Volume 12 (1866) (428 pages)

168 The Wining and Seientific Press, Mining and Scientitic Press, W. B. EWER,.00-¢-0ccuceaceeeeeeeeetense es! SEntoR Enitor, 0, W. M. SMITH. W. B. EWER. A. T. DEWEY, DEWEY & CO. Publishers. Orrioe—No. 505 Clay street, corner of Sansome, 2d floor. Terms of Subscription: One co} er annum, In advance,. 85 00 One copy, be months, In advance, . va 300 Rae For sale by Carrlers and Newsdealers. 6g ¥t in Impossible for editors to know att the merits and of their corr a consequently the reader must not recelve the apinions of our contributors ag ourown. Intelligent discussion is Invited upon all sides and the evidence of any error which may appear will be re ceived in friendship and treated with respect. American nnd Foret Patents,—Letters Patent for Inventors can be seeured inthe United States and forelgn countries through the Mining awn Scientiric Press PaTENT AGENcy. We offer appllenants reasonable terms, and they ean rest assured of a strict complance with our obligations, aud afalthfol Ber foamance of alicontracts, Forreference, we qill farnish the names of numerous parties for whom we have obtained patents during the past two years. Favorable to Inventors,—Persons holding new Inveitlons of machinery and Important improvements, can have the same illustrated and explained in the Minina AnD Screntiric Pruss, free of charge, ifin our judgment the discovery Is one of real merit, and of sutielent luterest to our readers to warrant publication. Payment In Advunce.---This paper will not be sent tosubserlbers beyond the term pald for. The publishers well know that a good journal cannot be sustained on the credit system. Mr. Wm. KE. Bradshuw, . s our Special Correspondent and Traveling Agent. Ail favorsor assistance rendered him Inhls progress through the country in behalf of our journal, will be duly acknowledged. San Fraversco, Jan Ist, 1866.° Mr. A. ©. Knox, !s our fully authorized Travellng Agent, and all subseriptlons. or other favors extended to him, wlll be duly acknowledged at this office. San Francisco, Jan lth, 1866. Mr. Etwwin Davis, is authorized to sollelt subscriptlons, advertising, etc., for the MINING AND ScliENTIFIO PRESS, in San Franeisco, and to receipt tor the same. 0 San Francisco: Saturday Morning, Mar. 17,1866. Endor*ement by the Miners’ State Convention. The foliowing resolution was adopted by the Callfornla Miners’ State Convention, held at Sacramento, Jan. 171h, 1866: Resolved, That we regard a mining paper or Journal of great importance to the mining Interest of California, and werecommend the MINinc aND ScientTIFIo Fress, of San Franelseo, to the consideration and support of the miners of the Pacific coast. Perroreum Matrers.—Wo understand that the pump is now at regular work in the Lexington well; all the strata of oil rock which have been passed through hy the well, heve been opened, by cutting the tubing at the proper points to ndmit of the seepage of oil into the well. As soon as the lateral pressure from the column of water in the well upon the several oil etratas has been removed hy the pump, we may expect to learn the full capacity of this well for producing oil. We learn that quite a considerable quantity of oil is even now being raised ; eufficient to warrant quite flattering expectations in the minds of the shareholders. We trust their fullest anticipatione may be realized. The new retorts recently erected at the Petroleum works, six miles north of Santa Cruz, are working well, turaing out over 100 gallons ofcrude oil per day. ‘The refinery is only run three daysin the week. There was a cave in the main hody of the material a few days since, removing a mass of oil-sand of over 100 tons in weight, the richeet yet worked; after the cave a lurge amount of gas escaped from the cracks and fissures. Since the lute rains several new indicatione have been discovered, showing rich signs of petroleum. It is now confidently helieved thata stream of flowing oil might be struck by boring deep enough, in the valley below the works. . The Wilmington Journal says: “The Los Angeles Pioneer Oil Company’s well is 330 feet deep; it sends forth daily ahout 1,500 barrels of water, with five or six gallons of oil. Gas issues from it, resembliug the noted burning springs of Western Virginia, sufficient to light several large hotels. Water was struck at the depth of 310 feet in shule rock, which continued for ten feet, when sandstone was again found.” Tue Rain Faty.