Volume 31 (1875) (428 pages)

December 25, 1875. ] MINING AND SCIENTIFIC PRESS 409 The State Geological Survey. The following memorial to the Lepislature hss been prepared by tho California Academy of Sciences iu relation to the resumption of the State Geological Survey: To the Honorable the Sennle and Assembly of the State of Califurnia: The California Academy of Sciences would respectfully represent that the Geological Sarvey ia a work of grest practical importance, es well as seientifio and educational value to the people of this Stste. That by the action of the Legislature of 1873 and 1874, the aceumulated and napnblished material of sevoral years’ work was placed for eafe kecping in the oustody of tbe Regents of the University, whore for waut of further provision the greater portion still lies nnim proved. That there has been slready pnhlished four volnmes of the Geological reports, viz: Oue of Geology, two of Paleontology and one of Ornithology, hesldes smsller pamphlets and sevoral topographical maps, the beauty, accuracy and valuo of which are appreciated and aeknowledged by all who have carefully examined them. That of the nupublished matter already accumulated, there is the material for a second volume of Geology, for a volume of Botany nearly ready to be issued, and the greater portion of the material fur a second volume of Ornithology, dsvoted to the aquatie birds. That the map of Central California is so nearly finished that tho active field work of ane more season would complete it. This map embraces nearly one-half the area of the State, and extendiag from Lassen's peak ou the uorth to Visalia on the sonth, incindes all the more important mining districts within the limits of California. The work so far done npon it is unexceptionable, and when completed it will possess the highest practical value, will meet with a ready sale, and be the most important eontribution to the geography of this coast that has ever been made. That a general geological map of the whole State has been partially drawn and colored, and could be fiaished and publishediusueb a way as to show the extent of prssent knowledge of the geology of the State (subject of course to auch improvements in detail as may hereefter be developed by future work) at no great exense. That the United States Coast Survey map of the peninsula of San Francisco has been geologieally colored, in great detail, and only waits the means for its pnhlication. Finally, that these unpublished works are all greatly needed for the hsnefit of onr public echools, as well es for all the higher educational interests of the State, and that when completed they would convey the most accurate information with regard to our coal fields, quicksilver mines, quartz veins and hydraulic washings. which cannot fsil to exercise a most beneficial influence in aiding the further development of , these important industries. In view of the foregoing facts, the California Academy of Sciences would respectfully pray that yonr hoaorahle bodies revive the State Geological Survey, and make a liberal appropriation for its continuance and completion. Henay Enwarns, Cuas. G. YALE, Vice-President. Secretary. That Quicksilver Contract. Anitem has beeu going the rounds of the press to the effect that the Redington quicksilver eompauy had a contract to supply Flood & O'Brien with 400 flasks of qnicksilver per month at $1.50 per pound, the contraot having a year and a half longer to run. If this were so the Redington company would have a pretty good thing supplying that quantity of quicksilver at double the merket price. It happeas, however, that the item isn’t correct. The centract betwesn these parties was that 400 flasks per month should ba furnished at a ptice not over $1.50 per pound, no matter how high it went; but, of conrse, the msrket price only wes to be charged. When the Redington company saw that quicksilver was going down they naturally desired to make a contract, so they made a contract fora large quantity ata low price. When it was really selling at $1, they agreed last March to sell it for seventy ceuts per pound, and furnish 400 flasks per month at that price, which is the market price now. Since then it has been lower and higher, so the cootract was good enough for both parties. This oontract expires in March. Flood & O’Brien had the quicksilver at the market price, and the Redington company could afford to hold the remainder of the product for a better price. Aocordingly when it was sslling at seventy cents they kept hack the remainder of the product until the price came np again. So they made the moet of the market. The Redington is nowtnroing out about 1,000 flasks of quicksilver per month and paying $50 dividends right along. There are ouly 1,260 shares in the mine, which are owned by three individuals, Redington, Livermore and Cornwall. It was considered a good joke on Flood & O'Brien to he caught in