Volume 39 (1879) (446 pages)

290 MINING AND SCIENTIFIC PRESS. {November 8, 1879. § (GorresPoNDENCE. Ane —Eps. We admit, dorged, opinions of corresp El Dorado County Mines. Epirors PsEss:—I see in my last letter, in writing about the Sardine mine, on Main Bar, American river, owing douhtless to my careless caligraphy, the Superintendent’s name is printed Session, it should have been Mr. Thomas Simons, a gentleman well known in the mining world, both in Colorado and Nevada: Golden Ophir. Since my last I have visited this mine, hut unfortunately on the day of my visit the mill was not at work. Mr. Folger, the Superintendent, informed me that the new machinery moved highly satisfactory, and the ore from assay tests was most promising. I am told that recent assays gave a return of between $400 and $500 a ton in silver. Mr, Hobart, who made tests of the oreby the new Robertson process last summer, found the sulphnrets to be very rich, and made the company an offer to put his sulphuret-saving machinery below the Huntington riffles, as they now exist, but bis offer was not accepted. Until I have an opportunity of seeing this mill in operation I shall refrain from writing about it, beyond saying that, admitting it to be all that is claimed for it, I doubt its capacity to work a sufficient quantity of ore in a given time, to be remunerative, especially as the slate neither works nor discharges from the screens as freely as quartz does, and being so much thicker in the pulp requires an extra amount of water, thereby retarding the settlement of the sulphurets. I am satistied that with really efficient macbinery, adapted to the peculiar nature of the ore, the ‘‘(iolden Ophir” will prove a valuable property, and fully justify Colouel Bilty’s persistent efforts to develop it. The Argonaut. This mine, situate some one and a half miles soutb and tbree-quarters of a mile east of the village of Greenwood, a lively and prosperous mining camp, even yet, owing to the many mining locations which centralize bere, is now being thoroughly explored and prospected by a San Francisco company, Hon. Paul Neumann & Co., who some time since bonded it from the locators, Messrs. Johu and Thomas Smith, Maltby and Garcia, who had partly opeued tbe mine, and erected a ten-stamp mill thereon, The present company have worked no ore in the mill, but bave been several months at work in thorougbly opening the mine. On tbe surface tbe lode ineasures 64 feet in width, which led to the opinion of some experts, that it was a mere mass of float ore. The new company have run a gunnel, now in over 400 feet, to tap the supposed ledge, at a depth of 200 feet below the surface, and in doing so, bave passed through a quartz ledge, 39 feet thick, showing bandsome prospects of free gold, visible to tbe naked eye, with well-defined walls; a second ledge, upwards of 8 feet in width, which also prospected well; and tbey are cutting through a third ledge, which is now penetrated for 43 feet, and bow much more there is to be cut through remains for time and powder to develop. That this is a motber ledge is certain, and if the whole body of ore will pay for reducing, even if of a low grade, this will make a permanent and profitable mine. It is evidently in the right hands, and Mr. MecNevins, the wellknown mining engineer, bas spent all this summer directing the prospecting in it, as well as attending to otber miuing property in this county. The success of this mine is important to this section, both as to the impetus it will give to business generally in this neighborhood, and stimulating capital to seek other investments in the numerous locations that await its aid both here and in otber parts of El Dorado county. The Golden State Mine, Owned by a private company, consisting of Messrs. Armstroug, Hall, Jones, and another gentleman whose name J forget, is situate on Jones’ creek, some seven miles from Greenwood, on tbe north side of Canyon creek, near tbe village of Jones’ Hill. This mine is more of @ series of seams than a lode; has been steadily worked for many years, and has always heen a profitable mine; nor is there any indication of its ceasing to be so for many more years to coine, The Clipper Mine. Mr. E. W. Hulford is now engaged in opening the Clipper quartz mine, some 3} miles above Georgetown, for a San Francisco company. Rich ore has formerly been taken from this mine, when in the hands of private parties, and under the management of Mr. Hulford there is every assurance of its being added to the list of successful investments in mining property in this county. Renewed activity in the various quartz mines around Georgetown is one of the indications of increasing contidence in our min. eral wealth, which in the near fnture will not be confined to gold alone, as old ‘‘ El Dorado” can boast of good copper deposits, slate and asbestos, Cinnabar also exists, but whicther sufficiently ricb to be profitable remains to be proved. That slate of fine quality exists isa known fact, but it can only be utilized when increased population and improved facilities for