Volume 17 (1868) (428 pages)

308 The Mining and Scientific Press. Washoe Ores, Reduction Mills and Machinery. Almarin B. Paul, an experienced and well-known quartz operator in Nevada, after giving an interesting review of the mining history of Virgiuia City and viciuity, in the Evening Bulletin, closes with the following : As will be observed by the foregoing tests, the surface ore of Gold Hill commenced with two-thirds gold and one-third silver; this gradually changed iu depth, and my last working on these ores rau dowu to one-third gold in value to two-thirds silver. A BIT OF THEORY. This creates a query, as yet never satisfactorily answered to my mind, and will no doubt have to he propounded many times before we can arrive at a solution that caunot he overthrown. It is presumed aud generally acceded to, although some very prominent geologists think not, that these bodies of minefal are ejected from below. But if so, how is it that the surface always carries a higher percentage of gold, and which loses itself as you descend in depth? Are we sure that gold, through the action of the sun’s heat in connection with atmosphoriec action and the other metals, is not the product of silveras a base? As we are all at sea in reference to the formation of gold and silver, we can only suggest theories, noting Dr. Lanszweert, Daintree, and others’ views. A WORD ABOUT THE HOWLAND ROTARY BATTERY, I will now ask the attention of the reader, if engaged in mining, toa few observations respecting the Howland Rotary Battery, as no act of mine in mining has been more criticized than the adopting of these batteries in my Washoe operations. Their adoption was no blind work, as I had used them for three successive years previous, and in no test with other mills was I beat in returns. Jhad theu and have now great faith in their principle. It certainly is in the right direction. They will in time, I am confident, become popular, especially when introduced with the later improvements, on account of their simplicity, etticient working and cheapness. SOME SUGGESTIVE FACTS. They have now been running in the Gold Hill mill of the Imperial Silver Mining Company, for over seven years. As this will be admitted by all to beagood test, we will see how it figures up in the later years as to yield per ton and wear and tear. To get at it we will take the official reports of the company for 1865, 1866, 1867, 1868. It must he understood thatthe Imperial Comany have two mills, one of forty stamps, etary) at Gold Hill, run by steam power, and one of eighty stamps (straight batteries) at Dayton, run by water power. The tests I bring up are on ore from the same mine—‘‘ Alta ”=-of which these mills have worked thousands of tons within the time named : : 1865—Gold Hill Mill, yield per ton. 1865—Reck Point Mil, “ * 1866—Gold Hii Mid, 1866—Rock Point Mill, « « 18¢7—Gold Hill Mil,“ 1867—Rock Point Mill, ‘* 6 aoe 1868—Gold Hill Mil, 1868—Rock Point Mil, « By this, it will be seen that, with the exceptions of the last year, the Gold Hill mill had yielded a larger percentage per ton than the Rock Point with all its modern improved amalgamating appliances, the former having the Knox pan, which was first introduced when I built the mill. So much for the yield per ton; now for the wear and tear. The amouut of ore worked during the foregoing year, was: Rock Point mill, 95,312 tons; Gold Hill, 43,279 tons. The receipts for old iron during the same period, was: Rock Point mill, $16,338.53; Gold Hill, $4,817.81. This gives the wear and tear per ton of Rock Poiut mill, 17 cents, and a fraction over, per ton; Gold Hill, 11 cents, and a fraction over, per ton; fractions being about equal. These are undeniable facts, and will no douht set quartz men, who are not governed by prejudice, to thinking, as the saving of mouey in the first investment, and being daily benefitedin yield and wear and tear, is an item they generally are ready to consider and accept. TRO AND WOODEN BATTERIES, Somehow in California there seems to be an opinion that batteries constructed entirely of iron will not do, while in Europe and America they ore superseding the wooden ones. The only trouhle in the past with us has becn that ali iron hatteries were too lightly constructed, which proved misplaced economy. In localities where timber is poor or scarce, they certaiuly are cheaper and more durahle. I might here add that my expenses of working ores at Gold Hill mill, from Ist of January, 1862, to Ist July of same year, (being six months, ) was $1.52 per ton. Thisis the only working statistics J can now find among my papers. THE KNOX PAN. As I have hefore ohserved, the pans for amalgamating introduced into these mills were those known as the Knox Pau. These were originally got up for gold