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Photographic

Sciences
Corporation

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Trata
to

pelure,
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32X

Plan oV

^oolTo

A fiy-

— ^ ■ — •

Mineral District, North Sliore, Lake Si

Tributary to

Port Arthur

r*OMpiLED FOF\

.. i^

'^'■t

BpLPH^SMrMft CO.

\lsje Superior

J OKANITE PT

^^'^e/tCMevi fir

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.^--./

LGOMA

■ 1

^]ST

ITS

MINES, SCENERY

AND

Industrial Resources

ILLUSTRATED.

WALPOLE ROLAND, C. E

TORONTO:

PRINTED BY WARWICK & SONS, FRONT STREET WEST.

1887.

.r--'

/?,

O i. A w 1^ _ ^

Entered atcorUiiiLr to the Ait nt P,,r

of Agriculture.

PREFACE.

The idea of presenting the f'Jlowing brief record of the nmr-
•vellous resources of Western Algonia in general, an<l of the devel-
onment of the mines and other important commercial industries

ERRATUM.

Page 14.— Ilhiatration wrongly named, sliould be Tliunck ape. .ice
p;iL,'i.- 17.

Jauda1)le as this desire for knowledge may appear, it was not
always either convenient or possible without involving a heavy
tax upon my time, to fully satisfy many enquirers, nnd deeming
partial answers most unsatisfactory, I adopt the following course.

Within, gentlemen, you will please find answer— supported
not only by the testimony of our local press, but also by the
experience and personal research of many of the most eminent
scientists on this continent.

Your demand for a map " showing the relative position of the
various surveys made for the Government or private individuals
up to date," has also been complied with. This latter work
was prepared specially by one of our best known and most
experienced Provincial and Dominion Government Land Sur-
veyors, Mr. A. L. Russell, of Port Arthur.

1- Awb,6U

PREFACE.

The idea of presenting the following brief record of the mar-
vellous resources of Western Algoma in general, and of the devel-
opment of the mines and other important commercial industries
tributary tb Thunder Bay in particular, has again and again been
suggested to the writer by a long series of letters from various
•quarters of the United States and England, quoting certain
issues of mining and other papers, as for example : the New York,
Chicago and London Mining Reviews and journals, the Thunder
Bay Sentinel and Miner, etc., in which they had seen articles of
special interest, with a polite request for additional information
touching the relative merits of particular sections, etc. But
laudable as this desire for knowledge may appear, it was not
always either convenient or possible without involving a heavy
tax upon my time, to fully satisfy many enquirers, and deeming
partial answers most unsatisfactory, I adopt the following course.

Your demand for a map " showing the relative position of the
various surveys made for the Government or private individuals
i\\) to date," has also been complied with. This latter work
was prepared speciall}' by one of our Lost known and most
experienced Provincial and Doininion Government Land Sur-
veyors, Mr. A. L. Russell, of Port Arthur.

In conclusion, the writer has much pleasure in reminding his
readers of the fact that, the figures and statements given herein,
are from personal observation and investigation, as are also the
general historical and other descriptive references touching the
district so far described. Over twelve j'ears of continuous explora-
tory engineering, mineralogical and topographical examinations
therein, rendering the subject perfectly familiar from every
aspect and under different conditions, both in summer and winter.

Owing principally to a press of other work at this season, it
is, of course, barely possible to more than refer to the existence
of many industries of considerable merit and promise. The
agricultural interests from similar causes have not received the
amount of attention they so richly deserve. To this latter
remark, the west-bound traveller via the Canadim Pacific Rail-
way around Lake Superior, may be disposed to mildly object.
Visitors and intending settlers going through to the Northwest
Territories, would, however, materially alter their opinion and
improve their chances of success, or fund of information, by
remaining over at Port Arthur, and observing for themselves its
great natural advantages and what has been accomplished there
since the construction of the Canadian Pacific Railway. They
will find men of all nationalities investing money there ; they
will find it a splendid business centre, and a delightful summer

resort.

Your obedient servant,

W. R.

inding his^
'en herein,
e also the
iching the
s explora-
minations
)m every
id winter,
season, it
existence
ise. The
eived the
is latter
ific Kail-
y object,
orthwest
lion and
.tion, by
selves its
ed there
• They
■e ; they
summer

\ E.

ip^A^i^a? I

TOPOGRAPHICAL AND HISTORICAL NOTES.

NIPIGON LAKE AND RIVER

-TO-

THUNDER BAY.
UNRIVALLED SCENERY AND CHARMING CLIMATE

— AS OTHERS SEE US

A VIVID DESCRIPTION OF A FAMOUS TROUT STREAM, BY EDITOR

OF FOREST AND STREAM.

A C4LIMPSK OF Rki) Rock and thk Nipigox River from the Canadun ?■
Rail\v.\ • Thk Manitou or Sached Rock. The Terrible Fate* of a"
C. J . R. SiRVEYiNG Party. Indian Missions, Agents and
Missionaries. Guides, Outfits and Maps

VCIFIC

PORT ARTHUR

1800 TO 1887.

The Advent of the C. P. R. P
Bi

.NT OF THKO. P. K. Progress of Port Arthur. Its Industrus Puiu ic
ii.DiNGs, H0TKI.S, Schools and Churches, Mills, Breakwvtfh
Docks, Railways, Water-works, Falls and Powers

PROSPERITY OF FORT WILLIAM t.^^ ITS SURROUNDINGS.

SPLENDID AGRICULTURAL LANDS ON THE SLATE AND
WHITE FISH RIVERS.

MISCBLLANEOUS.

OUR MINES, MINERALS AND PIONEERS.

Opinions of the Press. Engineers' and Surveyors' Reports
on Railways and Townships.

OFFICIAL REPOETS ON DEVELOPMEXT

By a. L. RUSSELL, Dominion and Provincial Land Survkyor.

^ M

PART I.

ALGOMA WEST.

NIPIGON TO THUNDER BAY.

NiPiGON Harbor as the Lake Superior Terminus of the
Canadian Pacific Railway— Fertile Lands, Magnificent
Scenery and Vast Wealth of Minerals and Timber.

Lake Nipigon, situated between the parallels of the 49th and
51st degrees of latitude and the 88th and 89th decrrees of lond-
tude, measures nearly 70 miles in length by about 39 miles in
width, and in consequence of its numerous and deeply indented
bays, has a coast line of nearly 600 miles. This magnificent sheet
of clear, deep water, with its innumerable islands, great and
small, was, until the commencement of exploratory surveys in
connection with the Canadian Pacific railway, comparatively
unknown to the outer world. During the years 1872 and 1873
extensive explorations were being carried out upon all sides of
this inland sea by the Government engineers, under the direction
of Mr. W. Murdoch, then chief engineer of the Lake Superior
divisions of the Canadian Pacific railway. It was one of those
parties, accompanied by Chief Murdoch, that in the winter of
1871 and 1872, made a bee line from Fort Garry to Nipigon
House, a distance of about 410 miles, making a topographical
survey of this hitherto unbroken wilderness, on their journey.

At this period in the undeveloped scheme of our great
national transcontinental railway, the Government had seriously
entertained the idea of making Red Rock, near the mouth of tho

Nipigon River, the Lake Superior terminus of the road. This
scheme had many warm advocates among the engineei's, who
were of course thoroughly conversant with the great natural
advantages of the harbor. A change of Government, however,
occurred about this period, when the advocates of the amphibious
route came into power, and of course abandoned the north shore
for all time, as they supposed. Anyhow, another selection was
made.

About this time many important improvements were made in
the appearance of the Red Rock post by the officer in charge, Mr.
Robert Crawford, now of Indian Head. Docks, houses, stores
and commodious officers' quarters were rapidly constructed, and in
an amazingly short time the once desolate and weird looking
shanties were transformed into an orderly and prosperous station.
All this was done in anticipation of the promised terminus. The
terminus, however, did not come. The great company of merchant
adventurers were disappointed and disgusted with the expen-
diture, and then and there resolved that as soon as they could
discover a post belonging to their ancient corporation where wood
or building material did not exist, to that place they should send
the offijnding agent, though jaid place be the north pole itself.
The opportunity soon occurred. A vacancy was made in far
away Ungava, and to that place, the nearest post to the north
pole, Mr. Crawford was exiled. " Lumber," writes Mr. Crawford,
" is entirely out of the question here. I used to think $55 and
$60 a thousand dear at Red Rock, but here everything is con-
structed of ice," and unfortunately for Mr. Crawford, ice palaces
had not then become fashionable.

The land upon the north-west and west side of Lake Nipigon
is good, and the soils and grasses of the south shore will compare
favorably with any other section of Ontario. This soil, like that
of the company's land at Red Rock, now called Nipigon, is a rich
clay loam, with sandy clay subsoil, and capable of a high degree
of cultivation. The soil of the east side is not quite so fertile or
extensive, but has in places much better timber, and but for the
ravages of forest fires could boast of extensive tracts of fair pine
land.

The country along the shores of South and East Bay and

•ad. This
eers, who
t natural
however,
nphibious
rth shore
etion was

e made in
barge, Mi-.
;es, stores
ed.and in
i looking
lis station,
lus. The
merchant
le expen-
ley could
lere wood
ould send
)le itself,
le in far
he north
]!rawford,
$55 and
' is con-
) palaces

Nipigon
compare
like that
is a rich
h degree
'ertile or
t for the
air pine

5ay and

along the route of the proposed colonization road is, however,
fringed with very fine belts of pine of sound quality, and away
to the north-eastwards are also to be seen unknown f|uantities of
white and some red pine. This, too, is the most interesting sec-
tion from a geological point of view. The rock formation here
is principally Huronian, with granite prevailing southward. Many
important discoveries have boen made of the precious metals here,
and several well defined contact and other veins rich in pyrites,
both iron and copper, grey and yellow, have been recently located
in this immediate section. Bands of chloritic slate have also
been found, carrying $5 to S20 in gold. Provisions and supplies
of every kind, however, cost heavily, fiour frequently selling at
the rate of $20 per barrel, and other things in the same ratio.
This, it is alleged, is owing to the great expense of transport over
the numerous portages on the Nipigon river.

The Hudson Bay Company have now but one regular post on
this lake, that of Nipigon Hou.se, and, although situated north of
the 51st parallel of latitude, they manage to grow all kinds of
grain, vegetables, fruit and flowers. Everything requisite in the
way of crops flourishes abundantly. I am assured, by the cour-
teous officer in charge, Mr. Henrie De La Ronde, a titled represen-
tative of a distinguished French family, of the ancient regime.
This post is situated on the west side.

The scenery of the east and north-west side of Lake Nipigon
is very fine, and the views in the immediate vicinity of Nipigon
House stand unrivalled. Conspicuous among these are the Inner
and Outer Barn, and the Roche qui Frappe, famous for its peculiar
echoes.

The barns are walls of grayish-black trap, rising from the
bottom of the deep blue lake to a perpendicular height of 750 feet
above its surface, with tons of overhanging masses of loose rock,
apparently ready to topple over, upon the least provocation.

NIPIGON lUVEIl

Is famous for its speckled trout and charming scenery, and is the
only outlet from Lake Nipigon. It is also distinguished as beino-
the largest and clearest body of water flowing into Lake Superior.
At Red Rock, some two miles from the mouth of the river, stands

the Hudson Bay Company's post, beautifully situated on the
western slope of a well cultivated clearance of about 100 acres.
Within view from the company's dock here, and about one-eighth
of a mile up stream, occurs one of the swiftest currents on the
river, where the water sweeps downwards from Lake Helen with
a velocity of over six knots per hour. This is the first rapid on
the Nipigon and is crossed by the Canadian Pacific railway, over
an iron bridge, at an elevation of 97 feet above the water level.
This bridge, with its trestle approaches, measures 1,000 feet in
length, and is decidedly graceful in its proportion and general
appearance. Although the post office and company's stores here
are called lied Hock, the railroad station located just west of the
bridge is named Nipigon. This causes frequent mistakes and one
or other name should be applied to both post office and station.

The principal water stretches into which the river expands,
are as follows : — Lakes Helen, Jessie, Emma, Hannah, Maria and
Mirror, the principal rapids, falls and portages being Alexander,
Long Portage, Narrows, Island Portage, Split Rock, Pine and
Little Flat Rock, from whence the Hudson Bay Company's canoe
route branches west, reaching South Bay on Lake Nipigon by a
shorter and easier route than that of the river, where the rapids
increase in nun icr and velocity to the Grand Falls, or head
waters of the Nipigon. The Grand Falls have an deviation of
855 feet above sea level. This magnificent fall is one of the
greatest attractions to tourists, and although less majestic than
Niagara, owing to the romantic \vildness of the surrounding
scenery and peculiar fore and back ground, most travellers give it
preference to any other in this land of picturesciue falls.

The total length of Nipigon river is 43 miles. It has an aver-
age width of 285 feet, but in places opens out to two and a half
miles. The number of falls and chutes in this distance is fifteen.
The fish of this stream is the true brook trout, " but runs," says
the Editor of Forest and Stream, " to a size without a parallel
anywhere." Lake Nipigon is also teeming with fish of every
variety, including monster speckled trout, sometimes exceeding
fourteen pounds, and in one or two well know-n cases weighing
over twenty pounds.

d on the

00 cacres.
ue-eighth
s on the
elen with

rapid on
vay, over
ter level.
) feet in

1 general
ores here
st of the
s and one

station,
expands,
aria and
lexander,
*ine and
^'s canoe
gon by a
le rapids
or head
ation of
3 of the
tic than
oundinsT
s give it

an aver-
d a half
I fifteen.
IS," says
parallel
f every
:ceeding
'eighing

THE HARBOR.

Nipigon harbor is one of the safest on Lake Superior. It is
formed by two long peninsulas that stretch out on either side and
converge towards the entrance, where three large islands of great
altitude effectually check the force of wind and sea fi'om the
south, w^hile on the east and west side it is securely sheltered l)y
liigh spurs of trap mountains. This harbor is perfectly land-
locked and in many essential points resembles the basin of Bed-
ford, !N. S. The large islands referred to in the bay are the Verte
and La Grange, both of the old red or brown sandstone formation.
The Verte Isle stone is now extensively known to American
Ituilders, and large quantities are constantly being quarried here.
Nearly every kind of building stone is found in this section,
including a fine class of marble or serpentine.

THE SACRED MANITOU ROCK.

At the mouth ot the river also occurs the famous red rock,
sacred to the Manitou, and carved with hieroglyphics, the marks
of early Indian visits. Of this rock from time immemorial the
Indian Calumet has been made, and far away upon the Saskatche-
wan and Mississippi rivers, and in Mexico, in the mounds or
tumuli of extinct races, may be found samples of this peculiar
stone.

A BEAUTIFUL VIEW.

Leaving Nipigon harbor, with its bold headlands and walls of
rock rising to a perpendicular height of oGO feet from the water,
the tourist can revisit one of the is'ands formerly referred to as
affording protection to the naval anchv.^c*,^o. The first of these is
called La Grange, or tlie Barn. It is of considerable altitude, the
aneroid barometer indicating an elevation of some 1,420 feet.

The prospect from the summit is fine indeed, commanding as
it does a bird's eye view of the surrounding bay and islands.
From this point the spectator also overlooks many miles of the
mainland ; and as every feature of the landscape east to the
distant horizon rushes fresh on the memory, a brief description of
it, combining the useful with the beautiful, may prove of interest.

La Grange and its sister Isle Verte are of the oldest geologicar
formation — the old red sandstone — and were evidently intended
in the economy of nature to serve as a lookout point or break-
water. This, at least, was the opinion of Duncan McEachren
who, by the way, was among the first to turn the attention of
practical men to the excellence of its building stone. Already
large shipments of this stone has been made to Chicage from the
Verte quarries. The sandstone is unsurpassed, and its success as>
a marketable material is long acknowledged.

TERRIBLE FATE OF AN EXPLORING PARTY,

Glancing past the Twin Sisters and frowning heights of Isle
Verte, a view is obtained of the Mazoukamaw and Don river
section. This district is rich in mineral deposits, and many line
veins were located there in 1873, The country, however, is much
burned and barren looking. It was in this valley that Mr.
Johnston's survey party perished by fire in 1872 while on
exploratory work. Seven of the party were returning from a
cache near the mouth of the Don, and neglected to extinguish a
tire at which they had cooked breakfast. A wind sprang up,
and they were overtaken by the flames before reaching shelter
and perished in the fire. That night was an anxious one in
camp. Wails and wierd sounds were distinctly heard from the
burning bush. Morning dawned gloomy and wet. The forest
fires were nearly extinguished, and while the deep gorges were
reverberating with peals of thunder, and vivid lightning flashes
illuminated the desolate scene, diligent search was made for the
missing men, whose remains were subsequently found.

The Don has its source among the elevated trap and granite
hills to the east, called Scarboro', These hills, or rather moun-
tains, are bare, rugged and precipitous. The scenery is, however,,
admirably diversified, and to the geologist and lover of nature is
especially attractive.

A PROMISING MINING PROPERTY.

Before tal ing a final leave of Nipigon Bay and its superb
panorama, we will describe one of the many promising mining

111

^W.

properties in this district. It is a patented location surveyed in
ISSl and numbered SOT. This property consists of a series of
deposits of linticular shaped masses of zinc blende, of great purity
and unknown depth. These deposits, in places measuring eighty
feet long by twenty feet wide, occur in a bluff of horn blende
tra]i directly above a watci-course of great power. The water
power referred to is the White Sand River, which like River Pays
Plat, has its source in Wintering Lake, on the water-shed, 25
miles north of the zinc deposit. Passing through the narrow
channel of Pays Plat the Huronian series appear to terminate,
and, as we approach the shores for closer examination, the Lau-
rentian is seen to stand out in bold relief.

one in

rom the

forest

OS were

flashes

for the

THE TOWNSHIP OF NiriGON.

This township is situated on the north-eastern extremity of
Nipigon Bay, and enjoys from its many natural advantages an
extensive and growing popularity. This prominence is due in a
great measure to the discovery of rich lodes of copper, iron and
galena made a few years ago. It is remarkable for its numerous
fertile sloi)es and plateaus, especially those near the month of the
river, and also for its heavy timber, fisheries, delightful climate
and scenery. The township is traversed obli(iuely from south-
west to north-east by the line of the Canadian Pacific Railway.

THE NECESSITY OF A COLONIZATION llOAD.

By far the best lands in this district are situated between the
north boundary of the township and the southern extremity of
Lake Nipigon, as already described, and the hardy pioneers of
this settlement assert that the early construction of a good wagon
road connecting Lakes Helen and Nipigon is of vital importance
to their personal welfare, and the development of this interesting
district generally.

This township was surveyed in 1873, and, during this period
only one small grant has been made for local improvements.
This sum, it is claimed, was squandered upon the wandering
Indians, who no sooner had a road built to their new Mission
than they immediately availed themselves of the opportunity of

clearing off, bag and l>aggage, including log houses, for pastures
new. some seven miles northward. The length of the proposed
Colonization road would not exceed twenty-five miles of ea<.y
gradient, with few crossings and light work throughout its entire
length.

THE INDIAN.S AND AGRICULTURE.

The aboriginal inhabitants of the district so far described,
number about six hundred. Of these some 350 perambulate the
shores of Lake Nipigon and the other interior lakes during
.summer with all the freedom and easy grace of the Bedouin.
They are not all Pagans, but many of them, although not stricth"
adhering to ancient usage, may be said to be decidedly free-
thinkers.

Farming, or the art of cultivating their fertile valleys and
plateaus, upon Lake Ni|ngon is absolutely unknown excepting at
Mipigon House, where the Hudson Bay Company have had lands
under cultivation for upwards of one hundred years, and at
South Bay where the Rev. ]Mr. Rennison has also a large
tract carefully cultivated by Indian labor. Agricultural pursuits
should receive more Government encouragement in this quarter,
as the time is not far distant when the Indians of this district
must dig or die.

GREAT CHANGE EFFECTED BY MISSIONARIES.

It is now many years ago since the venerable Jesuit, Pere
Du Ranquette, preached his first sermon to the natives of the
then unbroken wilderness. This kind and zealous missionarv,
after years of unceasing and arduous toil, effected a wonderful
reformation in the lives and habits of a people by whom he was
esteemed more than feared. Too often this gentle Father was, I
suspect, imposed upon. His successor, however, the Rev. Father
Hebert, S. J,, was not quite so indulgent, a fact of which the flock
soon became unpleasantly aware. About 500 of these Indians
claimed to belong to the Roman Catholic faith, and one of the
first .steps taken by their new missionary, after his arrival
in 1876, was to assemble his scattered band and commence the
erection of a mission station. Previous to this assembly Father

Hebert liad, of course, paid them a flyinLj visit, l»iit it was not
until the work of building hnd commenced that they fully
realized the changed state of affairs. They had to work ! Their
church, school and small village is situated in a pretty bay, on
east shore of Lake Hiden, where a few families reside perma-
nently, while many others have signified their intention of settling
there also, providing they can obtain a deed of their lots.

The English church mission, in charge of Kev. Mr. Kennison, is
upon the big lake, as already stated. A church, school an<l
several substantial log houses have been erected. This establish-
ment is a branch of the Shingwaulk Institute near the Sault, and
many of the practical lessons imparted to Indians at that school
are carrie«l out here. Supplies for this station are packed over
the tmmerous portages on the river, and this, I am assured, is the
greatest drawback to its progress.

large

INDIAN AGENTS.

The Indian agent for the North Shore and Nipigon district is
Mr. J. P. Donnelly, one of Algoma's pioneers ; his district extends
north-eastwards from the Kaministi(|uia River to ^Ilchipicoten.a
distance of nearly 800 miles, and northwards or " inland " from
Pic River to Long Lake, and westward to the northern extremity
of Lake Nipigon ; thence south and westward along the Gull
River valley to Dog Lake, near the sources of the Kaministiquia
River or place of beginning our description. Many important
changes have been made in the condition of the Indians of this
agency of late, and owing to the united efforts of agents, Messrs.
Mclntyre and Donnelly, a taste for agricultural pursuits is being
fostei'ed among their respective scattered bands. Mr. Mclntyre's
agency extends westward from the " Kam " to the international
boundary beyond the height of land, and includes the numerous
bands over which, as a chief officer of the Hudson Bay Company,
he so long exercised a powerful influence.

THE RAILWAY HISTORY.

Althomgh many interesting mining and other properties m
this section are located immediately on the line of the Canadian
Pacific Railway, it is almost impossible, without extending this

report to an inconvenient length, to refer to them however
briefly in touching upon the early exploration, location and con-
struction of the Nipigon and Port Arthur railway, as it was once
named. This particular branch of the main line was first explored
in the winter of 1879 and 1880, when the idea of testing the
feasibility of a shore line was advocated by our worthy member,
Mr. S. J. Dawson. Its general course is as follows : —

The line crosses the Nipigon at the first rapids, where the
river is narrowest, and the banks, composed of boulder drift, aro
over 70 feet high. From this crossing the line sweeps along the
western shores of the river and harbor to Camp Roland, when it
curves around a cliff of red rock, capped with columnar trap, ris-
ing hundreds of feet above the road bed ; thence it runs west-
ward through a fertile and well timbered valley, and crosses the
Black Sturgeon River in the township of Dawson, which is now
re-baptised " Lyon." From this crossing the line inclines slightly
towards Black Bay, enters the township of Dorion and runs on
through MacTavish, attaining the summit near Loon Lake at an
elevation of 1,080 feet. From this point it follows the valley of
the north-east branch of the McKenzio River to a point near the
Forks, and thence converging upon the .shoves of Thunder Bay, it
reaches Port Arthur by an easy grade. The work of exploration
and survey of this branch occupied seventy-five days, and some
07 or 68 miles were measured and levelled up for grade.

Many apparently insurmountable obstacles, thanks to the care-
ful reconnaissances and abundant resources of the engineer in
charge, were passed over in detail and without delay, and what
was long considered to be the worst section of the road was
demonstrated to be by far the most practicable of the many lines-
approaching Nipigon from any direction. The winter of 1879
and 1880 was an exceptionally severe one and among the many
delays and difficulties which the engineer in charge, Mr.R. McLen-
nan, experienced, was that of having his entire party and outfit
solidly frozen in while attempting to navigate Black Bay in the
venerable tug Nef, with the thermometer at 40*^ below zero. It
is strange how memory lingers !

In conclusion, I must not omit to mention that Nipigon, (I
refer to that particular section of it in the immediate vicinity of

liowever
ind con-
va.s once
jxplored
iing the
member,

lere the
Irift, are
Ion" the
when it
trap, ris-
is west-
)sse.s the
. is now
1 slightly
runs on
ke at an
'.alley of
near the
:r Bay, it
jloration
ak\ some

the care-
jineer in
id what
oad was
my lines-

of 1879
le many

McLen-
id outfit
ly in the
zero. It

pigon. (I
icinity of

the Hudson's Bay Post and the Canadian Pacific Railway cross-
ing on the Nipigon River), is no longer the deserted village it
appeared to be before the advent of the railway. The Hudson's
Bay Company's stores and business has been much enlarged, and
the courteous and zealous agent in charge, Mr. Flannigan, is pre-
pared to furnish the tourist and prospector with every essential
article of outfit. Settlement has already followed the construc-
tion of this line, and some eight or ten new families are located
there permanently.

APPROACHES BY LAND AND WATER.

The Canadian Pacific railway touches the margin of Nipigon
Bay at Ross Port, opposite the charming archipelago of Pays
Plat, and going westward, follows closely upon the margin of
the bay for some 40 miles, where it inclines inland for about 2i
miles for the purpose of obtaining a suitable crossing on the
Nipigon River. Up to this point, a most varied and extensive
view of the bay is obtained from the car windows, there being
but just sufficient intervals of green trees to complete the fore-
ground of the ever-changing scene, and running as it were through
the entire gamut of sea and landscape.

NIPIGON CROSSING.

The view from the elevated structure is simply enchanting.
Over 100 feet below, the deep, dark waters are rushing madly
towards the quiet bay to ilie south, while in full view, up stream,
among the richly foliaged hills, lies Lake Helen, which in reality
i« but an opening (/f the river. Between this crossing and the
bay, and sloping genily to the latter, is a magnificent spot. Glan-
cing through an opening in the trees, we catch sight of an ancient
post of the Hudson's Bay Company called " Red Rock," with its
quaint white store und outbuildiags nestling serenely in one of
the loveliest of dales. It is evening as our express train passes
this historic spot, and as the last rays of the setting sun are
illuminating the attic windows of the " Fort," ere it sinks to rest
behind the pine-clad hills, many pleasant reminiscenses of Swiss
scenes are vividly recalled to mind. •

'M:

BY SAIL OR STEAMBOAT.

ri'i

But of all the picturesque routes approaching Nipigon and
Thunder Bays, via the north shore of Lake Superior, none surpass
that taken by the " Marks North Shore Line," calling at every
point of interest between Pic, Nipigon, Kaministiquia, (and if

1 -^-^ >^Ai^l^

^Hyims

i^«ffi

bBH^^H^k -^' . '-Fi^^^^fei^" -.'

,-- .. :., :-. .., ,.■ ■

i-M.-,^ -»a^ "'■>-, ^"!

^^^#«^

^P^':'

'i ■ , \|i^:i.;^-;

, ». ; i.- .

- '' ' t ■

„ ;«^-' ''■'' ^§r£-

!#' ili'ni.'jj

;;^;-:,--./^-«..'

§i^-.^"-

NIPIGON RIVER.

specially chartered). Pigeon River and Isle Royale. The boats of
this line, owing to their lighter draught, usually follow the inner
channels and thereby aftbrd the rare treat of travelling amid
scenes like those of which Mr. Halleck has so vividly depicted in
Forest and Stream, after " doing" the Nipigon, St. Ignace and
Silver Islet Channels : — " Islands succeed islands in an unbroken
continuity hour after hour as we glide ; islands of every conceiv-
able size and shape, more numerous than the Thousand Islands
of the St. Lawrence many times multiplied ; islands barren,
wooded, sandy, rocky, columnar, gracefully rounded, precipitous
and gently sloping, wind-swept and storm-polished, large, diminu-
tive, and infinitesimal ; reefs widely spreading and submarine
monaliths whose peaks barely project above the surface. There
is a breadth and sweep and never-ending change in the panorama,,
which is all-absorbing to a mind intent upon the picture. For
150 miles we steain through this island scenery ! In the calm
repose of summer's morning, when the waves are stilled and the

gon and

! surpass

it every

(and if

boats of

he inner

ig amid

Dieted in

ace and

nbroken

conceiv-

Islands

barren,

5cipitous

diminu-

buiarine

There

morama,.

re. For

he calm

and th&

face of the lake gleams like polished glass, the shadows fall
heavily from the indente<l shores, and every rock and tree is
sharply oiitlined and reproduced inverted in the mirror. Then
we seem to float on airy nothing, looking upwards into cloudland
and downwards into cloudland, into depths above and below that
seem illimitable." Before the construction of the Canadian
Pacitic Railway along the margin of this great fresh water sea,
more than one line of large steamers made irregular trips tlirough
the main channels above enumerated, landing freight, mails and
tourists at the various isolated trading posts. Since the construc-
tion of the railway a marvellous change has been effected in the
aspect of the north shore generally, and what was formerly but
the lonely home of some hardy fisherman, trader or trapper, is
to-day a prosperous village or a growing city. Again there is
the direct route, traversed only by first-class boats, like the
maijnificent Clvde-built steel steamers of the Canadian Pacific
Railway. This line, like those of the well-known Sarnia and
Collingwood upper cabin liners, fearlessly plough their course
direct from the St. Mary's ship canal for Port Arthur, and as they
frequently run for upwards of 140 miles without sighting land,
none but the most prominent headlands become at all conspicu-
ous.

, IrjiSI ,'Mm^

CANADIAN PACIFIC ItAII.WAY STKAM?>HII'.

MAIL STEAMERS.

Foremost on the long list of strictly first-class mail and pas-
senger boats on this route coniv^s the Athabasca and Alberta,
of the Canadian Pacii^c Railway Company, fitted up with the

•(•Si

modern improvements peculiar to the best class of ocean-going
mail boats, including electric lights, and commanded by the veteran
upper lake sailors, Captains Anderson and Foote. Next in order
stands the two superb models, Cmiipana and United Empire,
both well equipped, and officered by sailors of tried experience ;
while in the same class may be enumerated the staunch propellors
Ontario and Oiven Sound, all active rivals for passenger and
general transport business with the above mentioned Heet.
Besides the steamers referred to, there are numerous other fine
vessels making regular trips to Port Arthur and Duluth, at the
head of Lake Superior.

RIVERS.

Among the principal streams flowing into Lake Superior, the
Kaministiqua, as a navigable river, ranks first, and the Nipigon
next. Besides these noted streams there are also the Black
Sturgeon, flowing into Black Bay; the Current, McKenzie and
Carp flowing into Thunder Bay, — all of which are teeming with
fish, and noted in addition for their scenery, including numerous
chutes and falls, as the " Shuniah," " Current," (both on Current
River) " McKenzie " and " Carp," only a few miles from Port
Arthur.

These streams have their origin in the Height of Land or
watershed dividing the waters of the Hudson's Bjiy from those
of Lake Superior. This, the grand reservoir of the St. Lawrence,
with a circumference of over 500 leagues, comprises an area of
about 32,000 square miles, its greatest length being over 350 miles,
and its greatest breadth 160 miles. Its greatest depth is supposed
to be 1,200 feet, which would make its bottom 603 feet below,
while its surface is 597, or practically 600 feet, above the level
of the sea.

TEMPERATURE. ' '

The frosts of winter, apparently, are not sufficiently long to
cool, nor the heats of summer potent enough to warm this great
body of water (4,000 cubic miles) to the temperature of the
surrounding surface. In the middle of the lake, in the month of
July, the temperature of the water at the surface is about 39°
Fahr., and that above the lake averages 51°, while in the interior

?an-going
e veteran
b in order
Empire,
perience ;
jropellors
nger and
led fleet,
other fine
th, at the

»erior, the
3 Nipigon
he Black
enzie and
ning with
numerous
n. Current
rom Port

Land or
rem those
Lawrence,
m area of
350 miles,
I supposed

et below,
? the level

y long to
this great
ire of the
month of
about 39°
le interior

of the country the thermometer often ranges from 70 to 8o\ and
.sometimes 90°. The climate of the north shore is most favourable,
and careful observations taken at Port Arthur, " Red Rock "
(Xipigon) ami Pic River, give the following average results, from
.standard, self- registering instruments : " Mean temp., July, 62° 88' ;
August, 63° 54' ; September, 56° 02'." "Thus," reports a reliable
authority (Mr. E. B. Borron, then M.P.P. for Algoma), " although
about tive degrees of latitude north of Toronto, the temi)erature
of the north shore of Lake Superior is nearly the same as at
Toronto during July and August, and a few degrees warmer during
September and October, taking the average of 29 years."

THUNDER BAY.

After traversing this vast expanse of inland sea, or Kitchi-
gome {"Big-Sea- Water,"— the Otchipway name for Lake Superior),
we at length come to the great point of interest on this lake of
magnificent distances, viz. : — Thunder Bay, the most westerly of
the great inlets. At its entrance, Thunder Cape, the extremity

VIKW OK THUNDKll CAl'E.

of a long, rocky peninsula, rising abruptly to a height of 1,35(/
feet, is the eastern janitor of what the Marquis of Lome has
named the "Silver Gate of Lake Ontario." To the west, some
nineteen miles across the water, the dark mass of Mount McKay
looms up, while Pie Island lies in the mouth of the bay like a huge
2

r:m=sitBs

monitor at anchor. These three gigantic uplieavals dominate the
scene. They sit in massive dignity, superior to all surrounding
objects, like " the three Emperors," each with a cloudy crown about
his brow. "As we entered this famous bay," wrote a distinguished
American artist, " upon a gloomy and tempestuous morning,
Thunder Cape stood out against a fierce red sky. Ragged clouds
out of the west trailed across his lofty forehead. A fit abode it
seemed for the storm-spirit, this cloud canopied bay, v.nth its three
grim sentinels wrapped in creeping mists." Thunder Cape, from
the south-west, has the outlines of a coiichant lion, the highest
elevation forming the head and breast, while a spur of lesser
height forms the flank. But viewed in profile from the north or
south, the entire ridge has the appearance of a sleeping giant.
About this colossal figure hangs many a fascinating Indian legend,
a correct translation of which it is almost impossible to procure
from the Indians. It is agreed, however, that the giant who lies
there, with his face to the sky, like a marble knight upon his
tomb, is one Nanna-Bijou, a sort of Ojibway Hercules, who
performed, before his lamented demise, many wonderful feats of
prowess. As to how he came to make this cape his last resting-
place, the authorities differ, as well as how the bay and cape
ol^tained their significant name. (See translation of legend at end
of book). However that may be, the giant who there sleeps the
.sleep which the sun rising over him each morning will never
disturb, will ever remain to the citizens of the city which is grow-
ing up on the western shore of Thunder Bay, a memorial of the
race who once held undisputed sway over " Algoma," or the
country of the Algonkins.

