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Les diagrammes suivants illustrent la m^thode. 1 2 3 1 2 3 4 5 6 li'v \i >f ■>^|< BP REPORT OF THE ^RaGEEDIN&S Of, "THE UPPJRCAIADA ?^ C MiNING COM Y, FOE 1847. :-■■■: ^j ,ks i In iWi', -' j,i - #p- HAMILTON, e W. : Pia^NHa) AT THB SPECTATOR OFriCE. ■ < r" .'^J' ' ''' " ' ^'^i'-i^iC^ ' Y'^'' r^-p- r " ^ , n fM l^fl Hl ^ ^i | ^ <|> ^ l| | '»t!WP H Ii W «« i l J y ' M ' Vi ' WW ^ ^. ■ ' -i ---t ^^^y cam;' n:-- sri'iiKiXTF.XDKvr, F.KiM.trRiN ; oiTicras. vci'i -. I < # '• . ,1 :; oyi'lCllirS. V(»^ \'.)U i?S. ice. — • Waij.m i." .Mim:.- Laki. Ill run. f. ') "lO "' -'^ KEPORT !.l ^ Mi ■' ! OF THE TRUSTEES OP ®()c Itlpper Conoba JUining i^oinpanjj, ■ TO THE STOCKHOLDERS. ' 'i The first season of the field operations of this Com- pany having been brought to a close, and the Trustees having received the Reports of the different Officers in the employment of the Company, which will be found herewith, beg leave to lay before the Stockholders a short statement or Report on the affairs of the Company from its formation to the present time. - >* • * This Association originated in a desire felt by seve- ral gentlemen in Canada to open up what they thought might in time become one of the great leading interests of the Province, namely, that of Mining. The explora- tions made upon the north shores of Lake Huron and Su- perior in 1846, had convinced them, that although the country was ill adapted for agricultural pursuits, yet that there was reason to believe it abounded with valuable minerals, the most prominent of which was copper. The As3ociation was commenced about ten months since, but was not finally completed until the month of March , IV. when, chiefly owing to the verj liberal terms on which the Provincial Government proposed to sell any lands which might be selected, the capital stock of the Company, amounting to G4,000 shares, of $5 each, was filled up in Canada and the United States. An assessment of 5 per cent, upon the assessable portion of the Stock having been paid in, the Trustees formed their plan and esti- mates for the season. • An exploring party was dispatched as soon as the weather permitted, to both lakes. The one for Lake Superior was plicod under the command of Carlos Cobb, Esq., of Bufialo, and the party for Lake Huron under T. W. Bristol, Esq., of Detroit, both of these gentlemen had had the benefit of experience on these Lakes in exploring their southern shores, and were excellent practical mineralogists. i •: The Trustees entered into communication with Colonel O. B. Dibble, of Detroit, which resulted in his merging a company he was about forming into the U. C. M. Company, and accepting the office of Chief Super- intend<;nt. The Trustees also secured the services of Professor Hauley, as a scientitic mineralogist and geo- logist, and attached him to the party on Lake Superior. The manner in which all of these officers together with their efficient associates, discharged their dutics,will best appear by their several reports attached hereto, which will be read with pleasure not only by the stockholders, but by all who take an interest in such matters. The Trustees beg leave to say that they have acted in their several capacities,with ijreat ability, iiidiifMry and energy. The board feel ii^ratificd to bo ablr to inform vou that r. ihcj haye •ecufed the services of Col. ViBBtXi and Messrs. Cobb &c Bristol, for the year 1848. •; Through the information acquired by our exploring oflicers, we have secured to the Company eight Loca- tions of two miles front upon the lake, with a depth of live miles each, being ten square miles each, or 6400 ocrea of land,making for the eight Locations 51200 acres. On each Location we have paid a deposit of £150 or $600, and have the right of pre-emption for two years of any one or all, at 4s currency or 80 cts. per acre,payable by dve equal annual instalments, the deposit in case of purchase, forming a part of the purchase money. Such in short are the liberal terms granted by the Provincial Government. Three of the Locations are situated on Lake Huron and five on Lake Superior. With respect to the probable value of these Locations,the Trustees have to state that Professor Hadley has analyzed ore from the Lake Huron locations, and of two of those on Lake Superior, and that none fall below thirty per cent, of copper, which must place these five Locations amongst the most valuable on the north shore of the Lakes, . , The Trustees have approved of the plan and esti- mates m9.de by the Chief Superintendent for the opera- tions of 1848. The chief features of which are that we shall confine our actual mining force to the two Locations on Lake Huron called La Cloch or the Wallace mines, which lie together, and thoroughly explore the ^ -hole of the others. The reasons for selecting the La Cloch Locations arc that they lie within 60 hours journey from this city, which may be travelled by steam boat with the exception of a good macadamized road from Toronto to I VI. Lake Simcoe : that they have abundance of rich copper oio, with cobalt and nickel, to which may be added a valuable bed of iron ore, all capable of easy mining. There is also water power to any desirable ex- tent near to the Lake, several hundred acres of rich arable land, timber sufficient for fuel and building purposes, and at the mouth of the river a good fishery for white fish. The Trustees have great satisfaction in being able to state that the cash estimates for the past season have only been exceeded in expenses to the extent of £400, which amount has been provided for by the Trustees, but will be a charge on the funds required for next year's operations. The estimates provided for four Locations only. Had we confined our purchase to that number, there would have been a surplus of £200 of cash in hand. The total amount of cash payments have been £3380 12s. 6d. $14522 50c. The payments in stock amount to £4583 7s. 6d. $18333 50c., making in the aggregate the sum of £7964, $31856. The payments in stock are for wages and Locations. The Trustees adopted the rule, that all persons engaged in the Com- pany's service should take a portion of their wages in stock, in order to interest them in its success. The chief portion of (he stock payments was made for Locations held by individuals. Henceforth no such charge need be incurred, as the company now possess ample territory. '■■''•; -^ . ■;. •^> ., ■ '■■'■, ^ ■;; • ■^i\\ t r - The Board procured an act of Incorporation at the last session of Parliament,the liberal provisions of which they feel confident will meet with the entire approbation of the Stockholders. One clause, however, prevents us from organizing under it until ten per cent, of the ca- r a s I t VI 1. pital shall be paid in. It also increases the capital stock to 80,000 shares, being an increase of 16,000 shares. This stock the shareholders of the old atock both in Canada and the United States have authorized the Trustees to dispose of as they may see most con- ducive to the interests of the Company. As it is im- portant that the Company should avail itself of the char- ter at an early day j the Board intend to dispose of the surplus stock, with a view of attaining so desirable an object. • The estimates of the Chief Superintendent contem- plate an expenditure of £3750, $15000 for 1848. In order to meet this amount, as well as to organize under the charter, two modes present themselves. Firstly to sell a portion of the 16,000 shares, and thus relieve the shareholders from any call or assessment for the coming I year, or secondly to distribute the stock to the present shareholders pro rata at the original price, and call for an assessment on all, of another five per cent. By pur- suing the first method we could organize on the first Monday in January next, but the second would neces- sarily create a delay of some weeks. Whichever mode shall be adopted, the Trustees are of opinion that no further call will be necessary in order to work the La Cloch or Wallace Mines, as they feel confident that they will be able to provide for all expenses with respect to those mines out of the avails of the ore. The Board commend to the stockholders a careful perusal of the several Reports published herewith, and in conclusion they cannot but congratulate you at the success which has attended the first year's efforts. It has not been marred by an untoward event. :. ! vni. Although the exploring parties have unavoidably been exposed to hardships in a distant and uninhabited country, for several months, navigating the great lakes in open boats, no accident has happened them to lessen our firatification at the fruits of their labors. ' JiW of v/hich is respectfully submitted. ,.i.rKu-] GEO. S. TIFFANY, J. T. BRONDGEEST, JAMES B. EWART, R. P. CROOKS, T. BRUNSKILL, n , ,; J. W. GWYNNE, Trustbbs, H. B. WILLSON, ^inoi Jj - ; Secretary, ) I ' , > Dated HAMinTON, 27th November, 1847. n , ^■..,. ;:■' U'-iUt':ZOrir.s: n: ..f 1 ■"> ' . •. ' ' . ' ■■■;r :)'[• h-'. -.. : iir;;^ obom , „ , . t V . * . " i - ... ', .:' vo',;l.. ; :■ :: .■ i^ik • :,^:[|-i.]ji O!^ , , :. ' - 1 . • ;; >oi^m : ••• !::7/ '... ^:;.;;>rj i;J .. . „ J- . > , .. • . L '. . . - - . i\.,,':^ ;'., ' ;.: J: ' '■:'''■■ l.'.i^' Ob^Olft ;',; ■ :': (..: .....f. .:u : !/ ■:-..viO!iT \ ..^ :./i.;:'o!I Iw'iw-M'^ •:m'j ^.'j \y,p,uy:):\ * i i ^j • k ' \^ ..' ../.•..».*» J ,. ; ■;. !rjtl .its./'hr) '.'.rJ :' -Ki.!; :;'iiC;'> i.l ul lli ^■^-■i:;^ «:* < < ^. * ; •J ^ ~f './J , ^i ■ \-\\ tu jy r^-ii! !* /'^ J '•» (iff: •o»f REPORT. TO THE TRUSTEES MI) SHAREHOLDERS OF THE UPPER CANADA MmL\(l COMPANY. Hamilton, 23rd November, 1847. Gentlemen : I have the honor to lay before you the Reports of the various Officers of the Company, namely : O. B. DiB^iLE, Esq., Superintendent ; T.W. Bristol, Esq., Exploring Officer, Lake Huron ; Carlos Cobb, Esq., Principal Officer, Lake Superior; PoLYCARPUs VoN ScHNEiDAU, Sccond OJfficer, Lake Superior : — and of Professor George Hadley, of Geneva College, New York. These Reports will show, that the chief objects in- tended by the operations of the season, have been fully accomplished. Valuable Locations have been discover- ed and secured ; and although these may appear more numerous than was at first proposed, it must be borne in mind, that the discoveries were of greater value as the explorations continued. This applies more particularly to Lake Superior, where the two last Locations, at Black River, exceed in value all the rest, both for quantity, va- I lue, and variety of minerals 5 for the fitness of the ex- tensive terraces for agriculture ; for the abundance of water power •, and for the valuable fisheries. The Locations on Lake Huron are all good, and worth far more than the entire outlay of the Company from the commencement of the undertaking. Estimates are given of the expenses for next year, in which I perfectly concur. My opinion is, in the absence of a canal at the Sault Ste. Marie, that for the coming season mining operations should be prosecuted on Lake Huron only •, but that the Lake Superior locations should meantime be effectually explored. And even on Lake Huron, the actual mining had probably better be confined to one location, that at La Cloch, known as the Wallace Mines •, every care being taken to reduce the ore as much as possible prior to shipment. ' . . ^ ;, M , ::: f ; ; ,, After the experience of a season, the question of erecting smelting works, either at the mines, at Port Sarnia, or elsewhere j or of shipping the reduced ore for sale 5 or smelting partially in*o pigs of unrefined metal ; will have to be carefully considered. Timber, for fuel, being plentiful, will answer for a time ; arid coal can be easily procured cither on the spot or elsewhere on the lake. Labor is no higher than at other places on the continent of North America, and the materials for furna- ces are equally good. The only difficulty being a consi- derable outlay, which would be hardly advisable to incur, until the returns of the mines should warrant it. ' The discovery of other metals beside copper, such as silver, cobalt, and nickel, as also some rare minerals wlrch may by research lead to important results, renders 4 5 a thorough anulysis of iho vurious ores of great import- ance •, for "want of this, in other countries, sad errors have been committed — the precious metals, even, having been either tin-own away or sold unconsciously along with the baser. Should the new discovery of smelting on a large scale by means of Electricity, prove as advantageous as described by the discoverer and his friends •, and should the discovery that cast iron may be substituted for silver or platina, in the Galvanic battery used for the purpose, prove correct 5 immediate steps should be taken by cor- respondence or otherwise, to secure the advantages of so very important an art — which would enable the Coni- pany to refine their own ores, and separate advantage- ously the various metals and substances, without having to destroy or waste any of them. I cannot close this Report without bearing witness to the zeal and activity of all the parties engaged in the most laborious part of the undertaking — the first explor- ation. Much