ores, and this was their first introduction into silver mining, and we may say the beginning of the iron pan process of working silver ores, unless we except the Hungarian bowl, or the two foot Bartola pan as the origiual pan. The Knox pan is fonr feet in diameter, with iron mullers and copper plated cross-hoards, aud is in an entirely uew direction to either of the ahove. These pans working so well, there was a general desire to improve on them, which has culminated in more thau a dozen different kinds, all of which are about the same thiug, varying, however, in size, speed aud power. For amalgamating slowly I think Knox’s is preferable to all others. Waklie made his five-feet diameter, which gained some celebrity through the Smith and Dewey process. These paus were set on brick furnaces and heated by wood. Howland conceived the idea of a stove, as cheaper and better (for the foundry). They were made of iron, and beneath the pan was a circular flue, in which the heat and smoke cirevlated. IMPROVEMENTS. About this time Waklie, I helieve it was, took up the idea of using steam directly in, the pan (at Mexican Mill, Virginia, Nev.) Howland caught at this idea and put steam iustead of smoke into the iron chamhers below the pan. About the same time Mr. Palmer, of Palmer, Knox & Co., brought out the false hatton with steam chambers; and these are the steps, in order, which have culminated in the Washoe Pan process, and the introductiou of the Varney and Wheeler & Randal pans, which have attained a great popularity from their pulverizing as well as amalgamating qualities, THE GERMAN PLAN PREFERABLE. Although the first, as I claim to be, to launch out on this new line of working silver ores, I nevertheless think it would have been better for Washoe had the German mode been adopted. It would have been going slower, to be sure (which does not suit our active American blood), but that is what we have got to learn in mining land with it—not to expect too much ina short time. We would have heen going slower, as I before observed, but we would have had 30 per cent. more bullion out for circulation, or, tbe Comstock lode many thousands of tons unextracted. A FINAL SUGGESTION. I don’t think it would hurt any of us young American miners either if we would set aside a little of our conceit, and study Enropean and even Mexican modes more than we do, especially the former. We act, talk, write and think too much as though there never was,any mining done until California was discovered and Americans went to mining. Idon’t think it would hurt the shareholders of the Comstock to reflect ou their losses, as on an average 40 per cent. of the Comstock metal is going into the Carson river. The general idea is that a School of Mines is going to remedy all these evils. It may in years to come, bnt there are auy numher of practical and scientific miners in California obtainable at fair salaries, who know more of metallurgy and mining than a School of Mines can teach new pupils in a quarter of a century. Why not commence now if we want to remedy evils by science? I do not wish to he understood as being opposed to aSchool of Mines—that would he absurd. As Prof. Phillips has well observed: Practice is as essential as science. Creation or Man in Hawan.—The god Kane drew his image on the sand, and called it to life by the prayer oft repeated: ‘* # hiki au e ola”—‘* Live through my power.” It became a man named Aulihonua, or ‘“turning earthward,” as did the god when drawing the figure. The man lived, and, heing tired of his lonely life, besought the god for companion. The light from the heavens, Jani, cast lis shadow on the sand. It became a woman, and she was named Keakahulilani—“ Shadow looking heavenward” (for its source). These were the aborigines of Oahu, theix names as above being found in an old mele of the Oahu chiefs. . Nov. 2d. Trustees, (Written for the Mining andSclentifie Press. = An Opportunity for the Erection of Tron Works. In the development of the unmatched resources of California, one of our faults has heen to neglect what may he called the sinews of our strength and wealth, for ohjects which glittered. Agriculture generally was deserted in early days for gold digging, and now, iron, tin, grauite and marhle are neglected for gold and silver. This is wroug. We should not give any one or two interests 2 monopoly of our attention and capital. In diversity of industry lies the greatest wealth and the greatest safety and strength. This, the history of the richest countries of the world has abundantly shown. The fame of the wealth of the Sierra Nevada range in gold and silver deposits is world-wide; but little comparatively is known, because but little has been done to show how rich they are in iron, marble, granite, lime, copper, tin, and