Volume 08 (1864) (474 pages)

The Mining and Scientific Press, 417 “SOAP MINES”-.-FULLER'S EARTH? During the last few years we have frequently observed in our exchanges uotices of the discovery of a pecnliar descriptioa of mineral to the locality of which the term “soap mine ” has generally been applied. The latest discovery of this chnracter is on the Aierieun Flat. nenr Virginia City, N.'T. It is found lying adjacent to the lode iu the Real del Oro mine, and about sixty feet from the surfuce. It is described #8 consisting of a sonpy kind of elny, much resembling castile soap, readily forming u lather, and by which dirt mny be easily removed fromthe person or from cloth. This mnterinl is evidently a specios of clny, known as Fuller's earth, the ingredients of which ure usually about 53 per cent. of sitica, 25 per cent. of alumina, 15.5 per cent. water, with 3.5 carboaate of lime, 2 oxide of irou, nnd { per cent. of carbouate of imnnguesia, This clay is grensy to the touch, shining under n alight friction, crumbles in the opea air, melts before the blow-pipe into a white glass ; when immersed in water it falls intoa soft, pasty substance; color, brown or grey, geuerally with a shade of grecn; does not ndhere to the tongue. From the great avidity with which it nbsorbs oil, it has been exteasively used hy fullers to take grease out of cloth. Its use, however, in this direction, has of late years been greatly lessened by chemical preparations. This material is afar better cleanser than ordinary soap, but prodnces the reverse effect in felting, as it leaves the pores of the wool and thread more open than before it was used. Fuller's earth, of good quality, has hitherto been a very rare minerul. More has heretolore been found in England than in all the other parts of the world. It occurs there in regular beds. It has heen found, in small quantitics, nt Rosswein, in Saxony. Some thirty-five yenrs siace an article was carefully prepared and widely -circulated in the Eastern papers, describing Fuller's earth requestiag that samples beariag a resemblance to the description should be forwarded to the writer. Out of about one hundred samples sent, oaly one, from Virginia, proved to contain Fuller's earth, and that was so full of sand and gravel as to render it worthless. he advertiser had previously heard that it was to be found ina certain locality in Rhode Island, and spent several days in a frnitless search for it. We have beea uaable to learn that the miaeral has ever been found on this continent, unless it exists in more recent discoveries iu this State and Nevada Territory, above alluded to. We believe that onr market las been supplied altogether from Inglaad. Thor, Wu. P. Buaxeis now engaged by the“ Scott & Perigord Taunel Company “in makiag a scientific survey of the Humboldt range of mountains— especially the section through which the tuanel is being run—with regard to its mineral-bearing qualities; also, to report on the feasibility uf working those mines. Asdata on that subject, he has made the preliminary survey of a railroud to run lrom the big bend in the 'l'ruckee river—about forty miles from Virginia—to a point on the west side of the Humboldt range, the whole distance being about 85 iniles, and quite practicable for the easy coastruction of a road. Such aroad would traasmit ores to the ‘Truckee, where there are some of tho best facilities for the application of water power in the world, and an everlasting supply of fuel, which will be brought to the mills at a nomiaal price. Tus OskLanp Raiwroap has already heen extended as fur as Clinton, to which point the ears will shortly commcace runaiag. The road will sooa be pushed ou through the Alameda valley. From Ipano.—The Humboldt Register says that quite a number of persous have recently returaed to Star City from Boise River aad Jordan Creck.— Apovr tur “* Formation or Metaniic Veixs.”— Messrs. Editors: In the scries of nrticles on “The Formution of Metallic Veias” there occura few typographical errors, some too apparent to necd correction, and others mnterially affecting the senso of the ideas to bo conveyed. Of the lutter class, in No. 1, paragraph seventh, for “such as magnesia,” read “such as manganese ;” in paragraph eleventh, for “ fluor spar,” read “ fluoriae.” No. 3, paragraph first, for “stratic limestones,” read “steatic limestones ;" paragraph second, fur “the writer holds the system,” read “tho writer holds that the system.” No. 4, paragraph seventh, for “and conacquently black as sand,” read “and consequently black, as sand,” the comma having been omitted. In noticing Mr. Fox's theory of fissures, I wrote from mere remembrunce, nnd uaintentionnlly confounded his experimental production of veins with his observation on the fissnres containing