Some account of the Mines north o f
Derby f ir e .
H a v i n g thus briefly defcnSed .the
mines and mineral fubftances of this county,
perhaps a fliort account of the mines
further north may prove acceptable, and
ferve as a guide to thofe who wifh to vifit
mineral countries; my wifli being to impart
fuch information, as may aflift the
progrefs of mineralogy;
The coal mines at Wiggan, about 16
miles north of Manchefter, are worthy of
notice; for here is found the noted kennel.
or candle coal.
Near
Near Chorley, 25 miles north of Wiggarl*
are lead mines, not now worked, belonging
to Sir F. Standifti. Thefe mines, which produced
the witherite or aerated barytes, were
funk in the grit or fandftone 5 they ceafed
to be worked about 15 years ago, and are
now filled up by the earth running in, or are
full of water* It would be fortunate if
their produce could be rendered more ufeful;
and I have been informed, that the proprietor
offers liberal terms to adventurers.
To the weft of Lancafter, is Ulverfton;
remarkable for iron mines of rich haematites.
One perpendicular vein of ore is thirty yards
wide, in limeftone; large nodules* fome even
weighing four cwt. of a kidney form, metallic
luftre, and ftellated fracture, are found
in the loofe ore* This iron is peculiarly
duftile, when it is melted with charcoal
; and it is ufed for making wire. Part
of the ore is tranfported to Bunawre, in
k 2 the