Volume 08 (1864) (474 pages)

168 {Written for the Mlusny and ScleutiNc Press. . REESE RIVER. A guide to the Reese River and Mumboldt silver mines. by Harrison Wheeluek, has just been published by Towne € Bacon. In the map aecompanying the work, the Reese River region is shown by districts, the Humboldt region at large, and the Big Creek Canon in detail. Twenty-six pages ont of twenty-nine are devoted to the Reese and umboldt regions, and dedicated to tho former; the appendix containing metallurgical tests, forms for incorporating cluims, table of distances, nud information of a general character. ‘The author advises the reader, if he goes nt all, to go on horsebick —that is purchase himself a plug, for $40@75, ot Sacramento, Carson City or Virginia, array himself in homely apparel, hang a bag of lunch, n 8ix-shooter and a canteen on the horn of the snddle, and tie earefully behind the saine two pairs of sub-tantial California blankets. Yon niay then establish your headquarters in the saddle, and wheel off. Asa recollection of the desert strikes us, we may add that, on the whole, your horse had better be @ mare, The prineipal towns at the present time are Clifton aud <Austin,in the Austin Canon. They are about to be, if they nro nut already, incorporated into the city of Austin. ‘he villages of Jacobsville and Yankee Blade are also situated in the Reese River district ; the former being noted for its mills, and the latter for tho mines in its immediate vicinity. Itis elaimed by some of the owners of ledges here that they unite the two formations, slate and granite, having the latter as a foot-wall and the former ns a hanging-wall. ‘I'his is a very favorable criterion of their durability. Austin Hill, on the contrary, presents a thousand examples of streaks of decomposed quartz, termed ledges, located in granite alone. Do they remain permanent, or do they “run out?” Ask the Post-Hole, Belle Shields, et id omne genus. Out of the twenty-five hundred claims loeated in Reese River District, we boldly venture the assertion that one year hence there will not be fifty worked. If ledges eased in grauite are permanent, oll scienee is nt fault, nnd we must begin anew. There are several quartz mills in the towns of Ans. ’ tin and Clifton, which have been runuing at intervals only. The Amador District was formed in Novemher last. There are quite a number of claims therein that promise well. The Amador and Wildwood Tunnel Companics are running parallel to each other, and engaged, night and day, working three shifts of hands. Several promising ledges have been fonnd hy them. ‘This distriet is directly north of the Reese River District. Mount Hope District is next north of Amador, and south of Mount Vernon District. Although but slightly prospected as yet, they promise to coutribute to the general richness of the conntry. Big Creek District coutains Big Creek Cation, in which are laid out Lander City, Canon City, Watertown, Middletowa and Montrose. These embryo cities must eventually be merged into a large town, oceupying the whole eafion. This cation will not suffer by comparison with Austin Caiion, possessing, asit does, a 250-iuch stream of pure water. It is the natural centre of the mines already discovered, and will have a brilliant future. A toll-road is now heing made over the divide formed by the Toyabee mountains to Santa Fé and Summit Districts. Big Caiion lies about 12 miles sontheast of Austin, and contains six quartz mills, which will all be shortly in operation. he town of Washington, in Washington District, is 22 niles southeast of Big Creek. In the vicinity are a number of claims that promise well, it we may judge by the work trom them. Very little work has yet been done in this district. Simpson's Park District lies between Leese River and Big Creek. We here find the slate and granite formation, and tho ledges are conscqueutly larger and inuch better defiued. : Che Biining and Scientific Press, Smoky District lies east of a portivn of Simpson’s Purk and Big Creek Distriets, the Toyabee range intervening. ‘Phe ledges in this and Santa Fé District are of mammoth size when compared with the other districts in the Reeso River region. ‘The casings are also of the most favorable chnracter. The greatest drawback we know of is the meager supply of timber. Two hundred feet in a ledge here suld a few weeks since for $10,000. Santa Fe District, which lies south of Smoky tistriet, has claims very similar in size and casings to those of Smuky. In these districts alone there is sulficient silver to build a eity of solid silver brieks. ‘The Maryland ond Lvyal ledge are given by Mr. Wheelock as district locations, ’Phey are one and the same The mistake las probably arisen froni the faet that before this favorite claiu was incorporated it was known by the latter name. Geneva is the name of the prinetpal settlement in Smoky Iistrict. It is