the $1.50 per pound contract, but it happens that such old birds in the business are not caught with chaif, and they have probably had their quicksilver chsaper than most other minss, . hard substances passiog through tbe mills, “Improved Grinding Mills. Geared mills with vertical spindles, eaye the inventor of the improved mills illustrated in tho aonexed engravings, aro going ont of nse. Their toothed wheels or cogged geurs aru too rongh iu running and too expensive, while spindles in a vertical position do not run well, because they cannot ho kept thoroughly oiled, and do uot lie steadily against their bearings. Almost all the shafting used for driviug machinery is now horizontal, with vertical pulleys, and therefore the driving pulleys of giinding wills should obvionsly also be vertioal, in order to be as conveaicnt as possible to set up and pnt in operation. In constructing the mills represented, the horizontal shaft was the iuventor’s main object; bnt subseqnent experiment showed him other ald snperior advantagss attaching to tho form. Tho machines became more quiet and light ruuving, but ground more rapidly, while their simplicity evidenced that the extensive repairs ferent articles, which require more or less strain in grinding, and each necds a pressnre peculiar to itself, the mills are provided with safety springs, which can he readily adjusted or changod to snit. These are aleo applicable to change of pressure, needed according to the quantity to he gronnd, as of conrse it takes lore working pressnroto grind fifty bushels than tsn bushels of meal per hour. A ovummon working speed for the 20-inch mill is 1,400 turns per miuute. and 1,000 turns for the 30-iuech mill. The small portable bnrrstone mills grind fifty bushels of good meal per honr, as regular work, from day today, and hsve averaged us high as cighty bnshels. Tbis, the inventor claims. ic due to the peculiar mode of 1uountinzand dressing the stones, their facility for reeciving grain at the eye, and tbe ease with which the meal passes ont of the new dischargo spouts, Itis due also to tbe vertical position ot tho stones, tho cxtraordinary velocity at which thoy rnn, and to such an adaptation of speed to grinding surfaco that, when the meal is ouce properly ground, it is throwu out and HARRISON'S GRINDING MILLS. required in the use of gearing would be avoided As now made, the mills are compact and convenient to be driven from portahle steam ongines or horizontal shafting. The hoxss for snpporting the spindles are four times longer than are usually made, extending almost through the entire mill; and they carry the runner, which is solidly attached to the spiodle, in a true plane with the face of the hedstone. The runner stones are secured to the spindlee by heavy iron connections, and if a suitable proportiou of metal is nssd for this purpose the velocity at which they can be safely run is almost nnlimited, and as spsed is nearly the only limit to grinding in mills so constructed, it has been demonstrated a hundred times over that these hurrs of only 20-inch diameter and 500 pounds weight, exeel in working capacity the common four feet stones. Millstones and the framework on which they are nsually mounted are liahle to be broken by which in many cases have proved destructive to life and limb. To avoid such accident, the inventur conetructs his mills so that they may he readily adjusted to any desired strain; and should nails, slngs, or bolts go through the) stones, the latter immediately return to their . places with such accuracy that no stoppage of the machine is required, but the workiug position is kept, and all delay avoided, It is claimed that anything, however hard or nugrindable, which will pass through the eye of the stone will pass out withont injury to the stoues or mill. In order to accommodate difdoes not clog the furrows and consume the dviving power. The inventor has suhmitted writteu certificates as to the ahove mentioned capabilities of his mill. He further states that over 9,000 mashiues were sold up to the beginning of the present year. The engravings show two different types of mill, the principal poiots of difference being the styles aod sizes of framss for supportiag the spindles and working parts aud the number of bearings required, the constructiou and mode of adjusting tbe spring beariugs by means of which the pressure of the etonesie automatioally controlled. The mills are adapted to all varieties of grinding and for every snbetaoce, whether wet or dry, hard or tongh, heavy or light, hrittle or fibrous. Several sizes of this machine are made. The strength and durability necessary to enable these mills to be run safely ata very high velocity, is secnred by the employment of the best materials, metal and stone only heing employed in their constrnetion. They are delivered to purchasers ready for use andin complete runniog order. For further information