Volume 18 (1869) (430 pages)

The Mining and Scientitie Press. Communications. In THIs DavantMenT we invite the FREE Discesston of all proper subjects—corr deuts alone being r for tie ideas and thearfes they advance. [Written for the Mining and Scientific Press.} The Freligh Milbank Mines, Dutchess County, N. Y. Eprrors Press:—I visited, Dec. 1st, in company with aparty of scientific and practical qnartz operators, the Freligh Milbank mines. These mines are sitnated on the Murtch Farm, in the township of Rhinebeck, Dutchess Connty, N. Y., between three and four miles easterly from the village of Rhinebeck, and ahout six miles from Rbhinecliff railroad station, on the Hudson River. The region is hilly, or mountainous, and in line with the Appalachian rango, to which it evidently belongs. These mines, thns far developed, consisting of four nearly or quite parallel lodes, I traced by their ontcrops something over amile, and I am informed by Dr. Edwin G. Treligh, their discoverer, Dr. J. G. Pohle, geologist and chemist, and Col. J. C. Lane, mining engineer and geologist, that they have traced them a distance of over forty miles, aud that thus far they maintain their parallelism aud distinctive features respectively. On one of these veins, the Hudson, an oponing sixteen feet long, wide as the vein, and twenty feet deep, has been made. The strike is N. 25° E., dip about 60° L., thickness, at right angles to the dip, fourteen feet ten inches. The veinstone consists of cellular quartz alternating with thin layers of slate rich in iron pyrites. The quartz, unlike the ‘‘ boulder formation” (so-called on the Pacific Coast), is fine and delicate in its crystalline structure, much resembling that of the better portion the Oneida, Enreka, Keystone, and Spring Hill quartz veins of California. The cavities in the quartz of the Hndson lode are, for the most part, filled with the oxide of iron, the result of the decomposition of the snlphides of iron, The salvage or ‘‘gonge” between the lode and “ foot-wall,” is distinct and regular, and abont an inch thick. The wall rock on both sides of the vein is a talco-argillaceous slate. The surface of the earth for at least a mile and a half along the descent from the mine toward the river, is of a reddish-hrown color, and is strewn with float or fragmentary quartz, varying in size from the grain to that of a foot in diameter. The survey shows a point at the opening to be seven hundred feet above the river. Dr, O. P. Southwell, of California, and myself broke off about thirty pounds of the rock near the bottom of the opening and three feet from the foot-wall, Wegathered about a pound of the decomposed material underlying this rock, which was hastily washed in a prospecting horn hy Mr. J. A. Sperry, athorongh, practical miner. The result was highly satisfactory, showing many particles of gold visible to the naked eye, A small piece of rock taken from another place in the opening, was pulverized and washed, and several minute particles of gold obtained, I was shown the certificates of Messrs. Secor, Swan & Co., and other competent and responsible metallurgists, who had worked several tons of the rock from this lode. The lowest yield by amalgamation was $11.88 per ton—the average upwards of $20 per ton. Assays by the same parties, also hy Dr. Torrey, of the U, S. Mint, present a still better showing. From the data obiained I cau hut conclude as follows, viz: First—That the Hudson lode is a trne fissure vein. Second—That the rock is in large quantities, and can he mined at a low cost. Third—That it is a gold-bearing vein sufficiently rich in gold to be worked with profit. Fourth—That the rock can he worked to advantage by amalgamation. CS Tifth—That the water ou the premises is couvenient and abundant for steam, milliug and amalgamation, on a large scale. Sixth—That the grounds near the opening mentioned are favorable as to elevation and declivity for qnartz mill purposes. Snch, I understand and believe, are the convictions of each one of the party who visited the mines with me. Dr. Southwell, aman of sound judgment, scholarly attainments and great practical experience in all the departments of mining and treatment of ores, authorizes me to say that be fully indorses the conclusions to which I have come. As to the other veins mentioned parallel with the Hndson lode, I will simply remark that their heavy outcrops indicate large lodes, and that wherever they have beeu broken the rock looks well, and, as lam advised by Dr, Poble, contains gold. As to the discovery of these mines, the facts are, substantially, that in 1859 Dr. E. G. Freligh the younger, then 2 medical student and alover of geological science, much questioned the theory of the day, in reference to the non-existence of gold in this vicinity. He seized upon these facts: 1st. That the geological formation was similar to that of the Appalacian range north and south of the region in question. 