likely to becoate a place of some importance, as two quurtz mills are about tu be erected there. Cruadalajara, sixteen miles south of Geneva, in the Santa Fé District, is laid out fur a city, which it is never likely to become, there being a much better location at the mouth of Big Smoky ereeck, four niles below. ‘The niost direet ronte tor teams for this place will be by Big creek, so soon as the tollroad is completed over the divide, At present, they go by Austin and Smoky District. Summit District is the next district south of Santa Fe. It possesses an abundance of good water and timber, and the miueral wealth contained within its borders must eventually make it favorably known. The want of good roads to mills is its grentest drawback. Smoky Chimney and La Plata Districts lie sonth of Summjt. At present, we can only say of them that they possess some favorable indications. Marysville Distriet is south of Washington, and the most sonthern district of the loyabee range. But little is yet knowu of the relative merits of this when coinpared with other districts. San Antonio District was discovered and formed last November. It is 130 miles southeast of Austin. ‘The richness of this loenlity has been greatly exaggerated. Water and timber are wauting, and the ledges will not compare, either in size orrichness, with those of Santa Fé or Smoky. Silver-bearing rock exists there, however, aud a uumber of claims bave been located. What has been said of the San Antonio may be said of the Cortez District, which is about 70 miles south of Austin. Union District, in the Shoshone range, about 60 miles southwest of Austin, contains very favorahle indications. Ravenswood and Augusta Districts, on the west side of Reese Valley, are known to contain a number of good ledges. Mr. Wheelock’s pamphlet contains the names of the most prominent ledges in the differeat districts, and, so far as we know, he is geuerally correct. We must, however, differ with him as to the comparative wealth of some of the districts. ae Mecnanics ann Exoineens will find a large portion of our paper devoted to their especial benefit. All iaportant implements in machinery, and inveutions of general interest wherever made, will be found carctully noted in onr columns, and whenever the facts are attainable, they will be fully described and often illustrated. Quartz mining and mechanies are so intimately connected, that a paper especially devoted to the former interest eannot well fulfil its office without paying a large share of attention to the latter. We trust therefore that the mechanic as well ag the miner, will take an interest iu the success of the Mtnin@ anp Screntiric Pagss. We desire to make our journal a vehicle of intereommunication ‘between mechanies as well as miners; and to that end have devoted so important a space in our columas to mechanical interests. We invite contributions to that department. Let the miner and mechanic go hand in hand, for hy so doing both will be materially benefitted. Tue Dawy Ameniean Fhao—-Mr. D. QO. MeCar. thy, editor and proprietor, aunounces the first ‘appearance of the above named journal, iu this city, on the first Monday in April next. Puexix Insurance Company,—This solid old company have announced their pleasure to comply with the new law, requiring a heavy deposit ip bonds in this State. Tur Lowea Coast Raxcx.—Encvuraging reports continne to reach ns from the mines along the lower Cuust Range. “fle development of the copper lends in the lower portion of Monterey county, according to the Guzelte, are “ cheeriug.” That paper thiaks that Munterey will soon become an important eopper-shipping port. Tar Red Bluff Independent ts informed that “ tho wholo country, for twenty-five and thirty niles west ~ of Req Bluff, is alive with people prospecting. Some ledges have been discovered a few miles from Nome Lackee Reservation. In n short time we may expect the farmers to be hauling their rock instead of their grain to tho Red Blnff steamboats.” A cornesronnent of the Stockton Independent writes from Murpby's that quite an excitement was ereated in that place, reciutly, in consequence of rich developments made in the “ Noble Cupper Mining” claim, situated on San Domirgo creek, about Unree miles from-the town of Murphy's. ‘his development promises to open up a pew copper region, and, judging from what is said ahout claiins in that loeahity, copper stock will be very valuable. Tue Nevnda Yrauscript says they have eommenced operations again on the famous Well Lead, near the Zine House, and are driving whead, in taking out ore, very rapidly, The Zranseript further understands that the Pucahontas Company, located at the lower part of Nevada county, struck somo vich copper ore, in their claim, one day last week. A great many eompaoies in the copper regions are inaking exteasive preparations to go to work in earnest, Tre Plumas county Union