—he rain fall in this city, from September let, 1865, to March 1st, 1866, has been 19.49 inches. ‘The fall in Nevada for the eame period was 39.92 inchee. This is about the usual proportion of rain hetween the sea coast, at San Francisco, and the middle western slope of the Sicrra Nevadas. THE MINERAL LANDS IN CONGRESS. The Senate Committee on Public Lands have decided to report adversely to Sherman’s (Senate) Bill. Senator Stewart, of Neveda, has been selected to draw up the report. That report will doubtlees be all that the strongest opponents of the sale of the mineral lands could desire. Four out of nine of the Committee on Public Lands in the House have reported in favor of Julian’s (House) Bill, for the survey and sale of the mineral lands. McRuer, of California, who is one of the minority, will submit a minority report. In some respects the bills of Sherman and Julian differ; hut both provide for a radical change in the policy of the Governmeut here. tofore adopted in dealing with the mineral lands of the Pueific Sates and Territories. Julian’s Bill is generally considered to be the least objectionable, heing more simple in its provisions, and aiming directly at the single ohject of granting ahsolute titles to the possessors, aod such as may euhsequently hecome, under that hill, owners of mineral lands. The mining interest has two powerful friends in Congress, who are watching with eagle eyes the attempt being niade to force upon the country these tio hills of ahominations. When the proper time comes, Mr. Stewart of the Senate, and Mr. Mcltuer of the House, cided hy the entire Pacific delegation, in hoth branches of Congress, will give them such a ventilation as will put a pretty effectual quietus on this and nll other attempts of mere politicians to push through Congress, under the mistaken apprehension of doing a public good, a measure, the legitimate result of which would he the creation of a cloud of overshadowing monopolies, thet would result in the absolute ruin of the mining prospects of the Pecific coest, and eventually end in financial disaster to Kastern commercial enterprise, and ruin to our national currency, by the closing up, to nu great extent, of the present supply of precioue metals, to which, more than to anything else, we must look for future commercial prosperity, and an ently resumption of specie payments. It is useless to epeak to Californians of the utter impossibility of carrying out the letter of the project proposed in both of the bills now under discussion. The hills are as impracticable as they areimpolitic. By the time this discussion is over with, in Congress, the wants and condition of the miners and our mineral interests will he better understood than they have ever heen heretofore. The feeling in hehalf of a wise and liberal policy on the part of the Government, in this matter, is rapidly gaiuing ground, in hoth branches of Congress, and we may feel confident in the assurance that no hill for the sale of the tnineral lande can possibly become a law during the preeent session of Congress. But, as “ eternal vigilance is the price of liberty,” our citizens have wisely determiued to let our delegation in Congress know that we are not indifferent to the perils by which we are surrounded, and at the same time lend a helping hand to those who are doing valiant service for us in the halls of the National Legislature. Accordingly, a PUBLIC MEETING Of all persons interested in mines and mining was held on Thursday afternoon last at the Merchant’s Exchange, in this city, for the pur_ pose of considering and taking action in this matter. Among those present were Alpheus Ball, President of the Savage and Gould & Curry mines; Solomon MHydenfeldt. C. P. Lolor, W.H. V. Cronise, R. G. Suesath, Mr. Wand, E. B. Holmes, and others. Mr. Sneath was called to the chair, and Mr. Holmes appointed Secretary. After a general and iu. formal interchange of opinion it was decided to appoint a committee to draft resolutions expressive of the sentiments of the people of the Pacific coast, touching the subject of the disposal of the mineral lands by Government —Committee to report at an adjourned meeting to be held on Tuesday afternoon of nest week. Messrs, Bull, Cronise and Hydenfeldt were appointed a Committee with power to add nive other gentlemen, making the Committee to consist of twelve memhers. The ineeting udjourned. We trust there will be a full attendance of those interested et the next meeting, to show that we are on the alert, and see that no advantage is lost hy any appearance of supineness on the part of those most interested. Emphatic action at the present time will greatly encourage our friends iu Congress and exert an important influence on many who have hitherto favoreda sale of the mineral lands, through a inistaken upprehension of what was for the public good. GAS IN A QUARTZ MINE. Some weeks eince, we made a brief notice of an irruption of noxious gas into the Leviathan tunnel, near Monitor, Alpine county, and in such qnantity us to drive the workmen from the tunnel. The Gazette of the 9th instent contains the following item of further informstion with regard to the phenomenon : It was thought the unwholsome and offensive gas which prevented work in the Leviethan tunnel would he obviated hy the introduction of pipe and the use of a fire-hlast, hut we are sorry to say the experiment wus tried last week and proved unsuccessful. The workmen found improvement sufficieut to enable them to breathe comparatively well, nnd pushed the tunnel ahend several feet, hut were compelled to ahandon the underteking hy reason of the destructive effect on the eyes. ‘The use of a large bellows in place of the blast was also tried, but still the eyes were pained heyond endurance. : Query.