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Just a few more definitions of these words. From A glossary of mining terms by WG Orchard (1991 - published in Cornwall) Bal - the miners' term for a mine; a very old term Sett - A lease stating the boundaries and terms of the mining ground taken by the adventurers Wheal - A corruption of the word 'Huel' which means hole, or mine pit. A prefix to the names of most mines (COMMENT: note this doesn't say cornish for work - is this refering to another meaning or derivation perhaps?) ---------------- And just for a different perspective, from the Derbyshire Lead Mining Glossary by Nellie Kirkham (April 1949): Bal - not defined Set (note only one t) - A lease of land for mining Setters-on - The boys who collected the ore-whiskets from the miners underground Setting a mine - The customary occupation of land for mining purpose Wheal - Cornish word for mine (name of a mine near Sheldon) (COMMENT: was Wheal originally from a specific mine as the Derbs miners seem to think? Another definition from same book: Whisket A basket used underground and above ground in which ore was collected (the same as SPEL-BASKET) ---------------- Roger