many other valuable deposits. The first named—iron— is the most requisite metal to commerce. We use vast quautities of it, and enrich those who produce it abroad, and those who carry it to us from thence, evcry year. This we need not do. Large deposits of iron ore are found in many places in the Sierras, notably at a point distant seven miles from Tinker’s Station, on the Pacific Railroad liue, above Cisco. This ore is of the very best possihle kind, and without selection or picking, yields, when smelted, 80 per cent. of pure iron, of a quality which is suitable for steelmaking purposes. The locality is thickly covered with timber, and a really first ¢lass road connects it with the railroad line. A trip to this place would not cost over $50, and is one of the pleasantest possible. The development of this iron would hardly fail to be very profitable to our manufacturing interests, and we think it would be wise for some of those interested to visit the place and see for themselves the advantages that are offered. No speculators have possession of these iron beds; they are open to the first parties who vome along to work them in good faith. The Pacific Railroad Company offers every inducement to those who set about developing any of the rich resources along the line of its road. Only half the usual charges are levied upon the native products. The State of Nevada is a large consumer of iron, and the deposits named are about 250 miles nearer to it than this city is, whence our sister State receives her iron supplies, The difference in freightcharges would therefore constitute a handsome premium to the iron of the new district. Will some of our iron merchants or foundrymen look into this matter? There is both profit to the individuals and the State in it. T. M. San Francisco, Nov. 16th, 1868. New Incorporations.—Articles of incorporation have been recently filed in the County Clerk’s office iu this city as follows: Kurn River Irricarron Co.—Kern Co. Nov. 7th. Capital stock, $50,000. Trunstees: W. ©. Ralston, Alvinza Hayward and E. V. Joice. CautirorntA Tyre Founpry Co.—San Francisco. Nov. 9th. Capital stock $100,000; 1,000 shares, $100 each. Trustees: Wn. Faulkner, G. L. Faulkner and F. W. Faulkner, 3 Drums Hay Socrery.—San Francisco. Nov. 11th. Cuapital stock, $50,000; 5,000 shares, $10 each. Trustees: J. L. E. Schuetzen, H. J. Hartnagle, Conrad Berghofer, Julius George, Fred. G. EB. Tittel, John Staude, John Otto, Charles Kittelberger, Adolph Falk, Geo. Hobe, J. W. Andrzeiowsky, Theodore Hartung, Joseph Lingenfelser, J. Vanderleith, Jacob Vogelsdorff and Julius Wildermuth. Exzorton or Orrrcers-—Empire Minina Co.-—Nov. 2d. Trustees, Delos Lake, John O. Earl; President, Delos Lake; Secretary, T. W. Colburn. Ristve Star S. M. Co.—Idaho Territory, Geo. D. Roherts, J. W. Gashwiler and J. C. Flood; George D. Roberts was also chosen President, Tire driving over the main channel of the Yuha is progressing finely. Troy ore mining is flourishing in Western Massachusetts. Farmers in Montana are trying to domesticate the huffalo. Tux farmers at Tampa and Clear Water Harhor, Florida, have engaged their crop of oranges at $20 per thousand. In the Platte Valley the wheat crop will yield forty hushels per acre, in a large portion of the valley; oats fifty to eighty hushels. Baxnoon ascents have shown that over England the cloud region hasa thickness varying from 1,500 to 3,000 feet, and that the temperature at the top is not lower than at the bottom. Tre Egyptian Government has appointed the English traveler, Mr. S. Baker, to direct an expedition toward the sources of the Nile, with a view of establishing commercial relations with the natives. Copatr in Tasmania.—The Hobart. Town Mercury of the 17th inst., says: ‘‘Some time ago a lode was discovered on the river Don, in the Devon district, yielding cobalt, silver, copper, and antimony. A-sxcrion of the Perry block pavement was laid at the corner of Montgomery and Jackson streets last Saturday. The advantage claimed for it is a kind of fossilizetion process, rendering wood indestructible by moisture, age or the toredo, A Screntirio Kine.—The King of Siam is an wble astronomer, and possesses a collection of instruments that would excite the envy of any European savant. He edits the Bangkok Almanac and makes frequent and long excursions in order to study the starry firmament. CononiaL Tuwper.—The Hobart Town Mercury reports that a Huon-pine waterwheel, which has been at work for nearly fifty years, underwent examination, and was found to be almost as sound as on the day ofits erection. This fact speaks well for ee durahility of our colonial-grown timer. Practioan AstRonomy.