—What is the cause? and what the remedy ? ‘The gas usually encountered in mines is sulpliureted hydrogen, a highly inflammable substance. Carbonic acid gas is sometimes met with, in which neither flame nor life can existItis very seldom that either of these gases are met with in apy other than conl mines: where the former, especially, is very often encountered, and is produced from the decomposition of organic snbstances. As it is seldom that organic enhstances are met with in mines of silver or gold, we must attribute the formation of such gases there to other causes than the decay of vegetuhle matter. In the cnse ahove alluded to, the gas encountered was probahly a sulphureted hydrogen, produced hy the decomposition of iron pyrites and water. It was, perhaps, mixed with a small quontity of sulphurous acid gas, which latter, if present in any considerable quantity, would cause a smarting seusation in the eyes and a tingling in the throat, provoking ahacking cough. The smell of sulphuretcd hydrogen ie exceedingly nauseating and oppressive, us descrihed by the Guzetle. It is more thu probable that on reaching a greater depth, or near to the point at which this chemical action is tnking place, hot water will he encouutered, asin the Ophir mine, about a yearago. Had that mine not heen thoroughly ventilated, the workinen there would doubtless have ohserved the presence of the sane kind of gas as that met with in the Leviathan tunnel. The only way to get rid of it is to arrange fora thorough ventilation of the tunnel. Miners awp Assayers in want of assayers’ material will do well to call upon John Taylor & Co., of this city, importers and dealers in such material. ‘That firm keeps constantly on hand a large assortment of balances, furnaces, crucibles, gold scales, chemical glassware of every description, etc. See their advertisment in another column. Yusa Gap Wacon Roap.— According to the returns, as published iu the Downieville Avessenger, the proposition tu aid the Yuba Gap Wagon Road, by scrip from that county, has been defeated by a small majority. Tae Sitver Peak Mines, which were discovered only ahout one year since, have already yielded over $100,000 of bullion. A shipinent of 1,200 pounds of bullion was lately received in this city, at one time. A pPraru, valued at five thousand dollars, was recently shown the editor of the Panama Star and Herald, taken from the Pearl Islands in the Day of Pauama. [Written for the Mining and Scientific Press.) From Sacramento and Placet Counties, BY OUR TRAVELING CORRESPONDENT. Messrs. Epirors :—As it is raining to-day, and disagreeable traveling, I.will while away an hour in writing up my notee from Folsom to this place. The first point reached, of any interest, was Mormon Islnud, one of the oldest mining camps in Californin—the second one discovered, I helieve—which continued for a time to pour its streams of goldeu treasure into the City of the Saints, from wiom it derived its name. ‘The Island proper was a rich hed of gravel, in the midst of the South Fork of the American River, now nearly worked out and given over to Clinamen. Very little is heing done in the way of mining immediately in the village, although the impressions prevail that there are very rich deposits of gold near at hand, requiring capital and enterprise to bring them out, and there is a long and hopeful future to the place, when they shall have driven their tunnels in all directions into the hillsides around, giving employment for labor and cupital for at least a geveration. The Nutoma Ditch Company, with a capital of $300,000, have purchased twenty-eight claims of: 30 feet frout und 100 deep, iu Bluo Ravine, just ahove the village, in Red Bank District. ‘They have a tunnel, saying nothing of its branches from either side, full 2,500 feet in length, costing in round numbers about $30,000, which they expect to extend the ensuing year 1,700 feet farther, through which a very large portion of whrt is believed to he valuable ground, will he reached. This ravine has paid heretofore $7 or #5 te the hand, and itis the belief of the Agent of the Compeny here, that it will pay well throughout its whole extent, perhaps on un’ avernge of $6 to the man. Many in the neighborhood have abandoned mining, and are now engaged in extracting the precious metals from the soil, in the form of fruit and wioe, large quantities, and of firstrate quality, heing produced from year to