crystal
known to the manufacturer or the lapidary is found in the southern Alleghenies,
although, so far as present knowledge goes, but few of these occur in paying quanti-
ties. It is probable, however, that this estimate may change with improved methods
and enlarged railroad facilities. Leaving out of account the earlier operations by the
Spanish, French, and English adventurers, of which mention has already been made,
the first authentic account of gold finding in any of the states south of Mason and
Dixon's line within what may lie called the American period appears to be that
given by Jefferson, writing in 1781, of a lump of ore found in Virginia, which yielded
seventeen penny weights of gold. This was probably not the earliest, however, as
we find doubtful references to gold discoveries in both Carolinas before theRevolu-
tion. The first mint returns of gold were made from North Carolina in 17'.':;. ami
from South Carolina in 1829, although gold is certainly known to have been found in
tin- latter state some years earlier. The earliest gold records for the other southern
states are. approximately, Georgia (near Dahlonega). IkI.VIsl'O; Alabama, 1830;
Tennessee ildco creek. Monroe county), 1831; Maryland (Montgomery county),
1849. Systematic tracingof gold belts southward from North Carolina began in 1829,
anil speedily resulted in the forcible eviction of the Cherokee from the gold-bearing
region. Most of the precious metal was procured from placers or alluvial deposits
by a simple process of digging and washing. Very little quartz mining has yet been
attempted, and that usually by the crudest methods. In fact, for a long period gold
working was followed as a sort of side