more has been accomplished than was at first contemplated, and the discoveries made arc of the highest value j such as, with proper management, must lead to the most beneficial results. I also beg to add, that the utmost harmony and good feeling has prevailed, and the whole correspondence of the most agreeable character 5 leading to the hope, that when prosecuting the works with energy, all will work well together to the ultimate benefit of the enterprise. ' All which is nevertheless respectfully submitted. J. T. BRONDGEEST, [^^ Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the i -rjj .;; Upper Canada Mining Company. k "M ■ ' 1 T ^ ( > I H : » Jl' I %i KErOllT OF 0. B. DIBBLE, ESQ., SUPERINTENDENT. Detroit, November IGth, 1847. Sir, , In conformity with instructions from the Board of Trustees, I have visited the Locations belong- ing to the Upper Canada Mining Company, on Lake Huron, and have now the honor to Report. Thomas W. Bristol, Esq., the exploring officer upon Lake Huron, being at LaCloch with his party, that Location commanded my first attention. It is situated about one hundred and fifty miles south east from the Sault Ste. Marie ; about thirty miles from Spanish River, and about twenty-five miles from Mana- towawning, the Indian Agency on the Manitoulin Islands. There are on it eight or ten veins, carrying bi-sulphurct of copper and grey ore of great richness. The principal vein, called the " Wallace Mine," is situated about fifteen miles south-east from the Hon. Hudson Bay Company's station at LaCloch, near the bottom of a fine bay. With- in one-and-a-quarter miles of the mine, and embraced by the boundaries of the location, is White Fish river, hav- ing a beautiful rapid of about thirty feet within a distance of one hundred yards, capable of being made useful to any extent for all purposes connected with the business of mining. At the foot of the rapids is a small beautiful bay, around which occurs a level country or intervale, large enough for the construction of quite a village, should it ever bo required for persons connected with the works ', and fine gardens sufficiently large to raise all the vegetables required j together with farming lands for the use of the Company. This is considered quite an ad^ vantage, as every article of food has now to be transport- ed at great expense from Detroit, via the Sault, to the works. The rock at the " Wallace Mine," as will be seen by the specimens sent to you, is ohloritic slate, and is of a character called by miners " tough rock," requiring largo charges of powder at each blast to produce the effect desired. It, however, yields very easily to the drill, and may be worked with great facility. The vein varies in width from six to sixteen feet, and has been fully proved for a distance of half a mile, and will no doubt be found, upon working, sufficient to indemnify any outlay the Trustees may assess required for a pru- dent commencement of mining upon a very extensive scale. 1 * . • The bay upon which it is situated affords as fine a harbor as any upon the great lakes, and of sufficient depth of water to float any vessel navigating them. Vessels may come alongside the mine to load, if required. My time, and the season of the year, did not permit me to take any soundings at the two entrances of this bay j but from appearances, and information derived from the In- dians, I have no doubt, with Bayfield's chart, a good na- vigator could bring vessels of three hundred tons burthen into it with perfect safety. , i • " !• .^ i- > Of the ores of this mine, nothing need be said in this Report J that sent to the Secretary of the Company, and rr' the Agent in New York, will at onco satisfy all of its quality. It comincncos at the surface,and about fourteen tons was taken out of a shaft about nix feet deep,improv- in?. . ^ ji. . . The Locations belonging to the Company are five upon Lake Superior, described particularly in the Report of Carlos Cobb, Esq., (herewith submitted) and three upon Lake Huron. I beg to refer to the Reports of the exploring Offi- cers in the employ of the Company the past season, for particular details. They will be read with interest by all who desire the success of the Company ; presenting, as they do, most decided evidence of the value of the mi- neral lands belonging to it. The Report of Professor George 11 adley, of Geneva College, N.Y., will be found very interesting ; showing results by which the value of the ores have been determined, and the presence of mi- nerals of greater importance than copper, although the quantity has not yet been ascertained. Enough is,howe- ver,known to authorise the recor imeudation,in this place, that these mvestigations so essential to success, be con- tinued. .' M J . » < ■ ( . J V > 13 'In recommending to the Company a plan of opera- tions for the next year, I beg leave to submit the follow- ing : — An Agent should be at once sent, or a corres- pondence opened, abroad, so that, with the opening of navigation upon Uie lakes next spring, the Company will be enabled to get oat from Europe a sufficient num- ber of experienced men to commence work in a manner, that, while it will be efficient to produce the desired re- sult, will be characterised by that prudence that should always govern the best managed undertakings. Six ex- perienced Cornish miners, with a mining Captain of es- tablished reputation, and responsible for them, to perform the work of sinking shafts and driving drifts,will be quite sufficient for that branch of work. Four German min*» ers, with a Superintendent, all experienced in mining and in the business of reducing ores by the process of roast- ing^ added to the seven Cornish men, will be all the ope- ratives necessary for the contemplated mining of next year. The process of crushing and washing ores.by which the mineral is separated from the earthy substances with which they are connected, is attended with coasiderable expense, and in the infant and uncertain stages of the mi- ning business of this country,! have the very best reason to recommend the process of roasting, by which ores are reduced at once to the value of 00 or 70 j)er cent., as at- tended with the least outlay, and productive of results th^t will make their transportation to market easy and economical. Immediate returns may be consequently expected, and the operations of the Company made to support themselves, and, it is hoi)ed, yield a return to the Shareholders at a very early period. It will be necessa- 13 ry also to employ fi um twenty to thirty laborers to asslyt in clearing and performing such surface work as may be found necessary. Two experienced smiths will also be required to do the work of making and repairing tools, &c. These, together with the small number of men ne- cessary in continuing explorations, will constitute the re- quired number for operations next year. iTpon the subject of future explorations, I beg to state, that it is considered of the highest importance the}' should be pursued with vigor during the next sea- son. It is confidently believed that there is not one single Location yet made upon either lake, by any Min- ing Company,that has been thoroughly explored, and its importance should not be passed over, for although veins of great richness have been discovered, others of equal if not greater value may be the result of future enquiry j and before the period expires during which Mining Com- panies who have taken up lands belonging to theCrown, must determine upon the value of these locations, it is of the greatest importance to know their worth. The business of exploring will be carried on another year with greater ease and facility, '. ".ause the work will be entirely confined to locations belonging to the Com- pany j fewer men will perform it, and the expense re- duced full one-third. An estimate will be presented of the expense of con- templated operations for next year, commencing with the probable opening of navigation, at which time every thing should be ready to move to the Mines, — including wages of men, cost of provisions, transportation, &c. 14 I cannot close this report without mentioning in the highest terms of praise, those who have been engaged the past season in making explorations, &c., for thetom- pany. Carlos Cobb, Esq., of Buffalo, N. Y., had charge of the exploring party sent to Lake Superior, assisted by Capt. P. V^oxScHNEiDAu, of Chicago, 111. This party have not only explored the locations secured by the Com- pany on Lake Superior, but many others along a great extent of coast, and some commencing five miles in the interior from the shore, requiring great labor and perse- verance in making investigations to enable him to recom- mend them to the favorable consideration of the Compa- ny. His reports from time to time during the season accompanied by sketches of his work, have been highly interesting and of great value. Capt. Vox Schneidau's report accompanies that of Mr. Cobb, and will be examin- ed with interest. The service he has rendered the Company has been spoken of by the chief officer, in terms that should commend him to it. Thomas W.Bristol, Esq., of Detroit, Mich., the ex- ploring officer upon Lake Huron, assisted by Mr. R. J. Graveraet, of Mackinac, Mich., has rendered most es- sential and important service to the Company. The explorations of this party were extended along a line of coast of about one hundred and fifty miles, provided with but one boat, which it was necessary to dispatch several times to the Sault Ste. Marie for provisions, during the season, it being impossible to get them otherwise 5 in the midst of exploring parties belonging to other cc^ipanies j the great avidity with which locations were sought after 5 the caution necessary to observe, and the difficulty '^f communication •, rendered the most active ^nd energetic 15 exertions necessary. With wliat success these exertion.^ have been rewarded, the Company will have no difficulty to determine. Dr. Hadley had great difficulty in consequence of of the want of transportation to form a junction with Mr. Cobb, on Lake Superior, by which the time he was in the Company's service was much extended 5 but when at length this was accomplished, the work he has done, and the report he has been enabled to make, vill shew he has made the best use of his time, and very much to the ad- vantage of the Company. Finally, on this head I have only to remark, that all have done their duty,and deserve corresponding acknow- ledgments. Respectfully submitted, ./ j.ulJ'^:. ORVILLE B. DIBBLE, ' Superintendent U. C. M. Company, To 1 . •: j'-.';;iniVi ,* k li;u <. r I ) J. T. Brondgeest, Esq., ■ ■ Chairman^ Board of Trustees, U. C. Mining Company, Hamilton, C.W.> ' ' ,,;.■' I ; '. • i ' '■ -i. ■' ■ - 1 • . ' ' \ - : '. I I .< .* J ' f J 1 ' , ..»;■■!. ■_■;'> : ' ! . ^ii. .. .; i'. ^. !4.Jv ^'iJ^J-^: ■Mri;-) r t ^Ai t t i - ... i .* . V IK- t> i' jU Vj 7'U.U;..J -i ■ ;V-i !/-■! lU ,ViU(, Sir : Having completed my explorations for the season, I beg leave in accordance with your instructions, to submit to you the following report, as a summary ac- count of my researches during the past season upon Lake Huron. My examinations have resulted in the selection of three locations for the Upper Canada Mining Company, of 10 square miles each. SPMISH RIVER LOCATION Is situated about ten miles West of the mouth of a river of the same name, and in the neighbourhood of 120 miles east of Sault Ste Marie. ., >. v, The rock formation is mainly composed of trap, greenstone, and altered slate ; the former predominating on the Islands bordering the coast,and the point of main land, known as the Little Detroit, which constitutes the eastern portion of the south boundary of this location. The greenstone and slate occur upon the main land, the latter in the high mural cliffs which skirt the coast flanked upon the north with greenstone, which continues, with slight interruptions, to the north boundary of the tract. 