•*->$'^!^Sr^->«-

;nate the
rounding
wn about
nffuished
morning,
jj clouds
abode it
its three
ipe, from
e highest
of lesser
north or
nff giant.
Ln legend,
3 procure
■j who lies
upon his
ules, who
il feats of
st resting
and cape
snd at end
sleeps the
i'ill never
1 is grow-
ial of the
1,," or the

PORT ARTHUR.

1800 TO 1887.

The early history of Port Arthur, like that of most of our
western settlements, is enveloped in the twilight of fable, wherein
it is not always possible to separate fact from fiction. That the
romantic element for the compilation of a most enthralling
chapter, — teeming with fascinating aboriginal legends, could be
obtained in this picturesque spot — no person possessing even a
limited experience upon the north shore of Lake Superior, will
deny. For here, above all frontier places, is a veritable mine of
legendary Indian lore. Believing, however, that my matter-
of-fact reader's taste lies not that way, I leave to some literary
excavator possessing more power of vivid description to turn it
to account, when the lode shall have been thoroughly explored,
and in the meantime confine this work, as near as possible, to a
veracious exposition of dry facts and details.

As far back as 1800, what is now the site of Port Arthur, held
a place in authentic records as a terminal point from which the
Hudson's Bay Company imported their stores from the east, and
usually shipped their valuable fui's from the west. It was not,
however, until 65 years had elapsed that any degree of attention
appears to have been bestowed upon it. This was during the
eventful years of 1865 and 1866. During the.se years tlie claims
of the Hudson's Bay Company to the entire territory north and
west of the great lakes, was brought forward, discussed, and
finally settled by their giving up, for a consideration, certain
claims to the north-west, which they held for upwards of two
centuries as their exclusive hunting and trading field.

Confederation occurred in 1867, when one of the first under-
takings of the government of tlie New Dominion was the con-

striiction of the highway from the shores of Lake Superior to-
Manitoba, utilising the Rainy and Winnipeg Rivers, and Lake of
the Woods. Mr. S. J. Dawson, C.E., who had previously
explored this region westward to the Saskatchewan, was entrusted
with this undertaking, and the route surveyed by him has become
historic, as the " Dawson Road." After a period of some eight
years, we again find Mr. Dawson's headtjuarters at this place>
when the work of construction was practically commenced. At
this period Port Arthur was known as the " Station," and boasted
of one store or " Fur-trading Post," established by Messrs. Marks.
Bros., of Bruce Mines. This pioneer enterprise was managed by
Mr. James Dickson, our present Inspector of Fisheries.

THE RED RIVER EXPEDITION.
1870.

This year proved a most eventful one in the history of
Algoma and the North-west in general, and Port Arthur in par-
ticular. The first Riel rebellion occurred in the early part of the
year, when an expeditionary force consisting of two batallions of
Imperial and Canadian troops, with strong detachments of hardy
voyageurs, were despatched to the scene of the disturbance, over
the recently surveyed Dawson Route. This force, under Colonel
Garnet Wolseley, landed here in June, and after traversing over
600 miles of what was then an unbroken wilderness of forest and
water, where no supplies were obtainable, reached their destina-
tion without accident. Arrived at Fort Garry, now the populous-
and wealthy city of Winnipeg, perfect trancjuility was restored
and their Commander-in-Chief was in a position to address the
expedition in flattering terms. The return of this force by
the same route was attended with the same good fortune that
had rendered their advance so successful.

Early in 1872, the Ontario Government appears to have com-
menced the survey of the Town of " Prince Arthur's Landing," as
the original station was called, by the officer in command of the
Red River Expedition, in honour of the popular young soldier.
Prince Arthur, then serving in Canada.

be
su
th:
its

perior to
1 Lake of
reviously

entrusted
as become
ime eight
Axis place*
iced. At
id boasted
srs. Marks,
maged by

history of
lur in par-
3art of the
,tallions of
,s of hardy
)ance, over
ier Colonel
jrsing over

forest and
dr destina-
e populous-
as restored
iddress the
force by

rtune that

have com-
anding," as
and of the
inir soldier,

Upon the completion of this survey the lots were sold openly,
many of them falling into the hands of non-residents. Fortu-
nately the bulk of them became the property of men who have
ever since closely identified themselves with the town, and
laboured with untlagging energy for its welfare and prosperity.
The construction of the first dock occurred in this year, as also
tlie important event of forming the little settlement into a muni-
cipality, while the surrounding country, chiefly composed of pro-
spectors and miners, was placed under a regular system of govern-
ment. During the following ten years, a long series of exploratory
and location surveysin connection with theproposedCanadianPacific
Railwaj' were being carried on to the north and west of us, and,
owing to the uncertainty of the final location of the lake terminus,
a strong spirit of rivalry sprang up between the various claimants
for the envied distinction of the magic name " Golden Gatevvav "
of the North-west. Location and construction under the govern-
ment direction, always extremely tedious, became positively
slothful about this period, and for a time in our experience,
dormant was the only word to clearly express the aspect of afiairs
here.

SKETCH OF PORT ARTHUR.

1883 TO 1887— Its Vigorous Awakening — The Advent of the
C. P. Syndicate — Public Buildings, Enteupuising Mer-
chants — Present Institutions, Future Prospects —
Boundless Mineral, Timber and Agricultural Wealth
OF the Surrounding District — Unrivalled Climate and
Scenery — Our Colonization Roads, Railways and Town-
ships — Summer Hotel Accommodation — Population,
Grain, Freight and other Exports and Imports.

The long sleep of years appears to have at last ended, and
those who saw Port Arthur before the completion of our grand
transcontinental railway, and vvho re-visit 'it to-day, cannot fail
being struck, with the vigorous nature of its first awakening. The
substantial and practical causes underlying the rapid growth of
this port, are to be seen in the spirit and enterprising character of
its citizens, — the ruling traits of its merchants and business men

being thrift and prudence, and a disposition to extend business
enterprises by regular and legitimate methods, thus establishing it
on a firm basis, to advance equally with the development of the
country, and not ahead of it, as is the case with some western
towns. Unlike the latter. Port Arthur is advancing hand in
hand with the vast section of country of which it is — and must
ever remain — the capital, and the future of both involves, at no
distant day, a commercial and political supremacy, whose influence
must be felt throughout the entire Dominion.

Such being the case, we offer to the capitalists of the world a
rare opportunity for safely investing their wealth in a variety of
ways that cannot fail to be remunerative ; while to the miner,
mechanic, and a limited number of unskilled workmen, we can
offer work and good wages all the year round.

The trade interests here are large ; the official report of 1883
giving 858 vessels inwards of 503,000 tons, carrying 293,000
tons of freight, and crews numbering 20,000. The exports of the
same year is S47,000, and the imports $176,000. Imports of coal
handled in the two following seasons — 1884 and 1885 — being
364,000 tons, while in 1884 the value of goods imported amounted
to .$1,300,000. The grain exported this season amounted to
1,500,000 bushels, and in 1885 about 2,500,000 bushels. The grain
shipped from last season's crop, 1886, is 3,000,000 bushels. The
duties for the past two seasons amounted to $369,502.99.

POPULATION, BANKS, FIRE AND VOLUNTEEll COMPANIES, BOARD OF

TRADE, NEWSPAPERS, ETC,

At present we have a resident population of over 4,500, witb
fii'st-class public, separate and private schools, numerous well
stocked stores, substantial government offices, court house,,
town hall and law courts, customs, board of trade, registry,
Post and Inland Revenue offices; two old established banks,
three newspapers and mining journals, including the Daily and
Weekly Sentinel and the Weekly Herald. This is the head-
quarters for two divisions of the Canadian Pacific Railway, with
its main line passing through the town, and connecting by spur
lines with the steamboat and grain elevator piers. This is also

business*
ilishing it
nt of the
! western

hand in

and must

ves, at no

influence

e world a
variety of
he miner,
n, we can

't of 1883
g 293,000
)rts of the
rts of coal
85 — being
amounted
ounted to
The grain

els.
9.

The

BOARD OF

s500, with
jrous well
irt house,,
registry,
ed banks.
Daily and
the head-
Iway, with
ig by spur
This is also

the headquarters of the grain inspector, Mr. Gibbs. The town
also boasts of a tirst-class foundry, an efficient tire brigade and
police force, a volr.nteer company of infantry, and last but not
least, a complete brass band.

MILITAUY OllGANlZATION.

The Port Arthur Rifle Company was organized in March,
1SS.5, about the time of the beginning of the North West Rebel-
lion. S. W. Ray was appointed Captain (provisionally) ; Thomas
H. Elliott, 1st Lieutenant, AI. S. ; and W. F. Davidson, 2nd Lieu-
tenant (provisionally).

The non-coumiissioned officers were appointed shortly after,
passing a written examination, the successful ones (taking rank
according to merit) were J. G. Davidson, color sergeant; R.
Ritchie, sergeant ; John Woodside, sergeant ; George Hodder,
corporal ; J. E. Williams, corporal ; "NV. J. Awty, corporal , and W.
H. Arnald, lance-corporal.

The company has been inspected twice — once by Lieut.-Col.
Denison, D. A. G., and again by Lieut.-Col. Otter, D. A. G., both
times being well spoken of by the inspecting officer.

There has been several changes lately, Capt. S. W. Ray being
promoted to Major, and 1st Lieutenant Thomas H. Elliott to
Captain.

There has also been several changes on the non-commissioned
officers' roll, being caused by parties leaving town.

By the efforts of Major Ray, instead of having a single com-
pany in this large district, we have a battallion called " The 96th
Battalion Algoma Rifles," having five companies at present :
No. 1, Port Arthur, one at Fort William, one at Rat Portage, one
at Gore Bay, and one at Bruce Mines, having headquarters at
Port Arthur; all of which are in a flourishing condition.

OUR HARBOUR AND BREAKWATER.

Situated on the west side of Thunder Bay at the head of
Canadian navigation on Lake Superior, is being made the finest
harbour both for refuge and shipping on the inland seas of this
continent Already the Government of Canada have constructed

two thousand feet of the central portion of the breakwater at a
cost of SloO.OOO, and wlien completed will cost some $400,000.
This work of extension will measure over a mile in length, form-
ing a most secure harbour, the construction being such as to
successfully resist ice shoves and seas of extraordinary violence.
While inside this substantial barrier, we have over a mile of
harl)our front and 2,500 yards of docks, where the largest vessels
are quite snug during the greatest gales. At the southern
extremity of the breakwater stands the old lighthouse, which
formerly decorated the eastern end of the Government dock.

OTHER PUBLIC WOUKS, SCHOOLS, HOSPITAL, CONVENT AND

NUMEROUS CHURCHES.

Conspicuous among the ever increasin- enterprises of a
public and private character recently developed within the
corporation's limits proper, may be mentioned the completion
of the handsome and commodious public school in Waverly
Park ; the completion of St. Paul's and St. John's Protestant
churches, and St. Andrew's Roman Catholic church, convent and
General Hospital. Also a Baptist chapel, which latter, with the
old Methodist church, makes five places of worship. Commodious
and coinfortable hotels as the Northern, Commercial, Conti-
nental, Pacific, Windsor, Belmont, Western and Tracy, have
also been o[)ened up, while arrangements are now Ijeing per-
fected for rebuilding tlie three favorite hotels, so recently
destroyed by fire on Cumberland street, viz. : " The Bodega,"
" Brunswick," and "Ottawa." In addition to the above-mentioned
well known establishments a complete block of general stores,
law chambers, architects' and survej'ors' offices, including a num-
ber of private buildings, were destroyed by the same blaze
(February last) ; while but a short mouth previous the new and
sj)lendidly furnished Hotel Windsor shared the same fate.
Besides the complete restoration of th** r.bove ruined block, in
substantial stone and brickwork, in accordance with the new fire
limit by-laws, our "Silver King," the veteran explorer and
capitalist, Mr. Daunais, is preparing to build an embryo
town of his oAvn right in our midst. The Daunais Block
will occupy the beautifully situated site and grounds on the

^ater at a
$400,000.
th, foriii-
icli as to

violence.
I mile of
st vesnels

southern
ie, which
lock.

T AND

ses of a
ithin the
)nipletion

Waverly
'rotestant
ivent and
, with the
nmodious
al, Conti-
icy, have
eing per-

recently

Bodega,"
nentioned
ral stores,
lo; a num-
ime blaze
i new and
ime fate.

block, in
e new fire
lorer and
I emlnyo
ais Block
is on the

•west side of Cumberland street, and immediately opposite the
scene of February's gi-eat fire. Mr. Daunais has paid the owner,
Mr. S. J. Dawson, M.P., the sum of .^10,000 for tiie entire
estate. This block is to be constructed of the best local buildint;
material, including gi-anite, red and brown sandstone, marble
and lirick, will consist of law chambers, first-class stores, public
and private ofiices, opera and music hall, and possibly our long
looked-for new post office. A novel feature in the arrangement
of this structure will be the substitution of steam and electric
light f(n- heating and illuminating purposes, while in other
respects the entire block will be rendered practically fire-proof.
Messrs. Edwards and Webster are the architects. Mr. Daunais
invests about S75,000 in this enterprise. This, with the Bazaar
Block across the street, completes this great business quarter of
the town.

WATER POWER AND WATERWORKS.

The attention of enterprising capitalists has also been directed
to the immense advantages of the water power of the falls of
Current River, on the line of the Canadian Pacific railway east,
and only two miles from town, near where it is supposed the
Canadian Pacific railway ihops are to be erected. The estimated
horse-power to be readily obtained near lower falls is about
three thousand, while higher up, and with a little extra expendi-
ture, four thousand horse-power can be safely depended upon.
Here truly is a field for new industries and good investments,
as fiouring, stamping, crushing, smelting, sawing and other mills,
aud with the native element and raw material right at our doors,
manufactories must follow that will not only furnish our own
vast agricultural country of the North-west and its future
teeming millions of food producers with all the hardware and
various agricultural implements of labor they require, but also
send them westward via the Pacific railway to Vancouver City,
and thence to India (our great agricultural rival), to Australia,
China and Japan ; as a natural sequence the manufacture of a
more pretentious kind, such as reapers, mowers, self-binders,
separators and fanning machines, besides all the appurtenances
that go to make the home of &, settler on the prairie.

PAPEU MILLS.

Meantime this locality ofters splendid advantages for manu-
lacturjng wood pulp, for paper-making, and for all the new uses
in moulding articles, such as barrels, boxes, etc. This is a
rapidly growing industry, and like that of canning fruit, fish,
and beef, is peculiarly adapted to the above location. The
poplar timber so abundant on the upper tracts of the Thunder
Bay Colonization Railway, is the wood, preferred above all
others, for the pulp mills ; and with a water-power so ample and
the wood so convenient, this particular industry, together with
that of a Hour mill — for the latter of which certain inducements
are offered — this may be counted upon as being among the first
and most profitable industries to be developed.

TAR AND TANNERIES.

The attention of manufacturers should also be directed to the
subject of tar, for in this district, observes a practical Finlander,
with our inexhaustible forests of pitch and other varieties of
pine, no better opening exists for such an enterprise ; while
excellent bark, suitable for tanning, is also plentiful.

ELECTRIC LIGHTS AND WATERWORKS.

Besid ',s the eligible mill, and other manufacturing sites above
referred to, dams of course could be readily constructed between
the lower and upper falls, viz., at an elevation of from 40 to 340
feet, or intermediate points, whereon a system of electric lights,
or water works, or both, might be constructed. Properly lighted
streets are an important feature in every well regulated town or
city, for upon this depends in a great measure the comfort and
convenience of its citizens, while the question of water supply,,
both for home consumption and fire purposes, is one that cannot
longer be trifled with.

BUILDING MATERIALS.

There are also within a comparatively short distance of this
now almost dormant natural powers, extensive quarries of

or manu-
new uses
riiis is a
Tuit, fish,
m. The
Thunder
above all
.mple and
iher with
ucements
r the first

;ed to the
'inlander,
rieties of
e ; while

tes above
between
10 to 340
I'ic lights,
y lighted
i town or
ifort and
r supply,,
it cannot

!e of this
irries of

silicious, magnesian, and other marbles and limestones, suitable
for building material ; hydraulic cements and lime, also brown
and red sandstone, slate and granite, both white and red, of
excellent quality and inexhaustible quantities. We have also
in the immediate vicinity, the requisite material for the success-
ful manufacture of common and fire-brick, besides Kaolin, for

finer work.

OUR UNCULTIVATED LANDS.

But perhaps what we want most and above all is an influx
of some good practical farmers and dairymen, the land in this
fiistrict being particularly adapted to mixed farming and grazing.
At present, however, there is but one of our townships fully
settled — that of Oliver. It contains some of the best farms
imaginable, and although we have other townships now opened
for settlement, composed of as good soil, it is a fact that the oM
settler of Oliver would not exchange his present property for an
improved homestead on the free, open, and stoneless prairies of
the North- West.

RICH ALLUVIAL SOILS — THICKLY WOODED AND PARTIALLY BURNT

TRACTS.

But beyond the Township of Oliver, in the Tovvnshlp of
Paipoonge South, and along the rich reaches and valleys of the
Slate and Kaministiquia Rivers, most excellent tracts of open
farming and grazing land exists, while to the north-westward
across the Kaministiquia Bridge, and thence by the valley of the
White Fish River, and onwards between rail and colonization
wagon roads to th^ Beaver, Poi- .>iLG, Palisade and Silver
Mountain, the land of the abova-named valley is, for the most
part, first-class. This is ihlfcfly green timber of mixed growth.

THE M.lRKETS.

Hero, too, are the markets i or every available article of pro-
duce, including live stock, eggs, butter, cheese, roots, grain and
vegetables, that are now being so extensively imported from
eastern market.-; and tho North-west. Here also, in the eld and
newly surveyed townships, are situated tLe principal minjsof the

silver region, and where it seenis highly probable that before
many seasons elapse, a town of some importance will be found.
Until a few short years ago this interesting tract was a perfect
wilderness, and but for the recent discovery of silver and the
consequent irresistable advent of the capitalist, miner, railroader
and lumberman, its value would long have remained in oblivion,
and its splendid forests of timber be left a prey to the destructive
bush fires, the effects of which in many sections have of late
become painfully manifested.

PORT Arthur's exhibit in Toronto — the vegetables pro-

NOUNCKD VERY GOOD.

The Globe says concerning the Port Arthur exhibit : — This is
one of the finest displays exhibited. It does away with the
impression, which so largely prevails, that the land immediately
north of Lake Superior is only fit for the abode of beavers and
beaver hunters. The spring wheat is remarkably fine, especially
the Scotch wheat, which is shown in bag and sheaf. There are
three samples of barley shown, viz. : — Black, Russian, and ordi-
nary' Canadian. The last named is a bright, ])luinp, first-class
grain. The Black or Russian barley is a very plump sample, and
by the appearance of the grain in sheaf is exceedingly productive.
The oats are good, but not up to the standard of our eastern
grain in quantity. The display in vegetables in some instances
surpasses eastern products. The field carrots are pai'ticuiarly
fine. The garden carrots are fair. The three v.a'ieties of turnips
are very fine, the white being exceedingly large but apparently
unripe, which is accounted for from the fact that it is two weeks
since they were raised. The parsnips are a fair .sanqjle. The
caulifiower is a magnificent sample, and can hardly bo excelled.
The cabbages are innnense, both in size and (juality, and the
jnimpkins are also an enormous size. Mr. Wm. Margach, of Port
Arthur, who is in charge of the exhibit, states that all the pro-
ducts are from the free grant townships in the vicinity of Port
Arthur and Fort William, and are taken from the ordinary crops
of the farmers, which are very abundant this season. The exhibit
is sent by the Board of Trade of Port Arthur, and it speaks
volumes for the fertility of soil and fine climate of that region.

*»

it before
)e found,
a, perfect

and the
ailroader

oblivion,
istructive
e of late

ES PRO-

— This is
with the
mediately
ivers and
especially
There are
and ordi-
first-class
,mple, and
reductive.
I- eastern
instances
,rticiilarly
of turnips
pparently
wo weeks

Ae. The

excelled.

and the
ill, of Port

the pro-
y of Port
lary crops
he exhibit

it speaks
at region.

The mineral exhibit is a fine and rich collection, and proves
beyond all doubt the richness of the mineral resources of the
Thunder Bay district. The specimens in the centre of the case
are from Beaver Mountain mines and are exceedingly rich. This
mine has not been worked to its fullest capacity, as the steam
drills were not put in until June, aind the stamping mills fftre
hardly completed (188G). The company emplo}' about 100 men.
Rabbit Mountain specimens are equally rich. This mine has all
Lhe latest improvements in mo.chinery and is now in full operation,
crushing and smelting, as may be seen by a model of the first block
of silver, which weighed 45 pounds. There are about 50 men
employed at this mine. The Silver Mountain specimens are the
handsomest and most attractive in the collection, and beyonrl
loubl are the richest. This mine is not fully developed on account
a? tbe litigation arising from a misunderstanding among the
owners. The specimens from Porcupine mine are rich and attrac-
tivC, ai:d compare very favorably with the others.

NAVIGATION AND LAND TRANSPORT.

"aldkut \.

The fieet of steamers, steam barges and sailing vessels lian
also increased very considerably of late, and with the addition
of the powerful, first-class Canadian Pacific Railway Corapany'.s
magr.'iicaut screw steamers constantly plying between this place
and tHivt^-ij p.irts, it will be seen that Port Arthur possesses

natural advantages that should secure for it the great claim of
beinor second to no city on this continent as a commercial centre.

SHIPPING POINT.

Besides possessing a harbor that is one of the best and safest
to be found on the great inland waters that form so prominent a
feature in the geography of America, it must rise to a first posi-
tion as a shipping j^ort for the transfer of all classes of merchan-
dise, from the producer of foods in the west to the consumer in
the east, and bringing in return the luxuries of civilized life to
the settlers in the far west. Already our great railroad is taxed
to its fullest capacity in carrying freight and passengers from
Europe and eastern \ '/inces, for the No'-th-west, China and
Japan, and vice versa : ■'ti che enlargement of the Welland

and Lachine canals, oceari ., ii"^ vessels can leave Port Arthur
and deliver their cargoes in the Old World without transhipment.

DRY DOCK.

The necessity of a dry or floating dock is very urgent. Acci-
dents will happen, and when it is remembered that there is not a
dry-dock upon the upper lakes, it is not strange that our Board
of Trade are busy deliberating upon this most important question.
Here truly is a rare opportunity for investment, and uhe marvel
is that some one of our own merchant princes has not, so far,
grappled with the enterprise.

SHUNIAH.

The town of Port Arthur is situated in the old municipality
of " Shuniah" (meaning silver), and obtained its suggestive Indian
title from the fact of so many outcrops and veins of silver
occurring in the above area, a small vein of which was exposed
in the main street about twelve years ago, immediately opposite
the general stores and offices of Messrs. Thos. Marks & Co.
*' Shuniah," however, as will be shewn in the sequel, is by no
means the only metal found in this much favoured district. On
the contrary, we have nearly every known ore of economic value
but one, — that of platinum, — and when treating of the mines.

claim of
[ centre.

id safest
ninent a
rst posi-
nerchan-
nimer in
d life to

is taxed
ers from
hina and

Welland
t Arthur
shipment.

it. Acci-

is not a

ir Board

question.

le marvel

)t, so far,

nicipality
ve Indian

of silver
s exposed
' opposite
ks & Co.

is by no
trict. On
)mic value
he mines,

in another page, the writer will array such a record of facts in
connection with the discovery, and development of pro.spects and
mines, that should, one might reasonably suppose, go a long way
to convince the most incredulous that here certainly is a great
field for investigation and investment.

MINES, MINERALS AND PIONEERS.

Although it is not the writer's intention to enumerate the
various enterprises and discoveries just here, yet it may not be
out of place to make reference to the hardy and determined
explorers, Messrs. Daunais and AlcPhee, for it is beyond the pos-
sibilities of the most imaginative to exaggerate the good which is
coming, and will continue to come, out of their disco\ eries and
development in this immediate vicinity. A fev.' short years only,
it is true, have elapsed since the above events transpired, and when
we look back to this momentous time, when they were pushing
far into the depths of the untrodden lands which surround us,
and remember the flattering tales of hope they told, and the con-
fidence with which they were known to prophecy results, at which
all others laughed ; when we call to mind the energy with which
the first owners of these claims brought them into a state by
which capitalists could better judge their value, and look around
at the activity manifested on every side to-day, we need have no
fear of the future. For without taking into account the wild
st(jries some men are led to indulge in through excess of good
fortune, I present to the readers of this volume a few f(ict>i in
connection with our mines, the verification of which is within easy
<iccess to-day to the doubtful or curious visitor.

THE MINING REVIEW.

" The assays of ore from the Silver Mountain vein," says this
journal, " go from a trace up to the full value of solid silver, as the
silver makes solid nuggets in places. In this respect it resembles
the Rabbit Mountain mine, which has produced some of the
finest nuggets of solid silver ever seen from any mine. The mode
of access to Silver Mountain is via Rabbit Mountain, "Porcupine "
and Beaver Mountain mines, some 25 miles from Port Ai-thur by
the new Government road, just finished to the last great find. It

has created a very marked interest among mining men who have
visited it, and every man capable of judging a prospect, pro-
nounces Silver Mountain to be one of the greatest tinds in the
territory — one that will develop into great, if not enormous value.
It is estimated that there are thousands upon thousands worth of
ore in sight. It is a fact that one piece is so heavily charged with
silver, and so matted together with the precious metal, that it
cannot be removed from the test-pit with the present tackle at the
mine."

VISITORS.

Visitors to this district should, however, not foil to see tor
themselves ; there is not one " prospect " or working mine in
Algoma West, whose management will refuse full permission, —
when properly applied for. Mining here is legitimate, and there
should be no prejudice against the district, because it is convenient
to the great markets id homes of capitalists on the continent.
Numerous good prospects throughout this section await develop-
ment ; were they further aw9.y they might be more sought after.

THE NEW RAILWAY FROM PORT ARTHUR.

The construction of the railway will in all probability become
an accomplished fact within this eventful year. Already some
45 miles of location surveys have been carefully made by Mr. H.
K. Wickstead, C.E., (late of C. P. K construction) through the
rich mineral and agricultural district, known as the White Fish
Valley, and connecting with the American system of railways, at
a point on the Pigeon River — the International Boundary — near
Arrow Lake. The line with which it will connect is known as
the Duluth and Iron-Range Road, passing through a section of
country as rich in certain mineral and other resources as that of
our own, the Vermillion Lake region, having long been dis-
tinguished for its rich deposits of iron, the ore of which
resembles that of Scandanavia and Russia, and the geological age
being the same in general terms. These deposits are situated in
the midst of hardwood timber, sufficient for producing the neces-
sary charcoal, while the surrounding country is lit for farming
purposes.

the

'ho have
Dct, pro-
Is in the
us value,
worth of
■crod with
, that it
ile at the

DO sec tor
mine in
iiission, —
and there
jnvenient
continent.
b develop-
iffht after.

y become
ady some
by Mr. H.
ough the
Vliite Fish
lilways, at
ary — near
Icnown as
section of
as that of
been dis-
of which
ogical age
ituated in
the neces-
or farming

GOLD.

The gold found in this tract occurs with pyrites, some of which
appears to be cupriferous. The pyrites is found in milky quartz,
which accompanies the joints of the rock itself. The rock of this
region is of the Huronian age, and follows immediately below the
ferriferous formation referred to.

The country south of the Misabi Range is generally flat, the
streams slow and broad, and the soil a dark loam with a clay
sub-soil very similar to that upon our side of the boundary.

M.\IN LINE AND PROPOSED BRANCHES.

From Port Artl ur, running south-westerly to a point near
Arrow Lake, it will extend some 5.5 miles, with branches to the Beaver
Rabbit Mountain and surrounding mines ; also branches to Pigeon
Bay and the luml^ering camps and mills of that section ; whil •
from a point near Silver Mountain, or " Huronian Junction," as
this station may be named, a sj)ur line of some 2.5 or 30 miles
is projected to the Huronian, Highland and Partridge Lake gold.

region.

WHITE FISH LAKE AND RIVER.

The vegetation of the district is rich and varied and differs
but slightly from that of the Slate River. Here too, wild fruits,
such as black currants, gooseberries, raspberries, being especially
abundant. The wild pea and hop also abound, and the growth
of grass is rich and nutritious. This lake measures about eight and
three-fourth miles long, by about one and a-half in width. Four
islands, all covered with a growth of evergreen timber, add much
to the great natural charm of this lake. Both lake and river are
teeming with white and other tish. Game and fur-bearino-
animals are also plentiful. White Fish River has its source to
the north of the lake. It is a remarkably crooked stream of
swift current and numerous falls, and owing to its great and uni-
form volume of water, many line water-powers have been located
along its tortuous course of nearly 80 miles. One of the finest of
these falls occur nearly opposite " Silver Hill," where a vein
3

carrying silver, was found to traverse the rocky ledges over
which its bright waters fall some 14 feet G inches. This location
is numbered " 135 K " or the Woodside Lode.

■i

TIMBER ALONG THE ROAD.

The region immediately along this road is fairly well timbered
with occasional belts of white and red pine, interspersed with
other descriptions of forest trees, chiefly tamarack, spruce, birch,
cedar, and jack pine, all of a size suitable for railroad structures
and telegraph poles, while poplar of fine growth is invariably
found on the sunny slopes and elevated places.

The entire tract, however, both right and left of the line, so
far located (north of White Fish Lake), and as a matter of fact,
from Lake Superior, v'ui Hunter's Island to the Lake of the
Woods, is estimateil by the late Survej^or General Lyndsay Russell,
and our M.P. for Algoma, Mr. S.J. Dawson, to contain some tioe/nty-
six thousand iniUions of feet of lumber, board measure. Our
local representative, Mr. James Conmee, M.P.P., furnishes in
another page some interesting testimony touching this region,
with which it may be observed he has long been familiar as an
explorer, lumberman and railroad contractor.

VISIT OF THE DEPUTY MINISTER OF AGRICULTURE TO THE SILVER
MOUNTAIN, REAVER AND RABI3IT MOUNTAIN DISTRICT, AUGUST,

• 1886.

" We went to the Silver Mountain district, then up the
White Fish valley, and to the head waters of that river ; then
around by Sandy Lake on the west, by Frog Lake and through
the pine timber belt. We saw a very fine lot of Norway pine,
and it would be a great pity if a fire should get into it and
destroy it. We then struck Arrow Lake, and got in this morn-
ing at a little past 12 o'clock."

" Do you think that the mining interests of the district have
progressed since yon were through last year ? "

" Yes, I think they have made very gratifying progress,
especially at the Beaver and the Rabbit Mountain mines. Nearly
the whole of the other work being done is prospecting, and men

are prospecting all over the country. We found a mine being
operated just at the head waters of the White Fish river, and we
found that mining locations had been surveyed all through that
part of the country. There are magnificent views to be obtained
from the bluffs at the sources of the White Fish. I have never
seen finer in any part of the country. The bluti's form the last
of the series of mountain-ranges before you reach the Huronian.
From the western side we had magnificent views of Lonely Lake
and Sandy Lake. The ridge forms the dividing range between
the waters that flow into Lake Superior and those which find
their exit into Hudson's Bay."

" '^0 the mining interests now appear to be on a solid basis ? "

" That is the appearance, and they are certainly working to
that end."

" How about the trip back ? "

"We ffot in here about 12 o'clock last night after 18 hours
continuous march. From Silver Mountain till you get to the
Colonization road, it is the worst road I have met with in
Canada. The Colonization road is a good piece of work, and
will compare very favourably with the generality of the countiy
roads in Ontario. Of course it is not level, but that cannot be
expected in that pa''t of the country."

Mr. Blue goes down by rail to-day, it being his purpose to
inspect the mine now working near Sudbury.

Mr. Blue was accompanied through the above district by H.
K. Wicksteed, C. E.

- 1

u:-ll

ish

) have

THE SUDBURY COPPER BONANZA, ON LINE OF C. P. R.

Considerable uneasiness and anxiety has disturbed the minds
of many of our American cousins, particularly those interested in
copper mines, since the discovery of the great copper deposit at
Sudbury. Many, and varied, have been the speculations upon
the result that this great discovery would be liable to have upon
the other copper mines of America. Mr. Mackay, the great
bonanza king, after receiving a description of it, stated, that if
it proved, upon development, what external appearances would
justify one in believing, it would have the effect of closing every

other copper mine in the world. We are not surprised, therefore,
that this discovery has created considerable alarm in the mining
world, neither are we astonished to see many interested part' is
endeavouring to belittle the character of the ore, and making
statements that it is too refractory to be treated, excepting
at great expense, thus practically rendering the mine useless
and valueless. It is impossible so early to pronounce an
authorative opinion upon the question ; and it is doubtful
whether any other person is yet in possession of sufficient infor-
mation to ([uali^y him to do the same. That there is a remark-
ably large deposit of ore there is beyond doubt, and that the ore
carries a large percentage of copper is also unquestionable ; but
there is certainly yet some doubt whether the sulphuret ores,
which require concentrating, smelting, desulphurizing, and num-
erous other processes to produce the copper, possess a sufficiently
high percentage of copper to justify so complicated and expensive
a system of treatment. An expert, over a year ago, took si>ecimens
to New York and made assays of them, and his report at that
time seems to have been unfavourable. He claimed that it would
never pay to work the mine, unless copper were a great deal
higher than it is at present. It must not be forgotten, however,
that an assay of mineral, taken from a vein at or near the surface
is a very uncertain criterion upon which to pronounce judgment
on the general character of a mineral deposit ; and the proba-
bility is that this vein may open up much richer than it shows
at the surface, and may contain rich streaks, and even in this
case it will furnish an almost inexhaustible supply of copper.
Assays give seven per cent, copper and two ounces silver per ton.

CANADIANS, AWAKE !

It is a matter of surprise to all Americans who visit our
mining region to find so little Canadian capital invested in
developing our resources. People from other countries, neces-
sarily unfamiliar with our customs and laws, and consequently
with a natural timidity against embarking moneys in a strange
country, overcome all this so strong to them are the inducements ;.,
but Canadians sit idly by and let the cream be .skimmed off by

those from beyond our borders. We do not object to Americans
investing in our mines by any means ; on the contrary, we wel-
come them gladly, for we find them pushing and full of energy
in carrying to a successful completion whatever they undertake.
Or country is so large, however, and the opportunities for
investment and the making of handsome returns so great that
we can give full scope to our own capitalists, while leaving ample
room for our enterprising neighbours. The apathy of our own
people may be laid to the fact, perhaps, of the want of familiarity
with mining as a business, and to the impression that it all
partakes of the nature of gambling. I think this idea is lieing
dissipated slowly and that the people are beginning to learn that
it is not all a matter of inflation and depression of stocks as the
scheming manipulators may decide. They are tardily, it is true,
but surely, getting to know that in our own land we have a
large mineral region that is open to exploration by any one, and
that it being easy of access, properties can be personally
examined before investments are made. It is not a matter of
sending away thousands of miles an expert upon whom
altogether one has to depend, nor, as intimated, need any very
large sum be expended before the value of any property can be
■determined. The most of the land already laid out is held by
parties who do not ask investors to purchase until an oppor-
tunity has been given to determine the value of the property.

WANT OF GOVERNMENT AID TO MINING INDUSTRIES — AMERICAN
ENTKRPRISE RECLAIMING OUR WILD LANDS.