year. Mr. Bughee informed me that his vineyurd turned out last season 8,000 gallons of wine, worth $1.50 per gallon. Pardon me for this digression, for 1 was nearly as much excited hy the wine of this locality, and felt myself nearly as rich,as if I had just discovered enother Ophir. In the vicinity of the Rowland Hill House Messrs. Eels & Co. were found, sinking a shaft in search of copper, good iudications of which are seen for miles both north ‘and south of where they are at work. A large amount of prospecting has been done to discover good copper ore in this region, but thus lar without satisfactory results, and all, with the above exception, have ceased ‘work. While these geutlemen have much te encourage them, their perseverance deservee a rich reward. Success to them ! : As to this place, I see little to hope for in the way of mining, unless good quartz lodes should be discovered, fer surface diggings are hecoming more and more unprofitable. 1 give first impressions. Should anything be seen or learned during my stay here to alter my viewe, you shall hear from me again. In the meantime, I remain, as ever, your faithful ' PRosPEctor. Salmon Falls, March 8th, 1866. Moore’s Grinpers.—The following is an extract of a letter from F. O. Nelson, Snperintendent of the Victor Geld Mine Company, at Rocky Bar, Idaho Territory, under date February 14th, 1866. ‘The grinder and amalgamator referred to is that patented hy Mr. Albert Moore, of thie city. Mr. Nelson writes of this machine as follows :— “Your grinders and amalgamators work finely, and are all that one could wish them to be. With five stamps and two grinders I crush and ainalgamate twenty to twenty-five tons per day, (twenty-four hours). Col. Ruckle told me that he should order sume of them for his mill on Powder River. [The colonel has since hauded in hig order to Mr. Moore.—Eps. Press.] Also Mr. W. Waddingham. Superintendent of the Waddingham Mining Company, at this plnce, will want them. [Mr. Waddiugham's order for two of the machines was received some time since. ‘They were promptly forwarded, hut are now snow-buund on Blue Mountain, en route for the mill—lps. Press.] There are others who will order these grinders thie spring. Parties in New York are writing me, and want to know how I like Moore’s Grinders, and my answer to thein is, that they are the best. grinder and amalgamator in usc. and I think, ere long, you will eell a grent many for this territory, as well as Montuna.

168 The Wining and Seientific Press, Mining and Scientitic Press, W. B. EWER,..00-¢-0ccuceaceeeeeeeeetense es! SEntoR Enitor, 0, W. M. SMITH. W. B. EWER. A. T. DEWEY, DEWEY & CO. Publishers. Orrioe—No. 505 Clay street, corner of Sansome, 2d floor. Terms of Subscription: One co} er annum, In advance,. 85 00 One copy, be months, In advance, . va 300 Rae For sale by Carrlers and Newsdealers. 6g ¥t in Impossible for editors to know att the merits and of their corr a consequently the reader must not recelve the apinions of our contributors ag ourown. Intelligent discussion is Invited upon all sides and the evidence of any error which may appear will be re ceived in friendship and treated with respect. American nnd Foret Patents,—Letters Patent for Inventors can be seeured inthe United States and forelgn countries through the Mining awn Scientiric Press PaTENT AGENcy. We offer appllenants reasonable terms, and they ean rest assured of a strict complance with our obligations, aud afalthfol Ber foamance of alicontracts, Forreference, we qill farnish the names of numerous parties for whom we have obtained patents during the past two years. Favorable to Inventors,—Persons holding new Inveitlons of machinery and Important improvements, can have the same illustrated and explained in the Minina AnD Screntiric Pruss, free of charge, ifin our judgment the discovery Is one of real merit, and of sutielent luterest to our readers to warrant publication. Payment In Advunce.---This paper will not be sent tosubserlbers beyond the term pald for. The publishers well know that a good journal cannot be sustained on the credit system. Mr. Wm. KE. Bradshuw, . s our Special Correspondent and Traveling Agent. Ail favorsor assistance rendered him Inhls progress through the country in behalf of our journal, will be duly acknowledged. San Fraversco, Jan Ist, 1866.° Mr. A. ©. Knox, !s our fully authorized Travellng Agent, and all subseriptlons. or other favors extended to him, wlll be duly acknowledged at this office. San Francisco, Jan lth, 1866. Mr. Etwwin Davis, is authorized to sollelt subscriptlons, advertising, etc., for the MINING AND ScliENTIFIO PRESS, in San Franeisco, and to receipt tor the same. 0 San Francisco: Saturday Morning, Mar. 17,1866. Endor*ement by the Miners’ State Convention. The foliowing resolution was adopted by the Callfornla Miners’ State Convention, held at Sacramento, Jan. 171h, 1866: Resolved, That we regard a mining paper or Journal of great importance to the mining Interest of California, and werecommend the MINinc aND ScientTIFIo Fress, of San Franelseo, to the consideration and support of the miners of the Pacific coast. Perroreum Matrers.