17 Of tho number of islands embraced within this Lo- cation, three only are regarded of sufficient size to call for a description of their mineral veins. The two greater have an east and west direction, extending nearly across the Location with average widths of about three quarters of a mile, and are elevated from 100 to 150 feet above the lake. The remaining one Will be found near the We;:,t boun- dary, running parallel with it, or nearly at right angles to the two former, with about the same elevation. This island near the south end, is traversed with five well defined quartz veins, varying in extent from one to two and a half feet. In four of this number, the grey sulphuret and carbonate of copper alone prevail — the Bulphuret occuring in small strings and minute particles disseminated through portions of the veins, while tho green copper tinge, communicated by the carbonate of copper appears throughout the entire width between the walls. The remaining vein referred to, is immediately upon the surfa ;e, producing yellow sulphuret and purple copper j the same specimens exhibiting both characters of ore nearly proportionally mixed. •"■'" i' The veins all occur in trap, and were found to pre- serve their uniform width when traced down the slope upon the west side of the islands, until disappearing in the deep water of the lake. Two of these veins are coii- nected nearly at right angles by a feeder of one foot in thickness. Entirely traversing an intermediate v6in at the junction, the matrix is changed from a white to a brown quartz, without any observable alterations in the mineral productions, both sides alilje prbducitog v^tidble specimens of purple copper. fiii A very striking similarity exists in their bearings ; for in no instance of those regarded as true veins, was any material deviation from an east and west direction observed. This circumstance, it is believed, taken in connection with their contiguity to each other, will be found to produce a great influence over their products. In other mining districts, where veins occur isolated or separated by great distances, without any connecting strings or feeders, they have in general failed to produce satisfactory results from mining. Upon the other hand, when a number of somewhat parallel contiguous veins appear, as in this instance, some of them very rarely fail to be productive. No objection can be raised from the fact of their be- ing upon islands -J for thoy are of sufficient magnitude T SO and elevation to possess all the advantages that could possibly be realized were thoy /situated upon the main ihore. Upon the main land, 0ve large quartz veins have been discovered, conforming in direction with those pre- viously described, with thickness varying from four to eight feet. In three of these veins, the yellow sulphuret of copper was found, and in one which was traced over a quarter of a mile, this ore was taken from portions of the vein elevated 100 leet above the level of the Lake, In the external characters, these veins may be said to bear a striking analogy to one whicji has been opened upon a Location six miles east. Where no mineral whatever was apparent upon the surface, a shaft was com- menced, and at a depth of twelve feet, a lode of copper, two feet wide, was developed. These veins all occur un- der the same geological relations j and so great is the identity existing between those of Spanish River and the one in question, that an experienced eye, familiar alike with each locality, would fail to identify specimens from each point promiscuously arranged. Experience in other mining districts have firmly es- tablished certain facts, which lead to a direct understand- ing with reference to many of the contingencies in con- nection with copper lodes and veins ; and analogies for the solution of neighboring cases have been drawn with a degree of certainty seldom leading to unexpected results. Shining argillite is found massive in this Loca- tion. This formation is peculiar to some of the richest tin and copper mines of Cornwall. Small quartz veins were observed to traverse this rock, presenting external ap- pearances worthy of further investigation. 21 Id The timber upon the Spanish Uiver Location if mostly of an inferior growth and quality- — principally stunted spruce, pine, aspen, and birch •, the latter occu- pying the narrow belts of interval land occurring be- tween the hills. Upon the west half of the Location, a wide strip of wet swampy land skirts the coast, clothed with cedar, spruce, and tamarac j immediately in the rear of which, the hills slope away at a moderate angle, attaining an altitude, in four miles, of from three to four hundred feet. Serpent River, which falls into the lake about fifteen miles west, crosses near the northern boundary of this Location, and will, it is believed, furnish all the water power required. But little arable land will be found upon this Loca- tion •, the islands for the most part support only a thin mossy soil, barely sufficient to conceal the underlying rock. Upon the south side of Spanish River, three miles east, a wide belt of level land, a portion of which is now occupied by the Indians as their planting grounds, oc- curs,abundantly sufficient to produce all vegetables which may be required for the support of any mining force ne- cessary to wprk the different veins. U CLOCII LOCATIONS. The two remaining locations will be found about 35 miles east of Spanish River, situated equally distant upon either sidp of the mouth of White Fish river, and embrac- ijig four miles in extent of coast. The lateral lines take their course due north five miles, and from thence easterly, payaUel with the general 22 direction of iho coast, four miles, embracing a mineral tract of twenty square miles. The "Wallace Mine" appears upon the coast about one mile west of the mouth of White Fish river, near the centre of the west location, cxhihitin;]^ one of the most favorable developments of copper ore yet discovered up- on Lake Huron. The vein was first discovered by a peculiar depression which marks the surface, and the green carbonate of copper which characterises the faco of the rock throughout a width of 18 feet. . It was subsequently continued west across a small bay, entering a cliff of porphyritic trap, through which it was traced nearly half a mile — the yellow sulphuret of copper being taken at an elevation of 100 feet above the water, as well as at every intermediate space where the surface was sufficiently exposed to identify its existence. The width varies from nine to sixteen feetihe south wall being well defined and uniform, the north more irregular and sinuous in its course, giving rise to the changeable width before mentioned. From the point where the shaft was sunk westw ird, the matrix of the veins is comcosed of chloritic slate, which readily yields to the knife. The Indians use it as pipe stone, and the marks of their hatchets are seen up- on the vein wherever it is exposed. Portions of the vein are divided transversely,with parallel lines of quartz, steatite, and calcareous spar : these, again, in one or two instances, are intersected at right angles with small veins of equal size, pursuing directions corresponding with the course of the main vein •, all alike carrying va- luable quantities of yellow ore. 23 A shaft was sunk to tlio depth of six feet, which pro- duced the ore sent you. At tliis «hort distance beneath the surface,an exceedingly favorable change was remark- ed in the mineral production of the vein. The ore was more thoroughly disseminated through the veinstone, and the nodules of copper were increased in size, frequently exposing several cubic inches of pure sulphurct. Should the same relative change characterise the lode in its descent, which by the way is highly probable, a depth of twenty feet will furnish ore in quantity and quality un- equalled upon Lake Huron. A short distance eastward of the shaft, a distinct change takes place — the vein-stone is either entirely lost or overlaid by quartz. The junction is plainly marked by a low cliff of quartz diagonally crossing the vein, in which both cobalt and nickel are found intermixed with the yellow sulphu- ret of copper. These two minerals occur in small rami- fied veins adjacent to the southern wall rock, and pre- sent the first discovery of the kind of any practical im- portance made in this mineral district. Aside from the occurrences of nickel and cobalt in the silicious veinstone, the only marked alteration seems to exist in the concentration of the ore in veins of pure sulphuret, instead of being distributed in prills or nodules as was observed in the vein where chlorite predominated. The specific gravity of the ore of the " Wallace Mine " is very considerably beyond that of the ordinary Eulphurets of Lake Huron j and by reference being had to the analysis of Professor Hadley, it will be found more productive than any of the ores upon the lake. ^i u One great advantage this mine possesses over others is, the ease with which it caL .jc worked. As an il- lustration of thisjone drill, without sharpening, bored four feet of hole. Now, in veins where the matrix is compos- ed oi silcx, two dozen are not nnfrequently req'aired,with four times the amount of lahor expended to accomplish the same result. This is regarded as too important an item to be overlooked ; as profitable mining, to a certain extent,aepends as much upon *'' -^ ease and facilities afford- ed for working the veins, as in the abundance of the ore. In recGcUng from the coast, the country slopes irre- gularly awa) , presenting li-equent bare knobs of ^rp-auitic and trappose 'rocks, both of which are traversed in an east and westcily direction by veins of quartz, affording superficial appearances worthy of further investigation. This formation continues uninterrupted one and a half miles interior, gaining an elevation of some three hundred feet, when falling to the north at a high angle a deep valley is formed, through which a small stream, one of the tributaries of "White Fish River flows, washing tho southern base of the La Cloch mountains. ' ^* Immediately to the northward the mountains rise xn abrupt, and nearly precipitous ledges attairing an alti- tude of eight to nine hundred feet above the lake and presenting an exceedingly bold and rigged outline. Their base is clothed with a considerable growth of spruce, birch and aspen, but from a point about mid- way up their sides to the summit, with the exception of wliortloberry bushes, which furnish abundance of fruit in their season ; and here and there a stunted pine clinging to the crevices in the rocks, uot a groon thing appears upon their surface, the heights presenting or. as barren and desolate an appearance as ntay well be conceived. At a point in the neigh jorhood, of 300 feet above the stream, upon the south side of the mountain, and situated about two milcs^ in a northerly/ direction from the " Wallace Mine," a bed of red haematite was discovered. This is said to yield the best quality of iron, and is not unfrequently used fox" polishing, under the name of blood stone, and at times has brought very high prices. It occurs upon a table or stair in the moun- tain, and can be worked with great ease. In following eastward along nea^ the base of the moun tain, in a distance of one and a half miles, two veins were discovered — one of 10 and one of 16 feet. They both externally bear a striking resemblance to that of the "Wallace Mine," having parallel courses and vein- stones of ci^lorite. Iron pyrites, which by the miners is termed mundic, was found very abundant upon the surface, and in one instance particles of yellow copper were discovered, at elevations of 500 feet above the lake. The La Cloch mountains are flanked on the north by a trap formation, as seen upon WhiteFish river about two mi- 3)3 from the falls, and continues, without intei- ruption, ss far interior as my examinations were ex- tended. The remaining Location belonging to the Compa- ny, lies immediately to the east, and adjoming the one above described. But a very short period was allotted for the examination of this tract , sufficient, however, was expended to determine the existence of three veins of yellow sulphuret of copper. They are found under f yiiiiL' "\m* -MUM MP- 1^1 ■piityii %6 1^ i the same geological relations that constitutes the pre- vailing rock upon the west Location. In addition to its mineral deposits, the Company, in securing this tract, have the entire control of White Fish river, the mouth of whicii, it is said, furnishes on« of the best fisheries upon lake Huron — three feet of water can be carried up the falls one and a quarter miles from its confluence with the lake. Here the river is con- tracted between high ledges of rock j and in the dis- tance of 100 yards, ovei three successive shoots fall in aggregate about 30 feet, affording one of the finest water privileges possible. , . ,,,.. . ,,,:,? From the foot of the falls to the lako, the rivef flows between banks elevated from eight to ten feet, upon ev ther side of which, hundreds of acr#s of flat alluvial lands are spread out, which are susceptible of the highest state of cultivation, and will, when cleared, produce all the grains and vegetables necessary for the support of any required mining force. This intervale land is now clothed with an exceeding- ly heavy and thrifty growth of sugar maple, with a few large scattering pines, quite sufficient for the supply of all necessary fuel and timber for building purposes. In short, few if any of the mining lo'^ations upon either of the lakes combine greater advantages,and which are likely to lead to succeieful mining, than are here furnished. At both Spanish and White Fish rivers, there will be found the finest harbors, securely sheltered from all storms, and a depth of water sufficient for the safe ad- mission of any vessel navigating the lake. In the foregoing, I have endeavoured to furnish an accurate statement of the advantages as well as surface ^. 