTIES.—A TROUBLESOME POLICEMAN.—STRANGE SCENE IN
COURT.—THE CULPRIT’S REPLY.—ROBBERY BY COUNTERFEIT
POLICEMEN.—THE OCEAN BANK ROBBERY.—RAPID AND THOROUGH WORK.—AN
ASTONISHED WATCHMAN.—BAFFLING THE POLICE. 264
XVIII.
THE EARLIEST EXCAVATIONS.
GRAVES AND THEIR CONSTRUCTION.—DIFFERENT MODES OF
BURIAL.—TOMBS.—THE MOST EXTENSIVE TOMBS.—OBJECT OF THE PYRAMIDS
OF EGYPT.—A VISIT TO THE GREAT PYRAMID, AND ITS
DESCRIPTION.—DIFFICULTIES OF CLIMBING.—THE TOMBS OF THEBES.—A
FAT AMERICAN’S ADVENTURE.—ENTERING THE TOMB OF
ASSASSEEF.—RECITING POETRY UNDER DISADVANTAGES.—SWALLOWING A
BAT.—JACK’S DISGUST.—FATE OF A FAT MAN.—STUCK IN A
PASSAGE-WAY.—HOW THE ARABS REMOVED HIM. 277
XIX.
EXPERIENCES IN WILD LIFE.
NECESSITIES OF TRAVELLERS IN WILD COUNTRIES.—CONCEALING DOG
FOOD.—DEFENCES AGAINST WILD ANIMALS.—HONESTY OF CERTAIN
NATIVES.—THE AUTHOR’S EXPERIENCE WITH SIBERIAN
KORAKS.—CONCEALING FOOD IN ICEBERGS.—BARON WRANGELL AND DR.
KANE.—STORY OF BLANKETS AND BLANKET STRAPS.—A CACHE.—WHAT IT
IS.—AUTHOR’S FIRST ACQUAINTANCE WITH ONE.—A FRAUDULENT
GRAVE.—CACHE OF A WHISKEY KEG, AND HOW IT WAS MADE.—“TWO-BOTTLE
CAMP.”—CONSOLATION OF A HARD DRINKER.—AN EXTENSIVE CACHE.—HOW
THE INDIANS FOUND IT, AND WHAT BECAME OF THEM.—JIM FOSTER AND
HIS TENDER HEART. 292
XX.
THE GREEN VAULTS OF DRESDEN.
THE RICHEST TREASURY IN THE WORLD.—HOW THE SAXON PRINCES
ACQUIRED IT.—THE DIFFERENT CABINETS, AND WHAT THEY
CONTAIN.—WONDERFUL CARVINGS, MOSAICS, AND
CURIOSITIES.—SPLENDID GOLD AND SILVER PLATE.—MAGNIFICENT ROYAL
REGALIA.—A LUXURIOUS AND GALLANT MONARCH.—ROMANTIC ADVENTURES.—A
MARVELLOUS TOY.—DAZZLING EMERALDS, PEARLS, RUBIES, AND
DIAMONDS.—THE LARGEST AND MOST PRECIOUS GEMS ON THE
GLOBE.—INGENIOUS AND DESPERATE ATTEMPTS TO ROB THE VAULTS.—A
THIEF WALLED UP ALIVE.—EFFECT OF EXPOSING HIS SKELETON.—ARE THE
PRICELESS JEWELS FALSE?—WHAT AN ENTERPRISING SCOUNDREL MIGHT
ACCOMPLISH. 302
XXI.
THE CATACOMBS OF PARIS.
THE FAIR CAPITAL UNDERMINED.—HISTORY OF THE VAST GRAVEYARD.—SIX
MILLIONS OF SKELETONS.—A JOURNEY THROUGH THE CITY OF THE
DEAD.—HORRIBLE SENSATIONS OF BEING LOST THERE.—GHASTLY DISPLAY
OF SKULLS AND BONES.—TRAGIC AND COMIC INCIDENTS.—TERRIBLE
EXPERIENCE IN THE MIGHTY CHARNEL-HOUSE.—SCENES NEVER TO
BE FORGOTTEN. 314
XXII.
PETROLEUM.
OIL SPRINGS.—THE FIRE FIELD OF THE CASPIAN.—THE FIRE
WORSHIPPERS.—THE RANGOON DISTRICT.—FIRE WELLS OF THE
EAST.—PETROLEUM IN AMERICA.—ITS DISCOVERY AND HISTORY.—OIL
FEVER.—ANECDOTES OF SPECULATION.—FORTUNES WON AND
LOST.—EXTRAVAGANCES OF THE NOUVEAU RICHE.—THE STORY OF JOHN.—HOW
TO GET UP A PARTY. 331
XXIII.
WINE AND BEER CELLARS.
WINE CELLARS.—HOW THEY ARE MADE.—PLACES FOR STORING BEER.—THEIR
EXTENT.—THE GREATEST WINE CASK IN THE WORLD.—ITS
CAPACITY.—PECULIARITIES OF WINE AND BEER VAULTS.—VISITING A
CELLAR IN POLAND.—CURIOUS SIGHTS.—THE ANTIQUITY OF THE
BOTTLES.—WHAT A VISITOR DID.—THE RESULT OF TOO MUCH WINE.—A
DANGEROUS BRIDGE. 346
XXIV.
THE BASTILLE.
ITS HISTORY AND CONSTRUCTION.—THREE AMERICANS SEARCHING FOR
IT.—A FRENCH JOKE AT THEIR EXPENSE.—HOW PRISONERS WERE RECEIVED
AND TREATED.—HORRIBLE DUNGEONS.—THE OUBLIETTES.—CRUELTIES
OF THE BASTILLE.—THE MAN IN THE IRON MASK.—HIS ROMANTIC
STORY.—DESTRUCTION OF THE BASTILLE. 356
XXV.
DIAMONDS AND DIAMOND MINES.
HOW DIAMONDS ARE OBTAINED.—THE COUNTRIES THAT PRODUCE
THEM.—MODES OF SEEKING THEM IN BRAZIL.—CURIOUS PRECAUTIONS
AGAINST THEFT.—HOW A SLAVE IN BORNEO ROBBED HIS EMPLOYER.—FAMOUS
DIAMONDS AND THEIR HISTORY.—THE REGENT, THE ORLOFF, AND THE
KOHINOOR.—FIDELITY OF A SERVANT.—THE STAR OF THE SOUTH.—A
SHARP TRICK OF AN AMATEUR GAMBLER. 372
XXVI.
THE DIAMOND FIELDS OF SOUTH AFRICA.