transportation shall have enlarged the demand and reduced the expense of removing from quarry to market, Mineral Lands. I see that Mr. Dana Perkins, a land agent for the C. P. R. R., urges tbe necessity of compelling miners to prove up on their locations, and of forcing all Jand not actually in nse for mining into the market, especially all such land as has been allotted to tbe railroad corporation, Such a consummation would most certainly be very detrimental to the future prosperity of this county, teeming as it is with mineral, which, if locked up in private bands, would practically stop the nomadic race of prospectors, the pioneers of all mining developments—men who spend their lives looking for a strike, almost invariably poor, and yet ever the discoverers of lodes and deposits for tbe ultimate benefit of others and eurichment of the State. As an old prospector told me afew years ago, when I met him, after twenty years of toil in the mining camp he was then leaving, ‘with his blankets on his back: ‘‘Yes, I’m off for 1] Dorado, Amador and Kern counties, Tbere are too many clothes lines and fences here now for me, and a fellow can’t prospect any more without trespassing on some fellow’s poison oak ranch, I’ve done well here at times and opened several good mines, but I’m broke now.” D. Greenwood, Oct. 27th, 1879. Fire-Proof Rock in California. Epirors Press:—Many years ago a stratum of peculiar clay was discovered near Milwaukee. It is from which a kiln of bricks were made as anexperiment. They proved of a yellowish color and were unsalable, In tbe lapse of time it was noticed that wherever those yellow, worthless bricks had been used in connection witb limestone in the construction of furnaces, the bricks were as uninjured hy fire as were the limestones —till then the principal reliance for furnaces, forges, cbimney-backs and the like. At once tbe old dis-used clay-bank was revisited, large kilns of brick put up, and the city of Milwaukee had a near aud ready source of great wealth. Soon the Milwaukee fire-proof brick were in demand all over the States, and Canada; nay, more, were shipped across the Atlantic and around the Horn. Most of tbe steamer furnaces, botel furnaces, mining aud smelting works of tbe Pacific coast have been built with Milwaukee bricks imported at a cost of about 10 cents apiece ! Now, right bere in Sierra connty Cal., a ledge of rock exists that is singularly unaffected by the intensest heat and the most sudden plunges into cold water thereafter, though repeated any number of times. The ledge is stratitied just rigbt for qnarrying, water power is abundant and rigbt at hand, in fact, crosses the ledge. No dan, even, is necessary, only a short flume. The rock is soft, yet tenacious, admirably adapted to sawing into blocks as desired. A stage road passes within a few rods of the ledge, and the C. P. R. R., is but a balf-day’s drive away. This fire-proof rock can be fasbioned to suit, and laid down on tbe wharves of San Francisco, on tbe depots of the mining towns of California for one-quarter the cost of imported bricks, while in many respects it is 10 times better, as large blocks or peculiar sbaped ones can be made at pleasure, thus saving expense of mortar while securing greater strengtb and durability. What enterprising man or firm will take hold of and develop the new sonrce of wealth? Consider what Milwaukee bricks have cost this coast, and, if this fire-proof rock is equally as good, it is easy to see that ‘‘there is millions in it.” J. G. Lemmon. Sierra Valley, Oct. 22d, 1879. Globe District, Arizona. Evrrors Press:—In my Jast communication I made an assertion that I thougbt that there was bere a fine opening for investments, and in order to sbow tbe public bow it is, will give an outline of one which I bave visited and examined, and tell what I saw. This property lies only one-quarter of a mile from abundance of water (Pinal gulch}, and on its surface sbows croppings of large width and at tbe shaft we find pay ore at least fourfeet wide. The shaft was sunk 40 feet through the hanging wall, and at tbat point cut the vein, showing pay ore tbree feet thick. Tbe shaft was then put down 60 feet, following the footwall, making a total depth of 100 feet. In the hottom there was found 18 inches of extremely rich horn silver ore, which glistened and sparkled in the candle light like diamonds. Now, back to the surface and on the dump, we find no trouble to get ore assaying up into the thonsands. We go out to tbe croppings and follow them nortbeast for 90 feet to end of claim and find they carry ore, and in places even eight feet, wide and crossing the line three feet on adjoining claim, find a shaft 25 feet deep, showing good ore. At the bottom find workmen drifting southwest to dividing linc, and bere we find tbree feet of ricb ore. Having now examined enough to form an idea, will eee what tbe terms of the owners are, whicb are these: They ask for a body of ore 3 feet wide, 25 hy 40 feet deep on ends and 90 feet long, all of which is in sight, and place the price at the value of the small sum