27 description of the different veins embraced within uu boundaries of the locations which, by my recommenda- tion, have been secured to the Upper Canada Mining Company. Their appearance, in connection with the samples of ore furnished therefrom, >v arrant me in believing,5that no greater inducements are held out for the enlistment of capital in mining enterprises, with an equal prospect of a speedy return, than are to be found in the lands be- i^Dnging to this Company upon Lake Huron. Of the interior, comparatively but little is known. A large proportion of my time was unavoidably taken up in the transmission of news to and from the Saiilt Ste. Marie, and in the conveyance of provisions, tools, «S^c. It is therefore confidently believed, tiiat subsequent en- quiries and a more minute examination, will lead to the discovery of veins equally as valuable as those already examined. ,r Here J beg leave to acknowledge the obligations I am under to my assistant, R. J. Graveraet, Esq., who, upon all occasions, has exerted Q\ery effort to forward the interests of the Company. Very respectfully. Your Obedient Servant, T. W. BRISTOL, ^gent U. C. Mining Company , Lake Huron. . Hamilton, C. W., > __. November 25, 1847. S REPORT OV CARLOS COBB, ESQ., ■ PRINCIPAL OFFICER ON LAKE SUPEEIOK. > .- . vJiivxLLE B. Dibble, Esq , '^ Superintendent U. C. Mining Company. Sir: . ,;':'^' ' , ■ . I beg to mai f ^r following Report of Locations, selected by me on tu north shore of Lake Superior. The expedition committed to my charge, consisted of fifteen men, manning two boats,and left the Sault deSte. Mane on the 17th day of May last. Floating ice was encountered for several days, and immense banks were piled upon the shore, often preventing a landing for con- siderable distance^. The last of these were seen in lati- tude 48°, on the 23rd day of June, and the first appear- ance of snow this Fall was on the 14th day of September, in about the same latitude. I am informed the season was unusullay backward,and nearly one month later than the year 1846. Notwithstanding this, the weather was mild, and vegetation progressed with wonderful rapidity. The general feature of the north shore of the lake is abrupt and rugged, rising to elevations from a few yards to fifteen hundred feet, with intervals of low land, gene^ rally at the mouths of streams, but comparatively of small extent. The soil upon the shores consists of alluvial sand, and gravel from the primary rocks,, mixed with vegetable 21) niould,\vhich is mostly confined to tho mouths of'streams. Interior, the country rises rapidly, attaining considerable elevations, and the soil contains a greater mixture of clay. The timber upon the imtnodiate shore consists of spruce, fir, white birch, yellow and white pine frequently of considerable size, wliite cedar, &c. In more elevated portions, black birch, and sugar maple in great numbers, from which the Indians manufacture sugar in considera- dle quantities. • -> The hardy roots may here be successfully cultiva- ted. The turnep, carrot, radish, beans, peas, several of the coarse grains, and potatoes, which are not excelled in quality, and as yet are exempt from the blight which has attended them in olier settlements. The shores are indf^ntcd by a series of bays, several of which are remarkable for their enormous extent. Nu- merous islands line the coast, some of which contain more than sixty square UAiles, These furnish a great number of most comm .dious harbors, and no very consi- derable portion of the sliore is destitute of shelter for shipping. The atmosphere is remarkably pure and bracing, rendering the bold scenery discernable at surprising dis- tances. The water almost rivals the atmosphere in tran- sparency, and small objects may be seen at the depth of several fathoms, with a coldness resembling ice water, which, in the open lake, it retains a few feet from tlie surface, through the summer, with little change. , Fish of the best quality, and in great abundance, are taken, and furnish the reliable food of the Indian inhabit- ants, and must become an article of commerce. ¥ 30 The present occupants of this District nre wander- ing bands of Indians, perfectly inoffensive ] who derive their livelihood from the waters in summer, and from the woods in winter. Three or four posts of the Hudson's Bay Company are kept up, for the purpose of maintain- ing connexion with their more northerly establishments ; and two mining companies are commencing to woi'k — the Quebec and Lake Superior, under charge of Captain Mathews, and the Montreal, under charge of Captain Roberts. The practical skill of these gentlemen, and the very promising appearance of the mines now being opened under their direction, afford high hopes for the success of the mining enterprise. The Geological feature of the country is interest- ing, but will require long and careful study to settle ma- ny questions which are pi*esent0d. At the Sault, Gon- laise Bay, Batcheewauaung Bay, the islands opposite, and the north shore of most of the large islands,sand rocka appear in place, having a southerly and westerly dip j but the entire absence of fossils renders the determination of their age somewhat difficult : they probably belong to the ipwer siluvian rocks. At the mouth of Kaministiquia River, Thunder Bay, Back Bay, Neepigon Bay, Michipicoton River, and se- veral other localities, alluvial deposits have for a long period been in progress, occupying considerable extent j and the remains of Indian fires are discovered many feet below the present surface. A series of banks of drift sands and pebbles derived from the primary rocks, circle much of the shore, form- ing a series of terraces, the sides of which slope towards the lake at an angle of about forty degrees, seeming once 31 s to have been the lake beacli. The height of these uni- formly are found something over 300 feet. The best de- fined are those upon Michipicoton Bay, near the mouth of Dog River, where they are distinctly observable adistance of about four miles ; and near Black River, extending about five miles, where four, and perhaps five, djstinct terraces and slopes are seen. These seem to have been formed by the sudden or rapid breaking away of some barrier, causing the waters of the lake to recede, which incident seems several times to have been repeated. In Neepigon Bay, lines seemingly waterwurn are observed at similar elevations upon the green-stone cliffs. The trap — or trappean (?) — rocks are presented in a great variety of forms — basaltic, amygdaloidal, com- pact, porphyritic. True basaltic columns appear of five or six-sided prisms,upon the south side of several islands, forming the south shore of Neepigon Bay. True amyg- daloid, of great perfection and beauty, is found upon the same islands, and several other localities. A trap more or less amygdoidal, is found at Mamainse, Gargantwa, and at the above-mentioned islands. Compact trap, or greenstone, occurs as an immense overflow, overlying sand rock upon the north side of the St. Ignace group of islands, and the north shore of Neepigon Bay •, also oc- curring in the form of dikes of various thickness, from a few inches to several hundred feet, cutting all other rocks at various angles approaching to vertical. In both these formations, a prismatic chrystalization is observa- ble at right angles to the cooling surfaces, where an overflow, forming more or less distinct columns •, and in dikes, like prisms, reposing in a horizontal position. Several of these dikes consist of a highly magnetic trap. 33 possessing polarity. A porphyritic trap occurs near the D'Auri River, at l^oint Porpiiyry, and near Tliunder Cape. These are esteemed favorable rocks for metallic veins. A highly metamorphic slate occurs at the various points of junction with trap or granite, losing many of its former external characteristics, resembling, in many respects, a green-stone. Rock of this character is ob- served at Gross Cap, near the junction of the slate with porphyritic trap j on the main shore of the lake, oppo- site Michipicoton island, near the jnnction of slate with granite ; and various other localities. This is esteemed a favorite rock for metallic veins. Various qualities of slates are found — micacious, talcose, chloritic, and argillacious , among which,roofing slates of good quality may be procured. This rock is observed at L'ance a la Bouteilles, Slate Islands, and other localities which also afford metallic indications. A red steatitic rock occurs upon Neepigon River,un- derlying cliffs of green-stone, resembling the celebrated pipe stone of St. Peter's. This rock is manufactured by the Indians into pipes , and I have no doubt may be used in the construction of furnaces as a fire stone. ^ Granitic rocks arc found in great abundance and in a great variety of forms. This rock, at no very distant day, will probably be brought into use upon the lower lakes, as a beautiful and valuable bnikling material. Any desired shade maybe selected, fro;a a deep red to alight grey. The predominating mineral in this rock is feld- spar, of a red color. A light grey variety is found near Black River, Les Petites Ecrits, and numerous other lo- calitics. Tliis rock is esteemed one of the most favoru- i)lc for well defined motuUic veins. Veins occur in great number upon the shore, exposed by action of water and ice j are particularly numerous in aniygdaloidal trap formations, frequently crossing and intersecting each other like a net work •, generally of small size, but nearly all are metallic at tlic surface : native copper and silver arc met in this rock. The slate rocks arc cut by veins of calc spar and quartz, frequently of large size, with well defined walls lined with a steatitic mineral. The ores of copper, lead, and zinc are met in these veins, and pyratous copper and iron are frequently disseminated in the surrounding rocks. The granitic rocks arc particularly interesting for the great number and regular character of the veins, occurring in several districts ; are frequently of great width, persistent in direction and width, carrying the ores of copper, zinc, molybdenite and galena, which often is found argentiferous. The neighborhood of a junction, between granitic and slate, or trap rocks, has been found a favorite locality for the existence of metallic veins. The climate of this district is temperate and re- markably healthy. The thermometer seldom falls to ze- ro during the winter ; and the influence of so large a body of water upon the atmosphere during summer, ren- ders that season cool, and admirably suited to manual labor. Snow covers the ground about the middle of November, remaining until March — the ground unfrozen. During the whole year, the climate seems such to which the human system becomes easily acclimated. My own party, though mostly strangers to the mode of life, and K ■r I 34 climate, at no time having other shelter than tents, and often without any, have not suilcred from a common cold. The prcvaihng winds arc westerly. During the settled weather of summer, this wind begins to blow about nine or ten o'clock, A. M., and continues about 12 hours, when a light breeze comes olf the land. I have not observed that squalls arc more frequent than u[>on the lower lakes, but seem heavier, and to break with less warning. Variations are observed in the level of the lake. A considerable decline was noticed at the beginning of the present season from the year previous. On the first of October, the water was found to occupy a level some- thing above th"t of the pievious year, at the same point of observation, near Michipicoton river. LOCATION Nit. 1. This is situated on the south shore of Batcheewau- aung Bay, and is bounded as follows, viz : — Beginning upon the shore of the lake at the mouth of a small rivu- let supposed to be at the intersection of latitude 46° 48 with longitude 84° 46, west of Greenwich per Bayfield, thence due east, five miles thence north, two miles more or less to the shore of Batcheewauaung Bay, thence westerly and southerly along the south shore of said bay to the place of beginning. This ^ay is about twelve miles in length, by an average width of about six, near the centre of which oc- curs a large densely timbered island, about five miles in length, and at one part four in breadth, affording a good :}j shelter for vessels against storms from the lake, and an excellent lislierv. The western portion of this location is level, with a light soil reposing upon red sand rock, densely wooded with spruce, cedar, yellow and white pine of good size, • suitable for lumber. Passing along the shore to the east, an increased dip of the sand ro^k to the northwest is ob- served, which rapidly increases until its junction with a conglomerate interstratified with an altered sand rock, filled with white and greenish cpiartz pebbles, together with boulders of a beautiful black, yellow and red jasper brcccia,wliich continues about half a mile in width, where a greenish amygdaloidal trap rock occurs, occupying a width upon the shore of about ono mile, the amygdulcs in this rock arc filled with the zeolites, agate, and corne- lian of moderate beauty •, following along the shore to the east, sand rock re-appears in a vertical position bor- dering the trap, Jind for several hundred yards is more or less tilted, gradually recovering its former dip towards the northwest. This trap eruption rises in a scries of ridges, the general direction of which is nearly north and south, sloping towards the west and abrupt on the east. To the easterly of this the land becomes more elevated, attaining a heighth of four to eight