MODE OF REACHING THEM.—THEIR EXTENT AND RICHNESS.—THE YIELD
OF THE MINES.—CHARACTER OF THE AFRICAN DIAMONDS.—MODE OF
WORKING.—THE NEGROES AND THEIR PECULIARITIES.—DU TOIT’S
PAN.—KIMBERLEY.—COLESBERG KOPJE.—LIFE IN THE FIELDS.—DUST
STORMS AND HEAVY RAINS.—A WHIRLWIND AND ITS EFFECTS.—CAUGHT
IN A STORM.—INDIVIDUAL INSTANCES OF GOOD LUCK.—A
DIAMOND ON A BURST. 391
XXVII.
THE UNDER-WORLD OF PARIS.
THE IMMORALITY AND LICENTIOUSNESS OF THE CAPITAL.—COMPARISON
WITH OTHER CITIES.—FRENCH ETHICS AND LITERATURE.—DIFFERENT
GRADES OF THE DEMI-MONDE.—THE TRUE STORY OF CAMILLE.—THE
GARDENS ON THE SEINE.—THE DANCES AND THE DANCERS.—THE PETITS
SOUPERS OF THE COCOTTES.—AFTER-MIDNIGHT SCENES.—ACTRESSES
AND CHAMPAGNE.—ADVENTURESSES AND CHÂTEAU MARGAUX.—INTERIOR
OF A THIEF’S DEN AND MURDERER’S CELLAR.—BLOODTHIRSTY VIRAGOES
AND DESPERATE CUTTHROATS. 403
XXVIII.
THE EAST RIVER BRIDGE.
LAYING THE FOUNDATIONS UNDER WATER.—HOW THE WORK WAS
PERFORMED.—THE CAISSON.—HOW IT IS MADE.—ITS MODE OF
OPERATION.—WORKING UNDER WATER.—EXPLORING THE BED OF THE
RIVER.—DESCENDING INTO THE BOX.—EFFECTS OF A GREAT PRESSURE
OF AIR.—AN UNPLEASANT SENSATION.—A STRANGE SIGHT.—ACCIDENTS.—HOW
A MAN’S ARM WAS CAUGHT. 426
XXIX.
INUNDATION AT LALLE.
INUNDATION OF A MINE ON THE LOIRE.—HOW THE MEN WERE SAVED.—SONG
OF THE PUPILS OF THE MINING SCHOOL AT ST. ETIENNE.—TERRIBLE
FLOOD OF A MINE AT LALLE.—BREAKING IN OF A RIVER.—COURAGE
OF AUBERTO, A WORKMAN.—SAVING SIX LIVES.—PLAN FOR
RESCUE.—DISCOVERING THE WHEREABOUTS OF THE PRISONERS.—ONE
MONTH’S WORK IN THREE DAYS.—OPENING THE DRIFT-WAYS.—SIXTY
FEET OF TUNNELLING.—IN THE DARKNESS WITH A CORPSE.—STORY OF
THE RESCUED.—THIRTEEN DAYS OF PERIL.—FINDING THE BODIES OF
THE DEAD.—ONE HUNDRED AND FIVE MEN DROWNED.—SAVING A
CHILD.—EATING WOOD AND LEATHER TO SAVE LIFE.—A HORRIBLE SIGHT. 435
XXX.
PERILS OF THE MINER.
NARROW ESCAPE OF THE AUTHOR.—CAUGHT IN A LEVEL.—SETTLING OF
THE ROOF.—BREAKING TIMBERS.—A PERILOUS PASSAGE.—FALLING OF
A ROOF.—THREATENING DANGERS.—ADVENTURE OF GIRAUD, THE
WELL-DIGGER.—CAUGHT IN A FALL OF EARTH.—THREE WEEKS WITH A
CORPSE.—ONE MONTH WITHOUT FOOD.—HOW HE WAS RESCUED.—A
MINER COVERED WITH COAL.—HIS RESCUE.—AN IRISHMAN’S
JOKE.—INUNDATION.—CURIOUS THEORIES OF THE MINERS.—EFFECT OF
STRIKING A VEIN OF WATER.—DRAWING THE MEN IN A MINE.—THE SEA
BREAKING IN.—CLOSING THE SHAFT.—A TERRIBLE STORY.—EXPERIENCE
OF A FRENCH ENGINEER.—CASUALTIES AND THEIR NUMBER.—SUFFOCATION
OF THREE HUNDRED AND SIXTY-ONE MEN IN ONE MINE. 447
XXXI.
THE MAMMOTH CAVE.
ROMANCE AND MYSTERY OF CAVES.—THE FAMOUS CAVES OF THE WORLD.—THE
GREATEST CAVERN ON THE GLOBE.—ITS IMMENSE FAME.—AMERICANS’
NEGLECT OF IT.—CAUSE OF THEIR INDIFFERENCE.—SITUATION OF
THE MAMMOTH CAVE.—ITS MISERABLE MANAGEMENT.—ANNOYANCES
AND IMPOSITIONS PRACTISED UPON TOURISTS.—JOURNEY THROUGH THE
VAST TUNNEL.—WHAT ONE SEES, FEELS, AND DOES.—CONSUMPTIVE
GHOSTS.—WONDERS OF THE STAR-CHAMBER.—DESCENT INTO THE BOTTOMLESS
PIT.—CROSSING THE STYX AND THE LETHE.—MARVELLOUS
ECHOES.—STARTLING ACCIDENTS.—WOMEN IN AWKWARD SITUATIONS. 456
XXXII.
INSURANCE AND ITS MYSTERIES.
HISTORY OF FIRE AND MARINE INSURANCE.—LIFE INSURANCE.—OBJECTIONS
OF A CALIFORNIAN.—HOW HE ANSWERED AN AGENT.—FRAUDS
UPON COMPANIES.—A DEEP-LAID SCHEME.—JOHNSON AND HIS THIRTY
THOUSAND DOLLARS.—OPENING A GRAVE.—A FICTITIOUS CORPSE.—PURSUIT
BY DETECTIVES AND CAPTURE OF THE SWINDLER.—LITIGATIONS
ABOUT INSURANCE.—CHINESE TRICKS ON AGENTS.—SUBSTITUTES
FOR EXECUTION. 479
XXXIII.
RAILWAY TUNNELS.
TUNNELS AMONG THE ANCIENTS.—HOW THEY WERE MADE.—MODERN TUNNELS
AND THEIR LENGTH.—LAUGHABLE INCIDENTS IN RAILWAY TUNNELS.—THE
TWO LOVERS.—THE ANXIOUS FRENCHMAN.—ROBBERS.—HOOSAC
TUNNEL.—ITS HISTORY.—THE AUTHOR’S VISIT.—NATURE AND PROGRESS
OF THE WORK.—AN EXPLOSION.—ACCIDENT FROM NITRO-GLYCERINE.—THE
CENTRAL SHAFT.—THE TERRIBLE CALAMITY OF 1867. 492
XXXIV.