addyegs the inventor and manufacturer, Mr. HE. Harrison, New Haven, Conn. Tux Virginia Chronicle learns that a small gang of mining-claim jumpers are uow preparing for aspriug campaign in the business of jomping town lots aud miuiug claims. Lunvper is no longer a scarcity in Virginia City. The Fryer Process. . Puhlio interest inthe Fryer process oontiunes unabated, and hae perhaps been more excited the past week, hy some slight inklings as to the rationsle of the process. Several gontlemon.of Grass Valley, includiag tho oditors ot the local papers, have heen allowed to examine the works and see the details of the proccss, and they prononnco it a success, but do not expluin the arrangements. The Nevada Transcript man describes tbe ‘chemicals’ nsed in a facetious scivntific manner, calling charcoal and air such names as nut to be recoguized hy tho uninitiated, and such other descriptions as have appearod throw no more light on the subject. As Mr. Fryer has been in town this week we called upon him and were shown drawings of the faruace used and had the prelimivary operations deseribed to ns, together with the working of the furnace. Tbe furnsce is pecnlisr iu several points, and Mr. Fryer assures ne that it will roast four tons of oro with one cord of wood, taking a charge every four hours; larger or sinaller farnaces can of conrse be used. The principal points of the process are dependent upon the novel treatment of the rock after Isaving the fnraace; but this part is kept eecret until the foreign patsnts are secnred. Mr. Fryer tells us that he can reduce the ore at Grass Valley for $3 per ton; aad that it makes no difference to him what class of ore it is, refractory or free. He makes no pretence to metallurgical knowledge outside of his peeuNar process, and says he did not know anything ahont quartz or quartz machinery before he came here. All the men abont his works were green hands, no metallurgical expert being employed. He eays that any ove can try tbe tail. ings from his works to see whether he works close or not. With regard to nse and loss of quicksilver he informs us that on his arrival at Grass Valley he bought ten pounds of qnicksilver to experiment with. When the large works were np he bought a flask; since then several hundred tons of rock have been worked and ou his retnrn from the East he weighed the quicksilver, to see how much was loet. He had the whole flask left and eight and a half pounds of the origiual ten. In the procsss we are iuformed that the pulverizer, awalgamating aud concentrating machinery are all new, as is the furnace. No water is used until in the last stages. Further than this we are ignorant, as Mr. Fryer does not wish to make his secrets puhlic nntil his patents are fully secured. It would be useless to give any description of the farnaee and pait of the process without the whole thing. We have Mr. Fryer's anthority, however, for saying that within a few wesks at moet the whole process will be described in the Mrnrna@ ann Scrento10 Press, with detailed engravings of the machinery andfarnace. We shall give a full account of the whole thing witb Mr, Fryer’s explanations, and until then any comments on the process, of the details of which we are igoorant, would be superfluous. Wo are told that the whole expense of an outfit for tweuty tons per day will be about $15,000. The machinery will all be made in this city, althougb the headquarters of the company will be for the present in Grass Valley. As soon as the engravings are prepared and the pendiug patents 4saued, the Fryer process will be fully described in this paper, due notice of which will be given. General News items. Tue Prinos of Wales isn’t having the jolliost time possible iu Iudia, Trene ix talk of a Pacific Centenniel eclebration. Hxavy earthquakes have occurred in Porto Rico recently. Trocnzz is still expected on our Sonthern bordsrs. Tue Leidesdorff street extension project did not go through. Tuer etill oentinue to have trouhle on the Texas border. ‘¢401"' hanged Burt, the outlaw, in Carson City ou tbe 17tb. Ne news yet of the whereabouts of "Boss Tweed.” Devravur has been made in payment of coupons of the Peruvian deht. Crop prospects in New South Wales are dscidsdly had. A GENErat strike is impending at Hartford, Coon,, among the employees at the mills. Tuey are going to have an intornatiooal fouroared race for the championship of the world and $5,000. Tuk repairs to the Cily af Peking have been concluded aud she will sail for China on the ist inst. . Lawron & Hean, merchants and shipping and insurance agents in London, have failed. Liabilities put at $950,000. San Franorsco will probably soon have a cleating house; the bankers sare now arranging the preliminaries. Cuartes G, W. Frenog is the newly appointed Chief Jnstice of the Supreme court of Arizona. Many persons have this week visited the Japanese mau-of-war now lying in the harhoy of San Francisco,