says of one of tho principal copper mines in that county that some six or seven tous of the ore were sent to Swansea, England, for reduction, and the ore payed 57 per cent. in copper, and silver at the rate cf $140 to the ton. This ledge on the outcrop is ten or 12 feet wide, and the ore taken was of course the best of the lot blasted out, but the mass of tbe rock will pay at least 35 per cent. If Plumas has mueh of such oro as that, she will do well. Tus Sonoma Democrat says :—* Reports reach us of the most flattering nature of the mining prospects in the upper end of this county. The Blne Buck company on Dry Creek, the Olive company on Russian River, and the Willow Springs company in the same locality, have all at last found the diligently sought for ledges, and the prospects promise a rich harvest to the sbareholders. Several gentlemen from San Francisco have visited the mines this week with a view to making investments.” Senp then East.—Do you buy papers to send to your friends at the East? If so, please reflect that no other paper published in the State ean be more aeceptable to, the majority of your friends than tho Manno anp Sciznnirie Parss. It contains a very large amonnt of valuable reading, nearly all relating to California aad ber leading interests—just the kind of general information you would give your friends if you should write. It can be had at the office of publication, neatly done up in wrappers, for mailing, at one bit per copy. Caurion.—Parties ineorporating miniag compnnies, who desire the choice of advertising in either a daily or weekly newspaper, should be particular to cross out the word “daily” whea using the form of blank by-laws printed and sold hy the stationers of this city. Many stockholders have been surprised to fiad an imperative provision in their by-laws for advertising all notices in “some daily newspaper,” and have consequently amended them. New Macmivery.—The Hale & Norcross Miuing Company are having built, at the Pacifie Iron Works, of this city, a fine 10-inch 100-horse-power engine, a hoisting engine of 50-horse-power, two boilers, gearing, ete. The work is under the superintendence of Capt. Phillips, the engineer of the nine. Fastout.—Immense quantities of freight has heen shipped during the past weck for the Idaho mines. Vessels taling freight for that destination have been actually overrnn, and there is room enough left to fill several more as soon as they are ready to take freight.

168 {Written for the Mlusny and ScleutiNc Press. . REESE RIVER. A guide to the Reese River and Mumboldt silver mines. by Harrison Wheeluek, has just been published by Towne € Bacon. In the map aecompanying the work, the Reese River region is shown by districts, the Humboldt region at large, and the Big Creek Canon in detail. Twenty-six pages ont of twenty-nine are devoted to the Reese and umboldt regions, and dedicated to tho former; the appendix containing metallurgical tests, forms for incorporating cluims, table of distances, nud information of a general character. ‘The author advises the reader, if he goes nt all, to go on horsebick —that is purchase himself a plug, for $40@75, ot Sacramento, Carson City or Virginia, array himself in homely apparel, hang a bag of lunch, n 8ix-shooter and a canteen on the horn of the snddle, and tie earefully behind the saine two pairs of sub-tantial California blankets. Yon niay then establish your headquarters in the saddle, and wheel off. Asa recollection of the desert strikes us, we may add that, on the whole, your horse had better be @ mare, The prineipal towns at the present time are Clifton aud <Austin,in the Austin Canon. They are about to be, if they nro nut already, incorporated into the city of Austin. ‘he villages of Jacobsville and Yankee Blade are also situated in the Reese River district ; the former being noted for its mills, and the latter for tho mines in its immediate vicinity. Itis elaimed by some of the owners of ledges here that they unite the two formations, slate and granite, having the latter as a foot-wall and the former ns a hanging-wall. ‘I'his is a very favorable criterion of their durability. Austin Hill, on the contrary, presents a thousand examples of streaks of decomposed quartz, termed ledges, located in granite alone. Do they remain permanent, or do they “run out?” Ask the Post-Hole, Belle Shields, et id omne genus. Out of the twenty-five hundred claims loeated in Reese River District, we boldly venture the assertion that one year hence there will not be fifty worked. If ledges eased in grauite are permanent, oll scienee is nt fault, nnd we must begin anew. There are several quartz mills in the towns of Ans. ’ tin and Clifton, which have been runuing at intervals only. The Amador District was formed in Novemher last. There are quite a number of claims therein that promise well. The Amador and Wildwood Tunnel Companics are running