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The value of a coal mine to the proprietor, frequently depends as

much upon its situation as upon its fertility. That of a metallic

mine depends more upon its fertility, and less upon its

situation. The coarse, and still more the precious metals, when

separated from the ore, are so valuable, that they can generally

bear the expense of a very long land, and of the most distant sea

carriage. Their market is not confined to the countries in the

neighbourhood of the mine, but extends to the whole world. The

copper of Japan makes an article of commerce in Europe; the iron

of Spain in that of Chili and Peru. The silver of Peru finds its

way, not only to Europe, but from Europe to China.