THE MONT CENIS TUNNEL.
MOUNTAIN CHAINS BETWEEN NATIONS.—MONT CENIS.—CROSSING THE
ALPS.—THE GREAT ALPINE TUNNEL.—LAYING OUT THE WORK.—THE
ARC AND DORA.—DIFFICULTIES.—THE SURVEYS.—PENETRATING THE
MOUNTAIN.—COMPLETION OF THE WORK.—THE CHANNEL TUNNEL.—ITS
COST.—COST OF TUNNELS IN VARIOUS COUNTRIES. 510
XXXV.
THE PARISIAN SEWERS.
THE SEWERS OF PARIS.—THEIR EXTENT.—A JOURNEY THROUGH THEM.—THE
START AND THE MODE OF TRAVEL.—DESCRIPTION OF THE GREAT
SEWER.—ACCIDENTS OF SEWER TRAVEL.—HISTORY OF THE SEWERS.—THEIR
FIRST GREAT INSPECTION.—BRUNESEAU.—INUNDATION FROM THE
SEWERS.—A MAN LOST.—HORRIBLE DEATH IN THE SEWERS.—THE OLD
AND THE NEW.—THE EXCAVATIONS.—NATURE OF THE WORK.—BREAKAGE
OF THE CANAL.—JEAN VALJEAN IN THE SEWERS OF PARIS.—HIS
FIRST SENSATION.—CAUGHT IN A LABYRINTH.—THE SEWERS OF ST. DENIS,
AND THE MARKETS.—CAUGHT IN THE WATER.—THE POLICE IN
PURSUIT.—FRIGHT OF THE FUGITIVE.—THE QUICKSAND ON THE COAST OF
BRITTANY.—A HORRIBLE DEATH.—QUICKSAND IN THE SEWERS.—HOW
IT WAS FORMED.—JEAN VALJEAN IN THE QUICKSAND.—HIS SUFFERINGS
AND ESCAPE. 524
XXXVI.
MERCURY.
PROPERTIES AND PECULIARITIES OF MERCURY, OR
QUICKSILVER.—AMALGAMATION.—CINNABAR.—WHERE IT IS FOUND.—ALMADEN
AND OTHER MINES.—CURIOUS CUSTOMS AT IDRIA.—MODES OF
WORKING.—HUANCA VELICA.—QUICKSILVER MINES IN
CALIFORNIA.—CALIFORNIA LAWSUITS.—WONDERFUL PROPERTIES OF SPANISH
TITLES.—AN UNHAPPY ACCIDENT.—PRACTICAL VALUE OF AN
EARTHQUAKE.—AN UNDERGROUND CHAPEL. 551
XXXVII.
GUANO AND THE COOLIE TRADE.
GUANO AND ITS CHARACTER.—WHERE IT IS FOUND.—THE CHINCHA ISLANDS
AND THEIR WEALTH.—NOVEL PLANS OF THE PERUVIANS.—HOW THEY
DIG AND LOAD GUANO.—EFFECT OF GUANO ON A STRANGER.—JARVIS’S
AND HOWLAND’S ISLANDS.—THE COOLIES AND THEIR LABOR.—STORIES
OF HORRIBLE CRUELTIES.—HOW THE ASIATIC SLAVE TRADE IS
CONDUCTED.—MUTINY ON SHIPBOARD.—MURDER OF THE CREW.—HUMAN
MINCE MEAT.—TREATMENT OF COOLIES AT WORK.—EXTENT OF THE
COOLIE TRAFFIC.—PROBABLE FATE OF MISSING SHIPS. 561
XXXVIII.
AVONDALE.
THE GREAT CALAMITY IN PENNSYLVANIA.—ITS CAUSE.—DISCOVERY OF THE
FIRE.—SCENES AT THE MOUTH OF THE MINE.—BURNING OF THE
BREAKER.—DESCRIPTION OF THE FIRE.—EFFORTS FOR RESCUE.—THE DOG
AND LAMP.—DESCENT OF THE SHAFT.—WHAT THE EXPLORERS SAW.—DISCOVERY
OF THE BODIES.—AFFLICTION OF FATHER AND SON.—BRINGING
OUT BODIES.—BURIAL OF THE DEAD. 578
XXXIX.
IRON AND IRON MINES.
IRON AND ITS VALUE.—ITS ABUNDANCE, AND WHERE IT IS FOUND.—A
MOUNTAIN OF IRON.—IRON MOUNTAIN AND PILOT KNOB.—THE AUTHOR’S
VISIT.—CHASED BY GUERRILLAS.—A NARROW ESCAPE.—THE
ANTIQUITY OF IRON.—ITS VALUE IN MANIPULATION.—IRON AS
MONEY.—INCONVENIENCE OF USING IT.—FIRST IRON WORKS IN
AMERICA.—DIFFERENCE BETWEEN IRON AND OTHER MINES.—DIRECT AND
REVERSE WORKINGS.—A PICTURESQUE SCENE. 590
XL.
EXILES IN SIBERIA.
TOILING IN A SIBERIAN MINE.—A DARING ESCAPE.—HOW IT WAS
PLANNED.—TUNNELLING TO LIBERTY.—DISARMING GUARDS.—WORKING IN THE
DARK AND WITHOUT FRESH AIR.—A MURDEROUS ATTEMPT.—CUSTOMS
OF THE SIBERIAN PEASANTRY.—CARE FOR THE EXILE.—A SURPRISE.—A
NARROW ESCAPE FROM DEATH.—LIVING IN A MOUNTAIN GLEN.—HUNTING
IN THE ALTAI MOUNTAINS.—KILLED BY AN ARGAL.—SEPARATION AND
DEPARTURE.—HOW TO OBTAIN PASSPORTS.—SAFE ARRIVAL AT HOME. 599
XLI.
LEAD MINES OF IOWA.
BLUFFS AT DUBUQUE, IOWA.—THE LEAD MINES.—HOW LEAD IS FOUND
THERE.—INDIAN DISCOVERIES.—HOW THE SECRET BECAME KNOWN.—STORY
OF THE SIX INDIANS.—FOLLOWING THEIR TRACKS.—AN INDIAN
TRAITOR.—AN EXPLORER’S ADVENTURE.—THE INDIAN GUIDE AND THE
GREAT SPIRIT.—MURDER OF TWO EXPLORERS.—USES OF ABANDONED
SHAFTS AND CAVES.—AN EDITOR’S DISCOVERY.—AN UNDERGROUND
BANQUET.—UPS AND DOWNS OF A LEAD MINER.—DEATH OR A FORTUNE.—A
DANGEROUS BLOW.—A MINUTE OF GREAT PERIL. 613
XLII.
MINING IN THE BLACK HILLS. THE WONDERFUL MINE UNDER
LAKE SUPERIOR.