We frequently hear, says The Miner, of bonuses being granted
to manufacturing establishments by municipalities, in order to
encourage immigration, and create and foster a spirit of enterprise
in a city or town ; we often have examples of govex'nment aid
being granted to railroad companies, to assist them in opening up
new and undeveloped districts; and many other enterprises which
can show that their existence is, in the smallest degree, beneficial
to the public good, have often received bountiful aid from the
government. We do not wish to condemn the principle of
bonuses it; the slightest degree, but on the other hand we wish

to solemnly and emphatically proclHim our faith in the doctrine,
that whatever contributes to the general public interest some
recof,miti()n .should be fjiven, some compensation should be made,
somewliat commensurate with the advantages conferred. The
acceptance and api)lication of such a doctrine, has very often
been the strongest incentive, and the most potent agent in
the building up of large cities that proliably would otherwise
have remained villages forever. We claim, however, that in
some instances, unworthy objects are the recipients of these
favours. Corporations, and even individuals, may sustain such
relationship to a government or a municipality, and their
inlluence may be so great that appeals from them are almost
irresistible ; and a government may then sacrifice their indepen-
dence and their better judgment, in order to retain such in its
favour. This is, unhappily, too much the case in every country,
and consefiuently many institutions must necessarily suffer
through hesc sinister and selfish motives. We know of nothing
more worthy of support from any government than a general
mining industry. Nothing requires such large capital ; nothing
is attended with such great risk ; and nothing is surrounded with
so many discouragements as mining. Neither is there anything
that will more enrich a country than extensive and valuable
mineral deposits, providing that these are developed.

Our American friends are doing invaluable service to this
country in reclaiming our lands from the original state imposed
upon them by nature ; for it is they who are developing the
resources of the country, showing up its true mineral character,
placing a proper value upon our lands by their operations ; ond
by these means are advertising the country in the markets of the
world. They are inviting immigration, and attracting capital,
more by their influence and labors than all the other agencies com-
bined. We are assured, that when we have such an agency in our
midst, it should receive every encouragement in the prosecution
of its labours. We claim that it is the duty of the government
to assist the honest and legitimate speculator in building roads as
rapidly as possible, and in granting aid to railways ; and we do
not think it would be inconsistent with the general principle of
" government aid," if a bonus were granted to every well devel-

op»«l mine in tho district. We have no doubt, the time is rii)e for
our Ontario Government to take hold of thi.-: matter of "buildinj^
roads in this district.' The rich and extensive agricultural and
timber limits to the west of us, commencing' within the vicinity
of the mineral belt, and extending' for over a hundred miles,
would in themselves warrant the Government in ijivinfj this
district a munificent grant from their large and constantly accu-
mulating surplus, and in so doing they would greatly accelerate
'ttlement, and give an impetus to mining that nothing else could
J. We would like t(» see our Ontario Government supplement
the grant that is already ottered by the Dominion Government
for a railroad through this district ; and we have no doubt that
in a very short time we would have one of the best developed
agricultural and mineral districts in Canada and probably in
America."

ROOM FOR MORE.

By way of illustrating what a few of our American friends
are doing towards reclaiming the primitive forests of western
Algoma, I may take the Rabbit and Beaver Mountain Silver
Mining Companies as fair examples.

THE BEAVER MINE,

when acquired by Mr, Kirkland for his Michigan friends some
twenty months ago, bore not the faintest traces of civilization. It
was almost midwinter when Mr. Kirkland assumed charge there,
and with the ground frozen, and the general aspect of attairs
decidedly forbidding.the work of mining and surface improvements
were vigorously commenced. From this ])eriod, to the present
time, the work of development has been steadily prosecuted. Over
2,500 feet of shafts, adits and cross-cuts have been carried into
the heart of the mountain ; while upon the surface all necessary
buildings have been erected and land cleared to the area of at
least 200 acres. Shaft and ore houses, tramways, mills and mill-
dams have also been erected, while crushing, stamping, air-com-
pressing, centrifugal, rolling and other machinery, has been hauled
in from the Canadian Pacific Railway, a distance of nearly twelve
miles, over what the inexperienced in American resource and

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perseverance would pronounce " impassible roads." All this, and
much more, has been carried out here in a brief season, the
average monthly force employed numbering 85 to 100 men, with
numerous teams. Thousands of dollars (!?8G,000) were expended
up to August, 1886, in this way, and many of our cautious Cana-
dian and English capitalists sliook their heads ominously at the
" new departure " of Messrs. Kirkland & Co. Fortunately about
this date (10th August, 188G) a discovery of momentous import-
ance to this district was made in the mine. The cross vein was
.struck at 600 feet on the lower level (and in upper level also),
when work was commenced upon it, to the east and west, with the
following results : — At four o'clock this morning the blast revealed
ore of orreat richness throuirhout the entire breadth of tlie vein.
It is similar to the pink fluor spar, peculiar to Silver Islet in its
best days, and assays from 4,244 to 18,000 ounces to the ton.
This incident, it appears, imparted some degree of confidence to
many of our "cautious" local men, who are now beginning to realize
the fact that mines are not so much a matter of finding, buying,
and selling, as maldiKj. Work has been .systematically carried
■on at the " Beaver " ever since, and doubtless, from the appear-
ance of its surroundings, a very considerable sum has been
•expended thereon. The principal owner of the Beaver mine is
Mr. R. G. Peters, of Michigan, who appears to possess the magic
power of attaining perfect success in all his operations. Mr.
Peters is, in consequence, a wealthy and very desirable acquisition
to our new mineral region. Among the various successful enter-
prises in which Mr. Peters is engaged, we may enumerate extensive
lumbering and railroading in Michigan ; we say railroadlvfj, from
the fact of his having constructed a railroad of some 60 odd miles of
his own. He is also largely interested in salt works, and has
recently developed this work to the capacity of 2,000 barrels per
day, which shoidd give him a fair claim to be con.sidered one of,
if not the largest manufacturer of this useful article in the world.
Afjain we find him a succes.sful owner of oil wells. His visits to
Canada, where he owns a large proportion of his mineral and
other limits, are few and far between. This company is, how-
ever, ably represented here by their energetic and courteous
manager, Mr. Kirkland, to whose indefatigable zeal the con-

tinuous success of the Beavei Mountain silver mine is largely
due. Again, as we go to press, the news continues good, or
rather unusually so, for, according to the professional testimony
of M. Ferdinand Sustersic, chemist and assayer to the mine, fchey
have, at this date, April 15th, 1887, " u' wards of 8850,000 worth
of silver in sight ; and shoidd the large vein of silver retain any-
thing like a uniform width (4ft. Sin.) to the next level, where it
is also visible, some three or four millions of dollars will doubtless
be removed from that space." Among the many curious ones who
■visited this bonanza recently, was the writer of this work, who
'Coukj only re-echo the general expression of-—" marvellous !"
Now, it is hard for men, who have so long regarded mining on the
■north shores of Lake Superior with suspicion, to realize the above
facts ; while it is almost impossible at the same time to over esti-
mate the result of this success on the silver mining industries of
this immediate district, as there is scarcely a person in Port
Arthur — certainly not a merchant — who will be unaffected by it,
directly or indirectly.

■ni

NORTHERN HOTKL, PORT ARTHUR.

" THE NORTHERN," THE FINEST HOTEL IN CANADA WE.«T Oi;
TORONTO — APPRECIATED ENTERPRISE.

This location was well chosen, being on the corner of South
Water and Park streets, with an abrupt fall to tlie water, thereby
securing one of the most essential points — good drainage. Facing
a largo open space of water, it commands a magnificent view of

>.(

Thunder Bay, with the Cape and Welcome Islands in front, and
Isle Royale in the distance. To the right is Pie Island, and
further south the majestic McKay Mountains, guarding as it
were the mouth of the beautiful Kaministiquia. Where can be
found a site to equal this panorama of scenery ?

The architecture of the new building is modern renaissance
of Queen Ann style, built with red brick. The front has large
and elegantly finished A'-erandahs to each tloor, with communica-
tion with each other by means of iron steps in cases of urgent
need. The lowest verandah is continued the entire length of the
building on Park street, afiording a splendid promenade. The
space between the walls and woodwork has been ingeniously
filled in with cross pieces, and in places necessary with brick and
plaster, to prevent draught in case of fire. The main entrance is
off Water street, a dozen wide steps leading into a large and
finely constructed vestibule ; thence into the main lobby where
one is at once struck with the beauty of both the general finish
and work in detail of the interior. To the left is the writing-
room ; on the opposite side the reading-room, facing which is the
office, and in rear of that is the wash-room, finished with fine
white marble, and a stairway leading to the basement into the
water closets. To the front of the basement, and immediately
under the reading-room is fitted up and used as a barber sho]).
Under the writing room and on the corner is situated the cigar
and tobacco store, behind which are three large and airy sample
rooms for the use of commercial men. The cellar commences
here and runs almost the entire length of the building, ih the
office a large electric bell indicator has been placed in position,
connecting with every room in the house. Opposite the office is
the grand stairway, wide, and built with low rises, the balustrade
under the hand railing being composed of beautifully carved hard
wood upr ghts. On reaching the first landing an immense stained
glass window, facing on Park street, gives the surroundings a
rich and elegant appearance. On gaining the first floor you turn
to the right into the main drawing-room and parlor, 45 x 25,
with entrances to the veran<lah. A fine marble mantle with
open English fire place, gives it an air of comfort, A lobby leads
to the hallway of the south wing ; further to the north along the

lobby the hallway of the wing commences, the rooms of which
are all en suite in two and three ; this is carried on throughout
the whole of the first fioor. On the second floor in front the
rooms are also arranged en suite ; are large and with fine tran-
soms with patent attachments. There are 100 bed-rooms in all.
A ladies' entrance with private stairway leads to every hall, and
lauies' conservatories and bath-rooms are on each floor. Great
attention has been given by the architect in following closely in
his fine design, privacy for lady guests, which is very requisite
for a summer hotel. A delightful view is obtained from the
windows in front on the top floor facing the bay. A large water
tank with a capacity of 5,000 gallons is on the top floor supply-
ing water to the house, and connections are made with every
floor, where a large amount of hose will be constantly on hand in
case of fire, A back stairway in the south wing leads down to
the culinary and kitchen department, the one in the north wing
leading to the laundry ; also two fire escapes on the outside reach
from the top to the bottom of the building. The dining-room
is on the ground floor, 25 feet wide, and extends from the office
corridor 76 feet through the south wing. The billiard room and
bar occupy the same space in the north wing, with ample room
for six large billiard tables, at the back end of which is the bar,
with more commercial rooms in the rear.

The Northern is under the direct management of Mr. F. S.
Wiley, and the gentlemen in connection with this enterprise are
deserving of the highest commendaticm, in supplying not only a
long felt want, but a stern necessity, so far as first-class accom-
modation is concerned. Mr. R. J. Edwards was the architect.

■i1

POKT ARTHUR, AS SEEN BY OTHERS — THE CAPITAL OF THE THUNDER

BAY REGION.

(From the Emigrant)

Port Arthur is the capital of the Thunder Bay region of
Algoma, Ontario, Canada, has a population of between four and
five thousand, the various churches, good schools, many and well
stocked stores, the different (Jovernment oflSces, law courts, Cus-
toms, Inland Revenue, a strong Board of Trade, banks, three

■1

newspapers, one of them, the Sentinel, a credit to any city. A
costly breakwater is built and being extended that ensures a
secure ample harbor. It is the headquarters of two divisions of
the Canadian Pacific Railway, whose main line runs through the
town, has a resident grain inspector, grain elevator, and is pre-
paring for a great advance in the next few years. It is easily
reached from any point by water or rail, and is rapidly growing
in favor with pleasure-seekers and sportsmen, while capitalists
are awakening to the openings it offers legitimate investment
properl}- conducted.

GAME AND SPORT.

This was once headquarters for the North-west Fur Company
and a very important post of the Hudson Bay Company, and is
still a valuable fur field. Of large game, cariboo and black bear
are yet to be had, and other smaller animals, while in the feathered
line are grouse, ducks, geese, snipe, etc., in their season. In fish-
ing, near by is the Nipigon, which Charles Hallock, late editor of
Forest and Stream, says is the finest trout stream in the world,
and it is yet almost untouched by the angler. Also the McKenzie,
Carp, Blend and others nearer but smaller, and in the fall the

lake offers good trolling.

THE SCENERY

is extremely beautiful and grand-growing by knowledge, and from
Halifax to the Rockies not a more enchanting prospect appears
than that, rising from the summit of the hill, upon whose slope
Port Arthur lies. Before you lies Thunder Bay, that magnificent
water, IG by 30 miles, guarded by Thunder Cape, upon whose
top, 1,300 feet above, lies the Sleeping Giant, where the Indians
say thunder dwelt in the form of a great bird. In the near front
are the Welcome Isles, where in long past years, opposing Indian
tribes fought bloody battles, whose traces yet remain, and further
out is Isle Royal, where centuries since some mysterious people
mined extensively for copper, and the galleries are traceable for
hundreds of yards, hardening the precious metal by a lost process
and trading it in lost Atlantis for articles of the commerce of that
sunken continent. On the observer's right lies the valley of the

beautiful Kaministiquia River, whose falls of the Kakabeka are a
water poem, over which Mount McKay lifts its thousand feet of
ancient grandeur in protection of the quaint old Jesuit mission on
the bank below, where the Fathers are puzzling over the problem
of the red man's salvation and elevation.

On the river are the towns of Neebing and Fort William, the
latter the old trading post of the great companies named, now
passing its second century of life, but wakening from a (|uiet
monotone to an important place in the advance of the young
giant of a nation whose wakening breath ripples the waters of
two oceans and the bosom of a vast continent.

PLEASURE.

The bright sunny days and the cool welcome nights pass
swiftly by in boating on the bay, canoeing on the rivers, bathing
in the streams, visiting the romantic spots about or at the social
dance. Canoes, guides and outfits, all can be had at reasonable
rates. The hotels are many and good, the Northern being one of
the finest in Canada. Expenses are reasonable, and the tourist,
while in Nature's arms, commands easy reach of his business, if
desired, by rail, steamship, telegraph or mail."

M-

A FAVORITE SUMMER RESORT. — PLEASANT DRIVES, GRAND SCENERY
AND GOOD SPORTING. — WONDERFUL COOLNESS OF THE CLIMATE
THROUGHOUT THE SUMMER.

Hon. Alex. Morris, M.P.P. for East Toronto, and ex-Lieut.
Governor of Manitoba, who with his daughter, Miss C. Morris,
and his brother, Mr. J. L. Morris, barrister, of Montreal, have been
stopping at the Northern for several days, left Thursday, loth
on the Alberta for Toronto. A Sentinel representative met Mr.
Morris, and on making imiuiries regarding his opinion of the district
was informed that he had found the visit here a very pleasant one.
" Your climate is delightful," said the visitor, " and I am fully
impressed with the belief that when Port Arthur becomes more
generally known it will be a favorite watering place. As a
popular summer resort it has many attractions. Your hotel accom-

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i: /: I

modation is all that can be desired. The pleasant drives and
boating excursions for those who do not desire to enter into the
sport of fishing and shooting are a great advantage. Then the
points of interest here are many and varied. The scenery is
grand, and a trip to the mines, the Kakabeka Falls or up the
beautiful Kaministiquia, is something for the tourist to look back
upon with great pleasure."

" This is your first visit to Port Arthur, is it not ? "

" I passed by here last fall on my way to Duluth, and again
a few days ago I went through to Winnipeg on business. I was
so delighted with the cool and comfortable appearance of your
town that I decided to stop over on my way back. The heat in
Winnipeg was most intense. But here the wonderful coolness of
the climate is really quite refreshing and invigorating. There has
only been one warm day during my visit, and the nights seem
always cool.

" What do you think of the prospects of the town ? "

" Port Arthur is most advantageously situated, and must
become an important point. I read with a great deal of interest
the article in the Sentinel of Saturday about the extensive tract
of agricultural laud to the w^est of the town. This will prove
most valuable to the district and materially aid in the upbuilding
of Port Arthur. Attention should be more efiectively drawn to
the resources of this section.

The reporter then asked Mr. J. L. Morris, who had just
returned from a two days' fishing excursion at Nipigon, what
luck he had.

" Splendid," replied that gentleman. " Never want better. I
was up at the first portage, which is about twelve miles from
Nipigon. There I caught 108 fine trout, regular beauties, some
of them weighing about four pounds, and the lot averaging
two and a-half pounds, each. We threw away all trout of one
pound weight or under as being two small.

" That would be large enough in some places," remarked the
scribe.

" Yes, I have often fished for trout considerably smaller, but
this is the largest and best catch I have ever made."

Mr. Morris is a fisherman of considerable experience, having

fished al' along the Lower St. Lawrence and through various
streams in Quebec and Ontario.

Both oentlenien seemed so well pleased with their visit they
may be expected to fulfil the desire expressed of visiting us again
ere long.

LAND EXAMINATIONS IN THE TOWNSHIP OF PAIPOONGE — RICH
SOILS OF THE SLATE RIVER VALLEY, WEST OF PORT ARTHUR —
ALMOST OPEN PRAIRIE — EXCELLENT MARKETS IN THE MINING
DISTRICT — UNRIVALLED AS A FARMING AND GRAZING COUNTRY.

(July 16th, ISSG.)

Meeting Mr. Roland, C.E., this morning, on his return from an
exploratory trip westward, through the valley of tlie Slate river,
a Sentinel representative elicited the following information
touching that comparatively unknown section: —

" The Slate river has its source among the elevated ridfjes of
the unsurveyed district south of the Rabbit and Palisade moun-
tains, and after flowing eastward for a distance of fifteen miles,
enters the township of Paij)Oonge, in lot fourteen, in the sixth
concession.

PAIPOONGE.

Paipoonge is a township some nineteen miles west of this
place, on the Kaministiquia river. It was surveyed by the late
Thomas Wallis Herrick, P.L.S., in the winter of 1860. The word
" paipoonge " is Indian, and means winter. The township adjoin-
ing our own on the west is named Neebing, an Indian word,
meaning summer. Neebing is also on the Kaministiquia river
and contains some excellent land, particularly in the valley
between Fort William and Point de Meuron. This latter point
has become historic. It was there the old North-west Co. first
established their fortified trading post, soon to be anticipated by
their powerful rivals, the Hudson Bay Co.

THE MODEL FARM.

The " model farm," as that of Point de Meuron is frequently
called, is located upon lot nineteen. This claim was first located

and squatted upon by one Thomas Bissett, an employee of the late
Mr. Herrick, but better known to old settlers as "Tommy Dodds."
The farm is composed of a sandy clay soil, upon a sandy
clay sub-soil, and under the present management produces
excellent crops. I called there on my way down stream,
where I observed Mr. A. McDonald, late of Invernesshire,
Scotland, busily engaged irrigating some acres of vegetables.
Nearly eighty acres have been cleared, of which about fifty
acres is at present under cultivation, including wheat, oats,
barley, linseed, turnips, carrots, onions, beets, lettuce, tomatoes
and potatoes, the latter being almost ready for the table. Mr.
McDonald is ably assisted b}' '' Johnny " McLeod, a hardy old
Orkney man, who to use his own expression, "wasted about thirty
years of his young life in the employ of the Company." Johnny
has been some twenty -five years associated with Point de Meuron,
and relates numerous anecdotes respecting pioneer life on the
Kaministiquia. The soil upon this farm, where under cultiva-
tion, although rather sandy, produces excellent crops. This clear-
ance is upon the highest portion of the peninsula, and has a fine
southern slope and aspect. The soil of the western half is com-
posed of deep, dark alluvial clay. This is low in the ground where
no resrular clearances has been effected. The growth of grass,
however, is very luxuriant. Here, too, the timber is fine, and,
including as it does, every variety of shade trees peculiar to this
latitude, black and white ash, black and white birch, stately elms,
maples, and balm of Gilead, cannot fail to continue the same
attractive place to the excursionist.

GOOD DOCK WANTED AT POINT DE MEURON.

A good dock would be a decided improvement to this place,
as in the absence of a dock or small boat, visitors by steamers
cannot conveniently efi'ect a landing. The river is decidedly
crooked from this point downward to Fort William. The curves
are, however, never monotonous, and every sweeping bend in your
course presents the picturesque surroundings in a new light.
The distance from the mouth of the Kaministiquia to Point de
Meuron, as measured upon the frozen stream, is twelve miles.

ur
ht.

THE SLATE HH Ell COUNTRY.

" And of the Slate rivei-, — what is the character of the country
along its banks ?"

" The land in most places along its somewhat tortuous course
between the sixth and second concessions is strictly first-class, and
in every respect equal to our standard No. 1 soil of Portage la
Prairie. It is chiefly composed of a rich clay loam, upon a deep
clay sub-soil. The timber, generally speaking, is tamarac, but
spruce, pine and other varieties prevail. Bush fires in this, like
most other sections of Algoma, have overrun a great extent of
wonderfully fertile belt."

NO UETTER SECTION FOR WHEAT.

" Do you suppose wheat can be successfully grown there ?"

" Certainly ; I know of no better section, and I am strongly
of the belief that fall wheat would flourish here, and that us a
matter of fact this alluvial soil would year after year raise wheat,
and without manure."

" How far is the fertile belt from Lake Superior, and what
•e^'ect would the cold wave from off its broad expanse have upon
your wheat fields ?"

" No influence whatever. You will perceive by this map that
the particular district to which I refer is completely cut oft* from
the big lake by a crescent-shaped range of trap hills averaging in
elevation from 500 to 1,OUO feet. This high ridge extends through-
out the entire valley, terminating abruptly at Mount McKay,
while toward the north and westward it is completely protected
by the more elevated divide towards the Kaministiquia, and
by the Rabbit Mountain range some five and a-half miles to the
westwards. Here, secluded from all extraneous influences, nest-
ling in the warmly reflected suns of a fairly lengthy season,
harvests cannot fail to succeed and settlement to expand."

" And your markets, where are they V

" Already we have our rich silver mines in Rabbit and Beaver
mountains, with some ten other working mines within a few miles
only. These mines are only beginning, their mills are going up

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lit

rapidly ; they are in earnest, and with the advent of said works:
another process of amalgamation must follow — that of interests.
The prosperity of this mining industry is now being fully acknow-
ledged, and soon the landowner, the miner and the enterprising
farmer will be mutually engaged in one common undertaking —
that of development."

" What are the prospects for minei'al on Slate River ?"
The rock formation there is, as the name indicates, slate, and
at a point some 2| miles up stream this formation terminates.
At a point about 1| miles up stream a remarkable trap dyke cuts
across the bed of the stream.

The stream is here 40 feet wide, with almost perpendicular
banks of slatey outcrop. The height of the banks are oo feet
above the bottom of the stream, and the dyke or dam, as it is some-
times called, crosses the stream obliquely, and presents the
appearance from above of a grand triumph of engineering skill in
the shape of a solid wall of masonry, through which the irresist-
able forces of nature had effected a narrow channel.

ex(

RICH NATIVE SILVER.

At a point somewliat lower down, one or more veins carrying
magnificent specimens of white silver has long since been dis-
covered, bi t up to the present very little interest has been dis-
play ed by the owners of this interesting property.

During this excursion I was accompanied by two of the
pioneer explorers of this district (Algoma), and although not
specially interested in mineral resources, we were ever on the
alert for indications, and while "polling" our boat over a sand
bar in the Kaministiquia, near the mouth of Slate River, were
rewarded by the discovery of a huge boulder carrying a large
percentage of specular iron.

UNRIVALLED AS A FARMING AND GRAZING COUNTRY.

" How does the slate compare with the valley of the White
Fish River ?"

" From a topographical or agricultu? al point of view there is
no comparison, and the valley of the slate, owing to its great regu-

larity of .surface, surprising fertility of soil and vegetation, may
be said to stand unrivalled as a fanning and grazing country."

Besides this much favoured district is comparatively open
country and so easy of access that a mounted or buckboard
excursion can be made throughout its length and breadth. A
line drawn due .south, three-quarters of a mile from the cro.ssing
of the Kaministicjuia river in lot 13, in the first conce.s.sion of
Paipoonge, takes you over a partially burnt district into the
Slate River proper. The ferry house and crossing on the old
road to Rabbit Mountain silver mine is located on lot 18, while
at a little way northwestward along the Kaministiquia the new
line of colonization railway sweeps inwards into it, crossing six
miles upwards in graceful curves.

Mr. Roland appears ([uite enthusiastic about the great future-
of this country, both from an agricultural and mineralogical point
of view, and being a close observer of the topographical and
physical characteristics of the lands which he undertakes to
de.scribe, we invariably accept his information with pleasure ami
confidence.

THUNDER BAY SILVER MINES.

]Vrtttcn for the New York Enijinccring and Minimj Journal hi/ Robert Bell, B.A.Sc,
M.D., LL.D., Assistant Director of the Gcoloijical Survey of Canada.

188.5.

Silver mining in the Thunder Bay District now promises to
become a permanent industry, and several mines in that region
have been undergoing steady development for some time. The
following general description of the district and of the present
condition of the various mines may, therefore, be of interest to
your readers. The notes on the actual mining were made in the
course of a visit I paid to the district toward the end uf October.
From having been on the ground during the previous period of
silver mining on the Canadian side of Lake Superior, I am
enabled to refer to its history and also to the geological relations
of the veins from personal knowledge.

The mines that are worked at present are situated in the valley
of the White Fish River, a branch of the Kaministiquia, to the

^■

J40uth-west of Port Arthur, a town of about 4,000 inhabitants, on
the shores of Thunder Bay, where the Canadian Pacitic Railway
leaves it on its long stretch westward across tlie continent. They
are situated in two principal groups, one at 25 and the other
between 35 and 40 miles from Port Arthur.

The developments now going on in this region form a second
ppoch in the history of silver mining on Lake Superior. During
the active days of mining around this lake by the Montreal,
Quebec and Biitish American companies, between 1840 and 1850,
silver was found while searching for copper, at Namainse (erro-
neously spelt Mamainse), on Michipicoten Island, on Nipigon
Strait, and at Prince's Location (between Fort William and
Pigeon River) ; but it was not till the discovery of the Thunder
Bay and Shuniah mines in 186G-G7, and the Silver Islet mine in
1808, that regular silver mining began. In addition to the mines
just named, the principal operations of that period were carried
on at Mary's Harbour on the Beck mine, 3A Location, Sturgeon
Bay, Pic, Thompson's, Jarvis' and McKellar's Islands, and near
the Little Pic, a considerable distance to the eastward.

The first discoveries in the White Fi.sh River region were made
in 1883, by an Indian. His first discovery, the Rabbit Mountain
vein, led to the search for more in the same region, and the
prospectors were rewarded by finding a number of silver-bearing
lodes within an area of a few s([uare miles around the initial
<liscovery, as well as the Silver Mountain group of veins, between
ten and fifteen miles further to the southwestward.

The White Fish region and the whole country thence to Lake
Superior consists of fiat-topped hills, with wide valleys between
them. These hills are capped by horizontal beds of greenstone,
underlain by a great thickness of nearly black, flaggy shale or
" slate," which forms the slopes of the valleys. A similar geologi-
cal arrangement is found on Pic Island, at Thunder Cape, and at
most of the silver mines on the north-west side of Thunder Bay.
The site of the richest ore in most of the veins appears to have
something to do with the juxtaposition of the black slate and the
greenstone, whether this be in the form of a dyke or bed. At
Silver Islet and McKellar's Island the ore was found to be
connected with dykes cutting the slates, whereas at the Silver

Harbour, the Thumlor Bay, the .Shuniah,im<l also at all the mines
of the White Fish rei4ioti,it is found where the veins intersects the
slates just under sheds or overHows of (j^reenstone. The vein at
the 3A mine cuts the green crystalline schists of the Huronian
series, and the silver is hero associated with nickel.

It may be remarked in passing that the horizontal black slates
and their associated greenstones belong to the Animike series of
])r. Sterry Hunt, which is believed to be of Cambrian age. These
slates rest unconfornuibly upon the denuded eilges of the highly
inclined and crystalline schists of the Huronian period. Mr. Peter
McKellar, the well known geologist of Fort William, who has
ilevoted much nttention to the stu<ly of the silver-bearing veins
of this region, is of the opinion that the metal has been Ijrought
uj) from these imderlying f-chists and deposited in its present
situation during the formation of the veins in the upper rocks.

The veins, both around Thunder Bay itself and in the White
Fish region, belong to two principal sets, one running north-east
and the other north-west. Those in the White Fish region belong-
to the north-east set, with the exception of that at the Beaver
mine, which runs north-west.

None of the mines of the Silver Mountain groups was actively
worked at the time of my visit, and I will, therefore, confine the
remainder of my present letter to those in operation in the other
groups in the White Fish region, as being of more immediate
interest to readers at a disti»nce.

Mr. Ingall, of the Dominion Geological start" has completed
the work which he connuenced last year, of taking the altitude
of the difl'erent mines and the countiy between the Beaver and
Silver Mountain mines. It is his intention to finish next the
geological survey of the country around Silver Mountain and
White Fish Lake, and then move camp to some place in the
Rabbit Mountain portion of the district and work around the
ni'HPs in that vicinity and towards Port Arthur.

THE THUNDER BAY COLONIZATION RAILWAY

surv. line has been run so far through a line tract of ajrriciil-
tural country, and if this line is adhered to it will also be about
as convenient a line for the working mines as could be expected.

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It crosses the Kaministiquia River a short distance above the
bridge on the Government road over that stream, then proceeds
along the valley of the White Fish River, which it crosses twice,
to a point near the Beaver mine at the foot of the range of hills
whicii separates that mine from the Government road, thence in
its course south-west it will, in order to maintain a convenient
grade, pass close to the Silver Creek, Little Pig and Porcupine
mines, probably through the locations on which the two last
named mines are situated.

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MINERS TAKING UP HOMESTEADS.

The miners engaged at the Porcupine mines have been
induced to become permanent settlers in the district, and they
intend to take up homesteads in the valley of the White Fish,
where there is good land and room for farms and homes for
thousands. Anyone visiting the mining region should be pre-
pared to answer the question which will be put to him by nearly
every man he meets out there : " When will work on the new
railway be commenced ? " They don't ask what railway. They
apparently think some company intends to build a railway, and
all they want to know is when a railway will be built."

OUR COLONIZATION RAILWAY — MR. MURDOCH'S REPORT TO THE
GOVERNMENT — ROUTE PRESENTS NO UNUSUAL ENGINEERING
DIFFICULTIES — SIMILAR TO THE CANADIAN PACIFIC RAILWAY
TRACK FROM HERE TO SAVANNE.

The following is a copy of Mr. Murdoch's report, which he
has accompanied with a large and complete map to illustrate the
route and nature of the country : —

Port Arthur, July 6th, 1HS5.

S. J. Dawson, Esq., M.P., Ottawa :

Sir, — In compliance with your request I made an exploration
of the Thunder Bay Colonization railway as far as the Twin City
mines in the Rabbit Mountain district. Up to this point, on the
accompanying plan of the proposed railway, I marked the eleva-
tions for 3'our guidance.

Beyond this point to the boundary line the Iron Range rail-
way from Duluth would join it. Mr. Roland, C.E., who has
just returned from an exploration, and who also was on the
original survey of this proposed railway, furnished me with the
information relative to that portion of the location as shown on
the plan, and whose report I enclose with the plan.

This railway would connect Port Arthur and north shore
stations with the American system of railways at Duluth, and
thus supply an urgent need without doing injury, but on the
contrary, assisting the traffic of the Canadian Pacific Railway.

The proposed route would open up an entirely new country,
and would pass through the finest forests of the district, the
richest silver country on the continent, and the Iron Range
railway has the largest deposits of the finest iron in America,
which would be all tributary to this linr of railway, and on
either side of the proposed line the soil is suitable for culti-
vation, and the greater part of it would produce cro]is ecjual to
any grown in Manitoba.

It would supply the struggling mining industry which must
have railway facilities to fo.ster and establish it.

The line as laid down by me is the correct one, inasmuch as
it would give railwav facilities to all the working mines without
favouring any paiticular one. The mining indu.stry of the
district will bring millions of dollars of foreign capital to the
country, if assisted by railway facilities in time.

The route throughout presents no engineering difficulties, and
would frimply be ordinary railway work similar to the Canadian
Pacific between Poit Arthur and Savanne, and the same in
distance.

The specimen of silver ore which I forwarded to you by mail
is from the Silver Mountain mine.

I have the hoiiour to be,

Yours obediently,

VVM. MURDOCH, C. E.

On or about the date of the above report the Dominion
Government granted the " regulated " bonus of S3,200 per mile,

but up to the present, from " various causes," nothing definite
has been decided.

MINNESOTA IRON COMPANY — ONE THOUSAND MEN EMPLOYED AT
THE MINES — SHIPPING 14,000 TONS OB^ GOOD OllE PER WEEK —
PROSPEROUS AND REMUNERATIVE TRADE FROJil THE MINES OF
THE DISTRICT I5ETVVEEN PORT ARTHUR AND DULUTH.

(Didiith Herald, Jidy 10th.)

George C. Stone, of St. Paul, general manager of the Minne-
sota Iron company, returned yesterday from a trip to Tower and
the mines of the company. Mr. Stone had not visited the region
before for ten months, and found great developments had been
made in that time. In fact he says they have in sight fully four
times the ore they had last year at this time. The company is
employing at the mines 1,000 men, and the railroad company
has at work in the operation of the road and in its maintenance
fully 300 more, to say nothing of the men employed in building
the 27 miles of the Iron Range now under construction.

The Minnesota Iron company has just put in operation at
the mines a Brush electric light plant for 30 lights which will
illuminate the pits, ore docks and yards so that night work can
be carried on as successfully as day work. They are also putting.
in an additional compressor plant and a number of power drills,,
which will be in operation very soon. This plant is a duplicate
of one put in this spring and which has proved very successful,
and without the aid of which nothing near the progress could
have been accomplished. The company is aLso putting in addi-
tional and more extensive hoisting machinery.

They had shipped from the mines by vessel from Two Har-
bours up to the night of the 8th, S8,G27 tons, and are .shipping
now at the rate of 14,000 per week. Up to the present time no
vessel has been delayed in loading ore at the docks a moment of
time in consequence of the weather. On the first day of July
there was loaded on vessels from the company's dock 5,064 tons-
of ore, and on Thursday the boats Alcona and Alta went into
Two Harbours at nine <.)'clock in the morninii and were loaded

and steaming down the lake before eight o'clock in the evening
of the same day with 2,630 tons of ore on board. The quality
of the ore produced has already an established reputation, and is
among the best iron ore produced in the Lake Superior country.
The benefit derived by Duluth from the mines in that district
is innnense, and the large number of men employed help to keep
the business men of the Zenith city in a prosperous and remun-
erative trade."

ONE RAILWAY WANTED.

There are now four railways proposed to run through the
minei'al district and open up the valuable agricultural, mineral
and timber wealth of the country between this point (Port
Arthur), the Lake of the Woods and the adjacent States.

Four railways are not required, but there is no denying the
fact that one scheme should be pushed through and the country
supplied with railway facilities. There is only one thing that
can keep back this part of the Dominion and that is lack of
necessary railway facilities.