2d. That the color-of the soil iudicated mineral deposits. 3d. That the ‘‘ float rock” or fragmentary quartz strewn over the gronnd was significant of a ‘*Mother Vein” in tbe vicinity. Possessed of these data, he vigorously pushed his explorations until rewarded hy the discovery of the vein, or rather system of gold-bearing veins, above described. Saying nothing of the honor dne Dr. Freligh, the discovery at least is a prond triumph of science, and ono promising great wealth to the owners of the mines, and incalenlable benefits to the country, P. M. Ranpaww. New York, Dec. 3, 1868. The Magnetic Sand-Separating Machine. Messrs. Eprrors.—I have read in your paper of Dec. 12th, a description of the Metallurgical works of J. Mosheimer, of this city: Of his furnace for redneing magnetic ironsand;alsoan invention of a machine said to have been invented by Mr. Mosheimer, for separating the fine magnetic ore from the common sand. With due respect to your statement and proper defereuce to your informant, I will state that Mr. Mosheimer is not the inventor of this magnetic separator as described. Iclaim tohe the inventor of that principle, and have in my possession a small model machine, made about five years ago, Many of my friends have witnessed the operation of my machine, and now insist upon my requesting thiscorrection. I would state that about three years ago [had some connection with Mr. Mosheimer, and other gentlemeuin constructing a furnace to reduce magnetic oxides. I furnished the plans and Mr. Mosheimer executed the work, and dnring this time and iu presence of one of the gentlmen interested in the fnrnace, I explained to Mr. Mosheimer my principle and plan for separating the ores, the same as yon have deseribed in your paper. Since Mr Mosheimer’s return from Europe, as the representative of the State of California to the World's Fair, his miud has been so occnpied and time taken np in giving instructions upon the various modes of treating metals that probably he has forgotten the source of his information in relation to the Magnetic Separator. 3. H. Warre. San Francisco, Dec. 16,1968, oO: me oe VENTILATION IN THE DeEptHs.—The miners are ohliged to put up with extreme heat and inefficient -ventilation in some of the deep workings at Virginia City, notwithstanding the nse of blowers toa limited extent. The Safeguard says: We understand that the employés iu the Bullion incline have about coucluded that they are extremely liable to bring ont at any moment in a Chinese tea field. Heretofore, and all along until within the last day or two, the rock in the bottom of the incline has been dry and hot almost beyond eudurance, but now water is exuding through small crevices at the bottom, and most wouderful of all, a current of air escapes at the same point, with snfficient force to blow out the workmen’s candles if allowed to come in contact withit. The miners never think of going down the shaft now without bciug provided with all the latest maps of Chin; so that if they should strike through and bring up in the interior of the Celestial Kingdom they will be able tofind their way back to the sea coast, [Written for the Mining and Scientific Press.] Nevada Silver Ore Deposits--W hite Pine, Haviug recently visited the new district of White Pine, iu sontheastern Nevada, I am enabled to give you my opinion couccrning that interesting country. The principal mines now attracting so much attention at home and abroad, are those located on what is known as Treasure Hill, and although I have made a critical examination of the conntry abont this hill, for a distance of forty miles, I shall have no time at"present to refer to anything but Treasure Hill. The town of Treasure City, and the principal mines located on Treasnre Hill, are elevated close to 9,000 feet above the sealevel, and the summit of the mountain rises gradually to the hight of neariy 2,000 fect above the level of the valley, which surrounds, and makes this almost an isolated peak, differing in some respects in formation and character from the adjacent mountain ranges; the surronndiug country, and even the top of the mountain, bearing unmistakable evidence of having at noremote period been covered by water. As far as I bave been able to study it, the chief mountain formation belongs to group 2, it being