the veins of Cornwall. On re-perusal I fiad that he ascribed tho production of the latter to the internal heat of the earth (of which he was a strenuous advoente), posterior to and independent of the eruptive diaturbances attendant upon the noplift of the gramte and the intrusioa of the clvan dykes. Against the general reception of this theory my remarks are eqnally applicable. I will here state what I failed to explicitly explain, that Ido not believe that more then a few fissures necessarily remained open until filled with veinstone, but that the mechanical fracture, however slight or prolonged the parting, produced perpetual lines of division in tbe strata and masses of rock, which by readily admitting the flow of water and interruptiag the electrical curreuts, accumulated veins and their metallic conteats. The best veins in our State are between the natural divisioas of different geological strata, where tbcre never could have beea a coulescence. In Washoe many fissures appear to havo been produced beaeath the ocean and immediately filled to a certain depth with calcareous material, within which veinstoae of quartz has since heen eliminated from the swrounding rock. In this respect tbey resemble the veins upon which Werner founded his theory of the sedimentary origin of all veins. Epwarp A. Minzs. Tut Pano Process at rut Gounp anp Curry Axp Opmer Repveniox Worxs.—The Territorial Enterprise of May 27th says : The Gould and Curry Company are abont to change the process of reduction ia their mill trom the dry to the wet method. The dry mode is very hard on the lungs ol the workmen, nnd is no more economical than the wet plan. ‘They are now engaged in the ercction of six large patio platforms, to be used in working the tailings from the mill. The amalgamation will be effected in the tortas without the aid of the wooden whecls commonly used, a nuniber of Mexican mustangs having been procured to he used in treading the pulp, lus plan of working silver ore is practised in Mexico, but is very hard on the poor animals, as, owing to the chemicals used in the pulp, their legs are liable to become very sore, and the mercury in the mass is also iajurious to their health. The Ophir Company are also increasing their em. ployment of this method for poor ores. The series of articles which we are now publishiug’ on the Patio process will, we trust, clear up some points to which less atteation has been given by many practical amalgamators than may be required. Those who are adapting this process to pan amalgamation will see much of interest to them carefully traced in this summary of the observations of their fellow-workers in other couatries. ‘The waste to which their chemicals are exposed—the action of ligbt and heat—the effect of one ore on another when subject to attrition together—are of importance. Especial notice is drawn to the essential difference between these methods aud the principle of treating a uniform product aimed at in the latest Wuropean improvemeats. Tne Retsp River Revew.e now comes to us daily instead of weekly as heretofore. Wm. C. Philips, the former proprietor, has sold out to Fairchild They do not givea very flattering account of that! ance in both matter and manner, and must take region as a miniag country. a high staad amoag the dailies of Silverland. & Co. ‘Ibe paper makes a decidedly good appear-’ —— Mariposa Company. The Mariposn Coinpany, lately formed in New York, have purchased the interest of Mork Bramn. gim and Trenor W. Park in the estate known ns Las Mariposas,” or, in plain English, “ The Butterflies,” and as soie names now prominently before ourreuders will appear during the recital, we consider this as good an opportunity as any tn give o brief WISTORY OF “LAS MARIPOSAS.” This cclebrated tract of laad was originally owned under a graat from the Mexican Government to Juun B. Alvurado, and was by him sold to John GC. Fremont, and nfter a time resold under a judgment recovercd by Francisco O. Campo ngainst J. C. Fremont and other parties, tbrough which sale the interest of Mcssrs. Brumagim ond Garrison in the estate came, and fiually passed into the hands of “The Mariposa Company,” which company, (organized and incorporated uader the laws of the Stute of New York,) either forgetting, or being wilfully blind to, entirely ignored the claims of Messrs. Brumagim & Garrison ; but these gentlemen, not being either bliud to their owa interests or forgettul of their clains for moneys actually advanced to Messrs. J. C. Fremont and ‘I’. W. Park, offered to the aew company a chance to purchase from them all their interest in ‘‘ Las Mariposas ” for the sum of (in round figures) $175,000. This offer _ the company indignantly refused, and as Messrs. Brumagim aad Garrison were cool, clear-headed