of $50 per ton, leaving out all ore in the 60-foot shaft, also supposed body unexplored southwest of shaft, which has as good experience as the northeast side. Then another item, lying on the north of the ledge are several strata or spurs. Two have{been prospected and carry ore from six to eight inches wide, out of which can be got assays of immense value. Now, having facts and figures before us, I would ask where and by whom is there any such inducements held out to investors, and this is only one of a great many properties that are offered at snch prices. I think the amount of ore, as well as price, ata large per cent. helow actual value. So looking at all sides I fail to see how an investor can fail to realize a handsome profit, for as depth is reacbed these spurs must connect with and make the Icdge that much larger, as well as richer. Now, as the question may arise in the reader’s mind,’ if these parties have all this ore, why do they wish to sell, and I will answer. The only means of reduction bere at the present time is a five-stamp mill (tbe Isabella), and their terms are $25 and $45 per ton, guaranteeing bnt 80% of assay, so you see the inducement held out to those having low-grade ore. In my other I tried to show that, with machinery here, ore ougbt to be worked as cheap, if not cheaper than in most camps, under as good management; and these two claims are uot the only oues on this ledge, for it is traceable for about six miles in length, and having all indications of permanency. Having now given you an idea of some of onr low-grade ore, will cite you to the returns of the Isabella mill, commencing August 26th and ending Septemher 30th. During that time there was worked 1804 tons, giving a gross yield of $50,047.50, or an average of $277 per ton of 2,000 pounds. This was taken from 19 differeut mines, sbowing we bave a goodly amouut of bigb-grade ore. MINER. The Lick Observatory. The Science News, speaking of the above observatory, points out tbe value of the California climate for favorable astronomical observations. Jt says: During tbe last four years, very little bas been heard of the observatory to he huilt in California from the gift of Mr. James Lick, aud the public has very generally supposed nothing would come of the project. But there are now signs of a renewed activity on the part of the trustees, and evidence of an iutention to carry the project through witbout further delay. ‘ In August last, Mr. 8. W. Burnbam, of Chicago, the well-known observer of double stars, was invited to spend a montb or two on Mount Hamilton, witb bis telescope, in order to test the suitability of the mountain as a site for the proposed observatory. His reports were so favorable that. Prof. Newcomb, on whose recommendation he was chosen for the wors, visited the placé himself in September, Both these gentlemen speak in the highest terms of the excellence of the astronomical conditions. Not only is almost every night perfectly clear, hut, according to Mr. Burnham, bad seeing is almost unknown. Every nigbt is snch a one as be would consider superb at Chicago, and would only meet with two or tbree times a year. He discovered during his stay a number of new double stars, in portions of the sky which are further sonth than can be thoroughly examined in the comparatively bad atmosphere of stations this side of the Mississippi. The result of this exploration will give botb tbe trustees and the public a new interest in the project, and it is supposed will lead the former to pusb tbe work on as rapidly as possible. If, as both the astronomers wbo have examined tbe site seem to suppose, its atmosphere is finer than that of any existing observatory, the result will be that the most powerful telescope in the world will be under the finest sky for supplying its ntmost capacity. Pusuine an Iron Bripvez Across a River.— A notable feat in engineering was brought to successful issue in the latter part of September, at Dinard, in the department of De and Vilaine, France. In carrying a railway across the river Rance, the uovel plan was adopted of building the bridge on shore aud boldly pusbing it hodily across the stream. The bridge weigbed 2,600,000 pounds; its hight above the river was 100 feet, and the length of the main span 314 feet. Twelve windlasses were used in rolling the bridge into position. It was calculated tbat four or five days would suffice for the work of putting the bridge in place, hut owing to the breakage of chains, it took two weeks, Krurr or Hssen.