“Under my supervision a large number of bore-holes were put down, varying in depth from 10 feet to 35 feet. I can form no idea as to the depths of the tin-bearing soil, as on the western boundary I have reached 35 feet in depth without getting to the end, on the eastern boundary about 30 feet in depth. You have over the whole of your area alluvial deposits existing on a very large scale. These deposits yield cassiterite (tin oxide) containing on an average 62 per cent. metallic tin, which proves the alluvial to be as rich or even richer than you find in any other part of the world. “I estimate the yield at 7 lbs. per cubic yard—equal to, say, 5 s. per cubic yard, with tin oxide at £85 per ton. The cost of production would be approximately 6d. per cubic yard. “The extent of the property is great, the natural facilities for mining are favourable, and the output of tin will be simply proportionate to the number of men employed. Assuming that a minimum of only 250 natives be employed, they should produce 500 tons of metallic tin per annum. Taking the price of tin oxide at £85 per ton, there would be a profit of some £36,000 per annum. “The mining rights are over 3,200 acres, or five square miles, granted by the Northern Nigerian Government, and are subject to an annual rent of 5s. per acre. “There is also a 10 per cent. royalty on the net profits derived from production, but I can assure you that there is every prospect of a reduction taking place in the near future. “_Labour._—This is undoubtedly one of the most important questions with which mining companies will have to deal at a very near date. This I foresaw, and am now pleased to say that arrangements have been made with the Zereki, or Chief of the Village, close by, to provide you with not less than 300 natives at any time or date, the same are required. “_Transport._—This is another important question. “At the present moment the railway has not been completed, but I assure you that it will be before the end of the present year. They are now laying it at the rate of one mile per day, and are only some forty miles from your property when I left on 14th May. “In this matter you have a very great advantage over those companies who are exploiting the Bauchi district, for, to quote the words of their expert, the cost of carriage from their tin fields to Liverpool is some £27 per ton. The cost to you will not exceed £12 per ton, so you will have on every ton arriving in Liverpool a clear profit of £15 more than they get. This is a large margin, and when worked out on the small production of 500 tons per annum (which I have previously mentioned), means a sum of £7,500 over and above what they can get on the same quantity. “_Water._—There is no need for me to dwell on this point, as the very large rivers you have as boundaries will be more than ample supply for all or any companies who will be operating here in the near future.