—A French astronomer, Lieutenant Fleuriais, has heen sent to Honolulu by his Government to ascertain more accurately the longitude of that port, as a basis for future astronomical and geographical research. Occultation of the various stars will furnish him with data, Expnorarion or rae Himanava.—Prof, Robert Von Schlagintweit, of the University of Giessen, one of the celebrated explorers of India, especially of the Himalaya region, is soon to arrive inthis country, under an engagement to deliver a series of lectures at the Lowell Institute of Boston, on ‘‘ The Results of a Scientific Mission to India and Upper Asia.” A Popunar German geologist and liberal politician—Prof. Karl Vogt—has bcen engaged by a New York manager to lecture in the United States. Vogt is not only a learned naturalist, but famous as thelcader of the liberal school. He was one of the celehrities of the Left in the Frankfort Parliament, and when that body, in June, 1849, went from Frankfort to Stuttgart, he was elected one of the five regents of the empire. He is an eloquent spcaker. Tre Catuonic Revicion 1 Caina.—The Catholics are erecting a $3,000,000 cathedralin Canton, China, and another, quite as magnificent and costly, is to be put np in Pekin, while in nearly every importaut city of the empire they are building a church. The Jesuits throughout the empire have adopted the dress, habits and customs of the Chinese—eating as they eat, sleeping as they sleep, shaving the forehead and not the crown, just as the Chiuese shave theirs. Tae orange louse or aphis is destroying the orchards at Kona. From one orchard of three hundred trees there is a prospect of but 2,000 oranges, less than the fair yield of a single tree, aud the largest orchard in the country is ahout to be turned into a eane-field. The hlight, which has appeared and receded so capricionsly for many years, seems now to have settled down beyond any reasonable hope of relief. Under these circumstances, itis unlikely that any further attempt at fruit culture will be made in this beautiful district, though coffee culture is being slowly extended, the percentage of loss by blight leaving a margin of profit. Picnics.—All in search of health, pleas-, ure or recreation, will find Woodward’s Gardens one of the most desirahle places of resort this side the garden of Eden. * Ir may be singular, perhaps not, that no one who has purchased spectacles of C. Muller, 205 Montgomery street, isever dissatisficd with his bargain. cs

308 The Mining and Scientific Press. Washoe Ores, Reduction Mills and Machinery. Almarin B. Paul, an experienced and well-known quartz operator in Nevada, after giving an interesting review of the mining history of Virgiuia City and viciuity, in the Evening Bulletin, closes with the following : As will be observed by the foregoing tests, the surface ore of Gold Hill commenced with two-thirds gold and one-third silver; this gradually changed iu depth, and my last working on these ores rau dowu to one-third gold in value to two-thirds silver. A BIT OF THEORY. This creates a query, as yet never satisfactorily answered to my mind, and will no doubt have to he propounded many times before we can arrive at a solution that caunot he overthrown. It is presumed aud generally acceded to, although some very prominent geologists think not, that these bodies of minefal are ejected from below. But if so, how is it that the surface always carries a higher percentage of gold, and which loses itself as you descend in depth? Are we sure that gold, through the action of the sun’s heat in connection with atmosphoriec action and the other metals, is not the product of silveras a base? As we are all at sea in reference to the formation of gold and silver, we can only suggest theories, noting Dr. Lanszweert, Daintree, and others’ views. A WORD ABOUT THE HOWLAND ROTARY BATTERY, I will now ask the attention of the reader, if engaged in mining, toa few observations respecting the Howland Rotary Battery, as no act of mine in mining has been more criticized than the adopting of these batteries in my Washoe operations. Their adoption was no blind work, as I had used them for three successive years previous, and in no test with other mills was I beat in returns. Jhad theu and have now great faith in their principle. It certainly is in the right direction. They will in time, I am confident, become popular, especially when introduced with the later improvements, on account of their simplicity, etticient working and cheapness. SOME SUGGESTIVE FACTS. They have now been running in the Gold Hill mill of the Imperial Silver Mining Company, for over seven years. As this will be admitted by all to beagood test, we will see how it figures up in the later years as to yield per ton and wear and tear. To get at it we will take the official reports of the company for 1865, 1866, 