—Tbe cast steel mannfactory at Essen bas existed since 1810. It has been conducted by the preseut owner, Herr Alfred Krupp, since 1826, and since 1848 for his sole account. The numher of workmen, at tbe close of 1878, was 8,500. There are in tbese works 1,648 furnaces, 77 steam hammers —tbe largest of all weigbing 50 tons—18 trains of rolls, and 1,062 macbine tools. Tombstone District, Arizona. The Weekly Nugget, publisbed at Tombstoue, Pima county, Arizona, in its last issue gives the following account of tbe surroundings of the above district. To the south of us, a distance of 15 miles, by prospectors’ trail, lies the Mule mountains, having derived their name from the pass in tbat range which is only traversable by loose or pack animals—mule pass—and over whicbt rail most of onr smuggled goods are brought in. These mountains, or the mining section therein, cover a space of about 15 miles square, perhaps not as far in an east and west direction, but about that north and south. The country is located for mining purposes from the north end of the pass through the entire range, for a distance of 15 miles. On the north the mines show both gold and silver, the gold predominating, and in the centercopper is fonnd in enormous quantities, so mucb so that flux in sufficient amounts is hard to obtain. At the sonth side, and about 15 milee from the Mexican line, lie the silver claims from which such good reports have recently been received, and which contain a vast amount of that metal and will, sooner or later, produces a stir among our mining people. Asis too general, this district is classed as “low grade,” which is not the case; the ore generally assaying into the hundreds, and which by proper treatment would vield large profits to those wbo invest in reduction works, The San Pedro river lies from seven to eight miles from these mines, and furnishes abundance of water for all milling purposes, and, in fact, is less distance than is usnal for mining companies to transport their ore. Water is scarce in this camp, except about Dyer’s camp, where persons traveling that way, find a hospitality which is more than unusual in frontier countries. From Mule mountains to the northeast, but little prospecting has been done, on account of tbe scarcity of water. From persons who bave been throngb there, we learn that many large leads, of unknown value, have been seen, These claims have not becn located from the fact that these parties were ‘“‘thirsty,” and seeking a more congenial spot for themselves and animals. The route is almost level tothe Swissbelm mountains, in which the St. Louis company are now putting up their mill for the reduction of tbe ores from the valuable mine—Swisshelm —whbicb gave name to that group of bills, From Swisshelm’s Camp, Rucker is the supply point for provender and is very convenient, while the necessary lumber for huilding purposes can be bad at Morse & Co’s mill, in the Pinery canyon, close at band, and which mill is now engaged on a contract of two or three hundred thousand feet forthe before-mentioned St. Louiscompany. This mill is distant some 15 or 18 miles from Camp Rowie, and the once dreaded Apacbe pass, and ahout 20 miles soutb or southeast from Dos Cabezas gcld mines, whicb point is attainable by the stages of the National Mail and Transportation Company, running between Tucson and Mesilla, N. M. Dos Cabezas district, as defined by the records, isa gold district, and covered by from 100 to 200 claims, and from which a great deal of bullion has been produced, and could be now, if the necessary appliances were at hand. I, Martin Smith, of whom everybody knows, and P. W. Smith, of the Pima County Bank, are largely interested bere, and, in consequence, these valuable ‘‘diggings” cannot lie idle long. From Dos Cabezas to the uorthwest lies what is known as the silver district, and where many claims have been located, producing enormous assays in silver, but npon whicb little work has, so far, been done, except tbe title assessment work, Furtber on from this point, and, in fact, all the way to Camp Grant, is a country filled witb mineral, but is, as yet, almost unknown to tbe prospector, and whicb so far as has been traveled, is known to abound in silver ores, However, there are miles of promising country closer about ns. Commencing at a point about Tres Alamos and following down the San Pedro for a distance of, say 25 miles, and branching off to tbe east as far as the stage road, is a country whicb undoubtedly contains gold and silver, and which has never been looked at by our experienced prospectors. Considerahle ore brougbt from there by passers-by resembles that of the Tongb Nut of this camp, for silver, and some ‘‘born-spooncd” specimens have sbown a fine prospect in gold. Farther down tbe San Pedro are the mines which bave already created their commotion, and which are known to be more than good. These all lie on the east side of the river. On the opposite side—tbe Santa Catarinas—is supposed to be agroup of mineral, in fact, many mines have already been located and give promising assays. This range has hardly been toucbed by prospectors, from tbe fact that none who are able have ever: discovered and worked a ‘“‘bonanza.” A Srrone Bank.—The Bauk of England was incorporated in 1649, It covers five acres of ground and employs 900 clerks. There are no windows on the street; light is admitted through open courts. No mob could take the bank, therefore, witbout cannon to batter the immense walls. The clock in the center of the bank has fifty dials attached to it, Large cisterns are sunk in the courts, and engines m perfect order aro always in readiness in case of fire.