busiaess men, they immediately proceeded to commence operations to enforce their claim; ond, having first obtained an extensive and thorough abstract of their, title, proceeded to institute legal proceedings for the — sums advanced and interest thereon. The New York Company, findiag that they had found parties who would not be scared, and believing that discretion was the better part of valor, offered, like Captain Scott’s celebrated coon, to “come down,” and were finally allowed to do so tothe umount of $350,000 in gold coin. as the sellers are amply recompensed, aud at last the Mariposa Company of New York have obtuaiued an absolutely perfect title to the grant whose name heads this article. ~ “Mounr Epen Mintno Company,” Goun Hint, N. T.—The above aamed company receatly filed a certificate in the County Court reducing their Capital Stock from $600,000 to $360,000, and increasing the number of shares from 1,200 to 1,800, an addition of 600 feet of ground having been added to the claim. This company was originally started as 2 prospecting compaay, and afterwards made the location ‘noy known as the Owen lode, at Gold Hill, which from the surface mnde a most excellent showing. The entire ledge, for twenty feet deep, was taken out and put aside for selecting and working at some future day. The Superintendent has followed dowa an incline oa the foot wall for 110 feet ia depth, occasionally tapping the ledge to ascertain its value, Tt has also beea traced down the hill toward the ravine, showiag that drainage can be had some 800 feet deep from the top of the present shaft by running a tunnel. ‘his ledge is doubtless oa the Justis lode, and is known to be at least ten feet in width. The Superiatendent, F. Morgan, would be pleased to show aay party through the miae, who desire to examine the same, and will give them all required information. Thus far everythiag done has been with the strictest regard to ecoaomy, aad the miue promises soon to rank among tbe best ia the Territory. We understand the President, Mr. W. Augs. Knapp, goes to New York on the next steamer, on Monday, for the parpose of endeavoring to iavite Fastern capitalists to iavestigate and become interested in the Company. : Patriotic Stocknotpers.—As will be seen by our . Sharobolders’ Directory, quite a umber of eompanies announce tbeir annual meeting oa the Fourth of July. The result is gratifying all round, -

The Mining and Scientific Press, 417 “SOAP MINES”-.-FULLER'S EARTH? During the last few years we have frequently observed in our exchanges uotices of the discovery of a pecnliar descriptioa of mineral to the locality of which the term “soap mine ” has generally been applied. The latest discovery of this chnracter is on the Aierieun Flat. nenr Virginia City, N.'T. It is found lying adjacent to the lode iu the Real del Oro mine, and about sixty feet from the surfuce. It is described #8 consisting of a sonpy kind of elny, much resembling castile soap, readily forming u lather, and by which dirt mny be easily removed fromthe person or from cloth. This mnterinl is evidently a specios of clny, known as Fuller's earth, the ingredients of which ure usually about 53 per cent. of sitica, 25 per cent. of alumina, 15.5 per cent. water, with 3.5 carboaate of lime, 2 oxide of irou, nnd { per cent. of carbouate of imnnguesia, This clay is grensy to the touch, shining under n alight friction, crumbles in the opea air, melts before the blow-pipe into a white glass ; when immersed in water it falls intoa soft, pasty substance; color, brown or grey, geuerally with a shade of grecn; does not ndhere to the tongue. From the great avidity with which it nbsorbs oil, it has been exteasively used hy fullers to take grease out of cloth. Its use, however, in this direction, has of late years been greatly lessened by chemical preparations. This material is afar better cleanser than ordinary soap, but prodnces the reverse effect in felting, as it leaves the pores of the wool and thread more open than before it was used. Fuller's earth, of good quality, has hitherto been a very rare minerul. More has heretolore been found in England than in all the other parts of the world. It occurs there in regular beds. It has heen found, in small quantitics, nt Rosswein, in Saxony. Some thirty-five yenrs siace an article was carefully prepared and widely -circulated in the Eastern papers, describing Fuller's earth requestiag that samples beariag a resemblance to the description should be forwarded to the writer. Out of about one hundred samples sent, oaly one, from Virginia, proved to contain Fuller's earth, and that was so full of sand and gravel as to render it worthless. he advertiser had previously heard that it was to be found ina certain locality in Rhode Island, and spent several