hundred feet above above the level of the lake, upon which are observed rolled masses of a jasper conglomerate or breccia, ce- mented with white quartz, which arc said to bo derived from the neighboring mountains, considerable portions of which are composed of this beautiful rock. Veins of calc spar are observed cutting the trap rocks of this Lo- cation in a southerly direction. From the rock adjoin- ing these, native and grey sulphurcts of copper have been 3(i taken. Several ol' these arc ol' lar^^c size, are traceable lor consklorblu distances by «;iillios or trenches crossiiii^ the surroundinis location, affords one of the most accessible and .safe shelter for shipping upon the lake ; and the .small ;i7 islands o|)[)oailo D'Auri river iiiFord sufRciciit, in oidiua* ry woutlicr, lu alUnv vosscia to approach within a lew yards ot'tho ahorc, and receive or discharge hiding. The front of this location presents a bold and im- posing outline of mountains, rapidly attaining an eleva- tion of one thousand to lifteen hundred feet j in rear of which are seen mountains of considerably greater eleva- tions, sepr rated by deep vallies, through which run the tributaries of DWuri river, emptying into the lake on tho eastern [)art of the location, and Lyon's creek, em[)tyii> ; on the west. These streams are also joined by the til- * hutary outlets of several small but deep lakes, lying among tho ranges of mountains, the largest of which is three miles long, by ono in width, nearly hemmed in by immense rocky blulfs, lying interior about four miles. Both these streams arc extremely rapid, falling several hundred feet within the first two miles from the lake. A dike crosses D'Auri river one hundred yards from its mouth, causing tho stream to set back, forming a large deep pond, from which the river has cut a narrow channel across tho dike, from which it falls about thirty feet to the level of the lake, forming a water power with natural facilities scarcely possible to equal , as erections and buildings would be perfectly protected by this dike of slate rock, against the highest flood to which this stream is subject •, and an excavation twenty yards in ^ength, would conduct the water from the natural pond to the proper point for use. The vallies bordering these streams are covered densely with timber, among which are fir, cedar, spruce, birch, pine, &c., quite sufficient in quantity for economical purposes. ' ' ' ''■^'■'' ■ I have estimated that one thousand acres of good 38 J! 'i- land suitable for cultivation may be found upon the front of this Location. Near the streams, oeveral beaver mea- dows occui, from which large quantities of wild hay may bo cut, or afford pasturage for cattle, which have been found to thrive well upon this grass, and to be very fond of it. On Lyon's creek, near the falls, about ^ono mile from the lake, occur banks of a drab-colored clay in large quantities. Clay of this character has been forma- lly years used at Michipicoton house for torges, chim- neys, and a building material ; — has been found of excel- lent quality, and fully to serve f.uch purposes. It is be- lieved this may be of essential service in the construction of sun-dried brick buildings, as lime stone is not found in the neighborhood, excepting the small quantity derived from calc spar veins. This Location is laid at the junction of slate with granite, which is the rock of the western part of it. An eruption of greenstone and porphyritic trap runs through the centre of the Location in a northerly direction, cutting hornblendic slate. Upon the cast part occurs a slatey conglomerate highly metamorphic, tilted in nearly a vertical position, filled with boulders of the primary rocks, chiefly granitic, many of which are con- siderctbly flattened or elongated. Veins of two characters are observable ; one,having a northerly direction andgenerally of large size : others, having an easterly and westerly direction, of less size, but frequently highly metalliferous. Twenty -seven veins, bearing ores of copper, have been discovered upon the shore *, also, numerous droppers or tributaries. The gangue of the large northerly veins is chiefly calc spar, which, being softer than the surrounding vvc^Il rocks, has 39 decayed out, forming len^L^^liencd trendies or gullies. That of the cast and west veins is generally quartz, car- rying yellow sulphurel and vitreous copper of excellent quality. The former described veins carry the same ores, occasionally accompanying pyratus iron, but less in quan- tity compared to the wi^th of the veins than those run- ning east and west. For a more full description of the character of veins, locality, &c., I beg to refer to the accompanying map and plot. LOCATION K»- 3 Lies upon the main shore, nearly north of the west end of Michipicoton island. Is bounded as follows, viz : Beginning at a blazed fir tree standing upon a rocky bluff, upon the south side of which is marked, *' Located for the Upper Canada Mining Company, July 3rd, 1847 ;" supposed to be at the intersection of latitude 47 deg. 57 min. 40 sec. north, with longitude 8G deg. 1 min. 30 sec. west, of Greenwich, per Bayfield. Thence in a northerly direction at right angles, to the general course of the shore in that neighborhood, five miles. Thence westerly at a right angle to said northerly line, two miles : thence southerly, parallel to said northerly line, and two miles distant therefrom, five miles more or less to the lake shore : thence easterly along said shore, following tho meanderings thereof, to the place of beginning. One mile east of this location occurs a natural har- bor for vessels, affording perfect security in any weather, and easy of access. It is formed by a bay half a mile in depth, by about half that distance in width, running into the land from the east ; fronted by several small but high f 40 rocky isliinil.s, ririing into high rounded knobs : be- tween aro deep, and unobstructed channels. Tliis Lay is protected from the lake, by a narrow rocky bkifT, fifty toseveftty feet in height, nearly perpendicular •, opposite, across the bay, occurs a second blufF, about three hun- dred feet in height, nearly abrupt from the water's edge; between the two, washed by the head of the bay, is a wide sand beach, to which vessels of eight feet drauglit may approach to half cable length. From this harbor I have cut a road, about three miles in length, to the cen- tre of the location upon the front. Fish of excellent quality, and in great numbers, arc taken at this point, among the islands fronting the harbor. Fall creek empties into the lake, near the west line of the location *, abounds in falls and rapids ; and at all seasons of the year affording sufficient water, for any hydraulic use, required for the location. On the western side of this location occurs a"terracc of alluvial or drift sand, densely covered with timber, n 5ing one hundred and fifty feet above the level of the lake, for which some districts (which I shall hereafter describe) are so remarkable. This terrace has a good soil, as is shown by the dense growth of pine, fir, and white birch, which it sustains •, and is found susceptible of cultivation. At Pic River a similar soil has been un- der cultivation for more than twenty years, and yet pro- duces excellent potatoes, turnips, &c. More than one square mile of this terrace lies within the bounds of this location. ^i -. ;^u ?• »; -: Several streams arc fed by small lakes emptying in- to the lake upon the front, upon which are several beaver meadows of considerable extent covered with wild grass. 41 I The front of this location is rough and bold, risin<]f in several places one or two hundred feet, from wliicli ranges of hills run interior, increasing in height fbr two miles back, where they are about eight hundred feet above the level of the lake. Its Geological features are very interesting, from the variety and combination of circumstances presented. On the east boundary, granite of a beautiful grey vari- ety meets hornblendic slate, compact, and highly me- tamorphic. Dikes of red feldspartic granite, appear at the lake shore, running northerly, cutting the metamor- phic slate. Dikes of greenstone trap, running in nearly an easterly and westerly direction, cross the locjition, generally of considerable width, in which is observed pyrosene, and semi opal, one of these dikes of trap was discovered highly magnetic, even in small specimens, possessing polarity. On the west, the slate appears less raetamorphic, dips to the easterly and meets a red granite, a few miles from the west boundary. Veins running in two direc ms are observed, one cutting the slate in an easterly and westerly direction, parallel to the trap dikes,carrying pyratou^s iron, occasion- ally accompanied by yellow sulphuret of copper in small quantities, with a gangue of quartz, generally cf consi- derable size. The second run in a northerly dii jction, with a gangue of calc spar and quartz, three of which are more than ten feet in width, of great distinctness ^ad regularity: these veins are crossed by the trup diktti, but are observed upon the other side, suffering only a slight disturbance, and continue their direction aft where first observed: several of these have been traced some distance interior, carrying the same metallic indications as upon 42 tho shore. A great variety of ores have been discovered in the veins running northerly. Pyratous copper, and zinc blende, are found associated in several. Galena, slightly argentiferous and pryratous copper, are also associated: these are all found associated in nearly equal proportions in several, and vitreous copper and blende are associated in others. For locality of veins, width, direction, dip, mineral carried by each, and the rocks of the location, I beg to refer to the accompanying map. LOCATION W- 4 . ■.f Is situate upon the main shore of the lake, at tho mouth of Black River, and nearly north from Slate Isl- ands, and is bounded as follows, viz : Beginning at a point of land west of Black River, supposed to be latitude 48 deg.46 min. 20sec.north,and longitude 87 deg.19 min. west of Greenwich, per Bayfield, upon which points tands a blazed tree, marked " Located for the Upper Canada Minning Company, July lc>th, 1847." Thence due north sufficient distance to give an average depth to this loca- tion of five miles : thence east, at a right angle to said line running north two miles : thence south at a right angle to said line running east parallel to said line run- ning north, and two miles distant therefroRi to the shore of the lake: thence westerly along said lake shore follow- ing the meanderings thereof, to the place of beginning. In passing along the lake shore opposite this loca- tion, high rocky points are observed, which seem the ter- minations of ranges of hills running interior : about one and a half miles from the shore, a steep bvnk is seen ris- 43 ing about three hundred feet above the level of the lake, densely covered with timber, terminating on the west, in a sudden slope, where it is seen to be composed of sand, the brow of which has from time to time slidden olfintoadeep gorge, through which flows Black River j opposite, rise rocky cliflfs, about four hundred feet per- pendicular. Several mi4es in rear are seen a range of mountains running nearly parallel with the shore, rising in cliffs, apparently twelve or fifteen hundred feet above the level of the lake, which are eaid to be greenstone trap. Black River empties into the lake near the west, line of the location : its source is far interior : is the outlet of a number of small lakes 5 and is a route taken by tra- ders passing to and from Long Lake, nearly two hundred miles interior. This river abounds in some of the finest scenery upon the lake. Nc r its mouth, and in view from the lake, occurs the first fall, about twenty feet in height where the stream is divided by two small islands. Above this fall the river is enclosed within bluff banks of rocks, and falls over series of rapids : half a mile up, a se- cond fall occurs, about thirty feet in height, below which the stream divides, forming a large island. One branch washes the foot of tlie high sand bank before described, causing slides of earth from time to time. One mile up, the river falls one hundred feet into a narrow chasm. Above this occurs a series of rapids for half a mile, where the stream becomes deep and broad, running through an • elevated table land or terrace for several miles, and is navigable for large boats. About three miles up occur clay banks of a reddish color, tenacious, and of fine qua- lity. This river affords facilities for hydraulic uses which can scarcely be equalled. At the high falls, the water 44 19 may be taken from the river above, through a natural race, creuted by the decaying out of a dike or vein, to the water level. The river flows through this channel in high water, cutting off an island. An excavation of 50 square yards of rock would throw any desired amount or the whole stream, through this channel, affording a cheap and durable water power at a point where its use would particularly subserve the wants of this loca- tion. Good cedar, pine, spruce, and birch, grow abun- dantly in the immediate neighborhood, sutficient for the demands of the location for economical uses for many years. From thip point to the lake shore the ground is favorable for the construction of a road. •: , > - ; The terraces, or table land before spoken of, are composed of sand and gravel, which seem here deposited by action of water, and once to have been the level of the waters of the lake. The highest of these slope at an angle of about 40 degrees two hundred feet, where a se- ries of terraces and slopes occur towards the lake shore. These are covered with a sparse growth of timber, con- sisting of fir, birch, pine, tamarac, and seem a lighter soil than the high or upper terrace. This land may ea- sily be cleared : is found to produce good potatoes and other crops suited to the climate, abundantly, which is of very great importance to a mining settlement at this point. I have estimated two full square miles of land of this description, and is included in the boundaries of this location, lying in one body. ; . rj . • r c,'! , 'sp '?" «: One side of this tract would border upon the lake : the west side upon Black river j a position unsurpassed for bet^Wjy and hcalthfulncss. j ,? f,,-. . 