1867, 1868. It must he understood thatthe Imperial Comany have two mills, one of forty stamps, etary) at Gold Hill, run by steam power, and one of eighty stamps (straight batteries) at Dayton, run by water power. The tests I bring up are on ore from the same mine—‘‘ Alta ”=-of which these mills have worked thousands of tons within the time named : : 1865—Gold Hill Mill, yield per ton. 1865—Reck Point Mil, “ * 1866—Gold Hii Mid, 1866—Rock Point Mill, « « 18¢7—Gold Hill Mil,“ 1867—Rock Point Mill, ‘* 6 aoe 1868—Gold Hill Mil, 1868—Rock Point Mil, « By this, it will be seen that, with the exceptions of the last year, the Gold Hill mill had yielded a larger percentage per ton than the Rock Point with all its modern improved amalgamating appliances, the former having the Knox pan, which was first introduced when I built the mill. So much for the yield per ton; now for the wear and tear. The amouut of ore worked during the foregoing year, was: Rock Point mill, 95,312 tons; Gold Hill, 43,279 tons. The receipts for old iron during the same period, was: Rock Point mill, $16,338.53; Gold Hill, $4,817.81. This gives the wear and tear per ton of Rock Poiut mill, 17 cents, and a fraction over, per ton; Gold Hill, 11 cents, and a fraction over, per ton; fractions being about equal. These are undeniable facts, and will no douht set quartz men, who are not governed by prejudice, to thinking, as the saving of mouey in the first investment, and being daily benefitedin yield and wear and tear, is an item they generally are ready to consider and accept. TRO AND WOODEN BATTERIES, Somehow in California there seems to be an opinion that batteries constructed entirely of iron will not do, while in Europe and America they ore superseding the wooden ones. The only trouhle in the past with us has becn that ali iron hatteries were too lightly constructed, which proved misplaced economy. In localities where timber is poor or scarce, they certaiuly are cheaper and more durahle. I might here add that my expenses of working ores at Gold Hill mill, from Ist of January, 1862, to Ist July of same year, (being six months, ) was $1.52 per ton. Thisis the only working statistics J can now find among my papers. THE KNOX PAN. As I have hefore ohserved, the pans for amalgamating introduced into these mills were those known as the Knox Pau. These were originally got up for gold ores, and this was their first introduction into silver mining, and we may say the beginning of the iron pan process of working silver ores, unless we except the Hungarian bowl, or the two foot Bartola pan as the origiual pan. The Knox pan is fonr feet in diameter, with iron mullers and copper plated cross-hoards, aud is in an entirely uew direction to either of the ahove. These pans working so well, there was a general desire to improve on them, which has culminated in more thau a dozen different kinds, all of which are about the same thiug, varying, however, in size, speed aud power. For amalgamating slowly I think Knox’s is preferable to all others. Waklie made his five-feet diameter, which gained some celebrity through the Smith and Dewey process. These paus were set on brick furnaces and heated by wood. Howland conceived the idea of a stove, as cheaper and better (for the foundry). They were made of iron, and beneath the pan was a circular flue, in which the heat and smoke cirevlated. IMPROVEMENTS. About this time Waklie, I helieve it was, took up the idea of using steam directly in, the pan (at Mexican Mill, Virginia, Nev.) Howland caught at this idea and put steam iustead of smoke into the iron chamhers below the pan. About the same time Mr. Palmer, of Palmer, Knox & Co., brought out the false hatton with steam chambers; and these are the steps, in order, which have culminated in the Washoe Pan process, and the introductiou of the Varney and Wheeler & Randal pans, which have attained a great popularity from their pulverizing as well as amalgamating qualities, THE GERMAN PLAN PREFERABLE. Although the first, as I claim to be, to launch out on this new line of working silver ores, I nevertheless think it would have been better for Washoe had the German mode been adopted. It would have been going slower, to be sure (which does not suit our active American blood), but that is what we have got to learn in mining land with it—not to expect too much ina short time. We would have heen going slower, as I before observed, but we would have had 30 per cent. more bullion out for circulation, or, tbe Comstock lode many thousands of tons unextracted. A FINAL SUGGESTION. I don’t think it would hurt any of us young American miners either if we would set aside a little of our conceit, and study Enropean and even Mexican modes more than we do, especially the former. We act, talk, write