December 25, 1875. ] MINING AND SCIENTIFIC PRESS 409 The State Geological Survey. The following memorial to the Lepislature hss been prepared by tho California Academy of Sciences iu relation to the resumption of the State Geological Survey: To the Honorable the Sennle and Assembly of the State of Califurnia: The California Academy of Sciences would respectfully represent that the Geological Sarvey ia a work of grest practical importance, es well as seientifio and educational value to the people of this Stste. That by the action of the Legislature of 1873 and 1874, the aceumulated and napnblished material of sevoral years’ work was placed for eafe kecping in the oustody of tbe Regents of the University, whore for waut of further provision the greater portion still lies nnim proved. That there has been slready pnhlished four volnmes of the Geological reports, viz: Oue of Geology, two of Paleontology and one of Ornithology, hesldes smsller pamphlets and sevoral topographical maps, the beauty, accuracy and valuo of which are appreciated and aeknowledged by all who have carefully examined them. That of the nupublished matter already accumulated, there is the material for a second volume of Geology, for a volume of Botany nearly ready to be issued, and the greater portion of the material fur a second volume of Ornithology, dsvoted to the aquatie birds. That the map of Central California is so nearly finished that tho active field work of ane more season would complete it. This map embraces nearly one-half the area of the State, and extendiag from Lassen's peak ou the uorth to Visalia on the sonth, incindes all the more important mining districts within the limits of California. The work so far done npon it is unexceptionable, and when completed it will possess the highest practical value, will meet with a ready sale, and be the most important eontribution to the geography of this coast that has ever been made. That a general geological map of the whole State has been partially drawn and colored, and could be fiaished and publishediusueb a way as to show the extent of prssent knowledge of the geology of the State (subject of course to auch improvements in detail as may hereefter be developed by future work) at no great exense. That the United States Coast Survey map of the peninsula of San Francisco has been geologieally colored, in great detail, and only waits the means for its pnhlication. Finally, that these unpublished works are all greatly needed for the hsnefit of onr public echools, as well es for all the higher educational interests of the State, and that when completed they would convey the most accurate information with regard to our coal fields, quicksilver mines, quartz veins and hydraulic washings. which cannot fsil to exercise a most beneficial influence in aiding the further development of , these important industries. In view of the foregoing facts, the California Academy of Sciences would respectfully pray that yonr hoaorahle bodies revive the State Geological Survey, and make a liberal appropriation for its continuance and completion. Henay Enwarns, Cuas. G. YALE, Vice-President. Secretary. That Quicksilver Contract. Anitem has beeu going the rounds of the press to the effect that the Redington quicksilver eompauy had a contract to supply Flood & O'Brien with 400 flasks of qnicksilver per month at $1.50 per pound, the contraot having a year and a half longer to run. If this were so the Redington company would have a pretty good thing supplying that quantity of quicksilver at double the merket price. It happeas, however, that the item isn’t correct. The centract betwesn these parties was that 400 flasks per month should ba furnished at a ptice not over $1.50 per pound, no matter how high it went; but, of conrse, the msrket price only wes to be charged. When the Redington company saw that quicksilver was going down they naturally desired to make a contract, so they made a contract fora large quantity ata low price. When it was really selling at $1, they agreed last March to sell it for seventy ceuts per pound, and furnish 400 flasks per month at that price, which is the market price now. Since then it has been lower and higher, so the cootract was good enough for both parties. This oontract expires in March. Flood & O’Brien had the quicksilver at the market price, and the Redington company could afford to hold the remainder of the product for a better price. Aocordingly when it was sslling at seventy cents they kept hack the remainder of the product until the price came np again. So they made the moet of the market. The Redington is nowtnroing out about 1,000 flasks of quicksilver per month and paying $50 dividends right along. There are ouly 1,260 shares in the mine, which are owned by three individuals, Redington, Livermore and Cornwall. It was considered a good joke on Flood & O'Brien to he caught in the $1.50 per