Gold mining was prosecuted in the 17th and 18th centuries, but not much in the 19th till 1857 when some activity began in the Yuruán district and later along the Cuyuni River. In the former a nugget of 180 ounces was obtained. By 1885 the industry had become important and an American prospector finding 275 pounds of gold created much excitement. Later a nugget of 333 ounces, worth over $6500, was discovered at Barima. Most of the gold has been taken, largely by Indians, from alluvial diggings; some dredging has been successful. In 25 years nearly 3,000,000 ounces were mined. In 1913 the output was from ten different river districts. A good recent find was near Pigeon Island on the Cuyuni. Most of the districts are so difficult of access that scientific mining with modern machinery is almost impossible. In 1915 about 54,000 ounces were produced and since 1890 over $40,000,000. A new gold field discovered by American prospectors is between the head of the Takutu River and the Tucurutu Mountains. Many diamonds are found but mostly small. In 13 years from 1900 over 1,000,000 stones weighing 85,800 carats were produced; in 1915 6200 carats valued at $51,000. The discovery of oil in several places has been rumored, the most favorable indications being in the Waini River district. Blocks of bitumen found off the coast seem to indicate another pitch lake, and asphalt is said to have been located near the coast, though not yet worked. White quartz sand suitable for glass making and _kaolin_ for pottery exist in quantity, forming reefs and sand hills. OTHER INDUSTRIES Cattle raising has great possibilities but slight development. There are 112,000 head of cattle. The waters have several hundred species of fish, many well flavored and worth salting. Isinglass or fish glue is exported. CHAPTER XIII DUTCH AND FRENCH GUIANA DUTCH GUIANA This country, sometimes called Suriname, about the size of New York State, by the Peace of 1667 was conceded to the Netherlands, Great Britain taking New York in exchange. Situated between British and French Guiana it has the Atlantic Ocean on the north, and Brazil on the south. The colony has a Governor and an executive council appointed by the Crown, a Legislature elected from the 16 districts. There are District Courts besides a Supreme Court at Paramaribo appointed by the Crown. The population is about 107,500, the vast majority colored, besides negroes and Indians in the forest.