Diamond Mine in the Brazils - Mines of Peru - Volcanic Eruptions of Mud and Salt - Pitch Wells - Visit to a Coal-Pit

Through dark retreats pursue the winding ore,

Search Nature's depths, and view her boundless store;

The secret cause in tuneful numbers sing.

How metals first were framd. and whence they spring

Whether the active sun, with chemic flames,

Through porous earth transmits its genial beams;

With heat impregnating the womb of night,

The offspring shines with its paternal light:

Or whether, urged by subterraneous flames,

The earth ferments, and flows in liquid streams

Purg'd from their dross, the nobler parts refine,

Receive new forms, and with fresh beauties shine:

Or whether by creation first they sprung,

When yet unpois'd the world's great fabric hung:

Metals the basis of the earth were made,

The bars on which its fix'd foundations laid;

All second causes they disdain to own,

And from th' Almighty's fiat sprung alone. Yalden.