and think too much as though there never was,any mining done until California was discovered and Americans went to mining. Idon’t think it would hurt the shareholders of the Comstock to reflect ou their losses, as on an average 40 per cent. of the Comstock metal is going into the Carson river. The general idea is that a School of Mines is going to remedy all these evils. It may in years to come, bnt there are auy numher of practical and scientific miners in California obtainable at fair salaries, who know more of metallurgy and mining than a School of Mines can teach new pupils in a quarter of a century. Why not commence now if we want to remedy evils by science? I do not wish to he understood as being opposed to aSchool of Mines—that would he absurd. As Prof. Phillips has well observed: Practice is as essential as science. Creation or Man in Hawan.—The god

Kane drew his image on the sand, and called it to life by the prayer oft repeated: ‘* # hiki au e ola”—‘* Live through my power.” It became a man named Aulihonua, or ‘“turning earthward,” as did the god when drawing the figure. The man lived, and, heing tired of his lonely life, besought the god for companion. The light from the heavens, Jani, cast lis shadow on the sand. It became a woman, and she was named Keakahulilani—“ Shadow looking heavenward” (for its source). These were the aborigines of Oahu, theix names as above being found in an old mele of the Oahu chiefs. . Nov. 2d. Trustees, (Written for the Mining andSclentifie Press. = An Opportunity for the Erection of Tron Works. In the development of the unmatched resources of California, one of our faults has heen to neglect what may he called the sinews of our strength and wealth, for ohjects which glittered. Agriculture generally was deserted in early days for gold digging, and now, iron, tin, grauite and marhle are neglected for gold and silver. This is wroug. We should not give any one or two interests 2 monopoly of our attention and capital. In diversity of industry lies the greatest wealth and the greatest safety and strength. This, the history of the richest countries of the world has abundantly shown. The fame of the wealth of the Sierra Nevada range in gold and silver deposits is world-wide; but little comparatively is known, because but little has been done to show how rich they are in iron, marble, granite, lime, copper, tin, and many other valuable deposits. The first named—iron— is the most requisite metal to commerce. We use vast quautities of it, and enrich those who produce it abroad, and those who carry it to us from thence, evcry year. This we need not do. Large deposits of iron ore are found in many places in the Sierras, notably at a point distant seven miles from Tinker’s Station, on the Pacific Railroad liue, above Cisco. This ore is of the very best possihle kind, and without selection or picking, yields, when smelted, 80 per cent. of pure iron, of a quality which is suitable for steelmaking purposes. The locality is thickly covered with timber, and a really first ¢lass road connects it with the railroad line. A trip to this place would not cost over $50, and is one of the pleasantest possible. The development of this iron would hardly fail to be very profitable to our manufacturing interests, and we think it would be wise for some of those interested to visit the place and see for themselves the advantages that are offered. No speculators have possession of these iron beds; they are open to the first parties who vome along to work them in good faith. The Pacific Railroad Company offers every inducement to those who set about developing any of the rich resources along the line of its road. Only half the usual charges are levied upon the native products. The State of Nevada is a large consumer of iron, and the deposits named are about 250 miles nearer to it than this city is, whence our sister State receives her iron supplies, The difference in freightcharges would therefore constitute a handsome premium to the iron of the new district. Will some of our iron merchants or foundrymen look into this matter? There is both profit to the individuals and the State in it. T. M. San Francisco, Nov. 16th, 1868. New Incorporations.—Articles of incorporation have been recently filed in the County Clerk’s office iu this city as follows: Kurn River Irricarron Co.—Kern Co. Nov. 7th. Capital stock, $50,000. Trunstees: W. ©. Ralston, Alvinza Hayward and E. V. Joice. CautirorntA Tyre Founpry Co.—San Francisco. Nov. 9th. Capital stock $100,000; 1,000 shares, $100 each. Trustees: Wn. Faulkner, G. L. Faulkner and F. W. Faulkner, 3 Drums Hay Socrery.