40 HARE’S GUIDE TO below, and at every side, rendering it a perfect labyrinth out of which extrication seems impossible. But your guide knows every foot of the ground as well as he knows the rooms in his own house. We come upon many passages and localities which are closed against the visitor by the policy of the com pany; which, although it is willing to receive the general visitor, will not allow such visits to be made the basis of speculation. The entire mountain is cata- combed by tunnels similar to the one we have just visited. Returning to the entrance of the tunnel, we once more feel the warm light of the sun, and inhale a deep breath of fresh air. At the summit of the hill stands a flag stall’, and to this we take our way, as it shows a pleasant spot on which to take a few moments’ rest before continuing our investigations. The view from the flag stalf is grand beyond description. Santa Clara valley is spread out like a map; its orchards, fields, and flocks, and the glittering spires of San Jose and Santa Clara, and the glistening waters of San Francisco Bay, combine to make a gorgeous picture. The New Almaden mines are named from the mines of Almaden in the province of La Mancha, near the frontier of Estremadura, in Old Spain. The mines of New Almaden are famous throughout the world, and were discovered originally by the Indians at a very early period. The first white man to whom they became known, was a captain of cavalry in the Mexi can service named Castillero. It appears that the ndians he cinn f obtai ainted bodega, ered ar. .efect ii itle by ,he han Mining tvorked Is also north-v “ Santa contain their p pose ol throug riquita pany, 1 with 1 game, leaves return Is dis1 west.