290 MINING AND SCIENTIFIC PRESS. {November 8, 1879. § (GorresPoNDENCE. Ane —Eps. We admit, dorged, opinions of corresp El Dorado County Mines. Epirors PsEss:—I see in my last letter, in writing about the Sardine mine, on Main Bar, American river, owing douhtless to my careless caligraphy, the Superintendent’s name is printed Session, it should have been Mr. Thomas Simons, a gentleman well known in the mining world, both in Colorado and Nevada: Golden Ophir. Since my last I have visited this mine, hut unfortunately on the day of my visit the mill was not at work. Mr. Folger, the Superintendent, informed me that the new machinery moved highly satisfactory, and the ore from assay tests was most promising. I am told that recent assays gave a return of between $400 and $500 a ton in silver. Mr, Hobart, who made tests of the oreby the new Robertson process last summer, found the sulphnrets to be very rich, and made the company an offer to put his sulphuret-saving machinery below the Huntington riffles, as they now exist, but bis offer was not accepted. Until I have an opportunity of seeing this mill in operation I shall refrain from writing about it, beyond saying that, admitting it to be all that is claimed for it, I doubt its capacity to work a sufficient quantity of ore in a given time, to be remunerative, especially as the slate neither works nor discharges from the screens as freely as quartz does, and being so much thicker in the pulp requires an extra amount of water, thereby retarding the settlement of the sulphurets. I am satistied that with really efficient macbinery, adapted to the peculiar nature of the ore, the ‘‘(iolden Ophir” will prove a valuable property, and fully justify Colouel Bilty’s persistent efforts to develop it. The Argonaut. This mine, situate some one and a half miles soutb and tbree-quarters of a mile east of the village of Greenwood, a lively and prosperous mining camp, even yet, owing to the many mining locations which centralize bere, is now being thoroughly explored and prospected by a San Francisco company, Hon. Paul Neumann & Co., who some time since bonded it from the locators, Messrs. Johu and Thomas Smith, Maltby and Garcia, who had partly opeued tbe mine, and erected a ten-stamp mill thereon, The present company have worked no ore in the mill, but bave been several months at work in thorougbly opening the mine. On tbe surface tbe lode ineasures 64 feet in width, which led to the opinion of some experts, that it was a mere mass of float ore. The new company have run a gunnel, now in over 400 feet, to tap the supposed ledge, at a depth of 200 feet below the surface, and in doing so, bave passed through a quartz ledge, 39 feet thick, showing bandsome prospects of free gold, visible to tbe naked eye, with well-defined walls; a second ledge, upwards of 8 feet in width, which also prospected well; and tbey are cutting through a third ledge, which is now penetrated for 43 feet, and bow much more there is to be cut through remains for time and powder to develop. That this is a motber ledge is certain, and if the whole body of ore will pay for reducing, even if of a low grade, this will make a permanent and profitable mine. It is evidently in the right hands, and Mr. MecNevins, the wellknown mining engineer, bas spent all this summer directing the prospecting in it, as well as attending to otber miuing property in this county. The success of this mine is important to this section, both as to the impetus it will give to business generally in this neighborhood, and stimulating capital to seek other investments in the numerous locations that await its aid both here and in otber parts of El Dorado county. The Golden State Mine, Owned by a private company, consisting of Messrs. Armstroug, Hall, Jones, and another gentleman whose name J forget, is situate on Jones’ creek, some seven miles from Greenwood, on tbe north side of Canyon creek, near tbe village of Jones’ Hill. This mine is more of @ series of seams than a lode; has been steadily worked for many years, and has always heen a profitable mine; nor is there any indication of its ceasing to be so for many more years to coine, The Clipper Mine. Mr. E. W. Hulford is now engaged in opening the Clipper quartz mine, some 3} miles above Georgetown, for a San Francisco company. Rich ore has formerly been taken from this mine, when in the hands of private parties, and under the management of Mr. Hulford there is every assurance of its being added to the list of successful investments in mining property in this county. Renewed activity in the various quartz mines around Georgetown is one of the indications of increasing contidence in our min. eral wealth, which in the near fnture will not be confined to gold alone, as old ‘‘ El Dorado” can boast of good copper deposits, slate and asbestos, Cinnabar also exists, but whicther sufficiently ricb to be profitable remains to be proved. That slate of fine quality exists isa known fact, but it can only be utilized when increased population and improved facilities for transportation shall