parallel to each other, and engaged, night and day, working three shifts of hands. Several promising ledges have been fonnd hy them. ‘This distriet is directly north of the Reese River District. Mount Hope District is next north of Amador, and south of Mount Vernon District. Although but slightly prospected as yet, they promise to coutribute to the general richness of the conntry. Big Creek District coutains Big Creek Cation, in which are laid out Lander City, Canon City, Watertown, Middletowa and Montrose. These embryo cities must eventually be merged into a large town, oceupying the whole eafion. This cation will not suffer by comparison with Austin Caiion, possessing, asit does, a 250-iuch stream of pure water. It is the natural centre of the mines already discovered, and will have a brilliant future. A toll-road is now heing made over the divide formed by the Toyabee mountains to Santa Fé and Summit Districts. Big Caiion lies about 12 miles sontheast of Austin, and contains six quartz mills, which will all be shortly in operation. he town of Washington, in Washington District, is 22 niles southeast of Big Creek. In the vicinity are a number of claims that promise well, it we may judge by the work trom them. Very little work has yet been done in this district. Simpson's Park District lies between Leese River and Big Creek. We here find the slate and granite formation, and tho ledges are conscqueutly larger and inuch better defiued. : Che Biining and Scientific Press, Smoky District lies east of a portivn of Simpson’s Purk and Big Creek Distriets, the Toyabee range intervening. ‘Phe ledges in this and Santa Fé District are of mammoth size when compared with the other districts in the Reeso River region. ‘The casings are also of the most favorable chnracter. The greatest drawback we know of is the meager supply of timber. Two hundred feet in a ledge here suld a few weeks since for $10,000. Santa Fe District, which lies south of Smoky tistriet, has claims very similar in size and casings to those of Smuky. In these districts alone there is sulficient silver to build a eity of solid silver brieks. ‘The Maryland ond Lvyal ledge are given by Mr. Wheelock as district locations, ’Phey are one and the same The mistake las probably arisen froni the faet that before this favorite claiu was incorporated it was known by the latter name. Geneva is the name of the prinetpal settlement in Smoky Iistrict. It is likely to becoate a place of some importance, as two quurtz mills are about tu be erected there. Cruadalajara, sixteen miles south of Geneva, in the Santa Fé District, is laid out fur a city, which it is never likely to become, there being a much better location at the mouth of Big Smoky ereeck, four niles below. ‘The niost direet ronte tor teams for this place will be by Big creek, so soon as the tollroad is completed over the divide, At present, they go by Austin and Smoky District. Summit District is the next district south of Santa Fe. It possesses an abundance of good water and timber, and the miueral wealth contained within its borders must eventually make it favorably known. The want of good roads to mills is its grentest drawback. Smoky Chimney and La Plata Districts lie sonth of Summjt. At present, we can only say of them that they possess some favorable indications. Marysville Distriet is south of Washington, and the most sonthern district of the loyabee range. But little is yet knowu of the relative merits of this when coinpared with other districts. San Antonio District was discovered and formed last November. It is 130 miles southeast of Austin. ‘The richness of this loenlity has been greatly exaggerated. Water and timber are wauting, and the ledges will not compare, either in size orrichness, with those of Santa Fé or Smoky. Silver-bearing rock exists there, however, aud a uumber of claims

bave been located. What has been said of the San Antonio may be said of the Cortez District, which is about 70 miles south of Austin. Union District, in the Shoshone range, about 60 miles southwest of Austin, contains very favorahle indications. Ravenswood and Augusta Districts, on the west side of Reese Valley, are known to contain a number of good ledges. Mr. Wheelock’s pamphlet contains the names of the most prominent ledges in the differeat districts, and, so far as we know, he is geuerally correct. We must, however, differ with him as to the comparative wealth of some of the districts. ae Mecnanics ann Exoineens will find a large portion of our paper devoted to their especial benefit. All iaportant implements in machinery, and inveutions of general interest wherever made, will be found carctully noted in onr columns, and whenever the facts are attainable, they will be fully described and often illustrated. Quartz mining and mechanies are so intimately connected, that a paper especially devoted to the former interest eannot