a conglomeration of lime aud ecalespar filled with crystals of carbonate of lime and chalky argillaceous earth, carrying very large and irregularly defined. veins, with extensive ore beds, evidently lying horizontally from the hanging to the foot-walls, resembling in many respects some of the priucipal mines of Chili and Pern. The most noted mines at present opened, are the Eherhardt and Keystone Consolidated, the Hidden Treasure, Anrora, and Virgiuia, all opened to some extent, but especially the former, which is principally explored by two vertical shafts, one being down seventy-five feet near the foot-wall, and the other near the hanging wall, being down sixty-five feet. A 380-foot level has developed the vein from one main wall to the other, proving beyond a donbt, an almost continuous mass of extremely rich chloro-bromide of silver ore. The Eberhardt vein has a width between the main walls varying from 150 to 200 feet, where explored, aud I entertain not the least doubt but that the ore will be found to a considerable depth, equally as rich and exteusive as in the 30-foot level, and near the surface. My experience in other mining countries euables me to make the following brief deductions, conceruing the Treasure Hill miues: Fivsi—Tbe chief productive veins will he found to run nearly S. W. and N. E., with nnderlay invariably coincident with the formation of the conntry or mountaiu rock. Second—The veins may be classed as segregated veins of large extent, with ore deposits likely to lie at varying distances horizontally from hanging to foot walls, and in the manner of the stockwerk, or layer deposits of the chief silver and copper mines of South America. Third—It is most likely that if the formation at a greater depth changes from the present into porphyritic greenstone or slate, that these strata will be found barren, and that the limestone or dolomitic formation only will carry rich ores. Fourth—No water is likely tobe found to a considerable depth, and the veins are likely to carry richerores down to thedepth of 500 feet, than may he expected below that point; and no doubt the chloro-bromide of silver ores will change somewhat as depth is attained, into the compound sulphurets, arseuinrets and native silver. Minine Encixeer. cme New Derenszs oF THE ScuEtpT.—A combination of forces, applied to purposes of war has Jately beeu made the etperiment at Autwerp with a view to the defense of the passes of the Scheldt. ‘Torpedoes are placed in the river, and cameras similar t) those used by photographers are adjusted, so that an object directly over one of them will present its image iu the instrument sitnated upon the shore at any convenient distance. As soon as the image of an approachiug hostile vessel appears in the camera, an electric current is sent through awire to the torpedo which underlics it, and the explosiou takes place. {Written for the Ming and Scientifie Press, r Mining in Placer County. Epitors Press:—Since my last letter to you, I have been to the district where is located the CHAMPION LEDGE, spoken of in the letter referred to. There are now heing made preparatious for bnilding a mill upon it. This is decidedly a good district for goldbearing quartz, There are several ledges in close proximity that will pay well, from the prospects that were obtained while I was there; but the Champion is apparently the ‘‘ Mother Vein,” as it carries the characteristic peculiarities of all of them, and I jndge that it will prove in futnrea material source of wealth, considering its sitnation and locality. GRAVEL MINES. Regarding the mines close abont here, the Jehosephat claims have just finished the first run for the season, and are cleaning up profitably. The Uncle Sam, on Cajion Creck, has been running with good results allsummer, The cement mill is progressing to completion. There are a unm ber of gravel claims running and doing well. Tho miners generally are busy fixing up for tho coming water, and we expect lively times here as soon as there is plenty of water, Atl ANCIENT CHANNEL, I wish to call attention to an old channel that runs cast and west (apparently) along the main ridge above this place, There are several break-onts from it, in many places where there are quantities of quartz gravel that prospects well, but owing to a heavy, broken mass of scoria heing deposited upon the top, it does not pay well to wash the wholeof it. Inthe main ridge, in my opinion, thereis as rich a lead as has ever beeu strnck in Calitornia. There are many evidences of this; one is that the gravel shoved out upon the vein rock is rich, and it is under the broken