The benefit derived and to be gained for all time from the
construction of the Canadian Pacific Railway can hardly be
overestimated, but there is a large and important section of the
country tributary to Thunder Bay which the present line of
railway does not touch. That country contains a vast amount
of natural wealth in the shape of timber, minerals and thousands
of acres of as rich and fertile agricultural land as the sun ever
shone on. There can be found plenty of land for thousands of
farmers, and the location offers every inducement to settlers.
The climate is the finest in the western world and the markets
open for produce cannot be equalled by any section in Canada.
The benefit to Port Arthur of opening up this country for settle-
ment is apparent to every one. The only wonder is that some
united and determined effort has not been made before this to
construct a railway through the country.

The question of granting some measure of assistance towards
opening up Western Algoma came up in the Local House recently.
Mr. Meredith strongly advocated the affording of some aid to a
railway which will develop the country west of Port Arthur.

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A number of the members on both sides of the House are in
favour of the proposal, and it is probable that definite action
will be taken by the Government in this direction duiing the
present session.

THE KAKABEKA.

The Kakabeka falls are on the Kaministiquia river. A mile
above the falls are a series of little falls or rapids, very picturesque.
The water shoots over and falls perpendicularly to the bed of the
streams below, a distance of 120 feet. To the south is a high
mountain range, the said range forming the right bank of the river.

i'HK KAKAHKKA FALLS.

At the foot of the falls the banks are high and rocky, and the
channel narrow. Further down the river opens out to grand pro-
portions, while still further downwards a series of chutes and rapids
extends for twelve miles on its course. Approaching the falls
from the north side, the ground descends gradually to the banks
of the river immediately above the cataract, and rising abruptly
below the deep, rocky, walled channel, reminds one forcibly of the
appearance of Niagara below the Horse Shoe falls. * * * About
every second a heavy cloud of spray rises high above the falls, and
apparently is going to settle down, and aflbrd one a chance to peer
into the seething, foaming chasm; V)ut before it settles another
cloud pufJs up, and with deafening roar the spray is carried below

to the falls. The Kakabeka falls are small when compared with
Niagara, but they are fully equal in size and volume, and more
picturesque than the Chaudiere and Rideau falls at Ottawa, or
the Montmorenci, below Quebec. Here little or nothing of civi-
lized existence recalls the wandering thoughts to the dull realities
of life. * * * The long predicted mills and other suggestive
evidences of commerce are yet in the fertile and active brain of
the capitalist, and man has done little to mar the picture, although
but a few miles from the busy haunts of mining, milling and
general trade. It is, however, impossible to say how long this
state of things may exist. Already elaborate schemes have been
prepared for utilizing this immense water-power in various
economical and highly practical and scientific ways. The word
"Kakabeka" is pronounced by good authority to be a corruption of
Kakapikank, the a's having the sound of oav (as in Chippewa),
the name signifying " high fall." " The fall itself," writes a dis-
tinguished Canadian artist (O'Brien), "is as beautiful as anything on
the continent." * * * "The river suddenly meets a vast barrier
of slate, over which it tumbles into a chasm cut out of tlu' rock
by the unceasing flow of ages. * * * At the top of the clitt" the
water, illumined by the sun, comes to the edge in a band of pur-
ple and gold. Thence it descends a height of more than a
hundred feet, a mass of creamy, fleecy foam, not to be described
by pen or brush —

Along the cliff to fall, and pause and fall did seem.

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One may sit by the hour, spell-bound, and study the motion and
colour of this wonderful creation. The foam is softer in ai)pear-
ance than the finest wool, more translucent than alabaster, and
behind it the more solid mass of water is seen, )jy gleams and
flashes, in colour and transparency like the purest amber.
The spray from the foot of the fall does not rise, as at Niagara,
in a slumberous cloud. It shoots into the air at a sharp angle,
with immense velocity and repeated shocks of thunder, giving the
impression of a series of tremendous explosions. This peculiarity
is due to the fact that the water falls upon a hard stratum of
rock, from which it is dashed upward in smoke as from a Hoor

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of marble. * * * ^^ our lingering gaze rests upon the fall
at some distance, the soft white thing looks a different order of
being from the surly rocks to which it is chained. Doomed to
dwell in a rocky prison, which it decks in verdant beauty with
myriad cool fingers, it is sister to the rainbow which, ever and
anon, comes out of the unseen world to visit us."

WHERE ARE THE MINES ?

All visitors coming to our town of late seem to be affected
with a common curiosity, namely, " where are the mines ? " And
no one seems satisfied until he examines for himself to ascertain
whether the mineral deposits, and especially silver, are as rich as
reported. One and all seem more than pleased after thorough
investigation that the mineral reputation that this district has
gained of late does not belie the true character of the country,
but that this reputation is more than justified by the searching
tests that have been made during the last year in the silver dis-
tricts. The various mines that are now in operation in this
district are all giving entire satisfaction to the capitalists and
managers interested in them, which is amply proved by the con-
stantly increasing number of men working in each of them, and
the great (|uantity of machinery finding its way to the mines
together with the large mills that are in course of construction.
Men of extensive capital are now investing in the mines, and
those owning mines are so confident of success that they have
abandoned the extremely cautious way of working that has
hitherto characterized their operations, and are now operating as
if they felt perfectly satisfied that the genuineness of their pro-
perty is full}' established and removed entirely beyond the region
of doubt or speculation. One great point is thus gained, namely,
confidence in the district as a rich mineral country ; and this
l)eing established, we are not surprised that capital is so exten-
sively interesting itself in the Thunder Bay district. American
as well as English capital is seeking investment here, and we
have no doubt that in a short time this district will be one of
the most productive mineral districts in America. All interested
in the progress and prosperity of the country should be ready

and willing to furnish all information in reference to our mines
that they can possibly give, and in laying before the world the
value and importance of this great district. The splendid mineral
exhibit sent from Port Arthur to the Colonial Exhibition, now
being held in London, we are assured, has done much towards
awakening an intei'est in this country in the minds of English
capitalists, and no doubt in a very shoit time we shall have more
tangible proofs of this interest by the advent of both men and
money from the Old Country into our district.

WHITE FISH VALLEY COMPANY.

The first notice for the incorporation of this company, which
is to have its head office at Port Arthur, appeared in last Satur-
day's Gazette. It is composed of English, American and Canadian
shareholders, who propose to develop the agricultural resources
of a small portion of the fertile valley of the White Fish river, with
a capital of $100,000, a great part of which is already subscribed,
and the balance will soon be taken up.

On the lots applied for by some of the company's shareholders
considerable improvements have already been made. They have
cut out roads to their various lots on which land has been cleared.
(Several houses have been built and others are in coui'se of erec-
tion. Two houses are already occupied by families and the
others will soon be ready for their tenants, who will be a desirable
class of settlers to have in the district. The company propose to
clear up large farms and to cultivate and stock them so as to
assist in supplying the wants of the district. It is an effort in
the right direction and the company's labors will doubtless lead
to many settlers going into that part of the country to clear it up
and make the soil productive of the crops for which it is so
admirably suited.

THE COUNCIL PREPARED TO ASSIST CAPITALISTS.

At the council meeting Monday night there were present —
Mayor Macdonell, Councillors Marks, Dobie, Meek, McLaren,
Margach, Blackwood and Brown. Mayor Macdonell occupied the

chair, A letter was read by the clerk from Messrs. Ware Sz
Gorham, stating that a party desirous of establishing a flouring
mill at this place wished to ascertain what inducements the cor-
poration would give for the promotion of such an industry. A
number of the leading men of Oliver township had been seen and
promised that the township council would act liberally in the
matter of such a desirable accjuisition to the ilistrict. The com-
munication asked if the council of Port Arthur would agree to
exempt the business and property from taxation for a period of
ten years, if a flouring mill was erected and run here.

On motion by Councillors Marks and Dobie, the clerk was
instructed to notify Messrs. Ware & Gorham that the council was
prepared to take such action as they legally could to exempt from
taxation for a period of ten years a flouring mill, said mill to be
constructed on the roller process principle, with a capacity of 200
barrels of flour per day, and to be employed in the grinding of
wheat at least six months in the year.

Councillor Meek thought 100 barrels a day would be a fair
capacity.

Councillor Marks said the motion was made pi'iucipally to give
an expression of opinion as to what the council would do in such
cases. If Messrs. Ware Sz> Gorham had a man who would under-
take the enterprise, well and good ; but if their man failed to come
to time some other man might hear of the opening. It would be
necessary for the council to otter some inducement. In the North-
west they give §.5,000 to 810,000 of a bonus for the establish-
ment of flour mills and probably exempsu.g them from taxation
besides. The reason he had placed the capacity at 200 barrels
was th'a,t a small n\ill could not live here and compete with the
larti'e west establishments. The work of rutminff such a business
would necessarily be a little up hill for some time, as the western
men would likely drop prices and endeavor to close out the indus-
try. To make it successful an agreement .should be made that
all local dealers buy their supply of flour from the mill. A mill
with a capacity of only 100 barrels could be employed here in
the local trade alone, in supplying Port Arthur, Fort William,
Oliver, Canadian Pacific Railway east and other adjoining dis-
tricts. Bnt as mills did not run all the year round, it would be

found advantageous from every point of view, and to supply the
demand, to have a capacity of 200 barrels per day. Flour could
be exp(irted from here to Montreal as cheaply as it could be sent
100 or 200 miles outside of Toronto, and we would be in a posi-
tion to do a large general trade in competition with other dealers.

Councillor Dobie agreed with the representative from No. 1
Ward. At first he had thought that a specification of 200 barrels
per day might handicap the promoters of the industry, but the
explanation given clearly showed that this capacitj' would be
required. This, he thought, was one of the ways in which to
build up the town. We must ofier inducements to capitalists to
come here. We have the mines, which are fast becoming a very
important and beneficial factor in the prosperity of the place. We
have also a large stretch of agricultural lands in the district ; but
it is necessary to have some manufacturing industries, in order to
secure the proper development of the place. He would heartily
support the proposition.

A vote was then taken on the motion and every councillor
voted in the afiinnative, Mayor Macdonell casting his vote in
order to carry the resolution by two-thirds of the members of the
council, necessary in passing such motions.

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OFFICIAL REPORTS ON DEVELOPMENT.

P(jRT Arthur, Ontario,

December 30th, 188,5.

Sir, — I beg to submit the following brief description of the
various mines in operation in the Rabbit Mountain Mining Region,
a portion of which is incorporated in the Township of O'Connor,
which I had the honour of surveying, last summer under instruc-
tions from your Department.

All of these mines are situated from 25 to 28 miles from Poi't
Arthur, or about 12 miles from Murillo Station, on the line of the
Canadian Pacific Railway.

"The new Colonization Road, built by direction of your Depart-
ment, artbrds constant and convenient access to the majority of
these mines at all seasons.

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" In alphabetical order the mines are as follows : —

FirnL — Beaver Mine. — 97 T.

" This mine at present employs some 43 miners and is
operated by wealthy American capitalists, who are so satisfied
with the large amount of splendid silver ore in sight, that they
have contracted for the erection of an extensive mill for the treat-
ment of ore on the spot, thereby saving the almost ruinous
expense of teaming the same to Port Arthur and shipping from
thence to New York.

" This is undoubtedly a most valuable and promising mine,
with a good strong vein, which has been developed, both hori-
zontally and vertically, by tunnels and shafts to such an extent
as to insure a steady industry. The new road passes within less
than one-half mile of this mine.

U .

Second. — Rabbit Mountain Mine.

" The Rabbit Mountain Mining Company are operating on
Mining Locations 3f)T and 40T. A great ieal of work has been
done here, about 35 men being constantly employed.

" This was the first discover}^ in the region and has yielded a
large (juantity of rich ore, which heretofore has been shipped to
New York at enormous expense.

" Some of the nuggets of silver found near the surface were
several pounds in weight, rivalling the ore obtained from the
famous Silver Islet. There is a large (juantity of low grade ore
in the various dumps, and the Company have stipulated to erect
a stamp mill before the snow disappears.

" A very comfortable and commodious hotel and store, besides
numerous other buildings, make this place quite a village. It
has also a Post Office, which is supplied with a weekly mail.

" This mine can be reached by either the Colonization Road
and a branch road of four miles, or via the ferry over the Karai-
nistiqua River and the nine miles of road which the original
•miners made at great personal expense.

Third. — Rabbit Mountain, Junior.

" Mining Section 57T, or Rabbit Mountain, Junior, as it i^
calle<l, is immediately adjacent to the west of the Rabbit Moun-
tain mine. Silver has been taken from the veins, and the owners
are sinkincj a shaft with the view of intercepting the Main Rabbit
Mountain lode, which, they affirm dips under this property.

Fourth.— Twill City Mine.— 90T (" Porcu2nne").

" Considerable work has been done at this mine and many
very rich specimens were obtained, as well as a large (|uantity of
low <'rade ore extracted.

" Five miners are at work on this property, the rock from
which will probably be treated at the mill to be erected near
the Beaver Mine. The new road passes through this property.

Fifth.— Silver Greek— UOT.

" Little work has been done on this property as yet, although
very rich specimens of silver have been obtained from the surface.

" About live men are now employed at this promising mine,
which will also have the advantage ot the mill to be erected in
the vicinity of Silver Creek. The new road passes through this
property likewise.

"There are other developments in 95T and R48, but not
sufficient for extended notice.

" All of which is respectfully submitted by
" Your obedient servant,
(Signed) A. L. RUSSELL,

Provincial Land Surveyor.'"
" Honourable T. B. Pardee,

Connnissioner of Crown Lands,
Toronto."

Since the date of the above report, stamp and crushing mills
have been erected at the Beaver and Rabbit Mountain mines.

Conspicuous among the many substantial improvements
carried out by the Local Government. in the way of opening com-
munication with the mines during the above season, may be men-
tioned the construction of the

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KAMINISTIQUIA BRIDGE.

This spans the river of the same name on lot 33, concession 1
of the township of Paipoonfrt', and is a suhstantial and useful work.
Its total length is 714 feet, com])rised of two main spans of GO
feet, and the remainder 20 feet spans or openings, the substruc-
ture b('in(( piles, with framed end abutments filled with stone, and
every precaution taken to make the bridge as secure as possible
against spring or other freshets. It is upon the line of Rabbit
Mountain or White P^ish Lake Road, and is the best selection of
site to be found for such a liridge between Fort William and
Kakabeka Falls. Owing to the great width of water and (piantity
of ice which beats against this bridge, it became necessary to
increase the waterway of the principal channel by introducing
an additional opening of 00 feet, as also to strengthen other parts
of the structure, so as to insure it against injury and meet the
heavy traffic in machinery now constantly being conveyed over
this bridge to the various silver mines.

The total cost of the bridge, including the expenditure of last
year, is $0,911.93, and for a bridge 714 feet long is by no means
excessive.

In 1873 a bridge was partially built at Point de Meuron, on
the .sight of the present structure, but before completion the piers
and abutments became damaged or displaced by ice and freshet,
and so remained till this year. Cost $o,840.

The amount collected is in excess of the collections of 1885
and of the estimated receipts for the year, and may fairly be
taken as indicating that transactions in sawn lumber in 1880 have
been of increased volume, that sales have been more readily
effected, and on improved terms as compared with the previous
3'ear.

TIMBER REVENUE.

The revenue accruing from the Western Timber Limit
(including Thunder Bay) is as follows : — Interest, trespass, etc.,
$9,322.73 ; timber dues, $210,117.24; ground rent, S24-,707.50;
bonus, $149,013.00 ; making a total of S393,210.47.

For the year 1887 the forecast is an increase in the cut of
saw-logs and a diminution in the manufacture of scjuare and waney
pine.

NEW TOWNSHIPS.

A number of new townships will likely be surveyed during
the present year alon<,' the line of the new railway, and the com-
pletion of the road to Silver Mountain may be looked for.

AN IMMENSE INCREASE IN LAKE SUPERIOR FISH TRADE.

Oftawd Journal. — In conversation with Mr. Clarke, Ottawa,
agent for the Dominion Express Company, a reporter learned that
the quantity of fresh fisii handled by the Ottawa dealers has
increased over double since last year. The cause of this increase
is that in ten years past, all the fresh tish used in Ottawa were
caught in T^ke Huron and shipped to Toronto dealers, from whom
the Ottawa dealers had to buy. Consequently the fish, by the
time they reached Ottawa, after being kept in Toronto a week or
so were, if not tainted, at least were not very fresh. But .since
the inauguration of traffic over the new line of the C. P. R., by
way of Lake Superior, arrangements were made with the large
fish-civtching firms in Port Arthur, by which the Ottawa and
Montreal dealers were enabled to get fish direct from Port
Arthur. Not only were they perfectly fre.sh, but they were also
of a much better quality than the fi.sh caught in Lake Huron.

" Is the fish trade on Lake Superior a very extensive one?"
enquired the reporter.

" Well, I will just try to give you an idea of its extent. We
receive here in Ottawa shipments of fish from Port Arthur two
days in the week, Tuesdays and Thursdays, — " (pulling a ship-
ping bill from among a pile of others) " this is a sample of what
amount we receive in one shipment." The bill showed that in
one week 2,650 pounds of fish arrived in Ottawa from Port
Arthur.

Now when you consider that the shipments to Ottawa are
only a mere nothing compared with the total amount shipped
from that place you can imagine the extent of the trade. Why,
there are thousands of pounds of fish shipped from Port Arthur

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to Chicago and Duluth every year. In Chicago Lake Superior
fish is worth one cent per pound more than any other fresh water
fish otlered for sale. The fish trade in Lake Superior has more
than doubled itself within the last year, and now not only are
the Chicago, St. Paul and Duluth markets supplied with fresh
fish from Canada's fresh water sea, but an immense trade is being
built up with eastern Ontario and Quebec even as far ast as
Montreal. All this fish is, of course, shipped to encourage the
trade."

PORT ARTHURS WATERWORKS — REPORT ON FOUH I'ROJECTS — THE
CHEAPEST AND BEST SCHEME FOR SUPPLYING WATER.

A special meeting of council was held last night. There were
present Councillors McLaren, Mackay, Dixon, O'Connor, Smith,
Dobie and Marks, with Mayor Macdonnell in the chair.

The only (juestion which came up was the informal rej)ort of
Mr. Elwyss, an expert waterworks engineer, from London, Eng-
land, who has been some days investigating the fea ability of four
projects for supplying waterworks for Port Arthur.

Mr. Elwyss thought the town was in the happy position of
few places in having many sources of supply. There were four
different schemes proposed for obtaining water He -"vould refer
first to the one he was least disposed to recommend, and continue
in that order to the most favourable one. The water of the lake
was very pure, and the first impulse was natura' ^ to look tlieio.
The chief drawback was the necessity of raising the water either
by steam or water power. It was a useless extravagance to use
steam where such a good water-power as there was iiere could be
obtained.

With reference to the scheme of taking the supply from a
point opposite the town and outside the breakwater, the objections
were the great expense to l)i'ing the water power from Current
River, and the likelihood of contamination by sewage. To avoid
such objections it wouUl be necessary to go to a point at some
distance, and the most favourable spot was at the other side of
Bear Point, just north of Current River, where the water was
20 feet deep a short distance from shore. The trend of the shore

ti^\

line would tend to divert any sewage carried that way out into
the open lake. This was the nearest available point to Current
River where plenty of water power could be obtained at moderate
cost.

The only way to get the water at high pressure up to the
ridge on High Street, west of the town, and 200 feet above the
lake, at reasonable cost, would be by the Holly principle — pump-
ing direct into a pipe. The pipe would have to be made big
enough to supply both domestic and fire purposes.

On a basis of a population of a l,Ot)0 people, 60 cubic feet of
water \vould be required per minute for house pu-poses. To pro-
vide a fire supply of 10 hose streams, 200 cubic i'eet a minute
additional would be required.

The expense of .such a scheme would be about 8250,000. It
would be unwise not to take advantage of the ridjjo on Hijjfh
Street for a low level reservoir in any case. In the event of a
break in the pipes the reservoir would su])ply water until repairs
were made, and it would be valuable in case of fires in the lower
town. The higher portions of the town could not be supplied
from there, and to give them service the town would have to
pump for a supply or look for a higher spot on which to con-
struct a reservoir.

This project does not give the advantage of a high service
reservoir. The whole service would ^te entirely dependent on the
machinery being in order, and there would always be the risk of
pipes bursting.

CURRENT K VEH PROJECT.

II-

l.i

Water could be sup^'i 1 from Current River at a point 150
feet above the lake. By constructing a re-servoir at 350 feet, just
beyond Shuniah mine, one mile from the liver, a jiressuie of 250
feet at High Street could be secured. The water would be
pumped into the reservoir liy Current River water power. The
cost of the scheme with a high service reservoir only would be
8240,000, and with a low service reservoir, 8250,000. The reser-
voir would hold four and a-half days' supply for domestic and
fire purposes. The only drawback to Current River water is that,
like Mclntyre River, it is somewhat discoloured by peat. The

[; n-

water is good, there being only six grains of solid matter to a
gallon. The discoloration can easily be got out. It is a mere
matter of sentiment. There have never been any injurious effects
from water so discoloured by peat.

It would be bad economy to dispense with the low reservoir and
depend only on one some miles off.

MCVICARS CREEK.

McVicars's Creek is too small, and could not be made avail-
able unless Current River was diverted. This is not necessary
v/hpn there are other sources.

MCINTYRE RIVER.

The ne'^t scheme was to take the water from this river about
three miles above the cemetery, where it was some 250 feet above
the lake, and pump it up to a reservoir on the Red River Road
about 850 feet above lake level. If there was no reservoir con-
structed at High Street ridge the project would cost $180,000-
A high and low service wouhl cost $221,000. A low service
reservoir would give a house supply of 24 hours and a fire supply
of about half a day or so. This scheme has an advantage over
the lake and Current River of effecting a saving of $30,000.

THE HEST SCHEME.

The la.st scheme, which is the cheapest and best, was to cut
the Mclntyre River at a point .some 420 feet above the lake level,,
and six miles from town. The water could be diverted into a
wooden flume and follow the contour of the country to the same
spot on Red River Road mentioned in the former scheme, 350 feet
above the lake.

This scheme would cost $154,000 and deliver water at a pres-
sure of 220 feet, l)ut if a high pressure is wanted the pipe could
be laid from the o50 foot level at an additional cost of $13,000,
making « total for high and low service of $167,000. All other
»< h^mt's df'pend on pumping, which is expensive, demanding men
and Hiachinery. By this scheme one man only is re(|uired. There

are one or two doubts to settle, which can only be done by a
detailed survey. There is rather a tij^dit fit about levels. But if
the contour is not favourable from this point the v/ater might be
taken at a higher level, even if a small dam was constructed.
The next doubt is the sufficiency of water supply. The general
opinion ^r- that there is plenty of water. If there is as nuich
water as will pass through a 12-inch pipe, that is enough.

In ^he estimates of cost 85,000 is allowed for rock excavation
on five miles of pipe. The last plan is the simj)lest, chea[)est and
best.

From the reservoir in High Street ridge a 12-inch pipe would
lie brought down Waverly and Park Streets to Cumberland and
branch off into two eight inch-pipes.

Five and a-half miles of pipe would take in four-fifths of tlie
population, and bring the other fifth within 500 or 1000 feet of a
hydrant.

The average cost of pipes is $8,500 per mile, and $15,000 is
included in the estimates for laying services to houses.

l'.. una Street would be about the dividing line between the
higl. iiwl low service. The low service covers all houses below
that line and the high service all above.

A number of (juestions were asked Mr. Elwyss by the coun-
cillors regarding the cost of pipes etc., and the meeting adjourned.

1 ■

•*->^^^'fe-^-*-

FORT WILLIAM.

THE ECHO.

As .showinf]f that Fort William has made solid, if not rapid,
advancement since our tirst visit to it, a comparison l)etween then
and now will prove interesting reading, inasmuch as it will afford
positive proof that the early settlers had good grounds for repos-
ing faith in its ultimate prosperity as a shipping port and
railway point.

In the year 1880, the now pro.sperous village of Fort William
was only a hamlet, with a population of scarcely 200 white people,
while the first month in 188G finds the municipality containing
upwards of 2,000 souls, and such evident signs of still greater
prosperity in the future as should convince the most sceptical
tliat naught can stay its development in the near future into a
large and thriving .shipping port.

Returning to the period when we first saw Thunder Bay and
the famous Kaministiciuia river. Fort William could then only
boast of owning four stores, one church, three luitels, three car-
penters, a blacksmith shop, telegraph and post offices, C. P. R.
engineer's and contractors' (construction) headcpiarters, togethei-
with the round-house and "Neebing hotel," which was then used
as government offices. Now, besides the Imildings enumerated,
we have one drug store run by Dr. Hamilton ; one hardware store
owned by W. S. Piper ; stationery, fancy goods and news depot,
W. A. McCallum ; the dry goods establishments of Messrs. John
King, Arch. McLaren and the Rutledge Bros.; the general stores
of Messrs. John McLaurin, P]d. Deacon, — Pelletier and F. de
Hertel ; A. D. Sutherlan<l does an extensive traile in groceries,
liquors, vegetables and canned fruits ; Messrs. A. T. McDonald and

P. Robin also deal in groceries and notions, while H. J. Grant does
a fair hifiiness in supplying the citizens with the " statF of life ;"
and as we are treating of those who supply the wants of the
" inner man," we must not omit to mention the first-class meat
and veiit'tahle marts of Messrs. H. Harkness, and Donnelly &
Hancock, which would be a credit to many towns affecting more
city airs than does our steady-going village. Three dress and
mantle-makers look after the apparel of the ladies. J. T. Camp-
bell and ^I. Blue see that horses are properly shod and also do a
general blacksmithing trade. S. Stevens is here to see that you
have a chance to " secure the shadow ere the substance fades," and
turns out really good photographs.

Where three hotels used to suffice for the enl ertainment of the
hungry, footsore and weary traveller, nine good hostelries occa-
sionally find it almost impossible to provide loggings for would-
be guests. Foremost in this branch is the "Queen's."

The churches, also, have made substantial progress in the way
of pointing out the " straight and narrow path," and where the
Presbyterians were first in the field, the Methodists have followed,
l>oth denominations having resident parsons to see that the mem-
bers of their respective Hocks walk as nearly upright as 'tis pos-
sible for frail humanity to do. Besides these two, the Episco-
palians, Roman Catholics and Baptists hold divine service every
Sunday, the two first named having in contemplation the erection
of commodious places of worship early in the summer.

In the schools three teachers are now employed, whil in ISSO
one dominie had an easy time.

The learned professions are represented by Dr. Hamilton and
C. N. Black, I). L. S. ; the legal fraternity finding it an unprofitable
field for litigation, are unrepresented.

One public hall affords (juurters for bidding entertainment-*,
and, while "star" troupes of the minstrel variety give the di.strict
a wide berth during cold weather, local talent keeps its doors
open to the amusement-loving public.

But it is more particularly within the past eighteen months
that the town has made substantial progress in the way of
improvement, including the grading of streets, building of side-
walks, dwelling hou.se.i, stores, hotels, railway buildings, coal docks,

) '

■ ^
-

'■i

court house and jail, and the most complete elevator on the con-
tinent.

In the west end there has ])een erected upwards of 100 dwel-
lin<,'-houses, nine stores, and five hotels, the court house and jail
of dimensions 40 x GO feet, two stories high, stone foundation and
cellar, brick cells and timber walls, a la elevator style. Then we
have the large coal and grain sheds of the C. P. R., together with
their monster water-tank, their pump house and several lesser
buildintjs.

In the eastern end of the town many improvements have
been made since the summer of 18S4. Over two miles of streets
iiave been ditched and graded, and a fine sidewalk built on
Victoria street; and in the same vicinity where 18 months ago
it was a " howling wilderness," there have been erected 20 build-
ings, fine two-storey residences, stores and hotels, and new
buildings are continually going up. One of the hotels — the
Avenue liotel — changed hands the other day at something over
83,000; another unfinished hotel (Simpson's), a three-storey
building, also changed hands, and the purchaser is bound by the
terms of agreement to increase its capacity, finish it ott* in good
style and have it ready for business by the opening of navi-
gation.

The Canadian Pacific Railway Company, in addition to
erecting the buildings already mentioned, have built over 1,000
feet of first-class dockage, having a frontage depth of water of
1<S feet. The new coal docks with the fine improved patent
derricks, are 150 x .500 feet, and for completeness of machinoiy,
etc., are unsurpassed by any.

The elevator, too, in all its arrangements, is allowed by good
judges of such buildings to be one of the most complete in all
its arrangements of any in the world. It is also one of the
largest, being 424 feet long by tSo feet in width and something
over l.Stt feet in height, with a capacity of 1,250,000 bushels.

Thes(> works showed to great advantage on the occasion of
the reception of the Governor-General, when the majestic
Kaministiquia river — over 300 feet wide — was spanned across
from the top of the elevator to the top of (carpenter's mills, by
an immense banner upon which were in large letters that could

He pri
chief

be read afc a mile's distance from the approachinf; fleet of
steamers that bore His Excellency and party, the words " Wel-
come to Fort William."

Within the past year, too, the population has largely increased
— more than doubled — yet the harbour was in a very unsatis-
factory condition. It was only near the close of the shipping
season that the dredging was sufficiently advanced to permit
thu larger lake craft entering with full cargoes. But with the
improvements which were made the deepest draught craft that
navigates Lake Superior found it an easy matter to enter in
daytime on a draught of 16 feet. 'Tis true some parts of the
channel require more dredging to make it complete, but, taking
all things into consideration, the Fort William shipping makes a
good exhibit and shows that we may expect greater things from
it in the future. The tonnage of the American steam and sailing
craft that visited this port last season amounted to 33,066 tons,
and they delivered here some 23,000 tons of American coal.
The revenue in duties that should be credited Fort William for
this coal alone would be about $14,000. The number of Cana-
dian craft that did business on the Kaministiquia during the
same period was 95 ; total tonnage 90,096, and total cargoes
80,324 tons.

It may also be mentioned that, after the dredging had
advanced so as to allow boats of deep draught and heavy tonnage
to enter this harbour in the autumn, the following craft entered
with full cargoes of coal : —

Name Draught. Cargo.

feet. tons.

Str. Iron Duke 14 1,402

Schr. Iron Clitfe 15.2 1,624

Schr. H. D. Alveson 15 1,504

Str. Australasia 15.4 2,202

The latter is the largest craft that floats on fresh waters.

THE INDUSTRIES OF FORT WILLIAM

lie principally in the lumber trade, of which she is probably the
chief depot on the upper lakes. First, we have the establish-

«;,

ment of Messrs. Graham, Home & Co., who, if not the pioneer
lumber dealers of this section, are at least the oldest existincj
establishment of the kind. Their large planing mill has a
capacity of 24,000 feet per diem, and their average sales of
dressed lumber have amounted to better than 12,000,000 feet per
annum. In addition to dealing in rough and dressed lumber,
these gentleman do quite a trade in coal, lime and salt. They
also do a considerable shipping or forwarding business, being
owners of the palace steamer Ocean, tiie tug Salty Jack and the
hirge schooner Sligo. The members of this firm, being shrewd busi-
ness men, give prompt attention to all orders entrusted to their
care, and generally try to make things pleasant for customers.

W. H. Carpenter comes next with a saw-mill capable of cutting
25,000 feet daily ; the planer run in connection has a capacity of
12,000 feet per diem. Mr. Carpenter has oo men in the woods
this season and will jjct out over a million feet of loirs.

The Neebing Lumbering Co., Charles Garner, Manager, also
has a considerable force of men and teams engaged in the woods
getting out logs and shingle bolts, and a portable saw and shingle
mill will shortly arrive for them to manufacture lumber and
shingles.

The Algonia Lumbering Cd.'s large planing mill, erected on
one of the prettiest mill sites in Canada, is complete in all its
appointments. The machinery is of the most approved modern
style ; the mill itself is a handsome structure, with a switch
connecting it with the main line of the Canadian Pacific railway.
The boarding house and other buildings in connection are worthy
of the mill, and altogether cost the company 390,000. At present
this valuable property, in consetiuence of dissensions among the
proprietors, is lying idle, but strong hopes are entertained that
new life will be infused into the concern shortly and the tuneful
buz and hum of its machinery heard in Fort William again.

Messrs. Hammond & McDougall give employment to a large
number of men in the woods, their forte being ties and piles.
They have large contracts witli the Canadian Pacific Railway and
do a good business in the lines mentioned

The Fort William Brick Works, Messrs. Armstrong, pro-
prietors, come next in order. These gentlemen manufacture a

really excellent quality of red and white re-pressed brick, which
are fully equal to the St. liOuid article — for proof of which see
the " Northern " Hotel and the school-house, Port Arthur,
While not at liberty to state the amount of business done last
year, we are assured that the Messrs. Armstrong realized their
most sanguine expectations, and are now confident that the
coming season will find them doing a much larger trade. They
are quite capable of supplying the demand. The clay used
contains neither lime nor alkali, and is found in almost
unlimited quantities. As yet their trade is confined to su})plying
the home market, but we aie assured that the manufacturers
purpose making a " big push " during the coming summer to
placu their brick iu the Winnipeg market, where we have no
doubt it will give the best of satisfaction and command a ready
sale.

Other industries are spoken of in the near future, such as a
pulp mill for the manufacture of paper from poplar wood, of
which there is any quantity in the vicinity of Fort William.

Capitalists of undoubted means have also in contemplation
the erection of large flouring mills, to grind the famous Manitoba
No. 1 hard ; and, in short, we offer the very best inducements to
capitalists to come and invest their means in building up the
future city (Fort William and Port Arthur), between the rock-
bound coast of the Atlantic and the sunny slopes of the Pacific.

Our mineral, agricultural and timber lands speak for them-
selves. Fort William is centrally located, and liard is he to
please who cannot be satisfied with the inducements offered by
tl\e Thunder Bay district."

CROWN LANDS.

ami

ro-

A persusal of the following extracts from the report of the
Commissioner of Crown Lands, referring to lands in the Thunder
Bay district, will convince the most sceptical that Fort William is
located in a section of the country that for fertility of soil and
adaptability to agricultural, mineral and lumbering pursuits,^
cannot be excelled : —

■M'!

MIXING LANDS.

Over S12,000 have been received for about 7,700 acres taken
lip as niininf,' locations about Rabbit and Silver Mountains.
About 8>H,000 of this auKnint have been paid in the mining lands
at the rate of !?2 per acre.

FREE GRANT LANDS.

Forty-four persons have been located on 0,550 acres in the
Township.s of Oliver and Paipoonge, and 365 acres have been sold.
There have l)een 24 cancellations for non-fulfillment of settle-
ment duties, and fifteen people have obtained patents for their
lots.

The Government have not yet decided on making Gillies,
■O'Connor, Lybster, Marks and Strange, free grant townships.

V '

TOWNSHIP GRANTS.

During the past year three new townships have l)een surveyed,
•comprifsing over 23,000 acres, in the White Fish Valley, viz. :
j\Iarks, Strange and Conmee, and an exploration made of the
Rainy River district.

MARKS TOWNSHIP.

Surveyed by Mr. M. J. Butler, G.E. and P.L.S.