45 The nvcr at its mouth is narrow j within it is about 100 yards wide. Six feet oi" water may be carried over the bar. Inside, it is nine to twelve feet, and is sheltered from tlie prevalent westerly winds by a high rocky point projecting into the lake, this river may be safely enter- ed by vessels of light draugnt, in ordinary weather, but the reliable harbor for this neighborhood, occurs about one mile to the west, on No. 5, hereinafter described. The mouth of Black River affords one of the most esteemed fisheries upon the lake, and has long been the resort of neighboring Indians during the proper season. Our own little net, scarcely twenty yards in length, sup- plied us abundantly^ and a large surplus. The fish here taken are the speckled and salmon trout, white fish, cis- 00 wit, pike, and herring. The labor of one or two men, during the fall run, would supply a large se;,tlement with most excellent fish, and I believe three-fourths of the provisions required for a mining settlement, could be de- rived from the soil and fishery at this point. The rock of this location is a beautiful grey gra- nite : a stratification is observed, and a very consider- able dip towards the west. This rock continues for . about six miles west, where it meets metamorphic slate. A series of greenstone trap dikes cross it from east to west, several of which are of great w^idth, cutting the granite vertically, and are traceable several miles in a westerly direction, cutting also the metamorphic slate r?nge, before mentioned towards Neepigon bay. The front of this location exhibits an array of me- f tallic veins seldom seen upon the lake, and are remark- able for their great regularity, well defined character, 46 persistence in width and direction, together with the va- riety and excellence of their mineral indications. Near the centre of the front, occur two veins of larger size llian I have before met with in granitic rocks — one of twenty -five and one of thirty feet width, bearing yellow tjulphuret of copper and zinc blende, occupying a lode two feet in w dth near the centre of the vein. These veins have been traced about two miles, appearing in the river bluffs of similar dimensions and mineral indi- cations as at the shore. Several veins of Derbyshire Bpar, of a beautiful purple, appear upon the shore, and crossing the river bluffs nearly tv/o miles distant. Eight- een veins have been discovered upon the front of the location, bearing various ores of copper, among which are grey and yellow sulphurets of good qualities, each of which, I think, would warrant a thorough exploration. Besides these, occur a number of droppers or tributaries joining the larger veins. ' * ' On exploring the river, twenty-two veins were dis- covered, besides very numerous droppers or tributaries j several of which correspond in width, direction and con- tents, with those discovered upon the shore. The gangue of the veins upon this location is gene- rally white quartz, occasionally accompanied by calc and fluorspar, with walls frequently smooth and uniform, as if polished, and generally lined with a soft steatitic mineral. Upon opening two of these veins a few feet, two circumstances were observable : an increased width of vein, and an increased quantity of ore. For locality of veins, dimensions, and ores carried by each, I beg to refer to the accompanying map. 47 LOCATION N«. i as tic ed Is situate upon the shore of the lake, adjoining No. 4 upon the west, and is bounded as follows, viz : Beginning at a point upon the shore, made by the intersection of the west line of No. 4 with the same : thence north upon the west lino of location No. 4, sufficient distance to give an average depth to this location of five miles : thenco west at a right angle to said line, running north two miles : thence south at a right angle to said line run- ning west, parallel to said line running north, two miles distant therefrom to the lake shore : thence easterly along the lake shore, following the meanderings thereof, to the place of beginning, including also the small islands opposite and contiguous. The rock of this location is the same as that of No. 4 — the same stratification and westerly dip. A part of Terrace Bay is included within the bounds of this location, running into the west front, in which occurs several small rocky islands, forming a large and safe harbor in any weather j with good anchorage,easy access, and deep water to a very few yards from shore, which is a sand beach. ■■■■■■ - ' From this harbor the ground is favorable for cut- ting roads to almost any part of this and the adjoining location. On the east side of this harbor occurs about one square mile of land, rising gradually from the bay, of good quality, covered with timber, among which is a considerable quantity of pine, of sufficient size for lumber. . ; , 48 Torrace llixy is so niimcd from a rcinjukablc scries <»f sand and gravel banks, rising like steps, forming its north shore. For several hundred yards, the grouiid is composed of a series of low curved ridges, parallel to the shore -, graduolly rising, appearing like recent lake beaches. A bank liorc rises at an anfflc of about 40 deffrccs» one hundred f< ct, where occurs a narrow terrace of uni- form width, from which rises a second bank about the same height as the first, where occurs a terrace, from which rises a third bank. In this manner five distinct terraces are observed. On measurinij the elevation of the highest, it was found three hundred and eight feet above the present level of the lake. These banks skirt the bay nearly three miles, when they are intersected by a high mountain ridge running interior. The view of these singular banks from the lake is vast and imposing, and when standing upon the brow of the uppermost ter- race, appears like an immense amphitheatre beneath. Three miles to the north of Terrace Bay occurs a lake several miles in length — the outlet to which is p, tributary to Black River. Upon the north side of this, appear the perpendicular cliffs of the greenstone moun- tains, before mentioned, in the description of No. 4. The eastern side of this location is rocky and moun- tainous, and is cut by numerous veins bearing yellow and grey sulphurets of copper, similar in character to those found on location No. 4 adjoining. A vein occurs op- posite the small islands in the harbor, in a bluff bank ' about fifty feet in heighth •, nms interior north, fifteen degrees east, and has been traced into the mountairi ridge one and a half miles. At the bluff, cut by this 49 vein, the rock seonis to dip each way, as from an anti- clinal ridge, leaving a width of about twelve feet, in which the rocks in their broken strata lie on edge, or a vertical position. Through this runs a vein about eight inches in width, with a gangue of white compact quartz, bv the side of which runs a vein of steatite. This vein carries yellow sulphuret of copper, in a very handsome proportion to the width of the vein, well dis- seminated through the gangue. This ore is accompa- nied by sulphuret of molybdenites. Several droppers join this lode from various angles, carrying pyratous or yellow copper ore abundantly. Several other veins occur upon the east front of this location, mostly running interior, carrying the same ore in a similar gangue. I consider the above described vein a very suitable one upon which to sink a shaft, for the purpose of test- ing the character and value of the veins found in the neighborhood. For locality, direction, and contents of the several veins discovered upon this location, I beg to refer to the map accompanying. , Respecaully, Sir, -' ' Your Obedient Servant, C. COBB. ..f ; :':> *A\ i K > ' 1 y} ■ HErORT OF P. VON SCHINEIDAU,ESQ., SECOND OFFICER, LAKE SUPERIOR. To the Upper Canada Mining Company, given at tho request of the Superintendent, O. B. Dibble, Esq., in order to certify the character of the rocks, and the qualities of the veins, in the Locations selected for tho said Company upon the cast and north shores of Lake Superior, during the explo- rations of the past season. Having from time to time delivered to Mr. C. CoBB,(the Agent of the Company on the spot) according to his c*- der, sketches of each location, and tables, shewing the position, bearing, width, and composition of each vein discovered, I shall here confine myself to a general des- cription : LOCATION p. L (AT BATCHEEWAUUNG BAY.) A high range of mountains stretches from north- west to south-east, runs through the location, consisting chiefly of granite, which rises about 700 feet high, and slopes down on the north end of the location, where the rock is an amygdaloidal trap. On the shore a])pear conglomerate, sandstone, amygdaloid, and compact trap. Following the granite range on the westerly side,are ob- served amygdaloid and home blende slate. The granite hills are traversed at some places by heavy veins of chlo- 61 ritic slutc, in which iron pyrites arc disseminated ; also by ({uartz veins, of which one was found to contain an oxide of iron, und one other sulphuret of niolybdena in smull quantity. About i*«0 rods south from the north- west end of the location, runs a largo vein, 40 to 60 feet wide, following the course cl the range. This vein con- sists of a reddish trap, intermixed with quartz, calcareous spar, and grey manganese ore, (a peroxide of manganese) which last is very richly distributed. About twenty rods from this last mentioned vein, is one of calcareous spar, bearing west of north, 18 inches wide, which carry indi- cations of copper, (green carbonate.) A few rods far- ther north, is another spar vein, having the same bear- ing, which runs into a vein of the same character as the rock, (amygdaloid) which latter vein carries some grey Hulphuret of copper (vitreous copper) in its cavities, and bears east of north. The hills in the vicinity have some depressions, running east of nrrth, where the rock is more decomposed, which contain grey sulphuret of cop- per disseminated in the rock. LOCATION NO- 2. (AT D'AURIE RIVER.) The rock consists of chloritic slate and granite. Both rocks meet, and their junction runs nearly north, through the middle of the location. The mountains rise to nearly two thousand feet above the lake, two to three miles inland north from the shore. As well in the elate as in the Granite, are heavy trap and porphyry dikes observed. On the shore and on the islands the slate rock has a very singular conglomerate appearance. The I 52 slate here incloses water-worn pebbles, which consist of granite, jasper, quartz, epidote, slate and others. The slate is upheaved, standing on edge, its layers running nearly east and west. On the shore, in the slaty part of the location, twenty-five veins are discovered, from three inches to two feet and six inches in width, one of them containing vitreous copper in quartz, another of calcareous spar four feet wide, but is in a decomposed condition, and shows but slight indication of copper: the rest are quartz, w.th pyritous copper richly distributed. In the granite part of the location and on the shore, eight quartz veins were found, two to three inches wide, and several smaller containing copper pyrites in small quantit}'. All the veins have a bearing more or less east of north. Several large veins were discovered inland in the mountains, of which one in slate, two in trap, and one in granite carry pyratous copper, and look very promising. LOCATION NO. 3. (ABOUT FOUR MILES EAST OF POCASWAII RIVER) The general character of the rocks in this location are trap and slate. In one place the trap was found magnetic, in another having a Basaltic structure. The slate was in some places very much altered by the con- tiguity of trap. On the shore were discovered twenty veins of quartz or calcareous spar, all of them metallifer- ous, carrying sulphuret of lead or sulphuret of copper. Inland the rocks had the same character, and some veins were found with pyritous copper in quartz. One of the best defined veins on