—Wo understand that the pump is now at regular work in the Lexington well; all the strata of oil rock which have been passed through hy the well, heve been opened, by cutting the tubing at the proper points to ndmit of the seepage of oil into the well. As soon as the lateral pressure from the column of water in the well upon the several oil etratas has been removed hy the pump, we may expect to learn the full capacity of this well for producing oil. We learn that quite a considerable quantity of oil is even now being raised ; eufficient to warrant quite flattering expectations in the minds of the shareholders. We trust their fullest anticipatione may be realized. The new retorts recently erected at the Petroleum works, six miles north of Santa Cruz, are working well, turaing out over 100 gallons ofcrude oil per day. ‘The refinery is only run three daysin the week. There was a cave in the main hody of the material a few days since, removing a mass of oil-sand of over 100 tons in weight, the richeet yet worked; after the cave a lurge amount of gas escaped from the cracks and fissures. Since the lute rains several new indicatione have been discovered, showing rich signs of petroleum. It is now confidently helieved thata stream of flowing oil might be struck by boring deep enough, in the valley below the works. . The Wilmington Journal says: “The Los Angeles Pioneer Oil Company’s well is 330 feet deep; it sends forth daily ahout 1,500 barrels of water, with five or six gallons of oil. Gas issues from it, resembliug the noted burning springs of Western Virginia, sufficient to light several large hotels. Water was struck at the depth of 310 feet in shule rock, which continued for ten feet, when sandstone was again found.” Tue Rain Faty.—he rain fall in this city, from September let, 1865, to March 1st, 1866, has been 19.49 inches. ‘The fall in Nevada for the eame period was 39.92 inchee. This is about the usual proportion of rain hetween the sea coast, at San Francisco, and the middle western slope of the Sicrra Nevadas. THE MINERAL LANDS IN CONGRESS. The Senate Committee on Public Lands have decided to report adversely to Sherman’s (Senate) Bill. Senator Stewart, of Neveda, has been selected to draw up the report. That report will doubtlees be all that the strongest opponents of the sale of the mineral lands could desire. Four out of nine of the Committee on Public Lands in the House have reported in favor of Julian’s (House) Bill, for the survey and sale of the mineral lands. McRuer, of California, who is one of the minority, will submit a minority report. In some respects the bills of Sherman and Julian differ; hut both provide for a radical change in the policy of the Governmeut here. tofore adopted in dealing with the mineral lands of the Pueific Sates and Territories. Julian’s Bill is generally considered to be the least objectionable, heing more simple in its provisions, and aiming directly at the single ohject of granting ahsolute titles to the possessors, aod such as may euhsequently hecome, under that hill, owners of mineral lands. The mining interest has two powerful friends in Congress, who are watching with eagle eyes the attempt being niade to force upon the country these tio hills of ahominations. When the proper time comes, Mr. Stewart of the Senate, and Mr. Mcltuer of the House, cided hy the entire Pacific delegation, in hoth branches of Congress, will give them such a ventilation as will put a pretty effectual quietus on this and nll other attempts of mere politicians to push through Congress, under the mistaken apprehension of doing a public good, a measure, the legitimate result of which would he the creation of a cloud of overshadowing monopolies, thet would result in the absolute ruin of the mining prospects of the Pecific coest, and eventually end in financial disaster to Kastern commercial enterprise, and ruin to our national currency, by the closing up, to nu great extent, of the present supply of precioue metals, to which, more than to anything else, we must look for future commercial prosperity, and an ently resumption of specie payments. It is useless to epeak to Californians of the utter impossibility of carrying out the letter of the project proposed in both of the bills now under discussion. The hills are as impracticable as they areimpolitic. By the time this discussion is over with, in Congress, the wants and condition of the miners and our mineral interests will he better understood than they have ever heen heretofore. The feeling in hehalf of a wise and liberal policy on the part of the Government, in this matter, is rapidly gaiuing ground, in hoth