The south-easterly one-third of the town.ship, comprising about
8,000 acres, is a comparatively level section of country, the land
being gently rolling, the soil a rich black clay loam, well adapted
for farming purposes. The underlying rock is chert. The
northerly and westerly two thirds is rougher with high hills of
granite and trap rock, overlaid with a light covering of sandy
soil and boldei's, and is not adapted for farming purposes.

The township is well watered by numerous small rapid run-
ning creeks, and several large ponds, the water in every case being
<;lear, cold and wholesome, tiie source of supply being mostly from
springs.

Brook or speckled trout were the onlv fish seen, but of tliese
there was a great ahundance. Of fur-bearing animals the only
representatives seen were the beaver and fisher.

No signs of the connuon red deer were seen, plenty of cariboo
tracks were run across, showing them to be quite numerous.

Bears were also plentiful ; of the smaller game partridge were
the only variety seen.

This whole section of the Province was over-run with fire
some years ago, and is now grown up with almost tropical luxuri-
ance, birch, white and yellow spruce, poi)lar, jack-pine, tamarac,
balsam, with an occasional white pine, forming the larger growth.
Many of the spruce and tamarac are fine large trees, suitable for
lumbermen's purposes.

The poplar from its whiteness and long, clear growth, is par-
ticularly well suited for the manufacture of paper. The under-
growth is composed of hazel, dog-wood, small balsam and soft
maple. In the vicinity of this town.ship there are at present
four mines at work, employing (|uite a number of men, and con-
stantly increasing. The Canadian Pacific Railway station at
Murillo is only fifteen miles distant from Fort William. A
Government colonization road passes within five miles of the
south-east angle of the township. The new projected Thunder
Kay Cohmization Railway passes about four miles to the .south.
By the construction of about four and one-half miles of road,
easy access can be had to the whole of the good land, and as
there are also largo sections in the adjoining township suitable
for settlement, there is little doubt that in a few years the whole
section will be taken.

CONMEE TOWNSHIP.

The part .surveyed is well watered, and except in the north-
west is well timbered, and the lay of the land is favorable, being
southerly and easterly.

The soil on at least seventy-five per cent, of the town.ship is
•suitable for farming purposes, and the township as a whole may
be considered as above the average of the agricultural lands in
this district. The eastern half of the township is more adapted
for settlement, being heavy clay overlaid with vegetable mould.

IMAGE EVALUATION
TEST TARGET (MT-3)

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Photographic

Sciences
Corporation

33 WEST MAIN STREET

WEBSTER, NY. 14S80

(716) 872-4503

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In the north-west portion sandy soil p''edominates. Numerous
.small streams traverse the township, Brule Creek on the north
and Cedar Creek on the south-west being always amply supplied
with water.

The settlers from the township of Oliver, who were employed
(jn the survey party, considered that the eastern part of Conmee
township was superior to the average class of land in their town-
ship. The vegetables to be seen at the several clearings v/ere
sufficient evidence of the excellence of the soil.

SLATS RIVER LANDS.

EXAMINATIONS ALONG THE KIVER IN BLAKE AND I'AIPOONGE TOWN-
SHIPS — DESIRABLE SETTLERS FLOCKING TO THE ALMOST OPEN
PRAIRIE RICH SOIL — (MAY, 1887.)

Meeting Mr. Koland on his return from an extended examina-
tion of the above district, a Sentinel representative gleaned the
following interesting information touching the settlement of that
favored tract : —

" It is now about ten months ago since I made a particular
topographical examination and valuation of a considerable tract
of patented mineral, timber and agricultural lands along the
valley of the Slate River, belonging to Toronto people, as well as
a o-eneral report upon the great natural advantages of that dis-
trict generally as a tield for agriculturists, a brief report of which
appeared in the Sentinel of July last.

At that date I placed an estimate upon the value of lands in
this particular section that caused ({uite a ripple of excitement
among practical men both within and without our own com-
munity, not only as a field for ay;riculture, but also as a sheep and
cattle ranche. Foremost among the few practical men who
tested the accuracy of those highly favorable I'eports upon its
great capabilities may be mentioned Mr. D. F. Burk, who examined
the country in South Paipoonge for himself and immediately
afterwards secured the lease of a large area of this extensive
park-like grazing range, whereon he placed a large stock of
young cattle with splendid results, aotwithstanding the fiict of

the

dis-

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Is in
uent
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and
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its being an exceptionally dry summer. Up to this date, or for a
period of twenty-six years, (date of survey 1859-60) compara-
tively little was known of this rich and practically inexhaustable
soil as a field for settlement. True applications were made as
long ago as 1878 for free grant sections in this direction by well
known old residents of Port Arthur, and the traveller throughout
the township of Blake to-day, who happens to run against a
certain south-east quarter post in the 7th concession, may read
the following legend : — ' This lot claimed by Charles Augustus
Everitt ; ' while upon another may be observed : ' Claim of Mr.
Geo. Hill Kennedy, 5th March,' and upon the noi'th-east (piarter
of lot 10 in the 8th concession, 160 acres, 'Geo. F. Duggan, July,
78.' What becomes of claims like the above ? If ever placed,
upon record I presume they have long ago been cancelled, but.
whether the rich lands in the concessions G, 7 and 8 are yet open:
for homesteading we shall probably never know definitely until
some practical man like Mr. Burk goes out there, and after
demonstrating what the soil is, makes application for a tract for
a " model farm."

" Yes, I will explain : At the tine Mr. B. examined the lands,
in the valley of the Slate, there was not one solitary settler or
applicant for a free grant, where to-day there are upwards of
twenty-three entries and many actual settlers there, while some-
six or seven others are out there at the present moment, making-
arrangements for putting in some crop and otherwise fulfilling
their homestead duties.

" Many of these are old countrymen, Scotch and English,,
while others are practical Canadians who have lived and hunted
in vain throughout the storm swept prairies of far west Dakota
and Minnesota for such a place as this favored portion of Algoma
alone can offer. Four at least of the old countrymen have very
emphatically expressed their opinions regarding their claims in-
the 3rd, 4th and 5th concessions, (lots 12, 13, 14, 15 and 16) in
the following characteristic manner : — First the hardy Scot
observed that ' Right here in one line are my own and ray two-
brothers' lots, or 300 acres altogether ; you valued the private
lands out here, I believe, at one pound ($5) an acre last year ? *
' Yes.' ' Well, I have seen our free grants now — there they are„

\ 1.1.

ir '

Nos. 14, 15 and IG in the 4th concession, and, believe me, I think
they are good value at Sl,000 each. Ech, mon ! I only wish we
had the auld mon here; how he would appreciate the scene.
Here are real grand mountain ni nges surrounding our well watered
table land — there is nothing like it between here and John
O'Groat's.' ' Not evjn in Midlothian ? ' I suggest. * Ah, weel,
the Lothians are iine certainly, but ye ken there are nae free
grants there.'" This was Mr. Alexander McDonald, of Point de
Meuron farm, who, with his two brothers, George and Angus,
appear to be more than pleased with their homesteads.

Another settler, Mr. Newton, (central counties, England)
secured some time ago a homestead and pre-emption upon lots 12
and 13 in the 4th concession, immediately east of Alexander
McDonald and adjoining the lands of ex-Governor Morris, of
Manitoba. Mr. Newton has lived for some time on farms in the
vicinity of Brandon and Oak Lake in Manitoba, and marvels
much that nothing has ever been done by our citizens to divert a
portion of the practical class of old country emigrants or capital-
ists into this district. Mr. Newton estimates his two sections or
lots worth a thousand dollars each. Immediately south of New-
ton on the 5th concession are the lots of John and Angus McClure,
father and son. Mr. McClure, senior, is a practical Scotchman,
who fully appreciates the value of his really fine lots, and who
with his energetic and resolute-looking son Angus, intend to
begin seeding " right away."

" How is this desirable tract of good land reached ? "
" At present you have your choice of two or more routes,
including the old ferry road, along the north bank of the pictu-
resque Kaministiquia River to the Rabbit Mountain crossing, thence
south over a comparatively open and rather sandy ridge in con-
cessions A and I ; or you can take the Pigeon River road through
the Point de Meuron farm and crossing by the new and substan-
tial Government bridge across the Kam, follow the Pigeon River
road for about 1,320 feet to a point where a new road is being
constructed in a general westerly course throughout the second
concession of Paipoonge. Beyond or even up to the crossing of
Slate River little effective work has so far been carried out, and
at the present time is hardly available for horse or foot. The

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bridge crossing the Slate, quite a piece of work in itself, is, how-
ever, without cribs, piers or approaches, and not of any striking
advantage. Rome, however, was not built in a day, and doubt-
less before the advent of spring Hoods a great improvement will
be effected here. The settlers going in there appear to favor this
road being located upon the line of concessions 2 and 3, and
westward to Rabbit Mountain road. This route is also advocated
by their reeve, Mr. Sidney Smyth. Projected westward across
the Rabbit Mountain (ferry) road, this would tap some three or
four promising mines, including the Big Bear, and intersects the
Government colonization road at the Elgin mine, a little north of
Beaver Mountain." " Is all the lands in that quarter (Slate
River) taken up ? " " Almost. Certainly all the open or burnt
tract. A few sections of partly wooded land remains unsettled,
settlers as a rule preferring the cleared ground, timber and thick
underbrush being regarded by many homesteaders as a most
unfavorable aspect of affairs. I have, however, seen some good
land in the burnt portion of Blake, and quite a number of intend-
ing settlers are here in Port Arthur to-day for the purpose of
consulting the Government Agent for Crown Lands, Mr. Margach,
with regard to this township. The settlers with whom I con-
versed respecting this section of country, express great satisfac-
tion with the Local Government and its officers here, for their
uniform courtesy and strict impartiality in the manner of dealing
with applications from all classes. Returning by way of the
ferry, I noticed a nice frame dwelling house on lot 13 in the 1st
concession south of the Kaministiquia. This building belongs to
a young homesteader, Mr. Hunt, whose long experience in the
North-west convinced him that he had at length found what he
had so long pined for — a good homestead possessing the great
natui'al advantages of fuel and water combined with the charms
of a most delightful climate and scenery. Near to Hunt's claim
is a large area of improved land upon which a log house has been
erected by Mr. D.F. Burk, the pioneer of the Slate River country.
Another settler, Mr. Bennet, at present residing upon lot 13, (th .
ferry) has entered for lot 9 in the first and intends beginning his
improvements forthwith. The distance from the Rabbit Mountain

i'.

ferry to Fort William west is under ten miles over a good road ;
this road is continued westward from the ferry, touching Murillo
station on the Canadian Pacific railway, ? nd thence to the numer-
ous falls above and below the Kakabeka or Grand Falls."

A RACE FOR LIFE.

" Bear hunts and other exciting sport I presume are quite
common out there ? "

" Bears, although known to exist there at all seasons, have a
peculiar way of keeping out of sight when wanted. Prairie
chicken, however, are more numerous than upon ordinary sea-
sons. Nothing, however, occurred out there upon this occasion
to relieve the monotony of the long days until the pretty village
of Fort William was reached after a walk of fourteen miles from
camp. The train from the west was rapidly approaching the
switch to the west, about 400 yards distant from the station. At
this point the main line sweeps sharply to the north-east, so that
an east bound train is barely visible through a fringe of bush and
scattered shanties from the platform or office windows of the
station. There, also, a number of sidings are curved off at various
angles, one going direct east to the roundhouse from the switch
referred to, and toward which all eyes were directed as the over-
due train came thundering along, while right in the centre of the
curved track and on the main line stood a child of about two and
a half years, apparently utterly unconscious of the untimely end
that appeared so inevitable. * * At this crisis in our moments
of suspense, a man was seen bounding to the rescue of the unfortu-
nate urchin, and although the chances appeared as about 100 to
1, that he must arrive too late ! or worse still, perish in the
attempt, we had the intense satisfaction and relief of seeing him
snatch the child from the jaws of death, in less time than it takes
to relate this decidedly meritorious deed. After boarding the
train for Port Arthur, I learned that this clever rescue was made
by the master mechanic or mechanical superintendent of the
Canadian Pacific Railway Company's shops at Fort William, Mr.
Priest."

THE SILVER DISCOVERY ON THE MILWAUKEE COMPANY'S LOCATIONS
— R2()0 AND R201— CAPT. BUCHANAN IN CHARGE.

As soon as the prospecting party, now working on the Esch-
weiler location near the Porcupine mine, had penetrated the trap
overflow of the country and reached the silver slates below, they
struck silver in the vein both in its native state as wire silver
and in ore as black silver or argentite. Mr. Buchanan, who is at
present in charge of the work, sent Mr. Eschweiler a box con-
taining samples of the silver and ore which was exposed to sight
since Mr. Eschweiler's departure a few days ago to organize his
company for more extensive operations.

:f>-a.rt II.

HISTORY. LOrATION AND DEVELOPMENT OF

OUR NEW MINES

GOLD AND SILVER,

Compared with other Mines of Lake Superior.

OUR WESTERN SILVER DISTRICT;

ARROW AND WHITE FISH LAKES,
— SIL-VEI^ 3>^OTJ]SrT..A.I3Sr —

THE PRINCIPAL MINES AND PROSPECTS ir. THE VICINITY OF

THE RABBIT ^"^ BEAVER MOUNTAIN SILVER MINES.

ALSO, A SHORT SKETCH OF THE

HURONIAN, OR OLD "JACKFISH LAKE" GOLD MINE.
Assays of Ores and Concentrates, etc., etc., from various partially ueveloped

LODES SITUATED BETWEEN "SiLVEB CrEEK," "PaLISADES," AND "CrOWN PoINT"

IN THE West, to the "Arctic "and Heron Bay Lodes in the East.

Official Report of Assays of Sylvanite and other Ores of this immediate
section by the Directors of The Dominion Geological Survey : Dr. Alfred
Selwyn, Dr. Robert Bell, Dr. Lehnen, Prof. Kreissmann, of Port Arthur,
and M. Ferdinand Sustersic, Assayer to the Beaver Mountain Mining Co.

REPORTS OF PROF. C, F. ESCHWEILER.

LATEST FROM THE WORKING MINES.

The "Medicine Bluff," Rll!), and other Mines in vicinity.

DESCRIPTION OF THE RAINY RIVER DISTRICT, RAT PORTAGE,
WATER POWERS, MILLS AND MINERALS, RAIL-
WAYS AND MARKETS, ETC.

MISCELLANEOUS.
"Globe" Interview with Mr. Conmee, M.P.P. for Algoma West,

Me Rainy River.

THIRTEEN YEARS' EXPERIENCE OF A CIVIL ENGINEER AND B. A.Sv

IN WESTERN ALGOMA.

MINING.
LATEST FROM LAKE OF WOODS.

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PART II.

OUR MINES ON NORTH SHORE

AND

WESTERN GOLD AND SILVER DISTRICT.

1887.

Mining on the north shore uf Lake Superior has this year
received a great impetus, and it has never before been carried on
in a more legitimate, practical and profitable manner than it is
to-day. The recent discoveries and the important work per-
formed this year by practical mine owners have established the
mining industry on the north shore for all time to come. Although
we have seen, in days gone by, greater excitement over mining in
this district, we have never before experienced such good results
as the past year has produced.

The time was when Silver Islet, with its wonderful yield,
astonished the world, and we owe much to that mine for having
brought our district so prominently before the world. This, how-
ever, was the only mine which Avas successfully worked in the
district until the present.

Silver Islet has produced over four millions of dollars and it
has done its duty as a silver mine, and given us a history, even
if work again is never resumed there. The mine being entirely
under Lake Superior rendered it always a difficult one to work,
and as depth was retched, it became evident that more capital

ii!

was required to work it than the company had at their disposal.
In its palmy days the mine paid enormous dividends to its original
own':'.s, and it has produced some of the most marvellous speci-
mens of native siliefer which came from any quarter of the globe.
It is stated by reliable men, who were in a position to know,
(Captain John Tretherwey, then in charge), that more silver ha^
been taken out of the same amount of vein-stono broken in
Silver Islet than any other mine in the world. This fact and the
tendency of the various minerals found in the district to form in
either extensive or massive deposits, should have encouraged
mining operations among us to a greater degree than it has.

ON THE SOUTH SHORE.

On the south shore of Lake Superior, just opposite us, is the
Calumet and Hecla mine, which is admitted to be the greatest
copper mine in the world. At this mine they have ore enough in
sight to work for a number of years, with no prospect of its
giving out, and they are down over 3,000 feet in the earth. The
mine has paid regular quarterly dividends for the past fourteen
or fifteen years at the rate of two million dollars per year, the
total dividends paid to date (April 11th) amounting to $28,850,000.

MARQUETTE.

The iron mines of Marquette, across the lake, are other
instances of the massiveness of the mineral deposits of this region.

ON THE NORTH SHORE.

We have the same geological conditions for copper and iron,
and we have in addition the gold and silver veins in abundance,
which they have not. Native copper and copper ore have been
found on the north shore, and another recent discovery of a fiue
quality of hematite iron of a grade and purity fit for Bessemer
steel, are evidences of the existence of these minerals in the dis-
trict. Not much notice apparently has been paid to these so far,
as the attention of American and English capitalists has been
drawn to our veins of the more precious metals, gold and silver.

GOLD AND SILVER — THE FIRST DISCOVERY BY AMERICANS.

The earliest recorded discovery of silver in this section was
that of the " White Rose," on Arrow Lake. This discovery was
brought about by Mr. W. A. Kindred, of Minnesota, U. S., while
exploring for pine timber in the Pigeon River country. It was
indicated by his Indian guide, who stated that there was a tradi-
tion in connection with it, and that years ago his tribe were accus-
tomed to cross over from the country of the " Long Knives "
(Americans) and obtain silver from this vein, which they used
extensively for bullets and ornaments. This vein is about one
mile south of the centre of Arrow Lake, and about one and a-half
miles north of the American boundary line. Mr. Kindred saw
silver in the vein at tirst examination, and in connection with
other Minnesota men, surveyed three locations thereon and traced
the vein throughout the entire property, or three-quarters of a
mile. The vein is from six to eight feet wide, and rich in native
and black silver. During the following season some little work
was done upon it with excellent results, and a large area of
adjacent land was surveyed and patented. The want of roads,
however, and its distance from any inhabited place, was the
immediate cause of all work being suspended, and it is a matter
of astonishment to those who are acquainted with the vein, that
work has never been resumed. This is now nearly 12 years ago.
The vein occurs in the black argentiferous slates of the district,
and contains galena and zinc-blende, native and argentite silver,
associated with quarts, calc and tluor spar.

This refers to the first authentic discovery of native silver
by white men, in what we may call " Our Western Silver Fields,"
or at any point west of the " McFai-lane Band," supposed to ter-
minate at Prince's Bay, west of Jarvis Island, where silver was
found as long ago as 1845.

RABBIT MOUNTAIN.

The next and most important discovery was that of the now
famous Rabbit Mounjpin in the fall of 1882.

This evmt occurred through the influence of Mr. Oliver
Daunais, with a now well-known Indian named Wei-saw

Bouquachinnini (or the "Wild Man of the Forest," from whom he
obtained a description of the vein, for although well disposed as
the Indian was to his " Wee-maytegouche " friend, yet his super-
stitious belief in the evil supposed to follow the act of directly
pointing out to white men the treasures of the " Nannabijou,"
would not permit him to go in person. Mr, Daunais, however,
politely excused him, and being not only a perfect master of the
Indian language, but also possessing a natural aptitude for
exploratory work, started alone, the result of this solitary trip
being the survey of the present patented mining locations so well
and favourably known as Nos. " 39T " and " 40T."

This, the Rabbit Mountain Silver Mine, is situated in latitude
48°, 16', 00" north ; and longitude 90° west (from Greenwich).
I may here explain to the uninitiated that the letter found before
or after the number of a mining location refers to a certain sur-
veyor who alone uses that particular character. For example,
Mr. W. H, Furlonge, P.L.S., is here understood to have surveyed
the above numbered locations, his letter being " T " ; while Mr.
A. L. Russell's professional " R " denotes that he surveyed the
Silver Mountain and other mines, and their respective letters may
be found scattered promiscuously throughout the entire district.
Mr. Daunais' discovery proved to be exceedingly rich, but was
not, however, systematically worked until some time had elapsed.
The first test of this vein was made by picking off the surface
two and three-quarter tons of the loose earth and decomposed
vein-stone which were sent to the smelters, and yielded S852.50
per ton.

The next test was the shipment of a carload of ore taken from
the first ten feet of a shaft, which gave a return of $645.41 per
ton of 2,000 pounds.

At this period were associated with Mr. Daunais, General
Edward Wilde, an ex-U. S. cavalryman of distinction, and Capt.
Dan. McPhee, a well-known north shore pioneer. This mine pro-
duces l)oth native and black silver (argentite), and nuggets of
solid silver, weighing from a pound up to 45 pounds, have been
taken from the shaft. It was at this juncture that the originators
of the present St. Paul Company purchased the mine, which con-
sists of a total area of 319.G6 acres of land, which they hold " in

•Ci

fee simple, free from all incumbrance," there being no royalties,
or other crown dues on minerals in this portion of Canada. Capt.
John Tethervey, late of Silver Islet mine, had charge of the
development of the Rabbit Mountain at this period. The past
and present history of this wonderfully rich mine is, however, so
universally known that further comment is unnecessary ; suffice
it just here to observe further that their ore assays from S40 up to
$15,000 per ton, and that never has it looked to such good advan-
tage as since it came under the management of Dr. Lehnen, Ph. D.
Meantime we will, with the reader's permission, follow the
trail of the intrepid Oliver, who, as it transpires, had not been
idle during the early developments of his first discoveries..
On the contrary, we find that although he built himself a sub-
stantial log house at the Rabbit Mountain, he was by no means-
content with the sudden acquisition of so much wealth, and,
instead of sitting down to gloat over it, or enjoy it, we find him up,
and actively " looking for more." And although his friend Wei-
saw had long since retired to the interior (upon a well deserved
pension), Mr. Daunais appears to have thoroughly acquired the
peculiar art of tracing through this then gloomy wilderness a series
of veins that would doubtless long have remained hidden beneath
their mossy covering but for his good judgement and keen obser-
vation. The news of the discovery of Rabbit Mountain, and of
its marvellous wealth of the queen metal, soon spread, and although
the deep snows of an unusually severe winter ('82) were yet upon
the ground, quite a number of local explorers went there, but in
consequence of the positively forbidding and wierd-like aspect of
the surroundings, they soon retreated, leaving the realms of the
" Nannabijou " and the deep and gloomy valley of the Rabbit
Mountain range with ill-disguised disgust. Roads, or even the
most primitive of " Indian trails," were unknown there ; and so
unpromising did the outlet appear to many experienced explorers,,
that such observations as the following were quite familiar to old
residents : — " Rich ! I should say so ; but of what value is such
masses of silver in such a country ? " " It is not possible to get
it out, and I should not live out there for the wealth of five such
mines."

?!'

During the following spring, the writer of this work had
occasion to visit the Rabbit Mountain, and in order to gratify the
■curiosity of distant friends, obtained a series of dry-plate photo-
graphic views of the immediate surroundings, which then com-
prised the small, but comfortable log-houses of Messrs. Daunais
and McPhee, with the addition of one or two smaller out-buildings.
Many important changes have occurred there since that time, and
it may with truth be said that those who knew Rabbit Mountain
mine in that "^ear would fail to recognise it after an absence of
four years. Mills, engine houses, substantial boarding and dwel-
ling houses, assaying offices, shaft, ore houses, have also been
erected, and the once miniature log structure of the genial " Capt.
Dan." has assumed most stately and commodious proportions, and
is known throughout this extensive western silver district as the
Windsor Hotel. This, the pioneer establishment of its kind, is
also the Post Office and general supply depot of the district. It
is, however, as a first-class hotel that it will be best remembered
by the weary tourist or sojourner. The roads from this point to
the Beaver Mountain, Porcupine, Palisade and Silver Mountain
Mines, are in a tolerably fair state of repair, while the main road
from Murillo, on the 0. P. R. via Beaver Mine and thence to
Silver Mountain, is a fairly good one.

A SERIES OF SUCCESSES.

To follow the fortunes of the " everlastingly lucky French-
man," as Mr. Daunais is sometimes called, is by no means an easj'
matter. It appears, however, that during the winter and spring
of 1883, his discoveries in the immediate vicinity of "39 and 40T"
became particularly interesting, and before the autumn had set in
some five or six other locations had been surveyed under his
direction. But so quietly and systematically did this exploration
go on that comparatively little notice was attracted by the dis-
covery of such well defined veins as that of 97T, (now the Beaver
mine) 96T, 67T or 140T, etc., all of which properties, after a little
work had been carried on upon them, proved exceedingly good.

o7t mine.

This property adjoins the Rabbit Mountain mine and the vein
on it belongs to the same series of veins, as its course is parallel
to the Rabbit Mountain vein and distant from it only a few
hundred feet. The 57T vein is a strong one about five feet wide
and dips at an angle which in a few hundred feet will intersect
the Rabbit Mountain vein, which is dipping under this property.
It has, therefore, a value beyond that attached to its own vein.
The richest portion yet discovered of the Rabbit Mountain vein
is but a short distance from the 57T shaft and the two veins, if
they continue on the lines of their present dips, would intersect
each other on the 57T property. Its vein outcrops in the trap
overlying the silver slates at a considerable elevation above the
chief workinc^s of the Rabbit Mountain mine.

The vein on 57T is well defined and strong, its gangue being
similar to those in its neighborhood. In this country silver is
rarely found in the veins in the trap overflow of the country, and
miners do not look for silver in quantity until the underlying
slates have been reached. As these slates had not been reached
when work was suspended on the 57T vein, its characteristics in
these slates and its mineral features are yet undetermined. The
property is also on a line with a vein outcropping on the Rabbit
Mountain property, the ore of which greatly resembles the Beaver
mine vein. Rich silver ore in the outcrop of this vein has been
found. The junction of this with the .57T vein would take place
on the 57T property, a little to the north-east of its present shaft.
Here is where it might be expected to make very rich in silver.
It was the intention of the owners to sink a shaft a short distance
deeper when the silver slates would be reached and then to drift
on the vein until the point of junction was reached. Owing to
the alluvial deposits the vein is not exposed at surface where this
junction takes place, but it could well be reached by driving on
the vein underground and thus developing it at the same time.
The situation of this mine and the many points in its favor,
make it a very desirable property on which to prosecute exten-
sive mining operations. Its history will no doubt run parallel

■Li.

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with that of the Rabbit Mountain mine, and it is to be hoped that
work on both will be resumed at an early date. They are pro-
perties that should be worked together. There is no doubt work
will be commenced again if the Government road is made as con-
venient to them as it might be. The 57T mine is owned by
Oliver Daunais, Thos. A. Keefer, W. H. Furlonge and Capt. Dan
MePhee, who has had charge of the work done upon it.

LITTLE PIG MINE.

There is a very strong and well defined vein here, which shows
rich in sulphide of silver. There are two cross cuts driven into
the vein. It shows well defined walls in both places. Signs
of civilization are beginning to appear here. Settlers are coming
in, building houses and taking up land for agricultural purposes.
The soil appears to be very fertile.

THE SILVER CREEK MINE.

Between the Beaver and Twin City mines on the adjoining
location I o the latter is the Silver Creek mine now under process
of development. The mine was discovered by Oliver Dounais in
1883, and work was commenced on it by its present owners this
summer in anticipation of the new Government road passing
that way on the line of road originally mapped out for it by the
petitioners for the road who advocated it. The mine is in the
same geological formation as all the mines in our new silver
region. It is a vein about three feet wide and produces both
native and black silver, the ore greatly resembling that which
the Twin City mine produced. It is either on the same vein as
the Twin City or one parallel to it about 400 feet distant from
a line produced on the course of that vein as located on the Twin
City mine property. The Silver Creek mine is steadily produc-
ing a fair grade of good stamp rock, which can only be handled
and treated successfully when machinery can be taken in for that
purpose. The whole veinstone is pay ore, and some of it is so
rich that it is being selected and laid aside for shipment to the
smelters when it can be more cheaply and conveniently hauled.

Pill

Fine specimens showing the native and black silver (argentite)
have at different times during the progress of the work been
brought to town, and at the mine a very fair grade of ore can be
seen. The vein outcrops on a side hill where the development
work is being done. Like other mines in the vicinity it can be
cheaply worked by drifting on the vein into the hillside. Large
quancities of ore can thus be extracted without hoisting or pump-
ing. The mine has been examined by several experts and mining
men who have reported very favorably on it. It is a convenient
sized vein to work and when the new road is finished it will be
easy of access. There is a fine stream of water running through
the location. The soil is good for agricultural purposes and the
property is thickly covered with the usual timber of the district
suitable for fuel and mining purposes. If the development w^ork
continues as satisfactorily as it has done to the present time, there
will be a considerable quantity of packing ore for shipment this
fall. The property is being developed with a view to sale or
getting it in the hands of a company to work it.

140t mine.

This property adjoins the Silver Creek mine on the north and
lies about a mile west of the Beaver mine. The vein shows in
strong outcrops on a side hill, and its course is apparently more
east and west than the Rabbit Mountain and Silver Creek veins.
It is situated in the same geological formation as these and other
veins in the new silver region. Assays from the surface rock
show it to be a mine of low grade ore in silver, carrying some
gold. Work was commenced on it by its owners last summer ])y
driving; a tunnel or cross-cut to intersect the vein at a convenient
place for working, but it was stopped before the vein was
reached, owing to the uncertainty of the location of the new
Government road, and it will not be resumed until that question
is finally settled, as the property is one of those which cannot be
worked to advantage with the present cost of freighting materials
and supplies. It is a veiy promising mine, but there has not
been sufficient work done upon it to form an opinion about its
characteristics and mineral features.

THE PORCUPINE OR " TWIN CITY MINE.

1 1 V)

The above mine, three miles from the Rabbit Mountain mine^
was discovered in 1883 and development work was commenced
on it under an option of purchase, which certain gentlemen resid-
ing in St. Paul and Minneapolis had on the mine. They built
their own road from the Kabbit Mountain mine and erected
several log houses on the location. The mine was worked by a
small force for over a year and it is estimated that upwards of
ten thousand dollars has been expended on it.

During the development work the mine produced a consider-
able quantity of native and black silver, (argentite) as well as a
high grade of argentiferous zinc blende. A shipment of this high,
grade ore was made to the smelters. The whole veinstone of this
mine is good stamp rock, as the dump of the mine and tests made
of it abundantly prove.

Still without a mill and concentration machinery or reductioa
works the mine could not be worked successfully. There have
been no roads over which such machinery could be taken to the
mine, and failing in the construction of a Government road
within the time of the option, the Americans, who were spending
their money in developing the mine, and who from time to time-
got extensions on it in the hope of a road being built, allowed
the property to revert to the original owners. The cost of freight-
ing materials and supplies was great and had there been proper
road facilities there is no doubt whatever we should have had
another American company established in our midst with a mill
and reduction works of their own.

The superintendent who had charge of the work from the
beginning was well .satisfied with the mine's capabilities and has
written and said the mine could be made a good paying one with
proper machinery on the ground. An examination of the dump
of this mine and all miners who worked in it corroborate the
superintendent's statements. It is a mine that could be worked
for years without either pumping or hoisting, if it had a proper
mill. The ore produced is similar in all its leading characteristics
to most of the veins in the same neighborhood and formation.

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with the exception that it produces more native silver than those
in its immediate neighborhood, except perhaps the Silver Creek
mine, which is on the adjoining property and which is either on
the same vein or one parallel to it at a few hundred feet distance.
As already stated, Mr. Daunais has associated with him in nuiuer-
(jus properties in this neighborhood, Capt. Dan McPhee, T. A.
Keefer and W. H. Furlong, of Port Arthur.

SILVER MOUNTAIN — DISCOVERY SALE— DEVELOPMENTr

After thorough prospecting and partially developing a number
of lodes in the vicinity of Beaver and Porcupine Mountains dur-
ing 1882 and 1883, we again find Mr. Daunais seeking pastures
new and in partnership with his old friend Wiesaw, braving suc-
cessfully the wrath of the mystic spirit " Nannibijou." The
scene of their success upon this occasion is among the "caves of
Shuniah " and Medicine Bluffs of White Fish Lake, where in the
fall of 1884 Mr. Daunais had surveyed and patented in his own
name the following locations, viz. : — R53 and R.54, or

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SILVER MOUNTAIN, EAST AND WEST,

The history and development of which is as follows : — Mr;.
Daunais, the patentee, took Captains Richard and John Trethe-
wey as partners and gave them an interest, on condition that
they would procure capitalists to work the mine. Capt. R. Tre-
thewey induced E. T. Williams, of Troy, N. Y., to negotiate a con-
tract with a number of Cleveland capitalists. Amongst these
was a Mr. Samuel Mather, who agreed to buy five-sixths of the
property for .,>2oO,000, on condition that it px'oved satisfactory
after a thorougn examination had been made. They paid $10,-
000 cash for their contract and immediately went to work. They
continued working for several months, having spent between
S12,000 and $1.5,000 in exploratory work. They then abandoned
the property, claiming it was of no value. Mr. Daunais shortly
afterwards continued the work from where they left off ; and,
after drifting about four feet further, discovered the vein, which
carried silver in large quantities, much of which assayed over
$1,000 to the ton. Mr. Trethewey, after this discovery, deter-

100

mined to see what could he done in England, and last spring pro-
ceeded thither, taking a large quantity of the ore from the \ein
to London, where he entered into a contract with Mr. McEwen
for the sale of the property. This gentleman tried to form a
company for the working of the property. For some reason,
however, this scheme was a failure. Mr. Treihewey and Mr.
McEwen then went to Liverpool, where they made the acquaint-
ance of Hovsfall Bros., Brokers, who at first entertained the
scheme of buying the property, but here also difficulties arose.
Finally, however, a Mr. Frank Tobin became so much interested
in the matter that he made a contract for the purchase of it direct
from the owners. Mr. Tobin, together with Mr. Nancarrow,
came to this country some time ago and made as thorough an
examination of the property as possible in one week, and became
so well satisfied with it that they cabled to their principals in
Liverpool that it was much better than it had been represented
by Mr. Trethewey, upon the receipt of which instructions were at
once cabled back to close the sale and pay over the money.
£10,000 cash was paid down, the balance of the purchase money
to be paid shortly. The company incorporated to work the pro-
perty is purely English, and is named the Silver Mountain Mines
Company, (limited.) The head office of the company is Liver-
pool, England. The company have secured a water supply right
on the mountain, having purchased the adjoining locations, KGO,
R151, and 178T, besides about 2,000 acres of lands, lying to the
south-east of Silver Mountain.

Mr, Tobin has returned to England to report fully and make
all necessary arrangements, and forward the capital necessary to
woi'k the mine. We are informed on good authority that a work-
ing capital of £30,000 sterling is already provided. The shares
of the company were put in the market at £1 each. They are
now standing at £1 5s. each, and it is expected that they will
shortly go up to £3, Capt. John Trethewey is in charge at this,
the East End.

May 20th, 1887.

Over 60 men are actively employed at the mine. The
machinery is baing rapidly put in position. A large force of

101

miners are at work and already several shipments of wonder-
t'lillv rich ore has been made to England. The price paid by the
English company for this portion of Silver Mountain vva»
.* 175,500.

SILVER MOUNTAIN, WEST END.

