Miners in Chihuahua, Mexico, ascending a mineshaft by means of crude steps carrying candles attached to sticks to light their way. Descending and ascending such shafts was a daily hazard.  The state of Chihuahua has been a source of silver, gold and mercury for many centuries.  From  'Underground Life; or, Mines and Miners' by Louis Simonin (London, 1869). Wood engraving.