FIRST REPORTS OF GOLD IN THE BLACK HILLS.—DISCOVERY OF PLACER
DEPOSITS.—THEIR EXTENT AND RICHNESS.—DEADWOOD AND RAPID
CREEK.—SAD FATE OF AN EARLY EXPLORING PARTY.—VALUABLE
QUARTZ VEINS.—MODE OF REACHING THE COUNTRY.—OTHER RESOURCES
OF THE BLACK HILLS REGION.—BRILLIANT PROSPECTS FOR
THE FUTURE.—A REMARKABLE MINE UNDER LAKE SUPERIOR.—CURIOSITIES
OF SILVER ISLET.—WORKING UNDER DIFFICULTIES.—ORES
OF UNEXAMPLED RICHNESS.—MINING ADVENTURES UNDER THE LAKE.—NEW
ROUTE TO THE CENTER OF THE EARTH. 622
XLIII.
CALIFORNIA AND HER TERRESTRIAL TREASURES.
WONDERS OF THE PACIFIC COAST.—CALIFORNIA IN 1835.—CAUSE OF
HER RAPID PROGRESS.—THE HONEST MINER OF THE OLDEN TIME.—FATE
OF THE FORTY NINERS.—EFFORTS OF A NOVICE.—RUSHES TO
NEW PLACERS.—CHANGE FROM PLACER TO QUARTZ MINING.—GRASS
VALLEY.—EXTENT OF THE GOLD-BEARING RIDGE.—AMALGAMATING
PROCESSES.—SPECULATIONS IN MINING STOCKS.—HOW A SHARP NEW
YORKER WAS SOLD.—A LUCKY HIT.—COPPER MINES IN CALIFORNIA
AND ARIZONA.—NEW ALMADEN AND ITS QUICKSILVER.—BENEFITS OF
AN EARTHQUAKE. 633
XLIV.
RAPID TRANSIT.
RAPID TRANSIT IN NEW YORK.—THE UNDERGROUND RAILWAY
SCHEMES.—ELEVATED RAILWAY LINES.—THE WEST SIDE
RAILWAY.—TRAVELLING ON LAMP POSTS.—ADVANTAGES OF A SECOND STORY
ROAD.—ADVENTURES WITH THIEVES.—PERILS OF THE MODERN STREET
CAR.—ARTISTIC PACKING OF PASSENGERS.—THE PNEUMATIC
RAILWAY.—VANDERBILT’S SCHEME.—AN UNCOMFORTABLE JOURNEY.—SHOT
FROM A GUN. 644
XLV.
THE TUNNELS, AND THE UNDERGROUND RAILROAD IN LONDON.
DESCRIPTION OF THE LONDON HARBORS.—THE CATHARINE DOCK.—ENORMOUS
STORE-HOUSES.—HOW THE TUNNEL WAS BUILT.—PLAN OF THE
FRENCH ENGINEER, ISAMBERT BRUNEL.—HOW THE WORK WAS CHECKED
BY A BREAK IN THE BED OF THE THAMES.—SIX LIVES LOST.—REMARKABLE
RESCUE OF THE SON OF MR. BRUNEL.—ENORMOUS LABOR
AND STRUGGLE AGAINST THE ELEMENTS.—TRIUMPH AT LAST.—THE
MOST REMARKABLE RAILROAD IN THE WORLD.—LONDON CROSSED
UNDERGROUND BY A SERIES OF TUNNELS.—HOW LIGHT AND AIR IS
PRODUCED.—THE NEWEST IMPROVEMENTS OF THE ROAD.—THE CARS
PASSING UNDER THE DWELLING OF THE DEAD. 662
XLVI.
DUNGEONS.
LIFE IN THEM.—ANCIENT DUNGEONS.—THE PRISON OF ST. PAUL.—THE
DUCAL PALACE.—“SOTTO PIOMBI.”—THE POZZI.—SHUT UP IN THE
DARK CELLS.—A NIGHT OF HORROR.—A GUIDE’S BLUNDER.—DUNGEONS
OF ST. PETERSBURG.—PETER THE GREAT TORTURING HIS SON.—A
PRINCESS DROWNED IN PRISON. 675
XLVII.
ANIMALS UNDER GROUND.
HORSES IN MINES.—EFFECT OF AN EVEN TEMPERATURE ON HORSES AND
MULES.—EFFECT OF DEPRIVATION OF LIGHT.—WALKING IN DARKNESS.—RATS
IN MINES.—A MONKEY IN A SILVER MINE.—THE CONSTERNATION
HE CREATED.—WHAT HE WAS SUPPOSED TO BE.—HIS UNHAPPY FATE.—A
MONKEY AT SEA.—HIS PRANKS.—DEMOCRATIC HABITS.—HOW HE
LOST HIS LIFE.—HIS LAST PERFORMANCE.—DOGS IN MINES, AND THE
EFFECT OF UNDERGROUND CONFINEMENT.—JOY AT REACHING DAYLIGHT
AGAIN.—TWO DOGS AT SEA, AND WHAT THEY DID.—A DOG SAILOR,
AND WHAT HE DID.—HIS UNHAPPY END. 686
XLVIII.
OUT OF PRISON.
WONDERFUL ESCAPE FROM A FRENCH PRISON.—PLANS OF ESCAPE.—A
LONG LABOR.—TUNNELLING THROUGH A WALL.—INGENUITY OF A
SAILOR.—LUCKY ACCIDENTS.—DISCOURAGING EVENTS.—HOW SUCCESS WAS
ATTAINED.—ELUDING THE GUARDS.—REACHING A PLACE OF SAFETY. 695
XLIX.
THE GAMBLING HELLS OF GERMANY.
THE FOUR GREAT SPAS.—DESCRIPTION OF BADEN, HOMBURG, WIESBADEN,
AND EMS.—ROULETTE AND ROUGE-ET-NOIR.—SPLENDOR OF THE
SALOONS.—THE PERSONS WHO FREQUENT THEM.—PROFITS AND
PECULIARITIES OF THE DIRECTION.—THE PHILOSOPHY OF GAMBLING.—WHY
PLAYERS LOSE.—STRANGE SUPERSTITIONS OF BETTORS.—THE
INVALIDS.—DROLL SCENES AT THE PUMP-ROOM.—THE MAN WITH A SNAKE IN
HIS STOMACH.—THE ROBUST HYPOCHONDRIAC. 705
L.
GAMING AND GAMESTERS ABROAD.
