Any writer on mining in its general aspect is, when casting about for a starting-point, driven to express what others have said before him-that the history of mining is the history of civilization. The following pages, while touching on the chief branches of the mining industry, must necessarily omit reference to many of the great treasure-houses of the world. Special prominence has been given to the precious metals, because their discovery and working has witnessed the most stirring scenes in mining life. We have the whole world to roam over; so excursions are made into those spots where typical or prominent instances of mining of various minerals are to be found.