fragmeuts of scoria, a solid stratum of which covers the entire ridge for miles. When this is opened it will he very extensive. It will take some tnuneliug, but the work will he done, and I think that a joint stock company might employ capital in this locality to as good purpose as at any known place in the world. That this has been one of the main channels of ancient times, isshown by the deposit of scoria having filled tho depression of the snrface for several miles in width. Ifit is ever fairly opened, there is gronnd enough for thonsands of men to work above Dntch Flat for the distance of twelve miles. This country is not prospected for the reasons named, no tunnels having been run into the main channel; howover, in the streams at the foot of these breaks large amounts of gold have been taken out that I know of. I will send you some samples of our quartz from this section, and yon may comment upon it if you like. WhenI inform you tbat this old channel has worn deep through these ledges, you will, I think, agree with me tbat there must bean abundance of gold deposited in the bottom of the main channel. a. R. Dutch Flat, Dec. 17th, 1868. To Srnver-coat CorroN AND OTHER Fisrovus Marertat.—Wefind the following among the ‘‘ Answers to Correspondents” in the American Journal of Mining: All animal and vegetable suhstances may be si!vered hy means of the two following solutions: No. 1 is composed of quicklime 2 parts; grape sugar or honey, 5 parts; gallic acid, 2 parts; water, 650 parts; filter, and keep in well-stopped bottles. No. 2 is composed of nitrate of silver, 20 parts; liqnid ammonia, 20 parts; pure water, 650 parts. In order, uow, to silver silk, wool, bair, flax, cotton, and other fibrous material hy means of these solutious, they are first plunged for ashort time into ‘a saturated solution of gallic acid, and then into a solutiou of one part of nitrate of silver in 50 parts of water. This alternate plunging is repeated till the first black appearance of the substances gives way toaslight metallic luster; tlen the substance is ready to take the silver coating. To produce this, plunge the substance into a freshly-prepared mixture, in equal parts, of solution No. 1 and No. 2, and leave it uutil it is thoroughly silvered, after which it is boiled in a weak solution of salts of tartar, and dried,

The Mining and Scientitie Press. Communications. In THIs DavantMenT we invite the FREE Discesston of all proper subjects—corr deuts alone being r for tie ideas and thearfes they advance. [Written for the Mining and Scientific Press.} The Freligh Milbank Mines, Dutchess County, N. Y. Eprrors Press:—I visited, Dec. 1st, in company with aparty of scientific and practical qnartz operators, the Freligh Milbank mines. These mines are sitnated on the Murtch Farm, in the township of Rhinebeck, Dutchess Connty, N. Y., between three and four miles easterly from the village of Rhinebeck, and ahout six miles from Rbhinecliff railroad station, on the Hudson River. The region is hilly, or mountainous, and in line with the Appalachian rango, to which it evidently belongs. These mines, thns far developed, consisting of four nearly or quite parallel lodes, I traced by their ontcrops something over amile, and I am informed by Dr. Edwin G. Treligh, their discoverer, Dr. J. G. Pohle, geologist and chemist, and Col. J. C. Lane, mining engineer and geologist, that they have traced them a distance of over forty miles, aud that thus far they maintain their parallelism aud distinctive features respectively. On one of these veins, the Hudson, an oponing sixteen feet long, wide as the vein, and twenty feet deep, has been made. The strike is N. 25° E., dip about 60° L., thickness, at right angles to the dip, fourteen feet ten inches. The veinstone consists of cellular quartz alternating with thin layers of slate rich in iron pyrites. The quartz, unlike the ‘‘ boulder formation” (so-called on the Pacific Coast), is fine and delicate in its crystalline structure, much resembling that of the better portion the Oneida, Enreka, Keystone, and Spring Hill quartz veins of California. The cavities in the quartz of the Hndson lode are, for the most part, filled with the oxide of iron, the result of the decomposition of the snlphides of iron, The salvage or ‘‘gonge” between the lode and “ foot-wall,” is distinct and regular, and abont an inch thick. The wall rock on both sides of the vein is a talco-argillaceous slate. The surface of the earth for at least a mile and a half along the descent from the mine toward the river, is of a reddish-hrown color, and is strewn with float or fragmentary quartz, varying