pound contract, but it happens that such old birds in the business are not caught with chaif, and they have probably had their quicksilver chsaper than most other minss, . hard substances passiog through tbe mills, “Improved Grinding Mills. Geared mills with vertical spindles, eaye the inventor of the improved mills illustrated in tho aonexed engravings, aro going ont of nse. Their toothed wheels or cogged geurs aru too rongh iu running and too expensive, while spindles in a vertical position do not run well, because they cannot ho kept thoroughly oiled, and do uot lie steadily against their bearings. Almost all the shafting used for driviug machinery is now horizontal, with vertical pulleys, and therefore the driving pulleys of giinding wills should obvionsly also be vertioal, in order to be as conveaicnt as possible to set up and pnt in operation. In constructing the mills represented, the horizontal shaft was the iuventor’s main object; bnt subseqnent experiment showed him other ald snperior advantagss attaching to tho form. Tho machines became more quiet and light ruuving, but ground more rapidly, while their simplicity evidenced that the extensive repairs ferent articles, which require more or less strain in grinding, and each necds a pressnre peculiar to itself, the mills are provided with safety springs, which can he readily adjusted or changod to snit. These are aleo applicable to change of pressure, needed according to the quantity to he gronnd, as of conrse it takes lore working pressnroto grind fifty bushels than tsn bushels of meal per hour. A ovummon working speed for the 20-inch mill is 1,400 turns per miuute. and 1,000 turns for the 30-iuech mill. The small portable bnrrstone mills grind fifty bushels of good meal per honr, as regular work, from day today, and hsve averaged us high as cighty bnshels. Tbis, the inventor claims. ic due to the peculiar mode of 1uountinzand dressing the stones, their facility for reeciving grain at the eye, and tbe ease with which the meal passes ont of the new dischargo spouts, Itis due also to tbe vertical position ot tho stones, tho cxtraordinary velocity at which thoy rnn, and to such an adaptation of speed to grinding surfaco that, when the meal is ouce properly ground, it is throwu out and HARRISON'S GRINDING MILLS. required in the use of gearing would be avoided As now made, the mills are compact and convenient to be driven from portahle steam ongines or horizontal shafting. The hoxss for snpporting the spindles are four times longer than are usually made, extending almost through the entire mill; and they carry the runner, which

is solidly attached to the spiodle, in a true plane with the face of the hedstone. The runner stones are secured to the spindlee by heavy iron connections, and if a suitable proportiou of metal is nssd for this purpose the velocity at which they can be safely run is almost nnlimited, and as spsed is nearly the only limit to grinding in mills so constructed, it has been demonstrated a hundred times over that these hurrs of only 20-inch diameter and 500 pounds weight, exeel in working capacity the common four feet stones. Millstones and the framework on which they are nsually mounted are liahle to be broken by which in many cases have proved destructive to life and limb. To avoid such accident, the inventur conetructs his mills so that they may he readily adjusted to any desired strain; and should nails, slngs, or bolts go through the) stones, the latter immediately return to their . places with such accuracy that no stoppage of the machine is required, but the workiug position is kept, and all delay avoided, It is claimed that anything, however hard or nugrindable, which will pass through the eye of the stone will pass out withont injury to the stoues or mill. In order to accommodate difdoes not clog the furrows and consume the dviving power. The inventor has suhmitted writteu certificates as to the ahove mentioned capabilities of his mill. He further states that over 9,000 mashiues were sold up to the beginning of the present year. The engravings show two different types of mill, the principal poiots of difference being the styles aod sizes of framss for supportiag the spindles and working parts aud the number of bearings required, the constructiou and mode of adjusting tbe spring beariugs by means of which the pressure of the etonesie automatioally controlled. The mills are adapted to all varieties of grinding and for every snbetaoce, whether wet or dry, hard or tongh, heavy or light, hrittle or fibrous. Several sizes of this machine are made. The strength and durability necessary to enable these mills to be run safely ata very high velocity, is secnred by the employment of the best materials, metal and stone only heing employed in their constrnetion. They are delivered to purchasers ready for use andin complete runniog order. For further information addyegs the