days in a frnitless search for it. We have beea uaable to learn that the miaeral has ever been found on this continent, unless it exists in more recent discoveries iu this State and Nevada Territory, above alluded to. We believe that onr market las been supplied altogether from Inglaad. Thor, Wu. P. Buaxeis now engaged by the“ Scott & Perigord Taunel Company “in makiag a scientific survey of the Humboldt range of mountains— especially the section through which the tuanel is being run—with regard to its mineral-bearing qualities; also, to report on the feasibility uf working those mines. Asdata on that subject, he has made the preliminary survey of a railroud to run lrom the big bend in the 'l'ruckee river—about forty miles from Virginia—to a point on the west side of the Humboldt range, the whole distance being about 85 iniles, and quite practicable for the easy coastruction of a road. Such aroad would traasmit ores to the ‘Truckee, where there are some of tho best facilities for the application of water power in the world, and an everlasting supply of fuel, which will be brought to the mills at a nomiaal price. Tus OskLanp Raiwroap has already heen extended as fur as Clinton, to which point the ears will shortly commcace runaiag. The road will sooa be pushed ou through the Alameda valley. From Ipano.—The Humboldt Register says that quite a number of persous have recently returaed to Star City from Boise River aad Jordan Creck.— Apovr tur “* Formation or Metaniic Veixs.”— Messrs. Editors: In the scries of nrticles on “The Formution of Metallic Veias” there occura few typographical errors, some too apparent to necd correction, and others mnterially affecting the senso of the ideas to bo conveyed. Of the lutter class, in No. 1, paragraph seventh, for “such as magnesia,” read “such as manganese ;” in paragraph eleventh, for “ fluor spar,” read “ fluoriae.” No. 3, paragraph first, for “stratic limestones,” read “steatic limestones ;" paragraph second, fur “the writer holds the system,” read “tho writer holds that the system.” No. 4, paragraph seventh, for “and conacquently black as sand,” read “and consequently black, as sand,” the comma having been omitted. In noticing Mr. Fox's theory of fissures, I wrote from mere remembrunce, nnd uaintentionnlly confounded his experimental production of veins with his observation on the fissnres containing the veins of Cornwall. On re-perusal I fiad that he ascribed tho production of the latter to the internal heat of the earth (of which he was a strenuous advoente), posterior to and independent of the eruptive diaturbances attendant upon the noplift of the gramte and the intrusioa of the clvan dykes. Against the general reception of this theory my remarks are eqnally applicable. I will here state what I failed to explicitly explain, that Ido not believe that more then a few fissures necessarily remained open until filled with veinstone, but that the mechanical fracture, however slight or prolonged the parting, produced perpetual lines of division in tbe strata and masses of rock, which by readily admitting the flow of water and interruptiag the electrical curreuts, accumulated veins and their metallic conteats. The best veins in our State are between the natural divisioas of different geological strata, where tbcre never could have beea a coulescence. In Washoe many fissures appear to havo been produced beaeath the ocean and immediately filled to a certain depth with calcareous material, within which veinstoae of quartz has since heen eliminated from the swrounding rock. In this respect tbey resemble the veins upon which Werner founded his theory of the sedimentary origin of all veins. Epwarp A. Minzs. Tut Pano Process at rut Gounp anp Curry Axp Opmer Repveniox Worxs.—The Territorial Enterprise of May 27th says :

The Gould and Curry Company are abont to change the process of reduction ia their mill trom the dry to the wet method. The dry mode is very hard on the lungs ol the workmen, nnd is no more economical than the wet plan. ‘They are now engaged in the ercction of six large patio platforms, to be used in working the tailings from the mill. The amalgamation will be effected in the tortas without the aid of the wooden whecls commonly used, a nuniber of Mexican mustangs having been procured to he used in treading the pulp, lus plan of working silver ore is practised in Mexico, but is very hard on the poor animals, as, owing to the chemicals used in the pulp, their legs are liable to become very sore, and the mercury in the mass is also iajurious to their health. The Ophir Company are also increasing their em. ployment of this method for poor ores. The series of articles which we are now publishiug’ on the Patio process will, we trust, clear up some points to which less