FOREIGN AND DOMESTIC SUMMER RESORTS.—THE ADVANTAGE OF THE
FORMER.—MYSTERIOUS CHARACTERS.—A TRIO OF CELEBRATED
GAMESTERS.—THEIR EXTRAORDINARY HISTORY.—TRAGIC FATE OF A YOUNG
RUSSIAN OFFICER.—TEMPTATION, DESPAIR, AND SUICIDE OF A BEAUTIFUL
ENGLISH GIRL.—A LUCKY BANKER’S CLERK.—A HUNGARIAN HANGING
HIMSELF FOR A WARNING.—ECCENTRICITIES OF
CROUPIERS.—A CALM-BLOODED HOLLANDER.—THE SKELETON IN THE
CLOSET.—ROSE-STREWN ROADS TO RUIN. 721
LI.
SUBTERRANEAN DWELLINGS.
THE EARLIEST HABITATIONS.—UNDERGROUND HOUSES.—A DWELLING
ON THE AMERICAN PLAINS.—HOW AN EARTH HOUSE IS MADE.—RESULT
OF A NIGHT IN IT.—ARCTIC DWELLINGS.—A MANSION IN
KAMCHATKA.—ITS ADVANTAGES AND DISADVANTAGES.—A CHIMNEY
AND DOORWAY IN COMMON.—THE AUTHOR’S EXPERIENCE.—A LIVE
DOG IN A STEW-KETTLE.—THE STORY OF GAMOOT.—HOW HE ENTERTAINED
HIS FRIENDS.—FISH OIL PUNCH AND A CANDLE BREAKFAST.—HOW
HE LEARNED ENGLISH.—NEW MODE OF BOXING THE COMPASS.—GAMOOT’S
MELANCHOLY FATE. 736
LII.
BRIGANDAGE AS A FINE ART.
HIGHWAY ROBBERY IN MODERN TIMES.—THE OLD WORLD AND THE NEW
CONTRASTED.—HABITS OF RUSSIAN ROBBERS.—PIOUS THIEVES.—PRAYERS
FOR SUCCESS.—ROAD AGENTS.—CRUELTIES OF ITALIAN BRIGANDS.—TORTURE
AND RANSOM OF PRISONERS.—SPANISH BRIGANDS.—ADVENTURE
ON A SPANISH ROAD.—AN AMERICAN PRINCE AND AN ENGLISH
DUCHESS.—AN EXCITING RACE.—A DUCHESS IN UNDRESS. 746
LIII.
MINERAL RESOURCES OF AUSTRALIA AND NEW ZEALAND.
COLONIAL EXHIBITS AT THE PHILADELPHIA CENTENNIAL.—WONDERFUL
MINERAL WEALTH OF THE ANTIPODES.—CURIOUS FEATURES OF THE
GOLD FIELDS.—HOW A PARTY OF CALIFORNIANS WERE
DECEIVED.—DISCOVERIES OF GOLD AND HOW THEY WERE MADE.—TROUBLES
WITH THE MINERS.—AN INSURRECTION AND ITS RESULT.—FIELD OF THE
AUSTRALIAN MINES.—COAL, IRON, AND OTHER MINERALS.—THE RESOURCES
OF NEW ZEALAND.—ITS GOLD YIELD.—GEOLOGICAL
PECULIARITIES.—AGRICULTURAL AND OTHER WEALTH.—VICISSITUDES OF
MINING LIFE.—PLANS FOR ENCOURAGING IMMIGRATION. 755
LIV.
UNDERGROUND IN SAN FRANCISCO.
CHINESE OPIUM DENS.—PISCO.—EXPERIMENTS IN LIQUORS.—SATURDAY
NIGHT AMONG THE CHINESE.—COCOMONGO.—MURDERER’S ALLEY.—CHINESE
MUSIC.—THE THEATRE.—BETEL AND ITS USE.—THE BARBARY
COAST.—CHEAP LODGING-HOUSES.—A DYING VICTIM.—A DEN OF
THIEVES.—“THE SHRIMP.”—UNDER THE STREET.—A REPULSIVE
SPECTACLE.—OPIUM SMOKING.—ITS EFFECTS.—SAMSHOO.—ITS PREPARATION
AND QUALITIES.—INTRODUCTION TO AN OPIUM DEN.—THE
OCCUPANTS.—EXPERIMENT ON A SMOKER.—HOW TO SMOKE.—TRYING THE
DRUG.—MESCAL.—GOING HOME.—TRYING A SEWER.—A COUNTRYMAN’S DRINK. 768
LV.
GOLD AND ITS USES.
ITS ANTIQUITY.—WORSHIP OF GOLD.—ANCIENT GOLD MINES.—KING
SOLOMON.—GOLD IN AMERICA.—STORY OF A HUNTER.—THE SHEPHERD AND
THE CHILD.—HOW PIZARRO EUCHRED THE PERUVIAN KING.—SUTTER’S
FORT AND SAW-MILL.—MARSHALL’S DISCOVERY IN THE MILL
RACE.—ROMANCE AND REALITY.—SPREADING THE NEWS.—NAVIGATION UNDER
DISADVANTAGES.—THE GOLD EXCITEMENT.—THE PAN AND ROCKER.—THE
AUTHOR AS A GOLD MINER.—HOW HE WORKED THE ROCKER.—HARRY
AND HIS TIN DIPPER.—DISAPPOINTMENT AND DINNER.—VICISSITUDES
OF GOLD MINING. 785
LVI.
GOLD MINING.
VARIOUS WAYS OF MINING GOLD.—SLUICING AND HYDRAULIC
MINING.—ACCIDENT TO A MINER.—A NARROW ESCAPE.—POWER OF WATER IN
HYDRAULIC MINING.—EFFECT ON RIVERS AND BAYS.—A SCENE OF
DESOLATION.—QUARTZ MINING.—QUICKSILVER AND ITS AMALGAM.—STOCK
OPERATIONS.—THE MARIPOSA MINES.—THE AUTHOR’S VISIT.—HAYWARD’S
MINE.—MANIPULATION OF MARIPOSA.—FUNNY STORY OF A SEA
CAPTAIN.—HOW HE SUPERINTENDED A MINE.—HIS MANAGEMENT OF A
MILL.—ACCIDENTS ON PURPOSE, AND HASTY FLIGHT. 802
LVII.
COPPER AND COPPER MINES.
ANTIQUITY OF COPPER.—USE OF IT AMONG THE ANCIENTS.—OLDEST
COINS.—THE COLOSSUS OF RHODES.—COPPER MINES OF ENGLAND AND
OTHER COUNTRIES.—NATIVE COPPER.—HOW IT IS WORKED.—OVERTHROWING
A MASS.—A LUMP WEIGHING EIGHT HUNDRED TONS.—MALACHITE. 817
LVIII.
THE CATACOMBS OF ROME.