have enlarged the demand and reduced the expense of removing from quarry to market, Mineral Lands. I see that Mr. Dana Perkins, a land agent for the C. P. R. R., urges tbe necessity of compelling miners to prove up on their locations, and of forcing all Jand not actually in nse for mining into the market, especially all such land as has been allotted to tbe railroad corporation, Such a consummation would most certainly be very detrimental to the future prosperity of this county, teeming as it is with mineral, which, if locked up in private bands, would practically stop the nomadic race of prospectors, the pioneers of all mining developments—men who spend their lives looking for a strike, almost invariably poor, and yet ever the discoverers of lodes and deposits for tbe ultimate benefit of others and eurichment of the State. As an old prospector told me afew years ago, when I met him, after twenty years of toil in the mining camp he was then leaving, ‘with his blankets on his back: ‘‘Yes, I’m off for 1] Dorado, Amador and Kern counties, Tbere are too many clothes lines and fences here now for me, and a fellow can’t prospect any more without trespassing on some fellow’s poison oak ranch, I’ve done well here at times and opened several good mines, but I’m broke now.” D. Greenwood, Oct. 27th, 1879. Fire-Proof Rock in California. Epirors Press:—Many years ago a stratum of peculiar clay was discovered near Milwaukee. It is from which a kiln of bricks were made as anexperiment. They proved of a yellowish color and were unsalable, In tbe lapse of time it was noticed that wherever those yellow, worthless bricks had been used in connection witb limestone in the construction of furnaces, the bricks were as uninjured hy fire as were the limestones —till then the principal reliance for furnaces, forges, cbimney-backs and the like. At once tbe old dis-used clay-bank was revisited, large kilns of brick put up, and the city of Milwaukee had a near aud ready source of great wealth. Soon the Milwaukee fire-proof brick were in demand all over the States, and Canada; nay, more, were shipped across the Atlantic and around the Horn. Most of tbe steamer furnaces, botel furnaces, mining aud smelting works of tbe Pacific coast have been built with Milwaukee bricks imported at a cost of about 10 cents apiece ! Now, right bere in Sierra connty Cal., a ledge of rock exists that is singularly unaffected by the intensest heat and the most sudden plunges into cold water thereafter, though repeated any number of times. The ledge is stratitied just rigbt for qnarrying, water power is abundant and rigbt at hand, in fact, crosses the ledge. No dan, even, is necessary, only a short flume. The rock is soft, yet tenacious, admirably adapted to sawing into blocks as desired. A stage road passes within a few rods of the ledge, and the C. P. R. R., is but a balf-day’s drive away. This fire-proof rock can be fasbioned to suit, and laid down on tbe wharves of San Francisco, on tbe depots of the mining towns of California for one-quarter the cost of imported bricks, while in many respects it is 10 times better, as large blocks or peculiar sbaped ones can be made at pleasure, thus saving expense of mortar while securing greater strengtb and durability. What enterprising man or firm will take hold of and develop the new sonrce of wealth? Consider what Milwaukee bricks have cost this coast, and, if this fire-proof rock is equally as good, it is easy to see that ‘‘there is millions in it.” J. G. Lemmon. Sierra Valley, Oct. 22d, 1879. Globe District, Arizona. Evrrors Press:—In my Jast communication I made an assertion that I thougbt that there was bere a fine opening for investments, and in order to sbow tbe public bow it is, will give an outline of one which I bave visited and examined, and tell what I saw. This property lies only one-quarter of a mile from abundance of water (Pinal gulch}, and on its surface sbows croppings of large width and at tbe shaft we find pay ore at least fourfeet wide. The shaft was sunk 40 feet through the hanging wall, and at tbat point cut the vein, showing pay ore tbree feet thick. Tbe shaft was then put down 60 feet, following the footwall, making a total depth of 100 feet. In the hottom there was found 18 inches of extremely rich horn silver ore, which glistened and sparkled in the candle light like diamonds. Now, back to the surface and on the dump, we find no trouble to get ore assaying up into the thonsands. We go out to tbe croppings and follow them nortbeast for 90 feet to end of claim and find they carry ore, and in places even eight feet, wide and crossing the line three feet on adjoining claim, find a shaft 25 feet deep, showing good ore. At the bottom find workmen drifting southwest to dividing linc, and bere we find tbree feet of ricb ore.