inventor and manufacturer, Mr. HE. Harrison, New Haven, Conn. Tux Virginia Chronicle learns that a small gang of mining-claim jumpers are uow preparing for aspriug campaign in the business of jomping town lots aud miuiug claims. Lunvper is no longer a scarcity in Virginia City. The Fryer Process. . Puhlio interest inthe Fryer process oontiunes unabated, and hae perhaps been more excited the past week, hy some slight inklings as to the rationsle of the process. Several gontlemon.of Grass Valley, includiag tho oditors ot the local papers, have heen allowed to examine the works and see the details of the proccss, and they prononnco it a success, but do not expluin the arrangements. The Nevada Transcript man describes tbe ‘chemicals’ nsed in a facetious scivntific manner, calling charcoal and air such names as nut to be recoguized hy tho uninitiated, and such other descriptions as have appearod throw no more light on the subject. As Mr. Fryer has been in town this week we called upon him and were shown drawings of the faruace used and had the prelimivary operations deseribed to ns, together with the working of the furnace. Tbe furnsce is pecnlisr iu several points, and Mr. Fryer assures ne that it will roast four tons of oro with one cord of wood, taking a charge every four hours; larger or sinaller farnaces can of conrse be used. The principal points of the process are dependent upon the novel treatment of the rock after Isaving the fnraace; but this part is kept eecret until the foreign patsnts are secnred. Mr. Fryer tells us that he can reduce the ore at Grass Valley for $3 per ton; aad that it makes no difference to him what class of ore it is, refractory or free. He makes no pretence to metallurgical knowledge outside of his peeuNar process, and says he did not know anything ahont quartz or quartz machinery before he came here. All the men abont his works were green hands, no metallurgical expert being employed. He eays that any ove can try tbe tail. ings from his works to see whether he works close or not. With regard to nse and loss of quicksilver he informs us that on his arrival at Grass Valley he bought ten pounds of qnicksilver to experiment with. When the large works were np he bought a flask; since then several hundred tons of rock have been worked and ou his retnrn from the East he weighed the quicksilver, to see how much was loet. He had the whole flask left and eight and a half pounds of the origiual ten. In the procsss we are iuformed that the pulverizer, awalgamating aud concentrating machinery are all new, as is the furnace. No water is used until in the last stages. Further than this we are ignorant, as Mr. Fryer does not wish to make his secrets puhlic nntil his patents are fully secured. It would be useless to give any description of the farnaee and pait of the process without the whole thing. We have Mr. Fryer's anthority, however, for saying that within a few wesks at moet the whole process will be described in the Mrnrna@ ann Scrento10 Press, with detailed engravings of the machinery andfarnace. We shall give a full account of the whole thing witb Mr, Fryer’s explanations, and until then any comments on the process, of the details of which we are igoorant, would be superfluous. Wo are told that the whole expense of an outfit for tweuty tons per day will be about $15,000. The machinery will all be made in this city, althougb the headquarters of the company will be for the present in Grass Valley. As soon as the engravings are prepared and the pendiug patents 4saued, the Fryer process will be fully described in this paper, due notice of which will be given. General News items. Tue Prinos of Wales isn’t having the jolliost time possible iu Iudia, Trene ix talk of a Pacific Centenniel eclebration. Hxavy earthquakes have occurred in Porto Rico recently. Trocnzz is still expected on our Sonthern bordsrs. Tue Leidesdorff street extension project did not go through. Tuer etill oentinue to have trouhle on the Texas border. ‘¢401"' hanged Burt, the outlaw, in Carson City ou tbe 17tb. Ne news yet of the whereabouts of "Boss Tweed.” Devravur has been made in payment of coupons of the Peruvian deht. Crop prospects in New South Wales are dscidsdly had. A GENErat strike is impending at Hartford, Coon,, among the employees at the mills. Tuey are going to have an intornatiooal fouroared race for the championship of the world and $5,000. Tuk repairs to the Cily af Peking have been concluded aud she will sail for China on the ist inst. . Lawron & Hean, merchants and shipping and insurance agents in London, have failed. Liabilities put at $950,000. San Franorsco will probably soon have a cleating house; the bankers sare now arranging the preliminaries. Cuartes G, W. Frenog is the newly appointed Chief Jnstice of the Supreme court of Arizona. Many persons have this week visited the Japanese mau-of-war now lying in the harhoy of San Francisco,