Roughing It

Note: The contents of Chapter 4 correspond to Chapters 52-72 in print editions of the book.

Twain begins this chapter with a long description of the silver mining process in Virginia City and in Nevada as a whole. Mule train caravans operate continuously between the territory and California, carrying the precious metal to the coast and bringing back necessary supplies for the residents. There is no other industry in the region, so the population is entirely dependent on mining for its economic prosperity. Twain estimates that in 1863, Nevada produces $20,000,000 in silver. This would be equivalent to half a billion dollars in today’s currency. Producing this quantity of silver requires a massive operation. In Virginia City, the mines and mills employ thousands of men working in shifts both above and below ground.

Twain then introduces some of his colorful acquaintances in town. One is a man named Jim Blaine, whom Twain is encouraged to visit when the former is drunk, as this is the only time when Blaine will tell the tale of his grandfather’s ram. Obsessed with hearing the story, Twain visits Blaine one night when conditions are right, and Blaine launches into a long, rambling tale about everything but the ram.