well fulfil its office without paying a large share of attention to the latter. We trust therefore that the mechanic as well ag the miner, will take an interest iu the success of the Mtnin@ anp Screntiric Pagss. We desire to make our journal a vehicle of intereommunication ‘between mechanies as well as miners; and to that end have devoted so important a space in our columas to mechanical interests. We invite contributions to that department. Let the miner and mechanic go hand in hand, for hy so doing both will be materially benefitted. Tue Dawy Ameniean Fhao—-Mr. D. QO. MeCar. thy, editor and proprietor, aunounces the first ‘appearance of the above named journal, iu this city, on the first Monday in April next. Puexix Insurance Company,—This solid old company have announced their pleasure to comply with the new law, requiring a heavy deposit ip bonds in this State. Tur Lowea Coast Raxcx.—Encvuraging reports continne to reach ns from the mines along the lower Cuust Range. “fle development of the copper lends in the lower portion of Monterey county, according to the Guzelte, are “ cheeriug.” That paper thiaks that Munterey will soon become an important eopper-shipping port. Tar Red Bluff Independent ts informed that “ tho wholo country, for twenty-five and thirty niles west ~ of Req Bluff, is alive with people prospecting. Some ledges have been discovered a few miles from Nome Lackee Reservation. In n short time we may expect the farmers to be hauling their rock instead of their grain to tho Red Blnff steamboats.” A cornesronnent of the Stockton Independent writes from Murpby's that quite an excitement was ereated in that place, reciutly, in consequence of rich developments made in the “ Noble Cupper Mining” claim, situated on San Domirgo creek, about Unree miles from-the town of Murphy's. ‘his development promises to open up a pew copper region, and, judging from what is said ahout claiins in that loeahity, copper stock will be very valuable. Tue Nevnda Yrauscript says they have eommenced operations again on the famous Well Lead, near the Zine House, and are driving whead, in taking out ore, very rapidly, The Zranseript further understands that the Pucahontas Company, located at the lower part of Nevada county, struck somo vich copper ore, in their claim, one day last week. A great many eompaoies in the copper regions are inaking exteasive preparations to go to work in earnest, Tre Plumas county Union says of one of tho principal copper mines in that county that some six or seven tous of the ore were sent to Swansea, England, for reduction, and the ore payed 57 per cent. in copper, and silver at the rate cf $140 to the ton. This ledge on the outcrop is ten or 12 feet wide, and the ore taken was of course the best of the lot blasted out, but the mass of tbe rock will pay at least 35 per cent. If Plumas has mueh of such oro as that, she will do well. Tus Sonoma Democrat says :—* Reports reach us of the most flattering nature of the mining prospects in the upper end of this county. The Blne Buck company on Dry Creek, the Olive company on Russian River, and the Willow Springs company in the same locality, have all at last found the diligently sought for ledges, and the prospects promise a rich harvest to the sbareholders. Several gentlemen from San Francisco have visited the mines this week with a view to making investments.” Senp then East.—Do you buy papers to send to your friends at the East? If so, please reflect that no other paper published in the State ean be more aeceptable to, the majority of your friends than tho Manno anp Sciznnirie Parss. It contains a very large amonnt of valuable reading, nearly all relating to California aad ber leading interests—just the kind of general information you would give your friends if you should write. It can be had at the office of publication, neatly done up in wrappers, for mailing, at one bit per copy. Caurion.—Parties ineorporating miniag compnnies, who desire the choice of advertising in either a daily or weekly newspaper, should be particular to cross out the word “daily” whea using the form of blank by-laws printed and sold hy the stationers of this city. Many stockholders have been surprised to fiad an imperative provision in their by-laws for advertising all notices in “some daily newspaper,” and have consequently amended them. New Macmivery.—The Hale & Norcross Miuing Company are having built, at the Pacifie Iron Works, of this city, a fine 10-inch 100-horse-power engine, a hoisting engine of 50-horse-power, two boilers, gearing, ete. The work is under the superintendence of Capt. Phillips, the engineer of the nine. Fastout.—Immense quantities of freight has heen shipped during the past weck for the Idaho mines. Vessels taling freight for that destination have been actually overrnn, and there is room enough left to fill several more as soon as they are ready to take freight.