THEIR AGE AND EXTENT.—THE SEVEN HILLS HONEYCOMBED.—HOW THE
CATACOMBS WERE MADE.—THEIR USES.—THE CHRISTIAN MARTYRS.—IMMENSE
BURIAL VAULTS.— MILLIONS OF PERSONS BURIED.—RESORTS
OF ROBBERS.—STRANGE ADVENTURES.—VISITING THE CHURCH OF THE
CAPUCHINS.—FANCY OF AN IRREVERENT AMERICAN.—DOWN THE
CATACOMBS.—STORY OF THE GUIDE.—STRANGE EXPERIENCE OF TWO
AMERICANS. 829
LIX.
THE PARISIAN RAG-PICKERS.
THEIR NUMBER AND EQUIPMENT.—THEIR KEEN-SIGHTEDNESS AND
SKILL.—THE PLEASURE OF THE BOTTLE.—SEEKING COMFORT UNDER
DIFFICULTIES.—UNWHOLESOME MAGAZINES.—WHERE AND HOW THE
CHIFFONNIERS LIVE.—DISMAL AND NOISOME ABODES.—A SOUP
LOTTERY.—QUAINT SCENES IN CHEAP BOOK-SHOPS.—TASTING ROAST CAT
AND STEWED PUPPY.—ROMANCE IN DIRT-HEAPS.—A HIDEOUS HAG ONCE A
FAMOUS BEAUTY.—PENITENCE AND REFORMATION THROUGH FIRE. 844
LX.
BRIGANDAGE AND PIRACY.
RELATIONS OF THE STEAM ENGINE TO HONESTY.—PIRACY AND
STEAMSHIPS.—HOW THE SLAVE TRADE WAS BROKEN UP.—STORIES OF
BRIGANDS.—EXPLOITS OF SPANISH ROBBERS.—“ROAD AGENTS” IN
CALIFORNIA.—AN ADVENTURE WITH HIGHWAYMEN.—AN ARMED STAGE
COACH.—THE HAUNTS OF THE ROBBERS.—STORY OF A PLUNDERED
PASSENGER.—“PUT UP YOUR HANDS.”—AN EXCITING
INCIDENT.—BROAD-HORNS AND KEEL BOATS.—MIKE FINK AND THE
CLERGYMAN.—PIRACY ON THE MISSISSIPPI.—A FIGHT WITH RIVER
PIRATES.—A CAPTAIN AND CREW MURDERED.—VISIT TO A ROBBER’S CAVE. 853
LXI.
BURIED TREASURES.
CAPTAIN KIDD.—HIS HISTORY.—HOW HE MADE HIS FORTUNE.—HIS
MELANCHOLY FATE.—JOINT STOCK IN THE ADVENTURE GALLEY.—SEARCHING
FOR TREASURES.—STORIES OF THE SEA-COAST.—TRADITIONS.—ADVENTURES
OF A TREASURE-HUNTER.—BILL SANBORN, AND WHAT HE
DID.—JIM FOLLETT’S DOG.—A PRACTICAL JOKER.—A MESSAGE FROM
THE SANDS OF THE SEA.—BILL SANBORN’S DREAM.—FINDING THE
CHEST.—A SUPERNATURAL VISITOR. 866
LXII.
OPERATIONS AT HELLGATE.
HELLGATE AND SANDY HOOK.—ENTRANCES TO NEW YORK HARBOR.—THE
HELLEGAT AND ITS MEANING.—STORIES OF THE OLD VOYAGERS.—EDITORIAL
JOKES.—MAILLEFERT’S OPERATIONS.—DEEPENING THE CHANNEL.—GENERAL
NEWTON.—THE AUTHOR ON AN EXCURSION.—BLOWING
UP COENTIES’ REEF.—HOW IT IS DONE.—AN ACCIDENT WITH
NITRO-GLYCERINE.—THE AUTHOR’S NARROW ESCAPE.—DIVER’S
EXPERIENCE.—ASTONISHING THE FISHES.—RECEPTION AT HALLETT’S
POINT.—GOING UNDER THE REEF.—THE MEN AT WORK.—AN INUNDATION.—HOW
THE REEF IS TO BE REMOVED.—SURVEYING IN THE WATER.—A GRAND
EXPLOSION. 882
LXIII.
THE EARLY HISTORY OF MANKIND.
THE STONE AGE.—PICTURE OF ADAM AND EVE.—HOW EVE CUT THE
APPLE.—MINERS OF ANCIENT TIMES.—DISCOVERY OF STONE
IMPLEMENTS.—THE INVENTION OF FIRE.—HOW GOLD WAS FOUND.—COPPER
AND BRONZE.—THE BRONZE AGE.—IRON AND ITS USES.—MINERAL
PRODUCTIONS OF DIFFERENT COUNTRIES.—QUICKSILVER IN SPAIN AND
CALIFORNIA.—THE WEALTH OF NEVADA.—ROMANTIC STORY OF THE
COMSTOCK LODE.—MINERAL FUTURE OF AMERICA. 898
LXIV.
DIAMOND AND OTHER SWINDLES.
THE GREAT DIAMOND SWINDLE OF 1872.—HOW IT WAS
ORGANIZED.—MAGNIFICENT PLANS OF THE SWINDLERS.—PLANTING A
DIAMOND FIELD.—HOW THE FRAUD WAS EXPOSED.—A NEAT SWINDLE
ATTEMPTED IN SAPPHIRES.—HOW IT WAS DISCOVERED.—A MYTHICAL
COPPER MINE.—FATE OF THE SWINDLER. 905
LXV.
PERQUISITES.
CURIOSITIES OF COMMERCIAL TRANSACTIONS.—PAYING COMMISSIONS IN
EUROPE.—FUNNY EXPERIENCES.—SPREAD OF THE CUSTOM IN AMERICA.—HOW
CONTRACTS ARE OBTAINED AND PAID FOR.—COMMISSIONS TO
TRADESMEN AND OTHERS.—CURIOUS FEATURES OF THE PIANO TRADE. 917
LXVI.
THE WIELICZKA SALT MINES.
THE GREAT WIELICZKA SALT MINES, THE LARGEST IN THE WORLD.—THEIR
HISTORY.—EXTENT AND PRODUCT.—DESCENT INTO AND EXPLORATION
OF THEM.—WHAT IS TO BE SEEN.—MINERS AT WORK
BLINDFOLDED.—WONDERFUL CHAMBERS.—GLOOM CONVERTED INTO
SPLENDOR.—BANQUETS IN THE BOWELS OF THE EARTH.—THE INFERNAL
LAKE.—HUMAN DEMONS.—AWFUL APPARITIONS.—EXTRAORDINARY NARRATIVES. 930
LXVII.
EXPLOSIONS IN MINES.