This is on the same lode as the East End. It also shows very
rich in native and sulphate of silver. The shaft is down about
80 feet. It has well defined walls and carries silver very regular.
The vein here can be traced without any difficulty whatever from
the East End Silver Mountain. This claim was purchased about
a year ago, conditionally, by Col. George Shaw, of Toronto, in
conjunction with two other gentlemen. The contract price was
S250,000 ; but these gentlemen failing to perform all the condi-
tions mentioned in the agreement, Mr. Oliver Daunais, the
owner, negotiated with a Mrs. Thompson, of Boston, for the sale
of the property. This lady paid over $10,000 and agreed to pay
the balance of the purchase money upon the completion of the
deeds. A difficulty, however, arose ; Col. Shaw claimed the
property and protested that he had fulfilled all the main condi-
tions of his contract, and had only neglected a few minor ones ;
and that therefore the property belonged to him. The conse-
<iuence is there are two claimants for it, and it is noA^ practically
locked up in litigation. The different parties seem unwilling to
effect a compromise, and seem determined to tight it out to the
bitter end. We regret exceedingly that so valuable a property
must lie idle and undeveloped, and our district suffer accordingly
for the gratification of a few speculators, who take no interest in
our prosperity, but whose operations are directly opposed to our
interests and our progress.

The locating party, under Mr. H. K. Wicksteed, C.E., have
made their final survey along this line, and station grounds are
being selected opposite and within a short distance of both East
and West End mines of Silver Mountain. * * * Met the
superintendent of the East End mine this morning, who reports
an unusually bright prospect for this immediate section. Silver
Mountain never looked better, and rich ore is continually being
shipped notwithstanding the present state of the roads.

102

THE HEAVER MOUNTAIN SILVER MINE AS SEEN BY A REPRESEN-
TATIVE OF "THE THrNDEH HAY MINER."

AruiL 17th, 1887.

When Capt. Harry James, of the Beaver mine, was in town
last, he told a wonderful story of the richness of the find of silver
ore at the Beaver mine that many were inclined to doubt if the
narrative was strictly in accordance with the facts. The fact is
there is a popular impression that Silver Islet was the acme of
richness in a silver mine, and as the tales told concerning^ tlie
Beaver somewhat cast into the shade the greatness of Silver Islei
the presumption of the Beaver people was regarded as almost
sacrilege. So that The Miner's s))ecial commissioner was sent out
to the Beaver to investigate and see for himself.

He has been ; he has seen. The Beaver has conquered.

He .said when he got back that the half has not been told con-
-cerning the mine. It is true that the richness of the ore was
about duly set forth, but nothing has been said about the mar-
vellous nature of it. It will perhaps be better to let IVic Miner
tell the .story in his own words.

" I found," says The Miner, " in the office of the Beaver Com-
pany about half-a dozen specimens, ranging from 20 to 3oOA
pounds. That is the first time I ever saw such specimens as to
size. Then there was another peculiarity about them. They
looked as if they were artificial and that a botch had been made
in their manufacture for they were a conglomerate of sulphide of
silver, — mainly that — little pieces of spar, portions of quart/,
silver blende, argentiferous galena, pyrites, a greenish tint in
places indicates the presence of copper which once in a while is
found in very small nuggets. All these substances are held
together by fiuor silicate of magnesia, which occurs in a form like
soapstone and which the miners have called " grease." In the
vein this mass of mixture was reported to me to be soft, though
the immense lumps by exposure to the air had become hard. I
was taken to the dump and there shown a large heap of the same
material, and being outside it was still wet and soft, the sulphide
of silver giving a blue tint, and it now looked like blue clay.

103

Pick a piece up at random and you found plain indications of
silver without the aid of a glass, while to get really good speci-
mens was as easy as any man could desire. In the ore house
there was 40 tons, tiie output of the drift for last week, and this
was said to be by Mr. Sustersic, the assayer, to be worth over
$50,000. The )ich ore is everywhere in barrels in the ore houses,
niid even on the dump, but only that esteemed milling ore is
placed there. The fact of the matter is, the mill is stopped, the
patent pulverisers being taken out, and a ten stamp mill being
substituted. With a crusher the mill will reduce 30 tuns of ore a
•day, and there is room left for ten more stamps.

The mill has been described in this journal before, and I need
not go over it further than to state that everything is completed
and a re-start will be made the minute the belts arrive here. Mr.
Kirkland was awaiting their arrival with no remarkable degree
of patience as he desires tv show by mill results the richness of
the ore.

A hurried glance around reveals the fact that remarkable
changes have taken place in the grounds and appurtenances since
I was last there. A steam saw-mill makes " its voice heard in
the land," the track to the mill is of course in place, and I may
remark that all the woodwork about the location, from the log
houses, through the trestles and frame buildings to the mill, is of
superior character. The Beaver works and village are enough to
convince any man that mining here has assumed a definite shape.

Mr. White, the engineer, was good enough to lend me over-
alls and jacket, and Mr. Kirkland assigned me to the care of
Charley Jondre and I was ready for the start as soon as Captain
James had assigned the men to their places underground. It will
not be edifying to your readers if I tell you how I got into No. 2
drift, but I may remark and leave the rest to the imagination
that the top drift is full of ore all but two feet square, the stop-
page of the mill house forced them to avail themselves of any
storing place. The obstacles were got over and then dov/n the
shaft we proceeded to No, 2 drift which goes west from the shaft.
The strike was first made about 100 feet from the shaft and a
plug was inserted in the footwall. I examined the roof and floor
of the drift and found the ore rich in both places, and of the

t-^'r

104

character I have described, and all along the " grease" was plainly
visible. From the plug to the face of the drift where I found the
men working was 55 feet, and arriving there I broke a piece with
my fingers off the face of the drift. It is of the general con-
glomerate character spoken of before and is a second edition of
the 350i pound lump seen in the office.

Arriving at the face of the drift a remarkable sight met my
gaze. The vein is there about six feet wide, and everything in it
carries silver in some proportion from wall to wall. Lying on the
foot wall was a layer of the soapstone, then one of blue slate, as
soft as putty, and so these alternated for about a foot. Then
more of the fiuor silicate of magnesia, to give the distinguished
stranger his proper name — for he comes freighted with such a
precious burden in such quantities that no name can be too grand
for him. Stringers of ({uartz full of leaf silver then came along
and continued to the hanging wall. The whole formed a scene
such as the eye of the " oldest " miner had never lighted on
before. I asked a number, but the answer was in every case the
same, they had never found silver in a substance similar to that.
I got several specimens from the vein myself and can attest the
genuiness of these and vouch for the fact that I saw the hole
where all the othei-s came from, if anybody wants the latter kind
of proof.

The men are now drifting from the lower level to the vein, 90
feet below where the strike was made, and if the vein maintains
its character downwards a body of ore as unexampled in extent
and richness as it is in character will have been developed. The
vein in No. 2 drift where I saw the men working is richest at the
bottom, and a very perceptable increase in quality is noticeable
from top to bottom of slope. This seems a reasonable basis for
the expectation that it will continue to increase in richness the
lower the vein is struck.

I. forgot to mention Mr. Sustersic's estimate of the value of the
350 i pound specimen. It is $2,500.

Oh ! I forgot also to mention that I found out that the
specimen was not artificial and a botch at that. It is the Simon
Pure article and they will get lots more like it when they come to
drift. I don't say that from the vein where I saw it they could

106

get as big a lump of the " grease " conglomerate of silver, etc.^
but they could get them — and there were scores of them lying
around — of say 60 to 100 pounds weight.

The Beaver has struck it rich and the reputation of the
Thunder Bay district will be enhanced.

I have told of nothing but what I have seen, and while I have
had, of course, to accept Mr, Sustersic's statements as to the pro-
bable assay value of the ores, yet he said nothing but what any
reasonable man would believe when he saw the ore.

In the future we have another "shibboleth," and when
we want a standard to illustrate our ideas of richness in ore it will
be " as rich as Beaver," instead of " as rich as Siver Islet."

An electric light plant, of 160 incandescent, and 6 arc lights,,
has been ordered and will soon be in place there."

•■!*1'

MINES OF SILVER MOUNTAIN DISTRICT — CROWN POINT.

This interesting property deserves more than a passing notice.
It is composed of the south half of mining location R95 and the
whole of location R118. It is adjacent to the north-east end of
Silver Mountain and is a part of that now famous location.
The distance by road from Silver Mountain mine (East End) is
but a quarter mile. It is owned by two energetic Americans,
Messrs. A. D. Cummings and W. N. Montgomery. Although very
little has been said about this mine, nevertheless much skilful
labour has evidently been bestowed upon it, and it can now
safely be classed among the silver producing veins of this dis-
trict, while but a few months ago it was simply regarded as " a
fjvir prospect."

r70, or silver HILL.

At Silver Hill or R70, I found a large vein running east and
west, exposed in three places ; in two of these the rock was only
slightly disturbed, but at the most distant exposure towards the
east, a shaft 8x8 feet has been commenced and carried vertically
to a depth of about 20 feet. The composition of the vein differs
slightly from the general character of deposits in the locality, in
V)earing a larger proportion of quartz. Sulphurets of iron occur
freely in the latter, with traces of specular oxide of iron and cop

rAii

f I

1G6

per pyrites. In many parts of the vein so far as exposed, quartz,
tiuor and heavy spar are about exactly commingled, and in two
of such places argentite is visible in fair quantities, with small
spires of particles of black sulphide of silver. Near the gangue of
the foot wall there is a showing of what appears to be argenti-
ferous galena, associated with zinc blend in small but frequent
patches. The matter near the wall is much stained by oxide of
iron, andj^the quartz containing sulphuret, — pc«itially decomposed,
has every indication of being auriferous. Owing, however, to
water in the bottom, it was impossible to make a close examina-
tion of the last few feet, but I am of the opinion that the regu-
larity of the vein continues downwards. Crossing the hill about
150 yards to the north, some work has also been done on a
smaller vein and similar in character to that referred to, and
containing a much greater percentage of argentite.

This last takes a course and a dip inclining obliquely towards
the main vein when a junction will probably occur at or near to
the shaft and workings above described. This property is located
immediately upon the line of proposed coloniza':ion railway, and
as far as appearances go the p'ospects for silver are decidedly
good.

This, with two or three other interesting properties in the
immediate vicinity, await but the magic touch of capital to
develop into good mines.

SILVER FALLS.

RllO, known as Silver Falls, situated two miles north-east of
Silver Movmtain, wasdiscovered in the spring of 1875, surveyed and
taken up by Mr. J. C. Masking. Considerable exploring was
done, one shaft was sunk near the creek which had to be aband-
oned on account of water. Another shaft was started further up
the blutf which is down 60 feet. The vein is very wide and the
shaft, 7 X 10 feet, was sunk by the hanging wall. During the
sinking three veins came togetlier and cross-cutting was com-
menced and continued from the hanging wall towards the foot
wall. Fourteen feet had been penetrated, but the other wall had
not been reached when water came in too great quantities to be
hoisted by hand and work was then stopped. At the time of the

107

'Cessation of work there was a good show of leaf silver. The
Silver Creek runs through the location and has a fall of 60 feet.
There is ample water-power and it is admirably located for
•working the mine. There is plenty of timber on the location for
'both lumber and the requirements of the mine, and altogether it
is an exceptionably situated prospect. Mr. J. C. Masking owns
'three-quarters' interest, and it will be started up by him during
>this summer.

PALISADES r97 and r98.

■A

A very important mining transaction has just been entered
iinto in reference to the above-named claim.

Mr. Beaupr6, of St. Paul, has just completed an agreement
with Messrs, Mcintosh & Johnson and Mr. Dounais, for the
•development of lt98. He has agreed to develop the claim, with
•the privilege of working it for eighteen months ; and, if at the
end of that time, or any time before it, he is satisfied with the
"property, he will then erect a mill suitable for the necessities of
the mine. Mr. Beaupre is to get one-half interest in the claim
for his work, the original owners to retain the other half.

Mr. Malloy, a mining expert from St. Paul, has examined the
vein and finds it very satisfactory, sufficient to justify work of
..an extensive character commencing at once.

Mr. Joseph Beaudro has taken a contract to sink a shaft 100
'feet ; and when this is completed, they expect to go another 50
(feet.

Mr. Beaupr^, I understand, is a man of extensive capital and
•a first-class practical mining man, and one who goes in for
testing a mine thoroughly, and pushing work as rapidly as pos-
sible ; and it is certain that his advent amongst us is a great
acquisition to our mining district.

The Palisade lode was pointed out to the writer of this work
in the winter of 1883 and 1884 while out with a party of Fort
William Indians and their chief, Peter Crow. The object of this
expedition was to discover a mountain of " shuniah," (silver)
which, according to the chief's belief or knowledge, existed some-
where between this point and White Fish Lake. This expedition
was outfitted by the late stipendiary magistrate of Port Arthur,

108

I' 1:

Mr. Robert Laird, who placed implicit faith in Chief Crow. Mr.
Crow, unfortunately for the success of the enterprise, became
suddenly ill at this point (or at least simulated it) and said that
he had a " dream touching this mountain of shuniah," to the
effect that " he would not live long if he showed this treasure
until several moons had passed." Thinking the chief might have
better dreams, the writer decided to remain in camp another
night and take occasion to examine what is now the Palisade
mine. But with morning came a most unwelcome visitor in the
person of Mr. Daunais' argus-eyed Indian Weisaw, who appears
to have taken in our dilemma at a glance. After a most ani-
mated address from Weisaw, oar friend Crow almost collapsed
and decided to endeavour to reach home and friends at Fcrt
William before further evil had overtaken him. Weisc ' next
addressed himself to the writer in the following words, literally
translated : — " Is it possible your friends can believe this weak
old man ? Ever since boyhood I have lived and hunted in this
region and around White Fish Lake, and surely if such immense
veins or "caves of silver" existed I should know of it. Besides old
man Crow has not been this way for nearly 60 years. See ! he
grows worse, etc." The result was that he would not or could
not pi'oceed. That day Crow and two of his sons returned home,
while the writer made a close examination of the Palisade lode,,
which by the way was within a few chains of our camp. Appear-
ances even on the surface looked exceedingly good ; a prelimin-
ary survey was also made, and a report and detailed description
forwarded to Mr. Laird, who it appears made application for two
locations, corresponding closely with the present locations, 97 and
98R. From certain causes, however, this application was not
followed with the necessary surveys by a Provincial Land Sur-
veyor, and after a period of twelve months had elapsed, it was
finally surveyed and patented to Mr. Daunais. It is needless to
observe that Silver Mountain was located soon after the inter*
view with Wiesaw near the Palisade. There was no road of any
kind in this direction at that period. The Palisade lode R98
traverses R150 diagonally. Assays recently made from this vein
go as high as $1,000 per ton of 2,000 lbs. Already considerable
work has been done upon this lode with satisfactory results..

"*'■ J

109

Houses and stables have also been erected.
Port Arthur, owns RloO.

DISPUTED CLAIMS.

Mr. J. L. Meikle, of

Notwithstanding the sudden influx of prospectors and specu-
lators that followed the final discovery of Silver Mountain by
Messrs. Daunais and Wei.saw, comparatively little was heard in
the way of disputed claims. This was owing in a great measure
to the fact of most of the men seriously desiring the acquisition
of claims, having said locations surveyed at once, and sending to
the Commissioner of Crown Lands the proper plans, etc., as
required by his department, together with the necessary funds
for payment of said claims in full. Applications, accompanied by
small deposits, may or may not hold good for a short time.
Delays, however, in this, as in other important matters of business,
are always dangerous, and to this practice chiefly we are indebted
for the only alleged cases of dispute within the writer's long
experience.

•GOLD AND SILVER. — GOOD MEDICINE. — THE NEW MIXES DEVELOP-
ING RICHLY. — LOCATIONS r119, r2G4 TO 266-7R. — A PARTY
OF AMERICANS EXPLORING FOR IRON ON THE RAILWAY LINE.
— MEDICINE BLUFF MINES.

From the quiet manner with which Mr. Daunais accepts his
■continuous good luck, no one would imagine that another of his
newly developed properties had turned out a possible bonanza,
such as his Rabbit, Beaver, Silver Mountain and similar invest-
ments, but such is the fact. It is learned from reliable authority
that his " Medicine Bluff' " mine at the west end of White Fish
Lake has lately produced specimens showing large nuggets of
black silver as well as the more showy native silver in such quan-
tities as to rank this mine among the most prominent in the dis-
trict. There is also a good show of gold. The assays in both
gold and silver are " away up."

A tunnel has been run into the hillside and a shaft sunk 30
feet, which showed increasing stiffness according to depth. The
vein is from five to six feet wide and continues uniform
throughout.

It is Mr. Daunais' intention to put on a large force as soon as
the roads are in a fair condition.

This mine will be readily accessible by the Port Arthur,
Duluth k, Western Railway, from which it is distant only two
miles.

A party of Americans are out exploring for iron not far from^
the railway line.

CROWN POINT MINE.

Information has been received to the effect that work will be-
commenced at this mine as soon as the roads are in fair condition.
It in the intention of the company to work a large force from the
start and make the location one of the leading mines of the
district.

Reduction works will be put in with a capacity of not less
than 50 tons daily and ample power to increase the capacity to
100 tons.

COLONIAL MEDALS AND DIPLOMAS.

A number of the exhibitors from this town and section, who
contributed to the Indian and Colonial exhibition held in London
last year have i-eceived bronze medals about two and a-quarter
inches in circumference and an eighth of an inch in thickness..
One side of the medal shows the good natured face of Albert
Edward, Prince of Wales, and President of the exhibition com-
mittee, and the reverse contains the words " Indian and Colonial
Exposition " with the date.

Mr. Adolphe Perras sold the large beaver which he exhibited
at the Indian and Colonial exhibition last year for the sum of
SlOO, the purchaser being a furrier in London, England' In
acknowledgement of the exhibit he has received a handsome
chromatic engraving, 24 x 30 inches, in which Brittania is repre-
sented seated on a throne receiving deputations from her colonies
and possessions all over the world. The Canadian, American
Indian, Australian, African, East Indian and many tribes and
i-aces are represented by some 30 graceful male or female figures
in classical costume. This central scene is surmounted by the
royal arms and enwreathed by medallions bearing the names of

Ill

the various colonies and possessions. Underneath is the inscrip-
tion "Colonial and Indian Exhibition, London, 1886," and the
signature of the Prince of Wales, President of the Executive
Committee, with that of Seci'etary Cunliflfe-Owen.

THE HURONIAN GOLD MINING COMPANY'S CAPITAL.

The captital stock of the new company is £260,000 sterling
or $1,300,000, with an additional working capital of £100,000
sterling, or $500,000. The directors of the new company are
Horace John Neville, George Augustus Thompson and Alexander
McEwen, of London, Eng.; Andrew Rutherford Gray, of Edin-
burgh, Scotland ; James McLaren, of Buckingham, Quebec ;
Thomas Alexander Keefer, Port Arthur ; and Nicol Kingsmill
and Alexander John Cattanach, of Toronto, Ontario.

MICA.

Of marketable size and quality has been discovered upon an
arm of Dog Lake, distant some nine and a-half miles in a north-
westerly course from the north-west corner of McGregor Town-
ship, a survey of which is about being made by Mr, S. J. McLaren,
of Port Arthur.

OTHER MINES AND PROSPECTS EAST AND WEST OF
PORT ARTHUR— RECENT DISCOVERIES— OPINIONS
OF DISTINGUISHED AND OTHER VISITORS.

CHICAGO AND VERT ISLAND STONE QUARRY. — AN IMPORTANT

INDUSTRY.

While our silver mines are absorbing the most of the attention,
not only of our own people, but also of foreigners, everything else
that is not connected, directly or indirectly with them, seems
unworthy of attention. We have a very valuable stone quarry
east of Port Arthur about 75 miles, on Nepigon Bay, near the
mouth of the river. This quarry is owned and worked by a
Chicago company, and has been working for over two years.
General McArthur is the manager for the company. He inform.s.

»-■:'

112

us that they have shipped about 40,000 cubic feet of the stone
this year, principally to Chicago. He says that the shipment
would have been much larger had it not been for the numerous
strikes that have taken place in Chicago during this year. They
have had about 30 men employed at the quarry through the
season. They are now closing down for the winter, according to
their usual custom, and the general says they intend pushing the
work extensively next spring.

)i*-

FURTHER DISCOVERIES IN THE NIPIGON DISTRICT.

(From The Miner).

A short time ago Mr. W. Roland, C.E., in company with Mr.
S. J. McLaren, returned from the above district, bringing with
them two samples of ore (gold bearing quartz) from the green
slates. One of these carries a small percentage of both gold and
silver, and the other assays $13.63 in gold by Prof. C. Kreissman,
of this town. Both of these veins are, to all appearance, well
tlefined, and situated immediately on the route of the proposed
Colonization road, but until the completion of the said road it will
be difficult and expensive to do any great amount of work on
them. This makes the tenth claim applied for in this section,
including gold, silver, marble and other valuable deposits,

lloR.

Mr. Daunais has latelj^ made three other important discoveries
of silver, one situated about three and one-third miles east of
Silver Mountain. The vein is about six feet in width, and shows
mineral all through. A shaft has been sunk 30 feet. This is
known by the name of the Indian Mine. Another one is about
12 miles west of Silver Mountain. An assay has just been made,
which resulted in 65 ounces of silver to the ton. This assay was
made from ore taken from the surface. The other is one and
a-half miles from White Fish Lake. An assay has just been made
of the ore received from the vein, by Dr. Lenhen, of St. Paul,
with a result of 48 1 ounces of silver to the ton, and one-eighth
ounce of gold. This vein is from six to seven feet in width.

113

LOT 7, CON. C, TOWNSHIP PAIPOONGE.

Mr. Crawfol-d, of Fort William, and Captain Corbitt have dis-
covered a valuable silver vein, about two and a-half miles
tVoni the Kaministicjuia, and close to the road leading to the
Beaver mine. It has a green flor spar covei'ed with trap, and
then comes the slate. This is the formation always found in this
country, and is a sure indication of silver. It is four miles from
Beaver Mountain silver mine.

SILVER HILL, PORT ARTHUR.

This property was surveyed and patented in 1874 ; is situated
on the Dawson Road, seven miles from town ; consists of two
locations on well defined veins. No. 1 vein is composed of slatey
quartz ; contains black sulphide of silver and free gold. Here a
shaft has been sunk seven feet deep on the side hill. On No. 2
vein on the same location is a three-foot vein of the same
character of quartz and slate mixed, carrying black leaf silver and
free gold. The latter occurs in coarse and fine particles and one
sample which was examined by a representative of The Miner
showed nuggets the size of a pin head in transparent (^uartz.
Judging from the specimen brought to town and the character of
the ([uartz, there is every reason to believe that a good deposit,
exists in the vicinity. The property is only seven miles from,
town in a straight line, and can be visited with little trouble.

SLTDBURY.

A Montreal despatch says : " Sir. Geo. Stephen and Mr. Van
Home have gone to visit the newly discovered copper mine at
Sudbury. Nine thousand tons have already been taken out..
Thr, ore is described as yielding four times the quantity of pure
copper given by the best Michigan ore. Mr. John Mackay, the
bonanza millionaire, states that if the mine is of the dimension*
stated it will close up all the copper mines in the world."

114

PIC RIVER.

Messrs, Wilson and Scripture have been prospecting down
"the lake about 250 miles east of here for the past four weeks.
They have, it is said, one good vein, not yet tested, but prospects
generally good. They have also discovered what may prove to
be alluvial washing in grey and black sand. Some specks are
said to be as large as a No. 5 shot with finer gold in packets.
The wash is on the side of a mountain, and is being thoroughly
prospected. — Miner.

ELGIN MINE, LOT 1, CON. F, PAIPOONGE.

This mine is situated about half a-mile east of the Beavei-,
and is on the same range. It had been working only a few days
when they struck rich leaf silver. An expert of the Beaver has
examined it, and pronounces it a very promising prospect indeed."
It is owned by Mr. J. Margach, of this town, and Mr. Crawford,
of Fort William.

FIRST-CLASS IRON WEST OF SAVANNE, ON C. P. R. ROAD.

Iron has recently been discovered in enormous quantities on
the Atic Okan River, near the Seine. The ore forms a great belt
from 100 to 150 feet in thickness, which runs along a ridge for a
mile and a-half. The quantity is said to be very high — 70 per
cent, metallic iron, no titanic acid, a very small amount of sulphur,
and of phosphorous practically none ; and, as at Sudbury, the
deposit has the advantage of being above the surface, and there-
fore easily woi'ked. This rich lode has just been brought to light,
and is in the meantime undeveloped.

HERON BAY GOLD MINE. — WORK TO BE COMMENCED AT

AN EARLY DAY.

Arrangements are now being perfected for testing this promis-
ing gold lode, and work will be commenced at an early date and
continued until the property, which is already partially developed,
has had a practical test. The work will proceed under the direc-
tion of Mr. Thos. A. Keefer.

115

WHAT CONSTITUTES BESSEMER ORES.

:or a
:)er
lur,
the

lere-
[lit,

Chicago Journal of Commerce.

Many people, even among those interested in iron properties,
have no clear conception of what Bessemer ire is. To come
within what is known as the Bessemer limit, the ore must contain
not more than a unit in thousandths of phosphorus for every unit
of iron. That is to say, if the ore is 65 per cent, iron, the phos-
phorus must not exceed .065. In the history of iron mining in
Wisconsin and Michigan the ores that have always attained the
highest position in the market have been the ones that had t'te
least percentage of phosphorus, combined, of course, with the
higher percentage of iron. It is a remarkable fact that hardly
any ore has yet been shipped from the Gogebic range that is not
strictly Bessemer and of the greatest value to the steel producer.
In steel rail making in particular, a low percentage of phosphorus
is demanded.

In the desirable quality of freedom fi'om phosphorus the ores
of the Gogebic range are not surpassed by any ores in the world,
the average analysis showing about .033, or full ten points lower
than is necessary to come within the Bessemer limit. In respect
of richness there are few ores in the world that can shuw an
average of 63 or G4 per cent, of metallic iron, and yet many of the
Gogebic ores are richer than this, while none of the ores from the
range shows less than 60 per cent, in iron. The celebrated Tafna
or Spanish ores do not average more than 7 per cent, of iron,
while some of the Gogebic ores run as high as 66 per cent, or
within 6 per cent, of the limit that can be reached by iron ore.

Analysis by chemical experts of the ore from the fifteen or
twenty mines now in operation on the Gogebic range show a
remarkable uniformity of quality.

3mis-
and

oped,
irec-

A DETROITER ON A NEW LAKE SUPERIOR MINING DISTRICT.

C J. Johnson, an old Detroiter, returned from the north shore
of Lake Superior to day. During the past five months he has
discovered and obtained patents to large tracts of land 35 miles

116

east of Port Arthur, on which he reports some exceedingly rich
deposits of silver lead. He has one tract of nearly 400 acres,
across which there is a vein 12 to 20 feet wide. On another tract
he has a vein which shows outcroppings for four miles. He hiis
closed negotiations with English capitalists who own Silver
Mountain, for a portion of his claim. The Englishmen, Mr.
Johnson says, intend building smelters near Port Arthur. Mr.
Johnson al.so says that 65 miles west of Port Arthur and 31 miles
south of the Canadian Pacific Railroad the McKellar brothers have
discovered a veritable mountain of hard hematite ore, which they
are in a fair way of selling to Chicago i)arties. The country is
opened very little as yet, but Mr. Johnson says that the rich
mineral finds made th' -..^. June last will attract capital. He
expects to make a fortune out of silver lead veins. — Evening
New».

The above interesting property is situated some 33 miles east
of Port Arthur on the main line of the Canadian Pacific Railway.
It is well known by local miners and experts to be an exceedingly
rich deposit of fine and large grain galena, carrying some silver.

Rill .SOLD.

It is reported that Rill has been sold for (juite a large sum.
This vein shews silver both in the sulphide and native forms, and

has well defined foot and hanging walls

r64.

Some prospectinL, has been done upon this property, resulting
in the discovery of une strong vein, and two or more smaller
veins converging om the large one. These veins carrying traces
of silver, and from their peculiar situation with regard to the rich
veins of the adjoining property of Silver Mountain — of which
they may prove to be a continuation — they are regarded as good
prospects. But little has been done hitherto towards develop-
ment. This property is owned by Messrs. Dawson & Russell, of
Port Arthur,

117

TO THE EAST OF TOUT ARTHUR — A DISCRIPTION OF THE COUNTRY
WITH MINES AND GOOD LAND.

In countries first settled for mining purposes usually veiy
little attention is paid to farming, noticeably on the south shore
•of this lake. For years the entire supplies for the mines were
brought from below, but for sometime back more attention has
been paid to the production of the soil, and the result is that the
mining districts in the matter of hay, oats and vegetables, are
nearly, if not quite, self sustaining, adding vastly to the cheaper
working of its magnificent and varied mineral deposits.

THUNDER RAY

has been no exception to this general rule, but I am pleased to
see that she too is awakening to the importance of her farming
interests. The really fine show of farm and mining products
sent to the Industrial Exhibition at Toronto is opening the eyes
of our people to the possibilities of this district, both in farm and
mine productions.

On a recent trip to Black Bay to inspect some mining loca-
tions, the writer paid some attention to the agricultural as well
as mining prospects of that much neglected locality. We were
permitted to land from the Canadian Pacific Railway east bound
passenger train at the point desired, namely, Coldwater Bridge.
From this point we passed up the valley of this beautiful little
stream, literally named, for its water is as cold as ice, even in
mid-summer, and is stocked with the most delicious speckled
trout found in this lake. The banks of this river are high and
gradually rise to the high trap blufis that flank it on the south-
west and north-west. On the north are high gravelly palisades
covered by a sparse growth <3f small poplar, not unlike a vast
park, free from under bush and carrying a considerable growth
of red-top grass. These high lands could be utilized as a sheep
ranche. The valley is about two and a-half to three miles wide
and about six miles long, and is the home of the grouse. These
high gravelly palisades extend around the large spring, the source

118

ot" the north branch of this river, and narrow between the feitile
marly clay bed of the river and the bluffs to the west. This part
has a considerable rock exposure, some large boulders of granite
protrude through the soil, but for about a mile each side of the
river is a gently rolling belt of strong marly clay, free from rock
or gravel. All along the banks are covered with the largest and
most delicious wild strawberries I ever saw, when we passed
across there the latter part of July, the air was heavy with their
delicious fragi-ance.

The valley and surroundings are noticeable as fruit pi'oducers,
strawberries near the river, cranberries in the easily drained
muskegs, raspberries in the foot hills, and blueberries on the
bluffs, all in immense abundance. A man could make a good
living to handle these fruits alone in their .several seasons. The
only drawback is a lack of timber which has all been burned off",
but this great loss is partially compensated by the ease with
which the land can be cleared. Large tracts are almost ready for
the plough. There are several sections of fair timber, to the south
of the stream, just west of the railway, and a narrow belt to the
north from the east end of the third concession to about the fifth
concession, suitable for building purposes and fuel. About three
and a half miles to the west of the Canadian Pacific Railway lies
the large lead vein owned by Johnson and Mallott. This location
will be the great bread-and-butter mine of this district. Looked
over this location, lot 10, in Gth concession of Dorion. It carries
an immense show of rich micaceous lead, or argentiferous galena.
It is from 12 to 20 feet wide, carrying parallel streaks of solid
ore from 2 to 4 inches, and at one place over a foot in thickness.
The vein shows on the surface for about half a mile, carrying ore
along, nearly the entire length ; assaying in silver from $2.50 to
.'?l2o per ton and from 30 to 74 per cent, of lead. Now with pig
lead at $94 per ton, it looks like the ground work of a good
paying mine, to be worked for lead alone. Men have offered to
smelt it at !!?1 per ton. Just to the south of the vein is a small
stream running along its entire length, and but a few feet distant,
which will furni.sh all needed power for air v^ompressing, pumping,
hoisting, etc., and can be used whenever needed along the entire
vein. A few miles to the north other veins occur, that have

119

immense shows of ore at the surface, of the same pure quality
a* the one above described.

VISITS FROM PROMINENT SCIENTISTS.

Mr. Arnold G. Dana, of New Haven, Conn., a son of the eminent
American geologist and mineralogist. Professor Dana, is in the
district studying the geology of the country and the mineral
products of our mines, which have brought to us this season a
splendid class of men. Dr. Selwyn, the director of the Don)inion
Geological Survey, was in the district on a visit to the Zenith
zinc mines. Mr. Charles F. Eschweiler was also in the district
temporarily engaged at the Huronian mine. Mr. Ingalls, an
associate of the lioyal School of Mines of London, is in charge
of a survey party in connection with tne Dominion Geological
Survey. Besides an excellent class of mining men who have been
here last summer, several other able experts have quietly slipped
in and out of the country and reported so favourably on it that
we are beginning to see the result of their labours in renewed
activitv at the mines.

THE PEERLESS MINE.

1'his is only a short distance south-west of the Porcupine, and
seems to be a continuation of the same vein. It shows a good
body of .ore in the trial shaft. Mr. Kirchen, the manager, has
just gone to l^ichigan, to consult with the members of the com-
pany, a' io i,ii<,' advisability of continuing work this fall, <jr
W-dtkig "iiU next spring.

HERON BA\.

The aow famous Heron Bay lode, on the line of the Canadian
Pacific Railway east of Nipigon, was discovered by an Indian
named Moses Feu Kongay in J.S(>9, and shown to the noced
explorer, Ambrose Cyreik-, in 187''. It is immediately opposite

5''

120

the present railway station at Heron Bay; it is a strong vein in
the Huronian slates, measuring from G to 10 feet wide. A little
development has only so far been done here during 1873 and
1874, by the late Silver Islet Company. Assays from this vein
give the following results : Gold, $65 to S75 ; silver, $60 to the
ton of 2,000 lbs. "Work will, it is understood, be resumed here
early in June next. Mr. Roland, C.E., who is conversant with
the value of the above location, reports it to be similar in many
particular points to the Huronian or Jack Fish mine to .le west
of Port Arthur. — Miner.

NEW PROSPECTS.

Among other developments in our Western Silver District it
is highly probable that certain St. Paul capitalists, '.iivr^if.. ed in
the immediate vicinity of Locations Nos. 171T, 17 -iT ^,nd l\l£,
will do some work thereon soon.

r213, 218 AND 220.

These sections ai'e among the latest and most promising y*.;'
located in their immediate sections, viz., thirteen mile-j we^.o of
Silver Mountain. Rich silver has been found in out^ropb of i
large vein upon lot 213R, and the vein has been traced for some
distance on its course. The Colonization Railway is located over
this property. Extensive surveys are now being made on the
continuation of this vein (April 14th, 1887) by Port Arthur and
Toronto men. Deposits of iron have also been located in this
neighbourhood. Messrs. Daunais, W. Harvey, Adolphe Perra
W. G. Johnston, and F. Mills, of Port Arthur, are among tuz
latest investors here.

HURONIAN GOLD MINE — THE MINE AND MILL TO BE IN GOOD
SHAPE TO RESUME WORK ON IST OF MAY, 1887.