the shore is one five feet wide, of 63 tlie , of calcareous spar and quartz, bearing north east, carrying sulphuret of lead, snlphuret of zinc, and yellow sulphuret of copper. One other eighteen inches wide of the same character, and one twelve inches of caicare.ms spar with sulphuret of lead containing silver, prohably enough to make the extraction profitable. Some other veins wore also found only carrying iron pyrites, and one with sul- phuret of molybdena. LOCATION NO' 4. (ABOUT FIVE MILES NORTH-WEST OF L'ANCE A LA BOUTIELLE) The rocks m this location consist of granite, slate, and green-stone, rising 800 feet high according to esti- mation. The principal vein is one of quartz, running nearly east and west, eighteen inches wide in the narrow- est part, and traverses the granite carrying iron pyrites and argentiferous sulphuret of lead, (very rich in silver). The iron pyrites (so-called) which is very l.'ght-colored, might be argentiferous, like in some mines in Mexico, (see lire's diet, vol II. page 172.) On the shore the iron pyrites is prevalent in the vein, but on opening this about twenty rods from the shore up in the mountain, the ar- gentiferous lead was predominant. LOCATION NO- 5. (AT BLACK RIVER, ABOUT FOUR MILES WEST FROM LOCATION No. 1.) The rock is granite. On the shore and also inland appear some heavy trap-dikes. The ground rises inland about 6 to 800 feet high by estimation, partly in terraces and mountains. Along the shore eighteen veins aro dis- 54 corered which consist of quartz, carrying vitreous or pyritous copper, and in exploring the river, twenty :two veins were found carrying the same ores. One of these veins is twenty-five feet wide, containing pyritous copper and zinc blende in quartz, another ten feet wide of quartz, with calcareous spar, fluor spar, and copper pyritis, another ten inches wide, of quartz, with vitreous copper (grey ore). One with purple copper (variegated ore) and yellow copper, pyrites in quartz richly distributed, eight to ten inches wide, and one from three to six inches wide of quartz with copper pyrites, and rich specimens of sulphuret and oxide of molybdena. Finally, I add that in my opinion, every one of these locations incloses a great amount of mineral wealth, and thatt the working of the mines must be greatly facilitated by the fine water powers of locations No. 2, 3, and 5, by the abundance of fir and birch timber, and farther by the arable land which exists at many places in these locations. POLYCARPUS VON SCHNEIDAU. Chicago City, in the State of Illinois, > the 1st of November, 1847. \ » t. REPORT OF PROFESSOR HADLEY. O. B. Dibble, Esq , Superintendent U. C. Mining Company, Sir : The Locations taken by the " Upper Canada Mining Company," on the north shore of Lake Superior, are scattered over an extent of some two hundred and sixty miles of coast — reaching from a short distance above the outlet of the lake, to the east end of Neepigon Bay. With the exception of some of the islands and a part of the shore of Batchewauaung Bay, this whole ex- tent of coast is singularly wild and rugged *, not unfre- quently rising immediately from the water in bold preci- pices, six hundred to one thousand feet in height, and, in the interior, by the most abrupt, rocky, and impassible hills, attaining a much greater elevation. Numerous streams, many of them of considerable size, drain the ad- jacent country j their waters descending several hundred feet from the higher land in the rear, by a series of rapids and falls, sometimes immediately on the shore, and sel- dom more than a very short distance in the interior. The mouths of these rivers, when of sufficient depth j the deep bays vvrith which the coast is indented, and th e rocky islands which stud it j form numerous secure har- bors and roadsteads for vessels navigating the lake. 5G The rocks which appear on this coast, arc granite and trap of various kinds, with slate and sandstone. Of these, the granite and slate are far the most abundant ; and, alternating with each other several times, form the greater part of the shore for the whole distance. The trap occurs almost everywhere in the form of narrow dikes cutting through other formations \ and, in a few instances, in larger masses several miles even in extent. The sandstone is confined to a few islands and a small extent of mainland on the lower part of the lake. Rocky and broken as is the country, it is generally timbered with evergreens and white birch, which are commonly of light and slender growth j but, in more fa- vored spots, attain a size sufficient for all building pur- poses. Lichens, mosses, and small shrubs, are the more immediate covering of the rocks. As might be inferred, a soil suitable for tillage is almost entirely wanting. The rocks are not of such a nature as to yield it readily by their decomposition, and what little may have been formed, has been swept away in the comparatively recent change of level, since the lake covered several hundred feet in height of the present shores, by the same action of the water which now washes perfectly clean and free from dust — the few beaches of coarse rounded sand, peb- dles and boulders, lying in the little bays and indenta- tions of the rocky coast. There occur however, occasionally, at different ele- vations, and appearing like a successon of steps, rising one above the other to a height of more than three hun- dred feet, terraces or level plateaus of sand and gravel, in some instances of great extent, which may easily be brought under cultivation and rendered sufficiently pro- 67 ductivc. They will supply potatoes of most excellent quality, and other productions of the latitude. Fortu- nately, on the locations made by the Company, these terraces are found in sufficient abundance to furnish a population of miners with all the necessary supplies of this description. LOCATION N». 1. Location No. 1, is situated on the south shore of Batchewauaung Bay. The rocks of this vicinity are granite, sandstone and trap : the high hills and mountains of the interior consisting of the former, while the level table land, lying at a small elevation above the lake, is a coarse sandstone, covered by a light soil, which supports a good growth of white pine timber. Through the latter rock on this location, rising gradually from the water into hills of several hundred feet elevation, is an uplift of trap, which extends along the shore for half a mile, and which has been traced several miles into the interior. On the north, the strata of sandstone lie vertically against the trap, when in immediate contact with it -, but at a short distance incline gradually towards it, and soon regain their original horizontal position. On the South, the sandstone changes into a coarse conglomerate, consisting of silicious pebbles and boulders cemented together by hardened sand. Among these boulders are many which are themselves a conglomerate, being made up of sili- cious pebbles of various colors firmly cemented into one quartzose mass of uniform hardness and density. A portion of these pebbles are red, yellow and dark-colored jaspers : the whole exceedingly beautiful, and identical u 58 with the much admired houlders found on the islands of Lcike Huron. The rock, from which they are derived, occurs on Lake George, and doubtless they may be found in places somewhere in this vicinity. Nothing but its excessive hardness would prevent its employment for ornamental purposes ; anJ this quality only renders it more valuable when once wrought. The trap rock resembles that of Mamainse and Point aux Mines, is highly amygdaloidal and rather easily decomposed by exposure to the weather. The amyg- dules are filled with coarse and half-formed agates, cal- careous spar, a little iron ore, and other minerals. In the trap occur veins of calcareous spar, which are usually concealed from view, by the decomposed rock, and which were discovered in several instances by sinking a few feet through this rubbish along the course of the depres- sions or hollows on the surface. They appear to run in a north and south direction, and, in some instances, attain a considerable size j but no ore has been found in them, and on the surface they do not appear to be metallifer- ous. The specimens of copper ore sent down from this location, were taken from the vicinity of some of these veins, and do not occur in the spar veins themselves •, but in the rock by their sides, or by some small veins that run into them. The ore is in small amygdules, and appears to be the vitreous copper of the mineralogists. The most remarkable metallic deposit discovered on this location is a large vein of manganese. This ap- pears like a ridge or succession of small knobs, running north and south, fifty or sixty feet wide, and full of strings, containing, together with the ore, calcareous spar and quartz. The ore is massive, with small geodes 59 lined with minute crystals of the same substance, wliich are sometimes associated with octaliedral crystals of fluor spar and other minerals. The manganese of this vein belongs to that species called manganitc (hydrous sesqni- oxide of manganese), and is not the variety most valua- ble in the arts. LOCATION No. I Is situated on ihr D'Auri River, about seven miles from Michipicoton, and covers the line of junction between the granite on the west and the slate, which extends for a long distance to the eastward. The western half of the location consists of broken and rugged hills of gra- nite, which, curving towards the east, so as to occupy the rear, rise into high and exceedingly rugged moun- tains, whose bald heads are conspicuous and striking objects, seer from off the coast, and across the great Michipicoton bay. A broad but short valley, soon lost in the mountains in the rear, spreads out between the two formations, and drains a multitude of little lakes, which lie in the rocky vallies of the hills, and whoso united outlets form a small and rapid stream, a ^ew feet wide and 13 or 18 inches in depth. Some of the land in the valley is fairly timbered, and would be well adapted to cultivation, being sheltered from the cold winds on three sides by high mountains and lying open towards the lake on the south. The slate on the eastern portion of the location rises into hills not less broken and rocky than the granite, and scarcely inferior in height. Over this slate the D'Auri river, a large strcam,descends many hundred feet, by a succession of beautiful falls and h ()0 rapids, extending through a distance of some tlirec miles into the level of the lake. On this river also, especially on a small lake at the head of the falls, is some land well adapted to cultivation. In mineral constitution, the granite consists almost entirely of quartz and feldspar, in moderately sized grains, firmly impacted together, and is of a delicate red color derived from the tint of the latter mineral. In beauty and capability of being wrought, it is scarcely inferior to any other granite. Wherever observed, it abounds with irregular quartz veins,which are not metal- liferous, or at most, carry only a little iron pyrites. In a single instance, a fine quartz vein was observed to con- tain a small seam of specular iron ore. Along the shore the granite is cut through by many large trap-dikes, which have a general course north and south, or at right angles with the main line of the coast. The slate occupies the remainder of the location, and is somewhat metamorphic or altered in character, but not so much as to lose the marks of its original de- position in layers or strata. These have however, been 80 tilted up from their first position that they now stand almost perpendicular, while their strike or line of direc- tion is very nearly east and west. But the most remarka- ble circumstance about this formation is the occurrence, especially on the eastern side of the location, of pebbles and even boulders of large dimensions, sometimes round, but generally flattened or compressed in the direction of the strata, thickly imbedded in it. Immediately on shore, where the whole rock is worn down even and smooth by the action of the waves and the ice, this structure is shown elegantly in section j while at a highe.