Having now examined enough to form an idea, will eee what tbe terms of the owners are, whicb are these: They ask for a body of ore 3 feet wide, 25 hy 40 feet deep on ends and 90 feet long, all of which is in sight, and place the price at the value of the small sum of $50 per ton, leaving out all ore in the 60-foot shaft, also supposed body unexplored southwest of shaft, which has as good experience as the northeast side. Then another item, lying on the north of the ledge are several strata or spurs. Two have{been prospected and carry ore from six to eight inches wide, out of which can be got assays of immense value. Now, having facts and figures before us, I would ask where and by whom is there any such inducements held out to investors, and this is only one of a great many properties that are offered at snch prices. I think the amount of ore, as well as price, ata large per cent. helow actual value. So looking at all sides I fail to see how an investor can fail to realize a handsome profit, for as depth is reacbed these spurs must connect with and make the Icdge that much larger, as well as richer. Now, as the question may arise in the reader’s mind,’ if these parties have all this ore, why do they wish to sell, and I will answer. The only means of reduction bere at the present time is a five-stamp mill (tbe Isabella), and their terms are $25 and $45 per ton, guaranteeing bnt 80% of assay, so you see the inducement held out to those having low-grade ore. In my other I tried to show that, with machinery here, ore ougbt to be worked as cheap, if not cheaper than in most camps, under as good management; and these two claims are uot the only oues on this ledge, for it is traceable for about six miles in length, and having all indications of permanency. Having now given you an idea of some of onr low-grade ore, will cite you to the returns of the Isabella mill, commencing August 26th and ending Septemher 30th. During that time there was worked 1804 tons, giving a gross yield of $50,047.50, or an average of $277 per ton of 2,000 pounds. This was taken from 19 differeut mines, sbowing we bave a goodly amouut of bigb-grade ore. MINER. The Lick Observatory. The Science News, speaking of the above observatory, points out tbe value of the California climate for favorable astronomical observations. Jt says: During tbe last four years, very little bas been heard of the observatory to he huilt in California from the gift of Mr. James Lick, aud the public has very generally supposed nothing would come of the project. But there are now signs of a renewed activity on the part of the trustees, and evidence of an iutention to carry the project through witbout further delay. ‘ In August last, Mr. 8. W. Burnbam, of Chicago, the well-known observer of double stars, was invited to spend a montb or two on Mount Hamilton, witb bis telescope, in order to test the suitability of the mountain as a site for the proposed observatory. His reports were so favorable that. Prof. Newcomb, on whose recommendation he was chosen for the wors, visited the placé himself in September, Both these gentlemen speak in the highest terms of the excellence of the astronomical conditions. Not only is almost every night perfectly clear, hut, according to Mr. Burnham, bad seeing is almost unknown. Every nigbt is snch a one as be would consider superb at Chicago, and would only meet with two or tbree times a year. He discovered during his stay a number of new double stars, in portions of the sky which are further sonth than can be thoroughly examined in the comparatively bad atmosphere of stations this side of the Mississippi. The result of this exploration will give botb tbe trustees and the public a new interest in the project, and it is supposed will lead the former to pusb tbe work on as rapidly as possible. If, as both the astronomers wbo have examined tbe site seem to suppose, its atmosphere is finer than that of any existing observatory, the result will be that the most powerful telescope in the world will be under the finest sky for supplying its ntmost capacity. Pusuine an Iron Bripvez Across a River.— A notable feat in engineering was brought to successful issue in the latter part of September, at Dinard, in the department of De and Vilaine, France. In carrying a railway across the river Rance, the uovel plan was adopted of building the bridge on shore aud boldly pusbing it hodily across the stream. The bridge weigbed 2,600,000 pounds; its hight above the river was 100 feet, and the length of the main span 314 feet. Twelve windlasses were used in rolling the bridge into position. It was calculated tbat four or five days would suffice for the work of putting the bridge in place, hut owing to the breakage of chains, it took two weeks, Krurr or Hssen.