in size from the grain to that of a foot in diameter. The survey shows a point at the opening to be seven hundred feet above the river. Dr, O. P. Southwell, of California, and myself broke off about thirty pounds of the rock near the bottom of the opening and three feet from the foot-wall, Wegathered about a pound of the decomposed material underlying this rock, which was hastily washed in a prospecting horn hy Mr. J. A. Sperry, athorongh, practical miner. The result was highly satisfactory, showing many particles of gold visible to the naked eye, A small piece of rock taken from another place in the opening, was pulverized and washed, and several minute particles of gold obtained, I was shown the certificates of Messrs. Secor, Swan & Co., and other competent and responsible metallurgists, who had worked several tons of the rock from this lode. The lowest yield by amalgamation was $11.88 per ton—the average upwards of $20 per ton. Assays by the same parties, also hy Dr. Torrey, of the U, S. Mint, present a still better showing. From the data obiained I cau hut conclude as follows, viz: First—That the Hudson lode is a trne fissure vein. Second—That the rock is in large quantities, and can he mined at a low cost. Third—That it is a gold-bearing vein sufficiently rich in gold to be worked with profit. Fourth—That the rock can he worked to advantage by amalgamation. CS Tifth—That the water ou the premises is couvenient and abundant for steam, milliug and amalgamation, on a large scale. Sixth—That the grounds near the opening mentioned are favorable as to elevation and declivity for qnartz mill purposes. Snch, I understand and believe, are the convictions of each one of the party who visited the mines with me. Dr. Southwell, aman of sound judgment, scholarly attainments and great practical experience in all the departments of mining and treatment of ores, authorizes me to say that be fully indorses the conclusions to which I have come. As to the other veins mentioned parallel with the Hndson lode, I will simply remark that their heavy outcrops indicate large lodes, and that wherever they have beeu broken the rock looks well, and, as lam advised by Dr, Poble, contains gold. As to the discovery of these mines, the facts are, substantially, that in 1859 Dr. E. G. Freligh the younger, then 2 medical student and alover of geological science, much questioned the theory of the day, in reference to the non-existence of gold in this vicinity. He seized upon these facts: 1st. That the geological formation was similar to that of the Appalacian range north and south of the region in question. 2d. That the color-of the soil iudicated mineral deposits. 3d. That the ‘‘ float rock” or fragmentary quartz strewn over the gronnd was significant of a ‘*Mother Vein” in tbe vicinity. Possessed of these data, he vigorously pushed his explorations until rewarded hy the discovery of the vein, or rather system of gold-bearing veins, above described. Saying nothing of the honor dne Dr. Freligh, the discovery at least is a prond triumph of science, and ono promising great wealth to the owners of the mines, and incalenlable benefits to the country, P. M. Ranpaww. New York, Dec. 3, 1868. The Magnetic Sand-Separating Machine. Messrs. Eprrors.—I have read in your paper of Dec. 12th, a description of the Metallurgical works of J. Mosheimer, of this city: Of his furnace for redneing magnetic ironsand;alsoan invention of a machine said to have been invented by Mr. Mosheimer, for separating the fine magnetic ore from the common sand. With due respect to your statement and proper defereuce to your informant, I will state that Mr. Mosheimer is not the inventor of this magnetic separator as described. Iclaim tohe the inventor of that principle, and have in my possession a small model machine, made about five years ago, Many of my friends have witnessed the operation of my machine, and now insist upon my requesting thiscorrection. I would state that about three years ago [had some connection with Mr. Mosheimer, and other gentlemeuin constructing a furnace to reduce magnetic oxides. I furnished the plans and Mr. Mosheimer executed the work, and dnring this time and iu presence of one of the gentlmen interested in the fnrnace, I explained to Mr. Mosheimer my principle and plan for separating the ores, the same as yon have deseribed in your paper. Since Mr Mosheimer’s return from Europe, as the representative of the State of California to the World's Fair, his miud has been so occnpied and time taken np in giving instructions upon the various modes of treating metals that probably he has forgotten the source of his information in relation to the Magnetic Separator. 