THICKNESS OF COAL SEAMS.—STUPIDITY OF A TURKISH MINING
SUPERINTENDENT.—THE RESULT.—BLASTING IN MINES.—HOW IT IS
DONE.—TERRIBLE ACCIDENTS.—MINES ON FIRE.—SCENES OF
DEVASTATION.—EFFECT OF SUBTERRANEAN FIRE.—EXPLOSIONS OF
FIRE-DAMP.—HORRIBLE ACCIDENTS.—STORIES OF SURVIVORS.—LOSS OF
LIFE.—SCENE IN A WELSH MINE.—EXPLOSIONS IN ENGLISH AND AMERICAN
MINES.—MODES OF RELIEF.—STORY OF TWO BROTHERS.—HOW THEY WERE
SAVED.—THE SAFETY-LAMP.—ITS CONSTRUCTION.—THE FIRE-WALLS
OF CHINA.—THE PENITENT AND CANNONEER. 948
LXVIII.
MYSTERIES OF THE GRAND JURY.
SITTING ON A GRAND JURY.—HOW IT IS COMPOSED.—PECULIARITIES OF
MODERN JUSTICE.—HOW TO SELECT BLOCKHEADS.—A DISHONEST
BAGGAGE-MAN.—CHARITY AND MERCY.—AN AFFECTING INCIDENT.—SAVING
A YOUTHFUL OFFENDER.—A GENEROUS WOMAN.—CURIOUS PHASES OF
HUMAN NATURE.—CELT AND AFRICAN.—STORIES OF THE DETECTIVES.—A
GARRULOUS IRISH WOMAN.—FAMILY TROUBLES.—THE HORSE AND
CART STORY.—HOW A PRETTY WOMAN CAPTURED THE JURY. 960
LXIX.
BORROWING AND BORROWERS.
HOW THE BUSINESS IS PROSECUTED IN NEW YORK.—THE NUMBER OF
BORROWERS.—THEIR DIVISIONS AND SUBDIVISIONS.—HOW THEY
OPERATE.—THE STORIES THEY TELL.—THEIR ENERGY.—ABILITY TO READ
CHARACTER.—SUFFERINGS OF THEIR VICTIMS.—FRAUDS UPON HORACE
GREELEY.—DEVICES TO AVOID THESE SWINDLERS.—ANNUAL AMOUNT OF
THEIR SWINDLES.—HOW A MAN CUTS HIS EYE TEETH. 979
LXX.
AMONG THE DETECTIVES.
DETECTIVE LIFE.—CURIOSITIES OF LIFE IN A GREAT CITY.—NOT KNOWING
YOUR NEIGHBORS.—PECULIAR ACQUAINTANCES.—ROBBERY OF A
DRY GOODS STORE.—INGENIOUS DETECTION OF THE CRIME.—LOVE AND
JUSTICE.—A SURPRISING DENOUEMENT. 991
LXXI.
WAR AND PRISON ADVENTURES.
EXPERIENCES OF AN ARMY CORRESPONDENT.—RUNNING THE BATTERIES OF
VICKSBURG.—EXCITING SCENES.—PERILOUS SITUATION AND HAIR-BREADTH
ESCAPE.—SHOT, SHELL, STEAM, FIRE, AND WATER.—TWO
YEARS AS A CAPTIVE.—TUNNELLING.—ITS MODE, MANAGEMENT, AND
MISHAPS.—TOILING FOR FREEDOM UNDER GROUND.—BOLD AND PROSPEROUS
EFFORTS FOR LIBERTY.—LIFE IN A DUNGEON.—PERISHING BY
INCHES.—DEATH ON EVERY HAND.—SUBTERRANEAN SEEKING FOR THE
LIGHT.—SELF-DELIVERANCE AT LAST. 999
ILLUSTRATIONS.
1. Phases of Underground Life, FRONTISPIECE.
2. Austin, Nevada; A Western Mining Town, 34
3. Impressions of Plants found in Coal, 40
4. Discovery of Anthracite Coal in Pennsylvania, 40
5. Wire Railway at the Harewood Coal Mine, British Columbia, 51
6. Entrance to a Coal Mine, 54
7. Interior of a Coal Mine, 54
8. Descending a Shaft, 68
9. Sections of an English Coal Mine, 74
10. Discovery of Silver in Peru, 82
11. Interior of a Silver Mine, 82
12. Entrance to a Silver Mine of Central America, 88
13. Indian Silver Miners at Work, 88
14. One Method of Washing for Silver, 95
15. Another Method of Washing for Silver, 95
16. New York Speculators at the Mines, 108
17. Demonstrating the Value of a Silver Mine, 108
18. Pearl Diving in the East Indies, 130
19. Discovery of Loaves of Bread Baked 1800 Years Ago, 167
20. Bodies of Pompeians Cast in the Ashes, 173
21. Railroad from Naples to the Summit of Mt. Vesuvius, 187
22. Descent of Vesuvius, 188
23. Searching for Relics, 193
24. The Gate of Herculaneum and Street of Tombs, 197
25. The Crater of Vesuvius, 198
26. Bay of Naples, 206
27. Naples Wagon, 206
28. Nero’s Gymnasium, 214
29. Dr. and Mrs. Schliemann the Excavators at Mycenæ (Greece), 221
30. The Explorations at Mycenæ—the Treasury of Atreus (entrance),224
31. Battle of the Warriors, 263
32. The Philadelphia Bank Robbery, 268
33. Australian Natives Burning their Dead, 278
34. An Indian Burial Place, 278
35. The Tombs of the Kings at Thebes, 289
36. Hall in the Tombs of Assasseef, 289
37. Pumping Well on Oil Creek, 334
38. The Grand Hotel, 356
39. Place De La Bastille, 362
40. The Bastille, 362
41. Destruction of the Bastille, 371
42. Working a Diamond Claim, 376
43. River Washing—Cradling for Diamonds, 376
44. Celebrated Diamonds of the World, 382
45. The Orloff Diamond, 382
46. Star of the South, 382
47. The Nassac, 382
48. The Cumberland, 382
49. The Sancy, 382
50. Star of the South—rough, 382
51. The Dresden, 382
52. The Regent Diamond, 382
53. The Kohinoor—recut, 382
54. Australian Brilliant, 382
55. The Eugenie, 382
56. Regent—side view, 382
57. The Hope, 382
58. The Florentine, 382
59. The Shah, 382
60. The Diamond Fields of South Africa, 391
61. Grand Avenue of the Champs Elysées, 407
62. Ball at Mabille, 415
63. East River Bridge, 426
64. Inundation of a Mine, 439
65. Falling in of a Mine, 444
66. View of Mammoth Cave, 474
67. Stalagmites in the Cave, 474
68. Execution of a Chinese Criminal, 488
69. Eastern Entrance to Hoosac Tunnel, 500
70. Western Entrance to Hoosac Tunnel, 500
71. Work at the Heading, 506
72. Boring machine used in Mount Cenis Tunnel, 518
73. Side View of Boring Machine, 518
74. Place De La Concorde, 527
75. The Madeleine Church, 530
76. Subterranean Paris, 536
77. The Great Sewer, 536
78. Quicksilver Mines of New Almaden, 554
79. Blasting in the Quicksilver Mines, 554
80. Burning of a Coolie Ship, 568
81. Coolies Planning a Mutiny, 577
82. Mutiny on the Lower Deck, 577
83. The Avondale Disaster—Removing Bodies from the Mine, 586
84. Interior of an Iron Mine, 594
85. Section of the Broadway Underground Railway, 644
86. Tunneling Broadway for the Underground Railway, 652
87. Interior of Pneumatic Passenger Car, 655
88. Portal of the Broadway Tunnel, 655
89. The Bomb Ferry—Travel in the 30th Century, 661
90. The Public Highway—Travel in the 30th Century, 661
91. Underground Rail Road Station, Aldgate London, 671
92. Conversationshaus at Baden, 708
93. Concert in the Gardens at Baden, 708
94. Gambling Saloon at Baden, 722
95. Esquimaux Dwellings, 739
96. Robbery of the Diligence, 750
97. Drinking Pisco in a San Francisco Saloon, 769
98. Jas. W. Marshall, the Discoverer of Gold in California, 790