—San Francisco. Nov. 11th. Cuapital stock, $50,000; 5,000 shares, $10 each. Trustees: J. L. E. Schuetzen, H. J. Hartnagle, Conrad Berghofer, Julius George, Fred. G. EB. Tittel, John Staude, John Otto, Charles Kittelberger, Adolph Falk, Geo. Hobe, J. W. Andrzeiowsky, Theodore Hartung, Joseph Lingenfelser, J. Vanderleith, Jacob Vogelsdorff and Julius Wildermuth. Exzorton or Orrrcers-—Empire Minina Co.-—Nov. 2d. Trustees, Delos Lake, John O. Earl; President, Delos Lake; Secretary, T. W. Colburn. Ristve Star S. M. Co.—Idaho Territory, Geo. D. Roherts, J. W. Gashwiler and J. C. Flood; George D. Roberts was also chosen President, Tire driving over the main channel of the Yuha is progressing finely. Troy ore mining is flourishing in Western Massachusetts. Farmers in Montana are trying to domesticate the huffalo. Tux farmers at Tampa and Clear Water Harhor, Florida, have engaged their crop of oranges at $20 per thousand. In the Platte Valley the wheat crop will yield forty hushels per acre, in a large portion of the valley; oats fifty to eighty hushels. Baxnoon ascents have shown that over England the cloud region hasa thickness varying from 1,500 to 3,000 feet, and that the temperature at the top is not lower than at the bottom. Tre Egyptian Government has appointed the English traveler, Mr. S. Baker, to direct an expedition toward the sources of the Nile, with a view of establishing commercial relations with the natives. Copatr in Tasmania.—The Hobart. Town Mercury of the 17th inst., says: ‘‘Some time ago a lode was discovered on the river Don, in the Devon district, yielding cobalt, silver, copper, and antimony. A-sxcrion of the Perry block pavement was laid at the corner of Montgomery and Jackson streets last Saturday. The advantage claimed for it is a kind of fossilizetion process, rendering wood indestructible by moisture, age or the toredo, A Screntirio Kine.—The King of Siam is an wble astronomer, and possesses a collection of instruments that would excite the envy of any European savant. He edits the Bangkok Almanac and makes frequent and long excursions in order to study the starry firmament. CononiaL Tuwper.—The Hobart Town Mercury reports that a Huon-pine waterwheel, which has been at work for nearly fifty years, underwent examination, and was found to be almost as sound as on the day ofits erection. This fact speaks well for ee durahility of our colonial-grown timer. Practioan AstRonomy.—A French astronomer, Lieutenant Fleuriais, has heen sent to Honolulu by his Government to ascertain more accurately the longitude of that port, as a basis for future astronomical and geographical research. Occultation of the various stars will furnish him with data, Expnorarion or rae Himanava.—Prof, Robert Von Schlagintweit, of the University of Giessen, one of the celebrated explorers of India, especially of the Himalaya region, is soon to arrive inthis country, under an engagement to deliver a series of lectures at the Lowell Institute of Boston, on ‘‘ The Results of a Scientific Mission to India and Upper Asia.” A Popunar German geologist and liberal politician—Prof. Karl Vogt—has bcen engaged by a New York manager to lecture in the United States. Vogt is not only a learned naturalist, but famous as thelcader of the liberal school. He was one of the celehrities of the Left in the Frankfort Parliament, and when that body, in June, 1849, went from Frankfort to Stuttgart, he was elected one of the five regents of the empire. He is an eloquent spcaker. Tre Catuonic Revicion 1 Caina.—The Catholics are erecting a $3,000,000 cathedralin Canton, China, and another, quite as magnificent and costly, is to be put np in Pekin, while in nearly every importaut city of the empire they are building a church. The Jesuits throughout the empire have adopted the dress, habits and customs of the Chinese—eating as they eat, sleeping as they sleep, shaving the forehead and not the crown, just as the Chiuese shave theirs. Tae orange louse or aphis is destroying the orchards at Kona. From one orchard of three hundred trees there is a prospect of but 2,000 oranges, less than the fair yield of a single tree, aud the largest orchard in the country is ahout to be turned into a eane-field. The hlight, which has appeared and receded so capricionsly for many years, seems now to have settled down beyond any reasonable hope of relief. Under these circumstances, itis unlikely that any further attempt at fruit culture will be made in this beautiful district, though coffee culture is being slowly extended, the percentage of loss by blight leaving a margin of profit. Picnics.—All in search of health, pleas-, ure or recreation, will find Woodward’s Gardens one of the most desirahle places of resort this side the garden of Eden. * Ir may be singular, perhaps not, that no one who has purchased spectacles of C. Muller, 205 Montgomery street, isever dissatisficd with his bargain. cs