A description of the process is as follows:—­“The ore is crushed to a certain fineness, depending on the character of the gangue.  It is then placed in leaching vats, with false bottoms for filtration, similar to other leaching plants.  A solution of cyanide of potassium and other chemicals of known percentage is run over the pulp and left to stand a certain number of hours, depending on the amount of metal to be extracted.  It is then drained off and another charge of the same solution is used, but of less strength, which is also drained.  The pulp is now washed with clean water, which leaches all the gold and silver out, and leaves the tailings ready for discharge, either in cars or sluiced away by water, if it is plentiful.

“The chemical reaction of cyanide of potassium with gold is as follows, according to Elsner:—­

2Au + 4KCy + O + H2O = 2KAuCy2 + 2KHO.

“That is, a double cyanide of gold and potassium is formed.

“All filtered solutions and washings from the leaching vats are saved and passed through a precipitating ‘box’ of novel construction, which may consist either of glass, iron or wood, and be made in any shape, either oval, round, or rectangular—­if the latter, it will be about 10 ft. long, 4 ft. wide and 1 ft. high—­and is partitioned off lengthwise into five compartments.  Under each partition, on the inside or bottom of the ‘box,’ grooves may be cut a quarter-to a half-inch deep, extending parallel with the partitions to serve as a reservoir for the amalgam, and give a rolling motion to the solution as it passes along and through the four compartments.  The centre compartment is used to hold the lead or other suitable anode and electrolyte.

“The anode is supported on a movable frame or bracket, so it may be moved either up or down as desired, it being worked by thumb-screws at each end.

“The electrolyte may consist of saturated solutions of soluble alkaline metals and earth.  The sides or partitions of each compartment dip into the mercury, which must cover the ‘box’ evenly on the bottom to the depth of about a half-inch.

“Amalgamated copper strips or discs are placed in contact with the mercury and extended above it, to allow the gold and silver solution of cyanide to come in contact.

“The electrodes are connected with the dynamo; the anode of lead being positive and the cathode of mercury being negative.  The dynamo is started, and a current of high amperage and low voltage is generated, generally 100 to 125 amperes, and with sufficient pressure to decompose the electrolyte between the anode and the cathode.

“As the gas is generated at the anode, a commotion is created in the liquid, which brings a fresh and saturated solution of electrolyte between the electrodes for electrolysis, and makes it continuous in its action.