atteation has been given by many practical amalgamators than may be required. Those who are adapting this process to pan amalgamation will see much of interest to them carefully traced in this summary of the observations of their fellow-workers in other couatries. ‘The waste to which their chemicals are exposed—the action of ligbt and heat—the effect of one ore on another when subject to attrition together—are of importance. Especial notice is drawn to the essential difference between these methods aud the principle of treating a uniform product aimed at in the latest Wuropean improvemeats. Tne Retsp River Revew.e now comes to us daily instead of weekly as heretofore. Wm. C. Philips, the former proprietor, has sold out to Fairchild They do not givea very flattering account of that! ance in both matter and manner, and must take region as a miniag country. a high staad amoag the dailies of Silverland. & Co. ‘Ibe paper makes a decidedly good appear-’ —— Mariposa Company. The Mariposn Coinpany, lately formed in New York, have purchased the interest of Mork Bramn. gim and Trenor W. Park in the estate known ns Las Mariposas,” or, in plain English, “ The Butterflies,” and as soie names now prominently before ourreuders will appear during the recital, we consider this as good an opportunity as any tn give o brief WISTORY OF “LAS MARIPOSAS.” This cclebrated tract of laad was originally owned under a graat from the Mexican Government to Juun B. Alvurado, and was by him sold to John GC. Fremont, and nfter a time resold under a judgment recovercd by Francisco O. Campo ngainst J. C. Fremont and other parties, tbrough which sale the interest of Mcssrs. Brumagim ond Garrison in the estate came, and fiually passed into the hands of “The Mariposa Company,” which company, (organized and incorporated uader the laws of the Stute of New York,) either forgetting, or being wilfully blind to, entirely ignored the claims of Messrs. Brumagim & Garrison ; but these gentlemen, not being either bliud to their owa interests or forgettul of their clains for moneys actually advanced to Messrs. J. C. Fremont and ‘I’. W. Park, offered to the aew company a chance to purchase from them all their interest in ‘‘ Las Mariposas ” for the sum of (in round figures) $175,000. This offer _ the company indignantly refused, and as Messrs. Brumagim aad Garrison were cool, clear-headed busiaess men, they immediately proceeded to commence operations to enforce their claim; ond, having first obtained an extensive and thorough abstract of their, title, proceeded to institute legal proceedings for the — sums advanced and interest thereon. The New York Company, findiag that they had found parties who would not be scared, and believing that discretion was the better part of valor, offered, like Captain Scott’s celebrated coon, to “come down,” and were finally allowed to do so tothe umount of $350,000 in gold coin. as the sellers are amply recompensed, aud at last the Mariposa Company of New York have obtuaiued an absolutely perfect title to the grant whose name heads this article. ~ “Mounr Epen Mintno Company,” Goun Hint, N. T.—The above aamed company receatly filed a certificate in the County Court reducing their Capital Stock from $600,000 to $360,000, and increasing the number of shares from 1,200 to 1,800, an addition of 600 feet of ground having been added to the claim. This company was originally started as 2 prospecting compaay, and afterwards made the location ‘noy known as the Owen lode, at Gold Hill, which from the surface mnde a most excellent showing. The entire ledge, for twenty feet deep, was taken out and put aside for selecting and working at some future day. The Superintendent has followed dowa an incline oa the foot wall for 110 feet ia depth, occasionally tapping the ledge to ascertain its value, Tt has also beea traced down the hill toward the ravine, showiag that drainage can be had some 800 feet deep from the top of the present shaft by running a tunnel. ‘his ledge is doubtless oa the Justis lode, and is known to be at least ten feet in width. The Superiatendent, F. Morgan, would be pleased to show aay party through the miae, who desire to examine the same, and will give them all required information. Thus far everythiag done has been with the strictest regard to ecoaomy, aad the miue promises soon to rank among tbe best ia the Territory. We understand the President, Mr. W. Augs. Knapp, goes to New York on the next steamer, on Monday, for the parpose of endeavoring to iavite Fastern capitalists to iavestigate and become interested in the Company. : Patriotic Stocknotpers.—As will be seen by our . Sharobolders’ Directory, quite a umber of eompanies announce tbeir annual meeting oa the Fourth of July. The result is gratifying all round, -