Captain Crow arrived in town yesterday from the mine and
reports the work of getting in supplies and materials in a very
satisfactory state of progress. All the supplies ordered from Port
Arthur have gone forward to Savaiine, and bv the t'luc the tear.i^

tl2

121

have these landed at the mines it is expected the balance of the
stutt" on the way from Chicago and the east will arrive. Unless
an unusually early opening of spring occurs there will be no
difficulty in the way of having the mine and mill in good shape
to resume work by the 1st of May, so energetically and satis-
factorily has Captain Crow made all his arrangements. An active
summer's work in our gold country will be the result. There is
work enough for a few more good teams if parties in town have
them and are wanting work.

TO THE WEST — SHEBANDOWAN — HURONIAN MINE SECTION.

: r

and

Ten years ago Mr. McLaughlin, Sr., accompanied by William
Young, discovered a very promising looking vein on Loch Erne, a
small lake lying two miles south of Lake Shebandowan. Surface
indications were satisfactory but little was done at the time in
the way of prospecting. Upon the revival, however, of the
mining industry in the district some years ago, Mr. McLaughlin
and his son Dan, have frequently visited the location, and from
time to time made sundry improvements, and as soon as the
weather allowed them to get out this spring they commenced to
thoroughly prospect the property. The principal vein on the
location is some 15 feet in width, in a formation of red granite,
•of a beautiful description of quartz variegated by the colours
caused by the presence of sulphurets of iron and copper and other
minerals. Assays made of this quartz ten years since gave fair
results in gold, and during the developments of this year the pre-
sence of sylvanite is clearly discernible. The Mes.^rs. McLaughlin
have so far traced the vein across the lake a distance of 2^ miles,
passing through two other locations. They have cut a drain
through surface soil 4 feet in depth a distance of 200 feet, besides
doing considerable work in the rock. The vein is doubtless a
true fissure, the walls, as far as exposed well defined and the
general course of the lode being north-east by south-west.

On a location east of this is a vein of baryta, which cuts the
lead and samples taken from the junction a^isay gold. The pro-
prietors are making arrangements for the disposal of their
iproperty to individuals who, if the transfer is made, wUl take

122

immediate steps to open up the vein. We must congratulate the-
proprietors on their pluck in steadily carrying on the work of
improvement in a wild and, in some pai'ts of the year, almost
inaccessible region.

PAIPOONGE TOWNSHIP — LOT 34, COn. 2— THE BIG BEAR.

A new discovery called the Big Bear has been located by~
Messrs. McPhee and Keet'er, near Rabbit Mountain. The vein is-
from two to six feet wide, can be traced three miles, outcropping
in several places. li appears to be a strong fissure containing
more ijuartz than spar. This location is immediately north of
Ra^'^it and Beaver mines, and although no amount of work has.
bee', lone there, the vein shews fine silver through its entire
exp'o Preparations are in progress for development, miners'

dwelling- being erected, and a road opened from Rabbit.
Mountain mines.

Rl35 — THE WOODSIDE LODE — WHITE FISH RIVER.

John Woodside, James Conmee and others purpose commenc-
ing work in a few weeks. A civil engineer, who lately visited
this locality, says the appearance of the quartz was exceedingly
good, and the mineral shows regi^Iar for one quarter of a mile.
It is situated three miles north-east of Silver Mountain. This
promises to be one of the champion lodes of the country. There
is also an abundant supply of water all the year round, probably
the best in the district, as it is situated on the banks of the
White Fish River. The quartz is a pink fior spar, exactly similar
to that which characterized the quartz of Silver Islet.

A DULUTH VISITORS OPINION OF THE SILVER DISTRICT.

(Didiitk Herald.)

A traveller who reached here last evening from the silver
mines on the North Shore states that there is work being done
and incipient bonanza developing in that section that are merely
the advance waves in the tide of prosperity that is soon to-

123

flood the Lake Superior country with its welcome, and spread
throughout the land its fame as a mineral producing district.
He says he is a pilgrim in these parts and is not very well
acquainted with the resources yet, but he has seen sufficient
evidences of present valuable miues, and indications of their
improvement and the development of future bonanzas that he
feels warranted in predicting a brilliant future for the whole
district. He states that the Rabbit Mountain mine, owned and
operated by St. Paul parties, is a valuable property, and will
undoubtedly yield big returns to the owners. They have a fine
stamp mill in operation, and are working that to advantage.
Other places have recently been purchased from the Government,
an<l parties are being forn^jd for the purpose of mining and
crushing the ore. There is no doubt but that minerals of all
kinds exist on the entire north shore of Lake Superior.

GOLD: 163t.

This location is situated about three miles from Kaministiquia
station, and the patent was granted for it about two years ago.
I regard this as one of the most valuable discoveries in gold in
this district. It was discovered by Mr. William Gammond, a
noted explorer. Several assays have been made of the ore ; all of
which have been highly satisfactory. One assay was made in
Manchester, England, and resulted in S183 in gold to the ton and
$25 in silver. Mr. Kreissman, of this place, has made an assay ot
(juartz picked up off the surface and this showed $81 in gold and
$23 in silver. Other assays have also been made with equally
satisfactory results. The vein is well defined, and is about nine
inches wide at the surface, and increases in descending, it being
about twenty-two inches, three feet below the surface. There
are two other veins on this location, in one of which is found free
gold. These vein.s seem to form a junction with the wider vein.
Negotiations have been going on for over a year with parties in
England for the purchase of this claim ; and numerous letters can
be shown in this office where $30,000 was offered by a gentleman
in England. Through some mishap, however, he has failed to
turn up, as yet, and the location is now in the market.

;fr"

124

25 E, NEAR PORT ARTHUR.

During the past two monthn vigorous mining operations have

'been quietly prosecuted, ahnost within sight and sound o£ our

town, without, apparently, having attracted but the briefest

reference. I refer to the present developments carried out on

mining location 2.5E, in the township of Mclntyre, under the

superintendence of Mr. Mitchell, of Ontonagon, one of the oldest

capitalists and explorers, on the north or south shores of Lak3

•Superior. This property contains many hundred acres of valuable

mineral, agricultural and timber land ; is located westward and

adjacent to the Dog Lake mining location on the Dawson road,

•and is traversed by two sparkling spring creeks, one of which is

famous for its speckled trout, and well known in piscatorial

•circles, as Trout or " Six Mile" creek. This property was acquired

f ai the Ontario Government by Mr. Mitchell and his friends in

18(56, and surveyed by Mr. Wliite, P.L.S., in the same year. The

present developments consist of the opening of test pit, and the

s.ukiiig of two shafts, one of which has been driven vertically to

■a depth of forty feet, on a strongly defined vein of rich and floury

looking quartz, carrying both silver and gold in nearly equal

proportions.

LADY MACDOXALD's TRIP THROUGH PORT ARTHUR.

The following reference is made to Port Arthur and district,
in Lady Macdonald's account of the trip made last summer with
.Sir John to the Pacific ocean : —

" Time fails me to say much of Port Arthur, a pretty little
town on Thunder Bay, at the head of Canadian lake navigation.
It is a central point, and bids fair to bo large and important. A
remarkable variety and quantity of minerals are found in the
vicinity, and several silver mines are now opened within a dis-
tance of eighty miles. We saw line specimens of gold, silver,
copper, lead and iron, as well as of marble and sandstone, and
were told that the lands where more of these treasures are sup-
posed to lie, have been offered by the Ontario Government at
eight shillings an acre! — so I suddenly interrupt the chief, who is
in grave and earnest talk with a large circle of welcome friends,

125

and propose that we should all stay at Port Arthur and turni
miners immediately !

" The view is striking and beautiful as we steam away from
Port Arthur and look back on stretching water and sweeping bay.
Three bold headlands rise high into the clear air, Thunder Cape,,
1,4)00 feet high, being especially fine ; and out on the horizon lies
Silver Islet, said to be one of the richest deposits of silver in the
world, but, I understand, most difficult to work, from the fact
that the veins of ore lie beneath the water level, and so Lake
Superior walks into the shaft with the miners, which complicate
proceedings considerably."

The mining fraternity are enthusiastic over a mine which is
owned by a Winnipeg gentleman, which is situated at Parasseaux
Rapids on the Kaministi([uia River, eleven miles from Fort
William. There is a vein on this property tv/enty-two feet
wide. A special reference was made to this mine i)i Prof.
Selwyn's geological report, publisht I in 1869. Several pros-
pectors were over this claim, and on making an examinaMon
discovered several stringers apparently concentrating on the lead-
ing vein. Some English capitalists sent experts to examine the
mine, and the rejjort received from them was so favourable that
they at once opened negotiations for the purcliase of the property.
The negotiations are still in progress, but the owner believes he
can make a greater fortune by the mine than he can by selling it.

THE GOLD REGION.

THE IIURONIAN OR JACK FISH LAKE LODE.

As regards the working mines of the gold region the Huronian,
having the [T'^eatest development and being the largest at work
with a ten-stamp mill now in operation, is by far the most promi-
nent. This company made some shipments of concentrates besides-
several shipments of bullion from their amalgamated plates.

The ore of this mine is partly free milling ind what is not
caught on the plates is concentrated over Frue's vanning machine.
The main shaft is down over 100 feet with nearly 90 feet of
drifts on the vein, which is from 6 to 10 feet wide.

126

GOLD AND SILVER.

The lode produces both gold and silver, each in paying quanti-
ties, and it has been thoroughly examined and tested for over
2,000 feet on the property. It is a true vein in the Huronian
series, the rocks on the location consisting of semi- crystaline
greenish slates, talcose and chloritic, with massive diorite and
silicious magnitite, dipping at a high angle towards the north-
west. About a mile to the north-east these strata are displaced
by an intrusive synite — an allied rock to granite, in which the
bed of Jack Fish Lake is cut out. The mine was formerly known
as the Jack Fish Lake mine and a particular history of its dis-
covery will be found in another page and part of this book.

The present owners of the mine commenced operations on
this property two seasons ago, and have from time to time put in
various substantial surface and other improvements, including a
ten-stamp and chlorination machinery, with free milling and con-
centrating attachments. They also have separate hoisting engines
at the main shafts, with a tram road along tho course of the vein
from the shaft to the mill ; also a saw-mill attachment for cut-
ting necessary lumber.

ASSAYS — SYLVANITE ORES.

An average ton of the ore from the surface of the Huronian
vein, at intervals of 10 feet, and tested at New York by ditlerent
metallurgical houses, show a yield of gold, $3.6.30 ; silver, $12.98 ;
total, $49.28, of which $26 per ton was free milling. An assay
of the high grade ores yielded $5,971.60 per ton, of which
$4,652.03 was gold and $1,219.57 was silver.

A RARE COMBINATION.

This vein produces the rare sylvanite, a compound of gold,
silver and tellurium, and is the only mine in the Dominion which
is known to contain that mineral. The company it appears do
not look so much to the high grade ore, which makes in bunches,
for remuneration as to the entire vein-stone, " every pound of
which," says one of our best known geologists, " pays to work."

127

Adjoining this property is the " Highland " mine, upon which
«ome development has been carried out recently under the direc-
tion of Mr. Thos. A. Keefer, of this town, who is also vice-.Presi-
dent of the company, and to whom I am indebted for the privilege
of making the following interesting extracts from the very best
authorities upon the subject matter : —

satisfactory assays.

" Department of the Interior, Geological and Natural
History Branch Department, (No. 95.)

" February 22nd,
" Thos. A. Keeper, Esq. :

" My dear Sir, — I have much pleasure in transmitting you
herewith Mr. Hoffmann's analysis of the samples of quartz which
I collected from the openings made in the extension of the Jack
Fish (Huronian) vein. The average result — 0,497 ounces of gold
and 20,129 ounces of silver to the ton of 2,000. This must be
regarded as an exceedingly satisfactory showing and fully justifies
further judicious expenditure in opening up the vein, and having
a practical test made of larger parcels of the quartz.

" I am, my dear sir, faithfully yours,

(Signed) " ALFRED R. C. SELWYN."

l^'

the highland mine — further analysis of ores.

<No. 280.) " Ottawa, April 29th.

" My dear Sir, — I am in receipt of your letter of 19th inst.
I am sorry I have no time to write you a report of the Highland
mining location, which I visited and examined last summer. I
can, however, state that it is, I consider, the continuation of the
vein which traverses the adjoining Huronian, or old Jack Fish
property, already proved to be exceedingly rich in sylvanite and
gold.

" Both these properties are exceedingly favorably situated for
working. From the five small openings made in the vein, I

128

took samples which appeared to represent the ave: age cliaracter
of the vein through a length of 300 yards. These were carefully
assayed in the Geological Sur' ey Laboratory with tlie veiy
promising result given in my letter of 22nd of Fehi'uary last.
There can Le no doubt tiiat this is as rich a gold-ber.ring vein,
indeed the richest gold-bearing vein, I have yet seen in the
Huronian rocks, and the country rock, a rather soft chloritic
schist, will greatly diminish the cost of extracting the ore from
the vein.

" The greatest difficulty I should apprehend is in the separa-
tion and the saving of the whole of the gold, and very great care
will have to be exercised in this respect.

" I am, my dear sir, yours faithfully,

"ALFRED R. C. SELWYN."
" Thos. A. Keefer, Esq.

THE TESTIMONY OF THE ROCKS. — AN EMINENT MINER INTER-
VIEWED. — WHAT HE SAYS ABOUT THE MINERAL WEALTfl OF
THIS DISTRICT — " THE MOST PROMISING MINING FIELD ON THE
FACE OF THE EARTH,"

Mr. Charles F. Eschweiler, the eminent mining engineer of
Milwaukee, is a guest at the Northern.

Mr. Eschweiler is a gentleman who has had 40 years experi-
ence in various mining fields abroad and on this continent, having
during the course of his long professional career reported on many
mines, and started and superintended some of the best paying
ones in America. On learning that he had visited portions of our
district and several of our most promising mines, a Sentinel
re[)orter waited on him to know what he thought of our mineral
resources. On being introduced and the object of the interview
beinff made known to Mr. Eschweiler, he said : —

" I do not as a rule like to express my opinions of a country
to newspaper reporters, but I have seen during the few weeks I
have been in this district such evidences of wonderful mineral

129

our
tinel

resources that to keep silent on such a matter I cannot, and if
you will allow me to express in my own way what I think of
your country, you may make such use of it as you think prttper.
" Many of the economic minerals are to be found here, and in
.such quantities and richness that if the truth were known abroad
you would have many capitalists among you from a distance.
The richness of the mineral veins of this country are not suth-
ciently known among the mining men of America and Europe, or
they would soon be worked on a larger scale. You have in the
portions of the district I had time to examine, almost every pro-
minent and essential feature to make it a great mining country,
and what surprises me most is that your own people do not pay
more attention to the mineral wealth that surrounds you on every
side, and which is to be found almost at your very doors. I tell
you, sir, your business men will live to see the day which is near
at hand, when they will regret the loss of the opportunities now
offering. The mineral wealth and really wonderful resources of
the country cannot long be kept hidden from practical men of
means. You have here the proper geological formations in which
to look for the minerals. You have evidences on every side of
you of the disturbances of the rocks which make a mineral
country. You have the veins, and in many of them, I have no
doubt, you have the minerals in paying quantities ; I did not my-
self believe the stories of your district before I landed here. F
did not expect to see what I have seen. I was a sceptic of your
minei'al resources when I put foot in Port Arthui\ 1 am now a
strong believer in the country, strong in the faith that you are
.surrounded by one of the most promising mining fields on the
face of the earth. This is saying much more than I have ever
said of any country before, and much more than is necessary.
The fact is, the minerals are too conmion here, and discoveries too
frequent and too rich to be thought of the importance which
should be attached to them. Your peop^*^ have been spoiled by
the marvellous richness of the ores of '• mines as Silver Islet
to pay attention to the more lasting, and in the long run, more
profitable low grade ores. It is a common thing in this town to
hear men say such a mine is no good, as it only goes ten, twenty,
or thirty dollars to the ton. Why, sir, mines such as you have

180

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"i '

here uoukl be thought splendid investments in other countries,
if tliey went five, six or seven dollars per ton in quantity. Let
any man figure out the cost of production and treatment under
skilful management and he will soon realize it.

" You ask me what I have seen that leaves these favourable
impressions on my mind. Well, sir, I will tell you that I have
seen enough to convince the most stubborn unbeliever that you
have veins in this country that will pay handsome dividends to
investors if they will hut work them in a pro ny. I have

been into your new silver region known as the xw^obit Mountain
District. I saw enough there to convince any man of the value
of your silver veins. I do not like to particularize where there
are so many assurances of the value of the xeins. On seeing the
Beaver mine I determined to go no further without examining
the country around it. I camped near it and secured a discovery
in less than a week. I was satisfied witli the richness of your
silver country. Some people say the rich silver deposits are only
to be found at surface. This is true only in local instances, the
result of local causes. I could soon explode that theory in a waj'
that you would understand. Then I desired to see something of
your gold district I accompaaied your townsm^ v Mr. Thomas
A. Keefer, on a tour of inspection of several gi ?ai'ing veins.
I saw them and am convinced of the great vaiuv of your gold
country. " See Naples an<I die " is an old expression. I say let
any man see the Huronian mine vein and he will be convinced of
the value of your gold country Good as it is it is not the only
promising vein I saw in the gold country. I examined several
that in history will leave their own great record. Believe me,
sir, I am not a sanguine man, I have seen too many disappoint-
ments in mining adventures to admit of any indiscretion in
expressing my views now. But I can tell you this, that during an
active life of forty years among many mines, I never saw a young
counti'y with such a promise as this district has. That, sir, I
hope will suffice to let you know what I think of your district.
I am only sorry I am not forty years younger. If I were 1 would
settle here ; as it is I go away, but I will come again. Such a
field for study and investment I do not believe exists in any-
mining field in America." — From Weekly Sentinel.

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tho

THE MINERAL WEALTH OF LAKE SUPERIOR — IMPORTANT LETTRU
FROM AN AIJLE MININCJ ENOIXFKK — CHEAT KITUHE loKSEFN
FOR THE DISTRICT — AN EXPLORING COMPANY HEARTILY
RECOMMENDED.

The public must have read with interest the report published
in Saturday's issue of the Daily Sentinel of nn interview had
with Charles F. Esehweiler, the able and practical mining engineer
now visiting this district, Mr. Esehweiler has had a large experi-
ence in diticrent mining fields, and especially among the celebrated
mines on the south shore of Lake Superior, just across the lake
from Port Arthur. He is a stock holder in the great Calumet
and Hecla mine, and has been interested and taken part in the
wonderful developments which have been made in the United
States since the mining industry there was in its infancy.

He is a man eminently (jualified to form opinions of thii*
country and to make comparisons. He is one of the few mining
men who have visited the district who thoroughly understands
his profession, and who is ble to speak with knowledge and judg-
ment of the importance of our mineral wealth. He has said
already enough to open the eyes of our citizens to the importance
of the value of our mineral deposits. The following letter, which
by permission is allowed to be published, foreshadows for the
north shore of Lake Superior a great future. Our citizens will
do well to read it, and, if possible, act on the advice of such a
capable man : —

[on in.
|ng an
fc-oung

sir, I
Istrict.

?ould

luch a

any

Thomas A. Keefer, Esq.

Dear Sir, — Before leaving this part of the country I must
thank you for the many kind attentions you have shewn me.
With your help 1 have been able to see what vast wealth there is
in store for the people. But in order to make the most of the
immense wealth of the country the people should form an explor-
ing company, whose object would be a systematic way of finding
the prescious metals and minerals and then securing the land on
which deposits of real value was discovered. Such a company,,
properly managed, could explore better and cheaper than indi-

132

viduals, as is obvious to everyone. Such a company could secure
all the land necessary for a mine. A 20-acre lot is hardly enough
■to make a first-class mine.

An exploring company could have the work on a discovery
earned on to such an extent that the real value of the deposit
would be made evident to the eyes of the expert sent by the
capitalists intending to purchase. Individuals have not always
the means, if they have the knowledge, to show their properties up.

But it would be superfluous to say more in favour of such a
measure. I am quite sure that you think with me that an explor-
ing company is the proper thing in the proper time. It is also
needless to say that your mining district deserves more than
any other on this continent the fullest and closest attention.
There is not the least doubt in my mind that the north shore of
Lake Superior will equal, if not surpass, the great success of the
-copper and iron mines of the south shore.

Yours respectfully,

CHAS. F. ESCHWEILER.

[]

133

R^INY RIVER DISTRICT.

MISCELLANEOUS.

The Rainy River District compi'ises all that part of Western
Algoma lying west of the 91st meridian of west longitude. It is
bounded on the south by the State of Minnesota, and on the west
and north by the Province of Manitoba. The southern boundary
between the Rainy District and the State of Minnesota is naturally
defined by the Rainy River, from the 91st meridian to the mouth
of the said river, whence it follows the United States boundary
to the north-west angle of the Lake of the Woods ; thence the
boundaiy adjoining Manitoba is due north to the English River,
and follows that river to Lac Seul or Lac St. Joseph to a point
when it again strikes the 91st meridian of west longitude, con-
taining an area of about 22,500 square miles.

SURFACE OF THE COUNTJIV.

The entire district is intersected by innumerable lakes and
rivers, amongst which may be named Lake of the Woods, Shoal
Lake, Lac Seul, or Lonely Lake, Eagle, Vermillion and Wabigoon
Lakes, the Winnipeg River (which forms the outlet of the Lake
of the Woods), and the English and Eagle Rivers. These waters
supply a large variety of fish, principa'ly white fish, sturgeon,
lake salmon or trout, pike, pickerel and bass. The white fish
taken in the Lake of the Woods and Winnipeg River are con-
sidered equal in quality to those of the larger lakes, and the fishing-
industry is being carried on to a very considerable extent. In
recompense for the scarcity of agricultural land in the northern
and south-western parts of the district, nature has provided an
almost inexhaustible growth of timber ; Norway and white pine.

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134

and spruce, being the principal varieties, while the labyrinth of
waterways already mentioned, affords the lumberman the means
of carrying his timber to points where he can command the use
of steam tugs to tow logs to the mill. The geological formation
of this country is Laurentian and Huronian. The original shapes
of the numerous islands in the lakes are singularly distributed,
and the lake shows everywhere a rugged and picturesqv appear-
ance. This section is interspersed with numerous valleys of rich
alluvial soil, the most extensive of which lie along the Rainy
River, White Fish and Ptarmigan Bays. The vast mineral wealth,
so long hidden in this district, is now claiming the attention of
the world, and offers magnificent inducerr^r.ts to both miners and
cultivators.

RAINY RIVER.

This river flows out of Rainy Lake, and forms the international
boundary between Ontario on the north and Minnesota on the
south, for a distance of eighty -five miles ; and the valleys of this
river for natural beauty may be equalled, but not surpassed, on
this continent. The agricultural lands of Rainy River are among
the most extensive and valuable in the district, covering an area
of at least 2,000 square miles, while its advantages as a timber
and general lumbering field are too well known to require further
references than the mere mention of the fact of there being some
six lumbering firms in operation on the Lake of the Woods and
vicinity, four of which have steam power, while the other two saw-
mills are driven by water.

STEAM COMMUNICATION.

Two steamboats ply weekly between Rat Portage and Fort
Francis and the eastern end of Rainy River in the summer, and
carry the produce of the valley to Rat Portage, where it finds a
ready market. Notice is given that a lighthouse, erected by the
Dominion Government on the east side of the mouth of the Rainy
River, Algoma, was put in operation on the opening of navigation
this year — 1887 — (latitude, north, 48° 50' 45"; longtitude, west,
94° 40' 20"). The light is fixed red, elevated thirty-five feet above
the level of the water, and should be visible eight miles from all

135

poinis of approach. It is intended to guide vessels navigating the
Lake of the Woods to the mouth of the river. The illuminating
apparatus is a dioptric of small size. The tower is a square wooden
building, painted white, surmounted by a metal lantern, and is
thirty-three feet high from the ground to the vane on the lantern.

'^l'

CLIMATE.

Notwithstanding the ridiculous reports which have been so
industriously put into circulation regarding the severity of the
winters in Western Alffoum, it is a notable fact that emigrants
from more southerly portions of the Dominion experience less
inconvenience from cold here than in Eastern Canada. Severe
weather, doubtless, is occasionally experienced here during the
early part of January, when the thermometer sometimes registers
SyS low as 40°, but the absence of moisture in the atmosphere
renders this low temperature more endurable here than milder
weather elsewhere.

THE MINING REGION.

About the years 1879-80, during the construction of the
Canadian Pacific Railroad, gold was first discovered on Hay
Island, about ten miles south-east of Rat Portage. This announce-
ment quickly attracted a number of prospectors, and by the sum-
mer of the following year numerous vein» of gold-bearing quartz
had been found and mining claims surveyed. The long delayed
settlement of the boundary question, however, preventing any
extensive development of these claims, it was not until the
fall of 1882 that any definite steps ^vere taken to make a practical
test of mineral on the lake. It was io this year that the Winnipeg
Consolidated Gold Mining Company (liuiited) was organized, and
operations immediately commenced on their property in Big Stone
Bay. Satisfactory operations appear to have been carried on here
during the following winter, when a five-stamp mill was erected
on the property. The working of this mill was, however, found
to be defective, and after several gold bricks had been produced,
it was decided to suspend further operations until a larger crusher
could be procured, besides other machinery adapted to the treat-
ment of refractory ores.

I' ■ ■.*

136

1/ >.-:

- i •' '

III

At the present time there are several hundred tons of ore on
the dump here, the produce of some 300 feet of shafts and drifts.
Much of this appears of high grade, assaying from $62 to $309
per ton of 2,000 lbs. The surface improvements at this mine are
of a very substantial character, and taken altogether the property
is an interesting one. The property known as " Pine Portage "
mine was discovered in 1880 by John G. McDonald and is situated
on the north-eastern shore of the lake, about eight miles from Rat
Portage. The vein, which varies in width from four to twelve
feet, is of bluish and extremely vitreous nature. The ore is highly
refractory, carrying specular iron, orides, and sulphurets. Free
gold is here visible in large and small particles and reliable assays
of averaged rock resulted $45 to $50 to the ton, and picked rock
from the same lode went up in the thousands. This property was
transferred to a Mr. Dobie about eighteen months since. The
country rock of this location is green Huronian trap, or " whin,"
with the hanging and foot-walls of the same formation. The
land is nearly vertical, having a slight dip to the south-east.
Concentrates from the Frue Vanners used at the Pine Portage
mine, assayed $1,200 per ton. Next in order of discoveiy comes
the Minerva, and is also a strong vein. Work was commence* I
here in 1885 by Messrs. Daly and Huggins, and prospecting on
the vein displayed no less than six different lodes, all shewing
free gold. Afterwards two of these gold-bearing lodes developed
into one. Assays of average samples from this mine gave a result
varying from $52 to $941. A small stamp mill has been erected
here.

Among the numerous other claims of more or less interest in
this immediate section may be mentioned the " Keewatin " and
George Heenan mines, " Ada G.," Nyzam, Twins, Sultana, Maiden,
Ptarmegan Bay, Woodchuck and Gold Mountain. The rock for-
mation on the northern and north-eastern shores of Lake of the
Woods is of a coarse grey syenitic granite, intersected with fine
grained calcareous hornblendic schists. On the western portion
of the lake, and continuing south to near the north-west angle of
the lake, the prevailing rock is Huronian trap and slaty diorites.
These rocks are followed immediately to the west by dark-
grain silicious and chloritic schists. The general bearing of the

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137

mineral, or rather gold-bearing belt, is about north-easterly.
This belt is about eight or ten miles in width, although heavily
mineralized quartz showing free gold has been taken from a few
points far south from this supposed line. Besides the discovery
of gold in paying quantities in this district the following minerals
are to be found in considerable quantities : — Magnetic iron, 80
per cent, of metal; mica, 8 to 15 inches square of the wine-
colored or marketable sample ; rose copper, auriferous and argenti-
ferous galena, lead, copper, asbestos and plumbago. Like the
country immediately west of Port Arthur and Silver Mountain
this district has never been thoroughly explored, and now that
the long disputed title to this rich territory has been finally
settled, we may anticipate many other important discoveries.

RAT PORTAGE.

The principal town of the district is situated on the northern
extremity of the Lake of the Woods on the line of the Canadian
Pacific railway and approached from the water, or seen from the
railway bridge spanning the foaming rapids of the Winnipeg
River, presents a decidedly charming appearance. It was during
the construction of the Canadian Pacific railway that Rat Portage
first obtained prominence as a grand distributing depot. Si) ice
that time the great lumbering interest and the Canadian Pacific
railway works combined have built up a permanent and prosper-
ous town, with good substantial public buildings and a well
organized corporation. The average population of Rat Portage is
about 2,500, but during summer months, owing to its attractive
scenery, its numbers are largely increased.

WATER POWERS.

The waters of the Winnipeg River flow out of the Lake of the
Woods, opposite Rat Portage, (in latitude 49° 47' north, and
longitude 49° 44' west) by two channels through a narrow wall
of rocks, with a fall of 17 feet and G-lOth inches, and form a bay
below where they unite. Besides the two channels that form the
Winnipeg River there are a number of openings in the rock
which have been the bed of rivers at a period when the waters of
the lake were higher than they are at present. These channels

■ 1 ;

138

•cross the lines of the Canadian Pacific railway and extend ^or a
distance of upwards of three miles westward from Rat Portage,
and are capable of being opened out and converted into mill
races at comparatively little expense. No dams are required and
no flood can ever break through the embankment to do injury.
The power that can be obtained here is unlimited ind the supply
of water endless. The value of these water privileges is enhanced
by the railway crossing at the very point where mills can be
erected adjoining the track. There is no other point on the conti-
nent of America possessing water power of such magnitude or
situated so advantageously as those of the picturesque falls on
the Winnipeg Rivei" at " Portage du Rat."

(By Henry K. Wicksteed, C.E., B.A.S.)

A good deal has been written about Algoma, a good deal of rub-
bish pro and con, by enthusiasts and croakers. It has been
described in high flown poetry as " the land of mountain and of
flood, whose crystal streams, etc., etc., etc.," and on the other
hand as a barren wilderness of rocks, swamps and lakes, one-
third rock, one-third muskeg, one-third water. My own observa-
tion has been confined pretty much to the western portion, that
is known as the Thunder Bay district, but during a thirteen
years' almost constant residence, in which time I have travelled
almost every canoe route between Lake Nipigon and Lake of the
Woods, and have systematically pumped nearly every intelligent
explorer and half-breed in the district, I may say without vanity
that my knowledge of this district in a general way is pretty
exhaustive and thorough, and that there is scarce one hundred
square miles of it about which I have not some little knowledge
either at first or second hand. My own verdict is that it is
neither a desert nor a paradise, neither a Sahara nor a land flow-
ing with milk and honey, but a territory having its drawbacks no
doubt, (what country has not) but capable of supporting a large
population of men and women of almost every grade and calling
in life.

" What can you raise in such ground as that ? " asked a tourist
of a sweaty New Hampshire farmer, toiling in a stony field.

139

" We raise men was the proud reply," New Hampshire raises men
and sends them out to develop other states — brawny, sinewy men.

Algoma can not only raise such men, but is capable of sup-
porting them and of giving them a measure of health, happiness,
longevity and comfort far in excess of that enjoyed by the aver-
age human being, I wish to mention the mines as one of Algoma s
resources and to say that the mines are there, that silver, goldi
copper and iron are coming out of them, and that hundreds of
men are now employed about them, and further that it is my
firm conviction that there are much better fish in the sea than
have yet come out of it, and I invite outside capitalists to come
and catch these fish before it is too late.

I know that there is good land, large quantities of it in
Algoma, not in vast unbroken areas as you have it in the west,
but in long sheltered valleys, with timber for building purposes
and for fuel in abundance, and water and water-power handy to
every settler. In my own opinion and in that of every one to
whom I have spoken, and who is qualified to judge, Oliver town-
ship, good as some of it is, is not to be compared with the newly
surveyed townships to the south-west of it — O'Connor, Gillies,
Lybster, Marks and Strange, watered by the White Fish River
and its tributary streams. We have on the banks of the White
Fish nearly all the essential natural vegetation that is seen on
the banks of the Red River in equal or greater luxuriance, with
nearly every species of coniferous trees which grows in Canada ;
besides years of residence have failed to convince me that any
difference in climate is not in favor of Thunder Bay, and as an
offset against an assumed (not proved) inferiority in the soil, we
have the abundance of water and water-power before mentioned.
Why cannot a farmer be happy here ?

Market — We are much closer to market than the Manitobans
are. The initiated Thunder Bay Colonization or Port Arthui-,
Duluth and Western railway runs through the heart of this dis-
trict, aud the ver}'- hills which shut the valley in and protect it
from the chilly Lake Superior winds, are seamed and cracked in
every direction by mineral-bearing veins, requiring men and
horses with good appetites to work them. Market ! What better
market can a farmer have than a mine within two or three miles

if f."

II.

#: '

ll^i'

140

of his front door ? I am speaking particularly of this White
Fish Valley, because it is the one most easily accessible and most
attractive at the present time, not because it is the only agricul-
tural tract in the district ; and I do not wish to be understood as
under-rating Manitoba, but let her give us our due and not appro-
priate all the immigration to herself and advertise herself as the
only habitable corner of the Canadian North-west, or as you
have so aptly put it, of " Central Canada."

There is pine timber in Algoraa not comparable in quantity,
perhaps, with the magnificent growths of the Upper Ottawa and
Mississippi, but good clear pine of a rising market value — rising
because of its increasini^ scarcity in the older localities. Large
quantities of this timber will be soon rendered accessible by rail.

There are fish in Algoma, in Lakes Superior, Huron and
Nipigon ; white fish and lake trout of the finest quality, and in
the small lakes — pike, pickerel, suckers, bass, etc., in almost fabu-
lous quantities. We have in illimitable quantities all that is
necessary for the manufacture of ordinary wood pulp : water,
water-power and poplar timber, with streams to drive the timber
and a railway to carry the pulp.

Algoma has other resources, animal, mineral and vegetable-
There are vast tracks in Algoma which will never be settled up,,
which will always remain a primitive wilderness ; but even these
have their use, and will be to the tired Winnipegger what the
highlands of Scotland are to the Londoner, the Adirondacs to the
New Yorker, the Muskoka Lakes to the Torontonian and the
Saguenay to the Montrealer. A breathing ground and park,
surpassing the Scotch highlands in climate, the Adirondacs in
variety and sport, the Saguenay in accessibility and Muskoka in
picturesque beauty and grandeur, and all four in extent, and the
consequent complete seclusion and isolation possible, without
fatiguing travel or the necessity for leaving behind the little-
comforts and luxuries in food for mind and body, raiment and
furniture, which long custom elevates into comforts. An hour's
drift in a birch-bark canoe or a sailing boat will convey a whole
family with their household goods, fi'om that perfect achievement
of modern civilization — a pullman palace car — into an untouched
and wonderfully beautiful wilderness, through which they can

141

travel, if so inclined, for days and weeks with ever-shifting
«cjnery, or pitch their cosy house-tent on the shore of some sandy
bay, with all the comforts of the seaside hotel, without the noise
and publicity and at a fraction of the cost. Then as a yachting
ground (if blue water can be called ground) can anything com-
pare with Thunder Bay, Black and Nipigon Bays and the
adjacent north shore of Lake Superior or of the Georgian Bay ?
No necessity for carrying ice or fresh water ; no hot weather and
sweltering suns ; no insidious tides and currents, and with a
harbor always under our lea and good fishing to amuse us when
windbound or becalmed.