branches of Congress, and we may feel confident in the assurance that no hill for the sale of the tnineral lande can possibly become a law during the preeent session of Congress. But, as “ eternal vigilance is the price of liberty,” our citizens have wisely determiued to let our delegation in Congress know that we are not indifferent to the perils by which we are surrounded, and at the same time lend a helping hand to those who are doing valiant service for us in the halls of the National Legislature. Accordingly, a PUBLIC MEETING Of all persons interested in mines and mining was held on Thursday afternoon last at the Merchant’s Exchange, in this city, for the pur_ pose of considering and taking action in this matter. Among those present were Alpheus Ball, President of the Savage and Gould & Curry mines; Solomon MHydenfeldt. C. P. Lolor, W.H. V. Cronise, R. G. Suesath, Mr. Wand, E. B. Holmes, and others. Mr. Sneath was called to the chair, and Mr. Holmes appointed Secretary. After a general and iu. formal interchange of opinion it was decided

to appoint a committee to draft resolutions expressive of the sentiments of the people of the Pacific coast, touching the subject of the disposal of the mineral lands by Government —Committee to report at an adjourned meeting to be held on Tuesday afternoon of nest week. Messrs, Bull, Cronise and Hydenfeldt were appointed a Committee with power to add nive other gentlemen, making the Committee to consist of twelve memhers. The ineeting udjourned. We trust there will be a full attendance of those interested et the next meeting, to show that we are on the alert, and see that no advantage is lost hy any appearance of supineness on the part of those most interested. Emphatic action at the present time will greatly encourage our friends iu Congress and exert an important influence on many who have hitherto favoreda sale of the mineral lands, through a inistaken upprehension of what was for the public good. GAS IN A QUARTZ MINE. Some weeks eince, we made a brief notice of an irruption of noxious gas into the Leviathan tunnel, near Monitor, Alpine county, and in such qnantity us to drive the workmen from the tunnel. The Gazette of the 9th instent contains the following item of further informstion with regard to the phenomenon : It was thought the unwholsome and offensive gas which prevented work in the Leviethan tunnel would he obviated hy the introduction of pipe and the use of a fire-hlast, hut we are sorry to say the experiment wus tried last week and proved unsuccessful. The workmen found improvement sufficieut to enable them to breathe comparatively well, nnd pushed the tunnel ahend several feet, hut were compelled to ahandon the underteking hy reason of the destructive effect on the eyes. ‘The use of a large bellows in place of the blast was also tried, but still the eyes were pained heyond endurance. : Query.—What is the cause? and what the remedy ? ‘The gas usually encountered in mines is sulpliureted hydrogen, a highly inflammable substance. Carbonic acid gas is sometimes met with, in which neither flame nor life can existItis very seldom that either of these gases are met with in apy other than conl mines: where the former, especially, is very often encountered, and is produced from the decomposition of organic snbstances. As it is seldom that organic enhstances are met with in mines of silver or gold, we must attribute the formation of such gases there to other causes than the decay of vegetuhle matter. In the cnse ahove alluded to, the gas encountered was probahly a sulphureted hydrogen, produced hy the decomposition of iron pyrites and water. It was, perhaps, mixed with a small quontity of sulphurous acid gas, which latter, if present in any considerable quantity, would cause a smarting seusation in the eyes and a tingling in the throat, provoking ahacking cough. The smell of sulphuretcd hydrogen ie exceedingly nauseating and oppressive, us descrihed by the Guzetle. It is more thu probable that on reaching a greater depth, or near to the point at which this chemical action is tnking place, hot water will he encouutered, asin the Ophir mine, about a yearago. Had that mine not heen thoroughly ventilated, the workinen there would doubtless have ohserved the presence of the sane kind of gas as that met with in the Leviathan tunnel. The only way to get rid of it is to arrange fora thorough ventilation of the tunnel. Miners awp Assayers in want of assayers’ material will do well to call upon John Taylor & Co., of this city, importers and dealers in such material. ‘That firm keeps constantly on hand a large assortment of balances, furnaces, crucibles, gold scales, chemical glassware of every description, etc. See their advertisment in another column. Yusa Gap Wacon Roap.