STRONTIAN MINES.
Some weeks ago a very large shaft was brought to Strontian in a sailing vassal, for purposes connected with the Corrantee lead mines; in fact, was an immense casting, weighing three tons six cwt., and was the axle for a 38-foot water-wheel, to be used in crushing the ore. It was a great undertaking, without any crane, lift such a heavy cumbrous mass out of the hold of the vessel, but was successfully performed, though many desponding individuals declared that it could not lifted, and would have to be taken back to Greenock, unless it were taken out of the vessel by cutting down the sides. Landing the axle on the shore was, however, child's play to what was to follow, as it had to be conveyed the steep side of a mountain (Ben Rasipol) for about 2000 feet, and over the shoulder the bill, and down the other side. A road has recently been formed by the enterprising company who are working these mines on Sir Thomas Riddell's estates, and though necessarily exceedingly steep, so much so, that a strong horse cannot drag above five cwt. in a cart up the hill, was determined that the monster axle should travel the same road. It was accordingly clad with strong wood, and trams fitted to it, till it presented the appearance of a gigantic land roller, about eight feet wide by six feet in diameter. The active and intelligent manager of the mines, Mr Bright, then called all his neighbours turn out and assist him, and his call was gallantly responded to by about 150 men, many of them from the neighbouring mines Sir T. Riddell's property, which are being worked by another company. Strong ropes were then fastened to the roller as we may now call it, to which they then harnessed themselves, certain number being kept in reserve, to steer and control the machine. Owing to the judicious arrangements made and the pluck and perseverance of the Highlanders, the performance was successfully carried out, and, after ten hours of hard work, the shaft was conveyed over the hill and deposited by the wheel case. Mr Bright, like all skilful generals, did not neglect the commissariat department, as he had carts with several casks of beer, whisky, bread, &c., in attendance, and the inspiriting strains of piper cheered his crew on to fresh exertions, when they were disposed to flag in their endeavours. It was a beautiful day, and it was a very curious sight to see the long string of men winding slowly up the brae, and occasionally stopping, and spreading themselves out on either side of the road, they rested from their exertions.