- level, the ,;i^-fK" Gl slate is decomposed IVorn between the pebbles, and they stick out thickly in bold relief, presenting altogether a curious and striking appearance. On breaking the peb- bles with a hammer, they appear occasionally to be well characterised granite and quartz j although more com- monly their structure is somewhat indistinct and not so decidedly of primary origin. Several very considerable quartz veins run through this formation, in an east and west direction, and con- tain iron pyrites, with which indeed the rock is largely impregnated, especially on the eastern side of the loca- tion. In one or two instances, in the interior, a little copper pyrites (sulphuret of copper and iron) was ob- served in veins in the slate ; but on the surface,generally, they show no valuable mineral whatever. Trap occurs in various places among the slate rocks. The specimens of copper ore sent down from this loca- tion were taken from two irregular dikes of this descrip- tion, which make their way through the slate on the point west of D'Auri river. These have not the straight and even sides of the dikes in the granite, but fit irregu- larly into the slate j from which indeed they are hardly distinguishable, and it is only by close inspection, even " where they are washed clean and smooth by the action of the waves, that the line of separation between them can be traced. This trap is a tough, chloritic-looking, rock, with occasional portions containing the yellowish spots sometimes seen in the boulders on the lake shores. The slate in the vicinity of the dikes is much altered in appearance, and, where the stratification is still evident; is exceedingly twisted and contorted. Across thesfi dikes, or at right angles to their sides, run numer- ^1 62 ens veins of qiKirtz containing copper pyrites, nnd in one instance vitreous copper, formed ap|)arcntly by the de- composition of the yellow ore. These veins undergo numerous small dislocations, of a few inches, in their short course across the dikes. In no instance have they been observed to continue into the si ite, and the veins in tlie two formations appear to have no connection with each other,although running in nearly the same direction. The copper pyrites, or yellow ore as it is sometimes called, consisting of copper,iron, and sulphur, is of excel- lent quality for this species of ore, and quit© free from admixture with iron pyrites. A specimen which I anal- yzed gave thirty-one per cent, of copper. Another matter, which may perhn' = be of some in- terest, is, the occurrence on this i)oint iind in the other parts of the location, of deep chasms, with perpendicular sides, running in various directions, and sometimes con- tinuous for great distances, which appear as though they may have been veins, the soft contents of which have been gradually washed out in the sinking of the lake to its present level. It may seem to countenance this'idea, that in one instance, immediately on the shore, at the surface of the water, one of these chasms is filled with calcareous spar, quartz and chlorite. I was informed that some good specimens of copper ore had been taken from it. These are the most important geological facts as- certained respecting this location. Details of the number and dimensions of the veins will be found on the map.. Before commencing to mine here, it would be advisable to ascertain more fully the number and dimensions of these bodies of trap containing copper, and perhaps also 63 to explore one of the veins in tlic slate, and one of the chasms below the lake level, by sinking a shaft or two upon ilieni. LOCATlOiN N«- 3. 'A, A formation, which appears to be a highly altered slate, forma the coast in this vicinity, and extends from a point four or five miles east to Otter Head, eight or ten miles west of the location. At each extremity it is suc- ceeded by granite. The strata of the slate are vertical or nearly so, and stand up, especially about Riickaswas river, in immense precipices, resembling more at a dis- tance, a green-stone range, then a stratified rock of aqueous origin. On the location itself, as seen on the shore, the rocks present a great variety of appearance and mineral structure. Reddisli colored silicious rock, inetamorphic slate, hornblende rock, granite, trap amygdaloidal, slatey and magnetic, all occur along the shore within a distance of two or three miles. It seems indeed as if every thing had been thrown into Inextrica- ble confusion by numerous and various kinds of trap dikes, which here make their appearance. The short time we were able to spend on the location, did not permit the studying out the exact character and the relations of these rocks to each other, and to the metalliferous veins, as thoroughly as is desirable. Along this whole coast are seen occasionally veins of calcareous spar and quartz \ the veinstone consisting of one or other of these minerals exclusively, or of both together. The calcareous spar is white or slightly colorcd,and highly chrystalliue. The quartz is hard and compact, / Gi liko that which forms the gunguo of the copper ore in some of the mines on Luke Huron. On the location it- self, which .s(!ems to have been the centre of the segrega- tiiig action, the veins are especially abundant, and more highly metal! iferouH than on the neighbouring parts of the coast. In size, they vary from an inch or two up to three or four feet in width : and many of the larger arc reported as having been traced for a considerable dis- tance inhuid, observing a constant direction and main- taining a uniform width. As to their course there docs not appear to be any very general correspondence among the dilferent veins. A few run parallel with the shore j but they commonly pass at various angles from the shore into the interior. Occasionally they are cut off by the trap-dikes, the dike showing no trace of the vein , but they are easily found on the opposite side, and, so far as observed, never sutler more than a slight dislocation of three or four feet. Their mineral contents undergo no change by the irruption of the trap. A variety of ores were observed in these veins — blende, copper pyrites,vitreous copper, galena, some iron pyrites, and in one vein molybdenite. The copper py- rites is soft, yielding readily to the knife, and probably contains as much as thirty per cent, of the metal. The vitreous copper (sulphuret of copper) is much more va- luable. The lead ore is somewhat argentiferous, yield- ing more silver than these ores ordinarily do, and proba- bly enough to render its extraction profitable, should the ore be found in sufficient quantity. The iron pyrites and the molybdenite may be regarded as of no economical value, and the blende (sulphuret of zinc) also ; unless it might be obtained in large quantity in the course of the 65 profitable working of more valuable ores. In a country so destitute as tliis is of lime, the calcareous veinstone might probably supply some of its uses. LOCATION NO' U I examined but a single vein of this location, which cuts through a large peninsula, situated on the eastern side of it. The extremity of the peninsula is an immense mass of greenstone ; but the vein cuts through granite. On its western termination, where examined, it is three to five feet wide, well defined, and carries, in a gangue or veinstone of quartz, fine large chrys tals of iron pyrites, and a highly argentiferous galena. From some of the lead reduced from this ore, I obtained between two and three per cent, of silver The ore contains also a trace of that very rare substance — selenium. LOCATION NO- 5. . In geological character, this location diflfers entire- ly from the three first, and probably from all locations made by other Companies on the lake. It is situated on a formation of granite, which extends along the coast from location No. 4, three or four miles east of Elack river,to LesPetitesEcrits, some six miles west of the same stream.' A range of greenstone hills are reported as ris- ing up behind it in the interior. The face of the country, though rocky and broken in a high degree, is less so than on some of the other locations -, and on the east side of the falls of Black river, are several most beautiful terraces, the upper one 66 1 of which extends several miles into the interior. At the mouth of the river, and on the western side of the loca- tion, are fine harbors for coasting boats, and even for vessels of larger dimensions. In addition to these ad- vantages, the waters of the coast abound with the choicest fish. The granite is composed of glassy quartz and red feldspar, in moderately sized grains, with small particles of hornblend, (?) and will scarcely yield to any granite in beauty, and in all the other qualities which render this rock valuable as a building stone. It should not be for- gotten, in estimating the expense of sinking on the veins, that it quarries and works more easily than most of the hard traps in which the mines of Lake Superior are com- monly situated. Some heavy dikes of black trap cut through the granite on the western side of the location, anr] on the eastern, is an extensive fault, which seems to have changed the direction of the great joints or fissures of the rock. The whole location abounds in quartz vein«,carrying copper ore. About twenty of these have been discovered on the shore, in a distance of two miles, and as many on the Black river, and that not counting droppers or branches, but only such as are distinct and continuous, and at the same time metalliferous at the surface. Of these veins, here seem to bo two distinct sets or kinds j one of which is confined to one of the two sets or joints or fissures, by which the granite is here divided into blocks, running with these in an east or north-east direc- tion, and dipping at a high angle to the north-west. These veins are small, one inch to three or four in width, but carry in considerabie quantity vitreous copper and m. 67 copper pyrites, with some molybdenite. The other set of veins are of more considerable size, vary from a few inches up to twenty or even thirty feet in width. The general course of these veins is from the shore, directly into the interior j but they vary somewhat in different parts of the location. Many of them have been traced for a great distance inland, and are uncommonly uniform in width and direction. Some have even and smooth steatic walls, and all seem to be subject to very few dis- locations or disturbances of continuity from any cause whatever. The ore carried by these veins is copper pyrites, with occasionally a very little galena and blende. In the large veins purple fluor and calcareous spar were ob- served. The proportion of ore to the veinstone or gangue is greater in the smaller veins than in those of the largest dimensions. The large twenty and thirty foot veins on the eastern part of the location, show on the surface comparatively little ore, and that only in cer- tain portions of the vein, while in the smaller ones it is thickly interspersed through their whole width. The copper pyrites is oi'the best quality of this ore and contains above thirty per cent of the metal. The vitreous copper, when free from veinstone and other for- eign matters, contains nearly eighty per cent of metallic copper. These are the most important mineralogical and geological features of the Company's locations on Lake Su{)erior, as nearly as they could be ascertained in a brief and hurried examination. With regard to the me- thods of working the mines, the treatment of the ores 5 with regard indeed to tlicir value, or the whole question {)8 of profit and loss, it is impossible to make any reliable estimate,with the data at present in oar possession. That the indications, in most of them, warrant further explo- rations, that they would be regarded by the explorers in this region as highly favorable, there is no doubt. To expend however, large sums on buildings or smelting works and other fixtures, before the veins have been fully examined by sinking on them and their value ascer- tained, would be both unsafe and unnecessary. I would recommend, therefore, that the most favor- able points be selected, and that they be first worked by small parties of miners. In this way, the amount and quality of the ore, the cost of obtaining it, and vd other points relating to the profitable working of the mines, may be ascertained with only the risk of a compara- tively trifling outlay. Respectfully, Sir, Your Obed't. Servant, GEORGE HADLEY. ANALYSIS OF COPPER ORE, BY PROFESSOR HADLEY. Buffalo, Nov. 19, 1847. O. B. Dibble, Esq , Superintendent U. C. Mining Company. Dear Sir: The Wallace Vein and Spanish River Ores turn out vastly better than was so strongly asserted at the Sault. ^'he ore is the yellow ore, or copper py- rites of the mineralogists, and consists of copper, iron and sulphur. The analysis of these ores gives copper :is follows, from Spanish River, Lake Huron, 30 per cent. Wallace Mine, L^^Ve Huron, 3U percent. D'Auri River, Lake Superior, 31 per cent. This is nearly as much copper as the theoretical composition of the ore shows. The specimens from Black River Location, Lake Superior, have not arrived, but the yellow ore from that region will be fully equal to the above. The manganite (from Batch eewanaung Bay, Lake Superior), is only half the theoretical value of the best mines of manganese. A specimen however, which 1 analysed gave a, result showing it equivaiont to about 60 per cent. j'l 70 The ore from Lake Huron, supposed to be arsenic copper, yields arsenic cobalt andnichel. (Tiie two latter substances have a njuch higher commercial value than v'^opper.) Probably it is arsenical, mixed with a little cobalt. If you can obtain at Hamilton some specimens and leave them here, I will ascertain their nature fully, and write you the result. I have njade many otber examinations of ores and niinerals from tlie difterent locations, some of which ap- pear in the Report, and others I have not thought it worth while to state formally. Should there be anything else pertaining to Jhese matters, on which I can give any information, let me know at any time. Very truly, yours, GEORGE HADLEY. V ^ V < v/ ', (•■ • -A .>. , « i '