in this country, running from the Derwent
to Alport, and called the Helcarr fougb,
The length is near four miles, and it eoft
upwards o f 50,0001. It is driven through a
variety of ftrata, and relieves a confiderable
number of mines. At Stoke Hall is an adit,
driven up to relieve the Edge Side mines,
near Foolow, exceeding a mile and half in
length.
In Derbyfhire there are many other
levels, extending a confiderable length, but
there are few fleam engines, except on the
coal mines.
The manor of Caftleton has a royalty,
called the King’s Field, enjoying ancient
and peculiar cuftoms and privileges. Any
pdrfon who difcovers a vein of metal may
take poffeffion of it, and upon application
to the bar matter, after proving that a Anal!
portion of lead ore has been obtained, a
piece of ground is granted, and the mine
and
and its produce become the legal property
of the difeoverer, who then generally finks
a {haft, or takes the moft eafy method, conformable
to the laws and cuftoms, to excavate
the vein, and bring the produce to
the furface. The mafs containing parts of
lead ore, fpar, &c. as cut from the vein, is
called bowfe: when drawn out of the mine
it is broken fmall; the lead ore is feparated
from the fparry matter, by various operations,
as wattling, lifting, &c. and brought
to a proper fize; after which it. is meafured
by the Bar matter, who takes a certain quantity
as lot, or duty, for the king, and for
tythe. It is then conveyed to the furnace,
where it is fmelted into lead. The duke of
Devonftiire has a leafe of the duty from the
crown.
Calamine, blende, &c. 6cc. pay no duty;
but they cannot be taken off* the ground
e 4 until