3. H. Warre. San Francisco, Dec. 16,1968, oO: me oe VENTILATION IN THE DeEptHs.—The miners are ohliged to put up with extreme heat and inefficient -ventilation in some of the deep workings at Virginia City, notwithstanding the nse of blowers toa limited extent. The Safeguard says: We understand that the employés iu the Bullion incline have about coucluded that they are extremely liable to bring ont at any moment in a Chinese tea field. Heretofore, and all along until within the last day or two, the rock in the bottom of the incline has been dry and hot almost beyond eudurance, but now water is exuding through small crevices at the bottom, and most wouderful of all, a current of air escapes at the same point, with snfficient force to blow out the workmen’s candles if allowed to come in contact withit. The miners never think of going down the shaft now without bciug provided with all the latest maps of Chin; so that if they should strike through and bring up in the interior of the Celestial Kingdom they will be able tofind their way

back to the sea coast, [Written for the Mining and Scientific Press.] Nevada Silver Ore Deposits--W hite Pine, Haviug recently visited the new district of White Pine, iu sontheastern Nevada, I am enabled to give you my opinion couccrning that interesting country. The principal mines now attracting so much attention at home and abroad, are those located on what is known as Treasure Hill, and although I have made a critical examination of the conntry abont this hill, for a distance of forty miles, I shall have no time at"present to refer to anything but Treasure Hill. The town of Treasure City, and the principal mines located on Treasnre Hill, are elevated close to 9,000 feet above the sealevel, and the summit of the mountain rises gradually to the hight of neariy 2,000 fect above the level of the valley, which surrounds, and makes this almost an isolated peak, differing in some respects in formation and character from the adjacent mountain ranges; the surronndiug country, and even the top of the mountain, bearing unmistakable evidence of having at noremote period been covered by water. As far as I bave been able to study it, the chief mountain formation belongs to group 2, it being a conglomeration of lime aud ecalespar filled with crystals of carbonate of lime and chalky argillaceous earth, carrying very large and irregularly defined. veins, with extensive ore beds, evidently lying horizontally from the hanging to the foot-walls, resembling in many respects some of the priucipal mines of Chili and Pern. The most noted mines at present opened, are the Eherhardt and Keystone Consolidated, the Hidden Treasure, Anrora, and Virgiuia, all opened to some extent, but especially the former, which is principally explored by two vertical shafts, one being down seventy-five feet near the foot-wall, and the other near the hanging wall, being down sixty-five feet. A 380-foot level has developed the vein from one main wall to the other, proving beyond a donbt, an almost continuous mass of extremely rich chloro-bromide of silver ore. The Eberhardt vein has a width between the main walls varying from 150 to 200 feet, where explored, aud I entertain not the least doubt but that the ore will be found to a considerable depth, equally as rich and exteusive as in the 30-foot level, and near the surface. My experience in other mining countries euables me to make the following brief deductions, conceruing the Treasure Hill miues: Fivsi—Tbe chief productive veins will he found to run nearly S. W. and N. E., with nnderlay invariably coincident with the formation of the conntry or mountaiu rock. Second—The veins may be classed as segregated veins of large extent, with ore deposits likely to lie at varying distances horizontally from hanging to foot walls, and in the manner of the stockwerk, or layer deposits of the chief silver and copper mines of South America. Third—It is most likely that if the formation at a greater depth changes from the present into porphyritic greenstone or slate, that these strata will be found barren, and that the limestone or dolomitic formation only will carry rich ores. Fourth—No water is likely tobe found to a considerable depth, and the veins are likely to carry richerores down to thedepth of 500 feet, than may he expected below that point; and no doubt the chloro-bromide of silver ores will change somewhat as depth is attained, into the compound sulphurets, arseuinrets and native silver. Minine Encixeer. cme New Derenszs oF THE ScuEtpT.