—Tbe cast steel mannfactory at Essen bas existed since 1810. It has been conducted by the preseut owner, Herr Alfred Krupp, since 1826, and since 1848 for his sole account. The numher of workmen, at tbe close of 1878, was 8,500. There are in tbese works 1,648 furnaces, 77 steam hammers —tbe largest of all weigbing 50 tons—18 trains of rolls, and 1,062 macbine tools. Tombstone District, Arizona. The Weekly Nugget, publisbed at Tombstoue, Pima county, Arizona, in its last issue gives the following account of tbe surroundings of the above district. To the south of us, a distance of 15 miles, by prospectors’ trail, lies the Mule mountains, having derived their name from the pass in tbat range which is only traversable by loose or pack animals—mule pass—and over whicbt rail most of onr smuggled goods are brought in. These mountains, or the mining section therein, cover a space of about 15 miles square, perhaps not as far in an east and west direction, but about that north and south. The country is located for mining purposes from the north end of the pass through the entire range, for a distance of 15 miles. On the north the mines show both gold and silver, the gold predominating, and in the centercopper is fonnd in enormous quantities, so mucb so that flux in sufficient amounts is hard to obtain. At the sonth side, and about 15 milee from the Mexican line, lie the silver claims from which such good reports have recently been received, and which contain a vast amount of that metal and will, sooner or later, produces a stir among our mining people. Asis too general, this district is classed as “low grade,” which is not the case; the ore generally assaying into the hundreds, and which by proper treatment would vield large profits to those wbo invest in reduction works, The San Pedro river lies from seven to eight miles from these mines, and furnishes abundance of water for all milling purposes, and, in fact, is less distance than is usnal for mining companies to transport their ore. Water is scarce in this camp, except about Dyer’s camp, where persons traveling that way, find a hospitality which is more than unusual in frontier countries. From Mule mountains to the northeast, but little prospecting has been done, on account of tbe scarcity of water. From persons who bave been throngb there, we learn that many large leads, of unknown value, have been seen, These claims have not becn located from the fact that these parties were ‘“‘thirsty,” and seeking a more congenial spot for themselves and animals. The route is almost level tothe Swissbelm mountains, in which the St. Louis company are now putting up their mill for the reduction of tbe ores from the valuable mine—Swisshelm —whbicb gave name to that group of bills, From Swisshelm’s Camp, Rucker is the supply point for provender and is very convenient, while the necessary lumber for huilding purposes can be bad at Morse & Co’s mill, in the Pinery canyon, close at band, and which mill is now engaged on a contract of two or three hundred thousand feet forthe before-mentioned St. Louiscompany. This mill is distant some 15 or 18 miles from Camp Rowie, and the once dreaded Apacbe pass, and ahout 20 miles soutb or southeast from Dos Cabezas gcld mines, whicb point is attainable by the stages of the National Mail and Transportation Company, running between Tucson and Mesilla, N. M. Dos Cabezas district, as defined by the records, isa gold district, and covered by from 100 to 200 claims, and from which a great deal of bullion has been produced, and could be now, if the necessary appliances were at hand. I, Martin Smith, of whom everybody knows, and P. W. Smith, of the Pima County Bank, are largely interested bere, and, in consequence, these valuable ‘‘diggings” cannot lie idle long. From Dos Cabezas to the uorthwest lies what is known as the silver district, and where many claims have been located, producing enormous assays in silver, but npon whicb little work has, so far, been done, except tbe title assessment work, Furtber on from this point, and, in fact, all the way to Camp Grant, is a country filled witb mineral, but is, as yet, almost unknown to tbe prospector, and whicb so far as has been traveled, is known to abound in silver ores, However, there are miles of promising country closer about ns. Commencing at a point about Tres Alamos and following down the San Pedro for a distance of, say 25 miles, and branching off to tbe east as far as the stage road, is a country whicb undoubtedly contains gold and silver, and which has never been looked at by our experienced prospectors. Considerahle ore brougbt from there by passers-by resembles that of the Tongb Nut of this camp, for silver, and some ‘‘born-spooncd” specimens have sbown a fine prospect in gold. Farther down tbe San Pedro are the mines which bave already created their commotion, and which are known to be more than good. These all lie on the east side of the river. On the opposite side—tbe Santa Catarinas—is supposed to be agroup of mineral, in fact, many mines have already been located and give promising assays. This range has hardly been toucbed by prospectors, from tbe fact that none who are able have ever: discovered and worked a ‘“‘bonanza.” A Srrone Bank.—The Bauk of England was incorporated in 1649, It covers five acres of ground and employs 900 clerks. There are no windows on the street; light is admitted through open courts. No mob could take the bank, therefore, witbout cannon to batter the immense walls. The clock in the center of the bank has fifty dials attached to it, Large cisterns are sunk in the courts, and engines m perfect order aro always in readiness in case of fire.