The following proportions were given to me by M. Dahse. Till 1870 the figures are computed by him; after that date the value is declared;—[Footnote: Statistical Abstract of the United Kingdom. Eyre and Spottiswoode. London, 1881.]
1866 1867 1868 1869
120,333l. 146,182l 118,875l. 100,214l.
1870 1871 1872
116,142l. 137,328l. 108,869l.
Now began the notable falling-off, which reached its maximum next year:—
1873 1874 1875 1876
77,523l. 136,263l. 117,321l. 145,511l.
1877 1878 1879 1880
120,542l 122,497l. 115,167l. 125,980l.
M. Dahse assumes the annual average to be in round numbers, 126,000l.
The official returns of imported silver from the Coast show:—
1872 1873 1874 1875 1876
7,074l. 6,841l. 40,964l. 23,587l. 21,667l.
1877 1878 1879 1880
10,905l. 41,254l. 61,755l. 63,337l.
Totals of gold and silver:—
1872 1873 1874 1875 1876
115,943l. 84,364l. 177,227l. 140,908l. 167,178l.
1877 1878 1879 1880
131,447l. 163,751l. 176,922l. 189,317l.
I was lately asked by an illustrious geologist and man of science, how it came to pass that the Gold Coast, if so rich, has not been worked before this time. These notes will afford a sufficient reply.