99. Sutter’s Mills where Gold was Discovered, 790
100. Emigrant Train of Gold Hunters in 1849, 794
101. Chinese Gold Mining in California, 794
102. Gold Washing in the California Mines, 798
103. Miners Prospecting, 804
104. Miners Around their Camp-fire, 810
105. Ground Sluicing, 814
106. Hydraulic Mining, 814
107. A Copper Mine of the Lake Superior Region, 824
108. Interior of a Copper Mine, 821
109. Drilling in a Copper Mine, 824
110. Catacombs of Rome—The Three Brothers, 832
111. Vaulted Chapel in the Catacombs, 840
112. Lost in the Catacombs, 840
113. Pirates of the Mississippi, 862
114. View of Hellgate from Negro Point, 885
115. General View of Works at Hallett’s Point, 885
116. View of Shaft from the Dam, 892
117. The Shaft, Showing Headings, 892
118. Dream of a Diamond Swindler, 911
119. Descending the Shaft—Wieliczka Salt Mines, 932
120. Chapel in the Wieliczka Salt Mines, 932
121. Getting out Salt, 936
122. Illustration of the Infernal Lake, 936
123. Explosion of Fire Damp, 952
124. Our Quarters in Libby Prison, 1008
125. Tail Piece, 1016
UNDERGROUND.
I.
BELOW THE SURFACE.
DIFFUSION OF KNOWLEDGE.—WHAT THE WORLD BELIEVES.—MUNGO
PARK IN AFRICA.—WHY THE NATIVES PITIED HIM.—EXTENT OF
UNDERGROUND LIFE.—DISTRIBUTION OF THE EARTH’S WEALTH.—VALUE OF
MINES.—THEIR EXTENT AND IMPORTANCE.—COAL AND IRON.—MYSTERIES
OF MINES.—EXPERIENCE WITH A NOVICE.—CHANGES OF SEASONS TO
A MINER.—DANGERS IN MINES.—LIFE IN CAVERNS.—UNDERGROUND IN
METAPHOR.—SOCIAL MINING.—OBJECT OF THIS VOLUME.
In these days of fast presses, cheap books and newspapers, lightning
telegraphs, and other disseminators of intelligence, there may be
those who doubt the correctness of the adage which says, “One half
the world does not know how the other half lives.” Human nature is
inquisitive. We are constantly seeking information regarding the
affairs of others, and we generally manage in some way to obtain what
we seek. We store our minds with useful and useless knowledge of the
manners and customs of people in other lands, and of the private lives
and histories of our near neighbors. Very often the material we thus
lay aside in our mental store-houses does not particularly concern us,
but, like Mrs. Toodles, in her purchase of a door-plate bearing the
name of Thompson with a p, we think it will be handy to have at some
future day, and so we keep it. With a fair devotion to inquiries, and
a well-cultivated memory, a life of threescore and ten years ought, at
this day, to acquaint its possessor with a general knowledge of the
how and why of the existence of at least half the inhabitants of the
globe.
[Sidenote: VARIED TASTES]
But it may be set down as an axiom, that one half the world does not
live as the other half does. People’s tastes differ, and there are
very few who would wish to live exactly like others, especially if
those to whom the choice is offered are richer than the others. There
are many who would not change places with their wealthy neighbors,
and it is more than probable that their wealthy neighbors would not
change places with them. The majority of sailors are not happy when on
shore, but are constantly sighing for a wet sheet and a flowing sea,
while the majority of landsmen have no desire for such hydropathic
experience. When Mungo Park travelled in Africa, the natives expressed
great pity for him because he had lost his color; they constantly
mourned over the unhappy lot of the white man, and would have been
quite unwilling to change complexions with him. Mungo received their
sympathy with a countenance becomingly solemn, but the chances are
more than even that what they regarded as a misfortune was by him
considered a blessing. “Give me a bed of ice and a pillow of snow,”
said a moribund Laplander in Italy, “and I shall die happy.” A
refrigerating couch of this kind would be comfortless in the extreme
to a countryman of Pauline Borghese.
A comparatively small portion of the human race lives, or would wish
to live, beneath the surface of the globe. Most of us rarely go there
voluntarily, and our first visits of any important duration are made
after we have shuffled off this mortal coil and invoked the aid of
the sexton. Then we are carried there without protest, and the earth
is filled above us in sufficient depth to guard us against ordinary
intrusions. We may be certain that none of our friends will come in
living flesh to join us, and when death brings them to our side their
slumbers will be as long and peaceful as our own. The earth, beneath
its surface, is regarded by many, as the dwelling-place of Death, to
be contemplated with a shudder, and to be visited only when life has
left us.
But have they ever considered how much of life there is which the
light of day does not reveal? The plants in our gardens have their
roots in the rich soil prepared for their sustenance; remove those
roots, and the plants fall and die. The trees of the forest spread
their branches and unfold their leaves to sun and storm, but there are
other branches spread below which sometimes extend more widely than
those above. Through these lower limbs, hidden from the light of the
sun and sheltered from the peltings of the pitiless storm, life comes
to the trunk and to the upper branches. Lay bare these lower branches,
and tear them from the earth, and the tree soon withers and perishes.
The grass carpets the meadow, the flowers adorn the hill-sides, wheat
and corn grow in the fields, the trees spread their shading limbs and
drop their fruits in their season, and without these the world would
be desolate. But all have their existence underground, and they cling
as tenaciously to the bosom of Mother Earth as the men who walk among
or upon them cling to that mysterious element which we call life.
[Sidenote: WEALTH UNDERGROUND.]