—A combination of forces, applied to purposes of war has Jately beeu made the etperiment at Autwerp with a view to the defense of the passes of the Scheldt. ‘Torpedoes are placed in the river, and cameras similar t) those used by photographers are adjusted, so that an object directly over one of them will present its image iu the instrument sitnated upon the shore at any convenient distance. As soon as the image of an approachiug hostile vessel appears in the camera, an electric current is sent through awire to the torpedo which underlics it, and the explosiou takes place. {Written for the Ming and Scientifie Press, r Mining in Placer County. Epitors Press:—Since my last letter to you, I have been to the district where is located the CHAMPION LEDGE, spoken of in the letter referred to. There are now heing made preparatious for bnilding a mill upon it. This is decidedly a good district for goldbearing quartz, There are several ledges in close proximity that will pay well, from the prospects that were obtained while I was there; but the Champion is apparently the ‘‘ Mother Vein,” as it carries the characteristic peculiarities of all of them, and I jndge that it will prove in futnrea material source of wealth, considering its sitnation and locality. GRAVEL MINES. Regarding the mines close abont here, the Jehosephat claims have just finished the first run for the season, and are cleaning up profitably. The Uncle Sam, on Cajion Creck, has been running with good results allsummer, The cement mill is progressing to completion. There are a unm ber of gravel claims running and doing well. Tho miners generally are busy fixing up for tho coming water, and we expect lively times here as soon as there is plenty of water, Atl ANCIENT CHANNEL, I wish to call attention to an old channel that runs cast and west (apparently) along the main ridge above this place, There are several break-onts from it, in many places where there are quantities of quartz gravel that prospects well, but owing to a heavy, broken mass of scoria heing deposited upon the top, it does not pay well to wash the wholeof it. Inthe main ridge, in my opinion, thereis as rich a lead as has ever beeu strnck in Calitornia. There are many evidences of this; one is that the gravel shoved out upon the vein rock is rich, and it is under the broken fragmeuts of scoria, a solid stratum of which covers the entire ridge for miles. When this is opened it will he very extensive. It will take some tnuneliug, but the work will he done, and I think that a joint stock company might employ capital in this locality to as good purpose as at any known place in the world. That this has been one of the main channels of ancient times, isshown by the deposit of scoria having filled tho depression of the snrface for several miles in width. Ifit is ever fairly opened, there is gronnd enough for thonsands of men to work above Dntch Flat for the distance of twelve miles. This country is not prospected for the reasons named, no tunnels having been run into the main channel; howover, in the streams at the foot of these breaks large amounts of gold have been taken out that I know of. I will send you some samples of our quartz from this section, and yon may comment upon it if you like. WhenI inform you tbat this old channel has worn deep through these ledges, you will, I think, agree with me tbat there must bean abundance of gold deposited in the bottom of the main channel. a. R. Dutch Flat, Dec. 17th, 1868. To Srnver-coat CorroN AND OTHER Fisrovus Marertat.—Wefind the following among the ‘‘ Answers to Correspondents” in the American Journal of Mining: All animal and vegetable suhstances may be si!vered hy means of the two following solutions: No. 1 is composed of quicklime 2 parts; grape sugar or honey, 5 parts; gallic acid, 2 parts; water, 650 parts; filter, and keep in well-stopped bottles. No. 2 is composed of nitrate of silver, 20 parts; liqnid ammonia, 20 parts; pure water, 650 parts. In order, uow, to silver silk, wool, bair, flax, cotton, and other fibrous material hy means of these solutious, they are first plunged for ashort time into ‘a saturated solution of gallic acid, and then into a solutiou of one part of nitrate of silver in 50 parts of water. This alternate plunging is repeated till the first black appearance of the substances gives way toaslight metallic luster; tlen the substance is ready to take the silver coating. To produce this, plunge the substance into a freshly-prepared mixture, in equal parts, of solution No. 1 and No. 2, and leave it uutil it is thoroughly silvered, after which it is boiled in a weak solution of salts of tartar, and dried,