— According to the returns, as published iu the Downieville Avessenger, the proposition tu aid the Yuba Gap Wagon Road, by scrip from that county, has been defeated by a small majority. Tae Sitver Peak Mines, which were discovered only ahout one year since, have already yielded over $100,000 of bullion. A shipinent of 1,200 pounds of bullion was lately received in this city, at one time. A pPraru, valued at five thousand dollars, was recently shown the editor of the Panama Star and Herald, taken from the Pearl Islands in the Day of Pauama. [Written for the Mining and Scientific Press.) From Sacramento and Placet Counties, BY OUR TRAVELING CORRESPONDENT. Messrs. Epirors :—As it is raining to-day, and disagreeable traveling, I.will while away an hour in writing up my notee from Folsom to this place. The first point reached, of any interest, was Mormon Islnud, one of the oldest mining camps in Californin—the second one discovered, I helieve—which continued for a time to pour its streams of goldeu treasure into the City of the Saints, from wiom it derived its name. ‘The Island proper was a rich hed of gravel, in the midst of the South Fork of the American River, now nearly worked out and given over to Clinamen. Very little is heing done in the way of mining immediately in the village, although the impressions prevail that there are very rich deposits of gold near at hand, requiring capital and enterprise to bring them out, and there is a long and hopeful future to the place, when they shall have driven their tunnels in all directions into the hillsides around, giving employment for labor and cupital for at least a geveration. The Nutoma Ditch Company, with a capital of $300,000, have purchased twenty-eight claims of: 30 feet frout und 100 deep, iu Bluo Ravine, just ahove the village, in Red Bank District. ‘They have a tunnel, saying nothing of its branches from either side, full 2,500 feet in length, costing in round numbers about $30,000, which they expect to extend the ensuing year 1,700 feet farther, through which a very large portion of whrt is believed to he valuable ground, will he reached. This ravine has paid heretofore $7 or #5 te the hand, and itis the belief of the Agent of the Compeny here, that it will pay well throughout its whole extent, perhaps on un’ avernge of $6 to the man. Many in the neighborhood have abandoned mining, and are now engaged in extracting the precious metals from the soil, in the form of fruit and wioe, large quantities, and of firstrate quality, heing produced from year to year. Mr. Bughee informed me that his vineyurd turned out last season 8,000 gallons of wine, worth $1.50 per gallon. Pardon me for this digression, for 1 was nearly as much excited hy the wine of this locality, and felt myself nearly as rich,as if I had just discovered enother Ophir. In the vicinity of the Rowland Hill House Messrs. Eels & Co. were found, sinking a shaft in search of copper, good iudications of which are seen for miles both north ‘and south of where they are at work. A large amount of prospecting has been done to discover good copper ore in this region, but thus lar without satisfactory results, and all, with the above exception, have ceased ‘work. While these geutlemen have much te encourage them, their perseverance deservee a rich reward. Success to them ! : As to this place, I see little to hope for in the way of mining, unless good quartz lodes should be discovered, fer surface diggings are hecoming more and more unprofitable. 1 give first impressions. Should anything be seen or learned during my stay here to alter my viewe, you shall hear from me again. In the meantime, I remain, as ever, your faithful ' PRosPEctor. Salmon Falls, March 8th, 1866. Moore’s Grinpers.—The following is an extract of a letter from F. O. Nelson, Snperintendent of the Victor Geld Mine Company, at Rocky Bar, Idaho Territory, under date February 14th, 1866. ‘The grinder and amalgamator referred to is that patented hy Mr. Albert Moore, of thie city. Mr. Nelson writes of this machine as follows :— “Your grinders and amalgamators work finely, and are all that one could wish them to be. With five stamps and two grinders I crush and ainalgamate twenty to twenty-five tons per day, (twenty-four hours). Col. Ruckle told me that he should order sume of them for his mill on Powder River. [The colonel has since hauded in hig order to Mr. Moore.—Eps. Press.] Also Mr. W. Waddingham. Superintendent of the Waddingham Mining Company, at this plnce, will want them. [Mr. Waddiugham's order for two of the machines was received some time since. ‘They were promptly forwarded, hut are now snow-buund on Blue Mountain, en route for the mill—lps. Press.] There are others who will order these grinders thie spring. Parties in New York are writing me, and want to know how I like Moore’s Grinders, and my answer to thein is, that they are the best. grinder and amalgamator in usc. and I think, ere long, you will eell a grent many for this territory, as well as Montuna.