CAPABILITIES OF THE NEW FREE GRANT COUNTRY — RICH AGRI-
CULTURAL, MINING AND TIMBER LANDS — PROSPECTS FOR
SETTLERS — HOW TO REACH IT — INTERVIEW WITH MR, JAMES
CONMEE, M.P.P. FOR ALGOMA.

Considerable public attention having been called to the Rainy
River District by the speech of Hon. T. B. Pardee, and the
addresses of Mr. James Conmee, M.P.P., a member of the Globe
staff waited on the latter with a request for information.

" Will you state the position," was the first question, " of the
large block of good farming land in the West Algoma district ?"

" It lies along the southern boundary of the Province, com-
mencing about thirty miles west of Lake Superior at White Fish
Lake, and extends some 300 miles along the northern boundary
to Lake of the Woods. This tract is almost unbroken, except at
one or two points — Kettle Falls being the most noted."

" What is its area ? "

"This belt of country comprises about 24,000 square miles,
half of which we can safely estimate to be good agricultural
lands. This would give over 7,000,000 acres of farming land.
The largest block of this land, and, undoubtedly, the best portion
of it, lies along the Rainy River, the boundary line between
Canada and the United States. This belt is not confined to the
Rainy River only, but extends around the shores of Rainy Lake
and Lake of the Woods, the good land running as far north as
within thirty miles of the town of Rat Portage."

hi •

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142

" Has it not been stated by some that the belt of good land on
the Rainy River is only a few miles wide ?"

" This is a wrong impression, as, from personal observations
and the information I have been able to collect, I believe the
average is not less than forty miles in depth ; at some j)oints it
extends back much further. In 1872 I passed through this belt
of country from Waubegon Lake, which is now touched by the
Canadian Pacific Railroad to the Rainy River, a distance of nearly
a hundred miles, and at that point the land is good the whole of
the distance. There are also large tracts of fine agricultural land
in the vicinity of White Fish and Arrow Lakes, about thirty-five
miles south-west from Port Arthur. It is true that from the
shores of Lake Superior, and as viewed from car windows of the
Canadian Pacific Railway, the countr}^ has a broken appearance."

" How do you account for the erroneous impression which has
generally prevailed as to the character of the country ?"

" As I have just stated, it is a broken country near the lake,
and at various points along this belt of territory the rocky or
broken lands run through the ridges, and as you go north these
rocky portions become more general, so that at a distance of 75
to lUO miles north of the boundary the country is entirely rocky.
It is through this section that the Canadian Pacific Railway now
runs."

" In your address you spoke of some considerable settlement
in this fertile country. Can you give any particulars ?"

" There is considerable settlement along Rainy River, pioneers
having gone into the vicinity some fifteen years ago, and some of
them have made large improvements."

" What do you suppose to be the extent of their improve-
ments?"

" The farmers have from 20 to 100 acres under cultivation."

" Does the land produce good crops ?"

" It produces excellent crops. Fall wheat grows well ; spring-
wheat, barley, oats, peas and vegetables also. The growth is
very rapid. The soil in this vicinity is very rich, as is usual in
' intervale' lands about rivers and lakes, which are so common to
this section, of the country."

" Is there any danger from late or early frosts ? "

148

" Frosts never trouble farmers in Rainy River district. I have-
incjuired into that particularly. While I cannot f^ive any par-
ticular reason for it, it is nevertheless a fact. The climate is
much more favourable than in the prairie country, or on the
shores of the great lakes."

" Have the settlers any schools ?"

" Yes. Schools have been estanlished this year, thoxit^h the
settlers have laboured under great dihiculty with respect to titles
to their land, owing to the boundary dispute."

"An impression prevails that there is no settlement near Port
Arthur; is this correct?"

" No, there is (juite a settlement near Port Arthur, the township
of Oliver is pretty well settled and the township of Paipoonge.
There were some new townships surveyed last summer of very
good land, and there is room and good land for any numl>er of
settlers. This country will, no doubt, be settled up in time, but
just now the great attraction for the settler seems to be in the
North-West. This, I believe, is an error en the part of many
intending settlers, as a man with small capital can succeed much
better in West Algoma than in the prairie coun^^ry. It is true he
has more difficulty in getting his land ready, but he is close to a
good market and does not require the same amount of capital to
succeed that he does in the prairie country. An intending settler
with less than one thousand dollars will do very much l)etter in
West Algoma than in the prairie country. I have every hope
that this country will in due time settle up; and I am confident
it will do so as soon as sufficient railway facilities are aiforded^
I can remember, although not very old, when 8t. Paul and Min-
neapolis had no railways, and no settlement near them, the
country being broken for some distance from the banks of the
Mississippi. Settlers at that time wex*e attracted by the more
level prairies lying farther west, but St. Paul and Minneapolis
have now become great railway centres, and all the lands sur-
rounding them are under cultivation. I believe what took place
there will take place at Port Arthur and the Rainy River. The
construction of the Ontario, Minnesota & Manitoba Railway will
be the means of opening up the the country lying along the
southern boundary of the Province, and will conduce to its

144

1:S;

development and settlement in the same manner as the railvvay
enterprises brought about settlement, and consequent develop-
ment of St. Paul."

" What about the natural resources of the country ? "
" As I have already stated, it has a vast extent of agricultural
lands ; it is well watered, having numerous beautiful lakes and
rivers. It possesses rich deposits of minerals. There is abund-
ance of iron ore of the best quality, silver, gold, copper, mica and
phosphates. There are at the present time several niiue.s working
near Port Arthur, with good results. There have been several
thousands of acres of mining lands taken up within the past few
months, all of which show rich indications of silver, and a large
amount of capital is being invested. Large quantities of silver
are now being taken out and reducing works are being erected.
The prospects of this mining region and the vast quantity of
silver in sight in the various shafts now being sunk are sufficient
to convince the most sceptical of its great wealth in this metal."
"What branch of mining, do you think, will predominate?"
" Silver in the vicinitv of Port Arthur, and gold in the neij^h-
bourhood of Rat Portage. The exhibit now being collected at
Port Aithur for the Colonial Exhibition is probably the finest
and best display of mineral of this class which has ever been got
together on this continent, and will no doubt go far to convince
the mining world of the richness of the mineral deposits in West
Algoma."

" Why is there not more actual mining goin^ on ai, Rat Portage
if the mines are so rich as you state ?"

" It is all owing to the action of the Dominion Government
in raising the dispute with regard to the boundary. That the
mineral is there, there can be no doubt. A large amount of capital
and numbers of mining men were attracted there some six years
ago. A number of mines were started, but as no titles could be
got for the lands, no issue of minmg stock or I'mds could be
made, and those who embarked in 3e nterprises found it
impossible to induce large capita^'
under such circumstances. This difi
Dominion Government cease their ^
decides the matter."

invest their money
» will contii ri until the
ensi' IS or the Council

14")

got

" What about the timber resources of tlu' countrj- ?"
"There is about 15,000,000 acres of land in this particular
belt and there is more or less pine scattered through it, but wf
can safely estimate one-half the area as being pine lands and
placing the average quantity per acre at the very low estimate of
6,000 feet, it will yield about 40,000,000,000 feet. There is an
abundance of the finest quality of white poplar and spruce, both
most desirable for the manufacture of pulp, and the magnificent
water powers will give facilities for the manufacture of this and
numberless other articles."

" What are the prospects of the railway you have referred to?"
" It will be easily seen that a railway passing through such a
country as I have just described, which would no doubt become
rapidly developed upon the construction of the road, and if we
take into consideration the quantity of timber alone that would
be produced, will be furnished with ample traffic. Add to this the
traffic incidental to a large and productive population engaged in
agricultural, mining and manufacturing pursuits, which would no
doubt find their way into this country if opened by the railway.
The railway is projected from Port Arthur to Winnipeg, and must
consequently get a shaie of the through traffic."

" What are the present means for settlers reaching the country?"
" By the Canadian Pacific Railway to Port Arthur, or if the
intending settler is going to the Rainy River district, to Rat
Portage by the Canadian Pacific Railway, from which place they
can reach Rainy River by Lake of the Woods. The means of
access to this section at present is very limited, but the proposed
railway will remedy all that. There can be no extensive settle-
ment until the railway is built."

THE LAKE OF THE WOODS AND VICINITV — PRESENT OPERATIONS
AND PROSPECTS FOR THE FUTURE.

(By George Mitchell, March 30th, 1887.)

PINE PORTAGE MINE.

The proprietors of this well-known property, Messrs. Dobie
& Co., last fall engaged the services of Mr. Bouchire, an English
mining expert and practical mineralogist, to make a thorough

It-

'i'.

146

exauiinatioii of the ore which is highly refractory, and to decide
upon the most economical mode of treatment. Mr. Bouchire at
once erected a large furnace and necessary apparatus, but after
Hve weeks' work obtained no satisfactory results from the experi-
ments. He then recommended the trial of a steel furnace, which
will shortly arrive, and the work will be resumed in the spring.
The ore from this mine, though refractory, is immensely rich.
The owners have money at their command and are determine<l
to work the property as soon as they see their way clear with
respect to the proper machinery.

IK
t.;.

■ ; ' '' f

GOLD HILL MINING CO.

In September last the Keewatin Lumbering and Manufac-
turing Co., on whose limits a portion of the above company's
claims are located, served an injunction on the miners to stop
further operations.

Since then little work has been done, excepting some surface
prospecting. Recently, however, arrangements have been made
and are now nearly completed, which will permit the resumption
oi work at an early date. The principal veins on this property
are the followingf :

The "Combination," a six-inch lead blue trap. Very rich speci-
mens have been taken from here. A prospect shaft, forty-two
feet deep, has been sunk.

"Ada G." A number of test pits have been sunk on this vein,
but as yet the width and extent are indefinite.

CEDAR LAKE.

This vein shows a total width of vein matter of twenty feet.
A shaft of twenty feet has been put down on the foot wall, and
a twelve-foot drift on the vein. The character of the ore is
similar in many respects to that of Pine Portage. There is quite
a network of gold bearing leads intersecting this property, all of
which will be thoroughly prospected during the coming summer.
Substantial buiklings have been erected and a good waggon road
built to the dock, which is about a mile distant from the camp.

147

THE SULTANA.

Last summer's prospecting work has showed up this vein in
great shape. It is now evident that besides the main lead there
are others branching off from it, all cariying coarse and tine gold
in paying quantities. Some of the specimens taken from portions
of the vein opened last fall are exceptionally rich, but the whole
of the gangue pans out very satisfactorily. The width of the vein
varies from four to eight feet as far as it is exposed at present.
A transfer of a part interest in the property is on the tapis,
and the probabilities are that the sound of stamps will be heard
in the neighbourhood before long. The Sultana is situated on
Indian Reserve No. 38B, which fact has hitherto been detrimental
to placing the property on the market. Novv, however, this diffi-
culty has been o^ ercome, the Indians having surrendered to the
Dominion Government that portion of their reserve. It is, there-
fore, likely thf't a title will issue for this location and others
contiguous io it, within a reasonably short time.

:i(

(Later, April 30th, 18S7.)

leci-
-two

vein,

feet.

, and

)re is

quite

all of

nmer.

road

Imp.

Daley and Huggins have shut down work on the " Minerva"
until navigation opens. They are making an effort to get five
head of stamps on the ground.

A number of mica discoveries were last fall added to those-
already located. One of these owned by Messrs. Buhner, Parsons-
& Chaloner shows up big. The vein occurs in the Laurentiun
formation south of the North-west angle, and in American ter-
ritory, and can be traced two miles. The samples shown from
here are of a better class than any other mica on the lake.

Down below White Dog, on the Winnipeg River, Dr. Soovil
and Mr. Matheson, of the Hudson Bay Couipany, have surveyed
a claim on which there is a big deposit of fair mica The vein
will be prospected in the coming spring.

Nothing further has been done in the famous Falcon Island
mica mine, owned by Messrs. Matheson and Mac))herson. This is
a very extensive bed of mica and yields sheets eight inches square.

'*;,

148

Some preliminary work was done two j'ears ago, but to all appear-
ance ground was broken in the wrong spot. Some likely looking
specimens of the wine coloured mica M^ere brought in last week
from the vicinity of Englissh River, and all through that country
and the valley of the Winnipeg River numerous croppings of this
mineral are found.

There appears to be an early prospect of titles being issued for
mining properties on certain Indian Reserves. Last October the
Indians of Reserve 38B, near this place, were induced by the
Government to relinquish their claim to that part of the reserve
where several mining claims have been surveyed, and it is pro-
bable that the Government will place a price per acre on the
land and give patents for same without delay. Their action, if
carried out, in other portions of the section, will materially
enhance the value of our mining district, as quite a number of
valuable deposits are known to exist on several of the reserves
which, herttofore, have not been prospected on account of the
Indian title preventing their location.

The Winnipeg Free Press says : — Those who have mines on
the Lake of the Woods are only awaiting a settlement of the
titles question to conmience work. Among the specimens on view
in Mr. Proudfoot's office are several magnificent ones from the
Heenan mine, on Hay Island, ten miles from Rat Portage. The
quartz is heavily pregnated with the precious metal, and would
yiehl at the rate of over $1,000 per ton. The proprietors of this
property have had an assay of rock, chosen indiscriminately from
the mine, made by Prof. Chapman, of Toronto, and the result
shows S506 per ton. The professor makes special reference to
the quality of the ore, which is calcareous in its nature, and easily
mined and separated. A considerable amount of money has been
spent on this property in the erection of buildings and testing
shops. The vein is eighteen inches wide and is most promising,
and the owners intend tunnelling with a view to reaching it.
There are besides the vein referred to, a number of other veins
distributed over the location, showing indications of both gold
and silver.

149

SUKVEYS IN NIPIGON DISTRICT — ON SNOW-SHOES — A PERILOUS
EXPERIENCE WHILE CROSSING LAKE NIPIGON, AIARCH loTH,

1887.

Mr. A. L. Russell, P.L.S. and D.L.S., returned from a month's
surveying expedition by yesterday's train from the east apparently
in good health. Meeting Mr. Roland, who was employed on this
party, a Sentinel representative elicited the following brief items
respecting their general experience : —

" The route to the scene of Mr. Russell's surveys of Indian
reservations was along the (for the most part) frozen rapids and
chutes of the Nipigon River, and from the Little Flat Rock rapids
across the magnificent inland sea known as Nipigon Lake. This
immense water stretch possesses a deeply indented coast lino of
nearly (iOO miles. Voyaging along this route in summer was of
course familiar to the entire party, but the experience of travel-
ling on snow-shoes over the frozen chain of lake-like expansions
composing the swift flowing Nipigon River, was to some of us
([uite a novel me.

" This river measures some 33 miles from its source at Victoria
Falls to its inlet into Nipigon Bay, Lake Superior. No less than
fifteen falls of more or less magnituile occur in its impetuous
course. Many of these falls are of unrivalled grandeur, and even
in their present partially frozen-over state, present new charms
and impressions from every point of view.

" The topography of this country is perhaps more diversified
with islands, lakes and streams, with rocky mountain ranges and
fertile belts interlarded therein, than any other portion of Ontario.

" To the south and westward of the big lake with the euphoni-
ous Franco-Indian name of Nipigon, much fertile land and good
timber abounds, and the country in the neighborhood of the
English church mission, where the Indians cultivate a great
variety of root and other crop, is no exception.

" This mission was established some ten years ago by the late
Bishop of Algoma (Fauquier), who endeared himself to the small
but devoted band now permanently settle<l in Mclntyre Bay on
the south aide of Lake Nipigon. Here some five or six frame
and log houses, including a good school, have been erected, under

150

\i\-

the superintendence of Rev. Mr. Renniaon, a graduate of Trinity
College, Dublin.

" This well chosen site has not yet been secured to the Indians.
I am, however, informed upon good authority that both the
Dominion and Ontario Governments are about taking steps to
construct a good wagon road from Red Rock on the Canadian
Pacific railway to this mission. This is rather a better route for
the road promised to the Nipigon people by Mr. Conmee. M.P.P.,
during the closing days of last session, and for which the sum of
S1,000 has been voted in this year's estimates. Mineral lands
have been applied for in this vicinity. " Possibly," observed the
intelligent chief of the band, " the Government think we 'have
moved away. And as white men have already applied for mineral
lands right at our doors, we should like to see this question of
ownership settled in a friendly way, as we don't want to keep
out miners or settlers."

"During our trip we experienced some unusually severe
weather, notwithstanding which woi-k was vigorously carried on
every day. Over 11,000 acres of land were instrumentally sur-
veyed, and repeated observations were taken upon clear nights
throughout the progress of the work.

" In addition to the above survey, consisting of some twenty
miles of line cutting and traversing, Mr. Russell also made a
track survey across Lake Nipigon by pacing and prismatic com-
pass bearings, thereby fixing the position of many islands and
essential points in this lake of magnificent distances. This latter
proved a most fortunate undertaking, as on the return trip, and
during a piercingly cold north-east wind and blinding snowstorm
of sleet, our Nipigon Indians, who might reasonably be supposed
to know the route thoroughly, became hopelessly lost, and it was
only owing to the fact of Mr. Russell's observations on the up
trip and his early detection of their aimless and irregular course
that saved us being placed in a very unenviable position to say
the least.

" Indians like others are often slow to admit their errors, but
in this case they frankly admitted that " Indian was positively
lost." Many of the traverses from point to point in this section
Are extremely long and consec|uently travelling in stormy weather

151

is perilous work indeed. It was on one of these long stretches
that the party under Mr. Peter Warren Bell, Inspecting Chief
Factor of Hudson Bay Company, only a few days before became
so entangled among the north-western archipelago during a
similar storm, that they lost much valuable time and a few of
their dogs before reaching their destination. Beyond a few
frost bites none of our party sustained any injury. Not so with
our snow-shoes however, for notwithstanding the most indefatig-
able etiorts at their repair, owing to the deep and uneven and
yielding surface of the snow everywhere, little else than the
frames remain for future use.

" The fur trade near the lake is said to be fairly good this sea-
son, but owing to a decided paucity of supplies at the Hudson
Bay Company's interior post of Nipigon House, the Indians com-
plain that they would be compelled to seek other sources of sup-
plies. Our party were, however, fortunate in obtaining just
sufficient food for time actually employed. This, under the pecu-
liar circumstances of the case, may be looked upon as a very great
concession on the part of the Hudson Bay Company. Mr. Russell
proves to have been an old acquaintance of the agent at this post
(Nipigon House) and this doubtless accounts for his successful
negotiations respecting the commissariat department.

" Arriving at Red Rock we were unpleasantly surprised at the
blank left in the lovely foreground of the pleasing panorama as
seen from tht Nipigon bridge. I refer to the total demolition of
the " Nipigon Hotel," so successfully conducted by the genial
explorer of Lake Superior, Mr. Duncan McEachren, who unlike
Marius of Carthage, is up and active as ever.

" In addition to the above reserves on the Big Lake, another
reserve was last season surveyed by Mr. A. L. Russell, for the
band of Chippeways belonging to Red Rock and Lake Helen.
This reserve is on the west bank of the Nipigon River near its
inlet to Lake Helen, where the Chief Pierre Deschamps and other
civilized Indians have made comfortable homew and well cultivated
gardens. Here also reside the most experienced and trusty
voyageurs and guides to the numerous fishing places of note.
Among the best known of the guides I may mention Pierre Bon-
netcarie, Jose Bouchard, John Watt, Alexe La Ronde and Deunie
Deschamps."

i
I

> ■

152

GUIDE TO SPORTSMEN GENERALLY.

I"'

Sri', '■

THE NIPIGON RIVER

Is worthy of more than a passing notice, as it has been pro-
nounced by sportsmen, for the past 15 years, tlie king of trout
streams. Until quite recently the trouble, expense and time neces-
sarily involved in reaching the north shore of Lake Superior
deterred all but the most enthusiastic from making the trip ;
however, since the opening of the North Shore Division of the
Canadian Pacific Railway on November 2nd, 1885, the journey is
a pleasure, and accordingly a fresh page will this year have been
turned in the history of the Nipigon. Sportsmen may now take
passage from any of the American cities, and after connecting
with the Canadian Pacific Railway never leave their car until
they reach the Hudsons' Bay Post of Red Rock, at the mouth of
the river, where guides, Indians, canoes and tents can be engaged,
and all the necessary provisions for the trip may be purchased
either at Port Arthur or Nipigon ; the general system followed is
to make Port Arthur the visitor's headquarters, and base of oper-
ations. Nothing need be brought excepting fishing tackle, which
can be purchased better in the east than here. Provisions and all
necessary camping supplies are nearly as low in price at either
Port Arthur and Nipigon as in the east, and buying them on the
spot prevents the traveller being hampered with much that is
useless, and totally unfit for a journey up the river. The usual
rates for the rent of canoes are 50 cents to 81.00 per day, men
from ii^l.OO to 82.00 and their board. The trout season extends
from May 15th to September loth, the best fishing season being
from the first of July until the close of the season, the water
usually being too high in June. A nominal license fee is charged
by the Government, but it is expected that this will soon be done
away with, and that the river will be perfectly free to the sports-
men of all nations. It is not necessary to say anything in favour
of the fishing which is so justly celebrated all over America ; the
chief complaint from those who are in the habit of going there is
that they get too many fish, more in fact than they can possibly

153

use. A six pound trout is no uncommon occurrence, although, of
course, the average is not so large, from one and a-half to thi'ee
pounds being the weight of those usually caught.

The Nipigon is not the only trout stream on the north shore
of Lake Superior ; there are very many others which of them-
selves would make any country celebrated, but their importance
is to a certain extent overshadowed by the Nipigon, about which
so much has been said and written ; of course this latter river
being navigable for canoes makes it more easily fished than many
of the others. In Thunder Bay itself are many fine streams in
which trout may be caught : the Mackenzie River, fourteen miles
east of Port Arthur ; Carp River, 14 miles south ; and Blend
River, 25 miles east, have all local reputations for the size and
quantity of their trout, while within a radius of six miles there
ai'e as many streams in which large quantities of small trout may
be caught any afternoon in suuuner. The principal of these are
Current River, McVicar's Creek, Six Mile Creek and Mclntyre
River, while on the north shore, east of Nipigon, nearly all the
streams are well stocked, besides possessing the advantage of
very rarely having been visited by any one.

PLAN OF RIVER FOR ANGLERS.

Upon margin of large plan of Mining region accompanying
this work will be found a small sketch of the Nipigon River from
actual instrumental surveys, shewing principal portgages, rapids,
and fishing pools, between the Virgin or Grand FalLs, and the
crossing of the C.P.R.R. at Red Rock or Nipigon.

The above maps were specially prepared by Mr. A. L. Russell,
D.L.S., and Provincial Land Surveyor, of Port Arthur, to whom
the writer is also indebted for valuable information relating to
the " mineral region," now attracting so much attention from
foreign and native capitalists.

PORT ARTHUR

Is beautifully situated on natural terraces sloping down to the
shores of Lake Superior at the head of Canadian Lake Naviga-

If ■• - .

1.* ■' • .

364

tion, and at the terminus of the Canadian Pacific liailway on Lake
Superior.

The following are the distances from it to the undermentioned
places, viz.:

Nipigon, via the O.P.R 67 miles east.

Ottawa " " 874

Montreal, " " 994

Quebec, " " 1,140

Winnipeg, " " 430 miles west.

Regina. " " 786

Calgary, " " 1,269

Canmore, " " 1,336

Vancouver, " " 1,900

Toronto, via C.P.R. Steamer and Owen

Sound 650 miles east.

Toronto, via N.W.T. Co.'s Steamer and

Sarnia 700 miles.

Sault Ste. Marie, by steamer 265 "

Duluth, Minn., by steamer 180 miles s. w.

St. Paul, Minn., by steamer and rail, via

Duluth 335

It may be reached during the entire year by the following
routes, viz.:

By the Canadian Pacific Railway (Eastern Division), which
connects with all the railway systems of Ontario, Quebec, the
Maritime Provinces, the New England and Eastern States, for
all points south and east of Chicago. By the Canadian i acifie
Railway (Western Division), which connects at Winnipeg with
the St. Paul, Minneapolis and Manitoba systems from St. Paul,
Minneapolis, St. Louis, and all points south and west, and after
July 1st, 1886, solid trains will be run from Port Arthur to and
from Vancouver, British Columbia, making direct connection with
steamers for Victoria, Portland, Oregon, and all points on the
Pacific coast as far south as San Francisco.

PIGEON FALLS

Are situated near the Mouth of the Pigeon River, which is
distant by water 40 miles from Port Arthur ; the Falls are still
in a natural condition, the surroundings never having been

16;:

destroyed by the ruthless hand of man. The river here tumbles
perpendicularly over a ledge of rock 90 feet high, into a solid
stone basin below. Pigeon River forms the International boun-
dary line between Canada and the United States ; the State of
Minnesota being the American bank, while the District of Algoma
forms the Canadian one. Ten miles further along the coast the
Grand Portage is located. It is over this celebrated portage that,
in the days before railways were known in the North-West, the
supplies of the North-Western fur traders were taken to the
interior posts, and it is the only place or route in the United
States where British goods can be taken through without any
bonding or Customs regulations, the river and the portage being
common to the people of both nations.

4..-.;.

THE QUESTION OF TITLES.

RAINY RIVER AND LAKE OF THE WOODS.

Brief reference was made in foregoing pages of this work
to the above question, since which writing, however, important
( evelopments have taken place. It is unnecessary to refer at
length to the dispute which arose between the Federal and
Provincial Governments in regard to the boundaries of Ontario
and Manitoba (familiarly known as the Boundary Question), as
the subject was an important issue in Canadian politics during
several campaigns, and the points in dispute were discussed
throutrh the press and on the platform in every part of the
Dominion. Suffice it to say, however, for the benefit of those
who are not conversant with the question, that owing to this
di.spute no titles could be obtained for lands within the boun-
daries of this disputed territory. For years this matter has
retarded the settlement of the country and the develo]nuent
of the timber, mineral, and agricultural lands. The important
question of the ownership of the land has at last been set at rest
by the decision of the Judicial Committee of the Privy Council
of England, to which tribunal the case was referred for final
hearing. The verdict of that body gave the Province of Ontario
control of the lands within the disputed boundaries. Although

pi-.

■ n

156

this final decision was given nearly three years ago patents were
not issued, owing to a subsequent contention being raised in
regard to the extinguishing of the Indian title. This case had
also several hearings in the courts, and a verdict in every instance
being favorable to the Province, the Government finally decided
to issue patents for all claims in the Riiiny Eiver district. The
following announcement by the Commissioner of Crown Lands,
restores confidence in the future of the district, and has already
given an impetus to the purchase and development of the
mineral lands.

The following letter has been received by Mr. James Coumee,
M.P.P., for Algoma : —

" Port Arthur, May 14th, 18«7.

" Mr. James Conmee, M.P.P.,

" Port Arthur.

" Dear Sir, — I have not forgotten or overlooked your repeated
and urgent requests that the Government of Ontario would at
once take such action as it might deem advisable and necessary
to put an end to the uncertainty which prevails regarding titles
to lands in the district of Rainy River, which, as you state,
is causing great dissatisfaction to settlers and others, and also is
seriously retarding the natural progress of the country.

" In connection with this important question which for a long
time has been a subject of serious and anxious consideration, I
desire to say that the Government of Ontario, having had, and
having now the utmost confidence in the justice of its claim or
title to the lands in the territory, has hitherto delayed action,
hoping wiser counsels would prevail at Ottawa, and that the
Government of Canada would consider the interests of the people
to be paramount to all other considerations and would abandon
its unwarrantable pretensions, which have so seriously delayed
the settlement and development of the district. But as there
appears now little reason for hope that they will do this, and as
the interest of the country have seriously suffered in the past and
will continue to suffer for some time yet if the case is carried to
the Privy Council, as threatened by the Dominion Government,,
the Government of Ontario has decided that it would be justified

157

in taking immediate action, and thus, as far as possible, relieve the

settlers and others liavinc; claims in the district from further

suspense and anxiety."

" I have therefore to say that thi; Government has dotermined

to take immediate steps to investigate all the disputed and other

<;laims to the lands in that region, and to issue patents without

further delay.

" Yours truly.

" T. B. PARDEE,

" Commissioner."
THE FIRST PATENT.

June 1st. 1887.

Since the above proclamation was issued the first Patent has
been granted Mr. Geo. Giahamc of Fort William, namely for a
mineral claim on the Atic-Okan Seobee in Rainy River district,
and doubtless, before this, is in the hands of our readers, the hearts
of a number of old pioneers will be gladdened by the possession of
a " Title from the Crown," for whicli they have patiently waited
for a long time.

Owing to the unsettled state of the country in the Lake of
the Woods, and Rainy River region, when the fii-st discoveries of
gold were made, claim .vere surveyed and taken up in a some-
what reckless manner — in some instances there beincj three and
four applicants for the same location ; consequently a great many
disputes have arisen. In order to overcome this difficulty the
Government has decided to appoint a commission to take evidence
in all cases in dispute, and grant patents to the original dis-
coverers, and first Claimants.

F.A.RT III.

GEOLOGY OF ALGOMA WEST

EARLY EXPLORATIONS AND DEVELOPMENTS

—ON THE—

nsroRTu SHORE,

DESCRIPTION OF MINES, Etc., Etc,

THE LAURKNTIAN SERIES, THE HURONIAN SERIES, ETC., ETC.

PLAN AND WORKINGS OF THE BEAVER MINE,

WITH ENGRAVING.

SKETCH OF SLEEPING GIANT

ON THUNDER CAPE.

THE LEGEND OF THUNDER.

HOW THUNDER BAY OBTAINED ITS NAME.

ai
B

of
111
i.s
t'e
in
II
ill]

161

PART III.

GEOLOGY OF ALGOMA WEST.

EARLY EXPLORATIONS AND DEVELOPMENTS ON THE

NORTH SHORE.

THE LAUUENTIAN SERIES.

This series is cliieHy confined to the height of land and touch-
ing the shores oi the lake in but few places in this district. It
consists of granite, gneiss, synite and micaceous schists, almost
entirely. Its veins of ([uartz and spar cany coi)per and iron
pyrites, albc galena and zinc blende occasionally.

THE HURONIAN SERIES

Lies generally between the Silurian and Liurontian, striking-
occasionally in a north-easterly direction in a broad belt towards
the height of land merging into tho Laurentiaa. The principal
area occu})ied by the.se baits stretches westward from Thunder
Bay through Lake Shebandowan, and thence to the American
lioundary. It consists of greenish grey .sti-ata, with a dij) nearly
vertical. The pi.'ncipal portions have a slaty stincture, consisting-
of chloritic, argillaceous, talcose, siliceous, dioritic and Hue grain
micacaous slates, with interstratified l)eds of massive diorite. It
is from these slates we are expecting great results. It i.s only a
few years ago that the first silver mine (*' 3A ") or any other
mine — except that of Little Pic — was discovered within the
Iluronian belt in this district. This discovery was followed
immediately after by that of the Jack Fish Lake gold in the

162

Pl?

>• 1

1^:

I'*.'

same series, but some 100 miles to the westward. Again, in 1872
the Heron Bay gold and silver mine was discovered in the same
formation, and about 150 miles eastward of the " 3A " lode.
Since this date many other discoveries of promising silver-bear-
ing lodes have been located in the Huronian area, which includes
the coast line opposite the Slate Islands.

THE LOWER BEDS OF THE UPPER COPPER-BEARING ROCKS.

These come next in ascending order. They occupy the coast
and islands, with the exception of a few spots near Silver Harbor
where the older rocks come in from the east end of Thunder Bay
westwards on to American territory, showing also at a few points
further east, underlying the upper beds. They consist of layers
of chert, dolomite and iron ore, the latter being near the base,
with thick beds of clay, slate and grey argillaceous sandstone
shales, interstratified with beds of colunmar trap. The intersect-
ing veins carry silver, galena, zinc blende, copper and iron i)yrites
and other metals in small <[uantities, and until the discovery of
the silver and gold lodes above referred to in the Huronian series
the.se slates were considered the silver-bearing formation of the
country. The Silver Islet, Thunder Bay, " Duncan " or " Shuniah,''
Prince's Bay, Jarvis Lsland, McKellar's Island, Spar Island,
Lambert's and Thompson's Islands, with many other silver-bear-
ing veins, all intersect these slates, which extend over the princi-
pal part of the coast and almost all the islands from Thunder Bay
to the east end of iSipigon Bay. They consist of sandstones, con-
glomerates, indurated marls and some interstratified sotap-stone^
crowned l)y an immense thickness oftrappean beds, most of which
are ainygdaloidal in character. The quartz and spar veins, which
traver.se the .sedimentary or lower portion, hold galena, copper
ores and zinc blende in very considerable (piantities ; silso gold
and silver, as shown by Prof. Chapman in his report of the
Enterprise lode in Black Bay. The Silvei' Lake, " Caribou " and
the above are the principal lodes known in this strata. The
above trappean beds are the famous copper-bearing rocks of the
.south shore and Isle Royale. At the former place the workable
loads conform with the strata, dip at a high angle and are wonder-
fully rich. On our side these rocks dip at low angles. Native

K-

163

•copper, with associated nuggets of silver, is the principal metal
found in these rocks, but occasionally the sulphurets and other
ores are met with in small quantities. The veins, in passing
through then into the sandstone, seem to drop the native copper,
it being replaced liy the sulphurets. Many years ago the Mon-
treal and other companies spent considerable sums of money in
mining these rocks without success, but this is of little import-
ance, as there was ten times more spent upon the south shore
before their mines proved at all productive.

Among the theoretical views advanced on the metaliferous
characteristics of these rocks by geologists is the oj)inion that the
silver in the fissures of the Thunder Bay slates was derived from
the same source by an aqueous solution, and the way the dis-
coveries of silver are distributed over that section would appear
to substantiate this conclusion, for we find them distributed along
parallel belts which seems to agree in strike with that of the
highly inclined Huronian strata, which occupy the section, and
must underlie these horizontal slates at no great depth. In other
parts the veins of similar character have been searched in \ain
for silver, none being found except the usual quantity peculiar to
galena. For example, a belt along Thunder Bay from Lambert
Island to the Shuniah mine, a distance of about eighteen miles,
shows silver in difierent places, which would re([uire two argenti-
ferous parallel strata on this principal to account for it. At the
" 3A" mine the Huronian are not overlaid by the Silurian, all
these veins appearing to conforni with the strike of the Huronian
and this belt of silver. A ain, taking the other belt of silver dis-
coveries — that is Silver Islet, .Tarvis, McKellar's and Thompson's
Islands, " 3B " and McKellars Point, in all of which silver shows ;
this is about 80 miles long, running parallel to and lying about
20 miles to the south-east of the above-mentioned silver belt.
Here we find ull the principal fissure-veins bearing north north-
west and south south-east, crossing the strike of the Huronian
and the Thunder Bay silver veins ; but, strange to say, the general
run of the silver conforins with the latter instead ot with the
veins in which it is found — each of these discoveries being upon
a different vein, and on the whole, lying on a line bearing about
west south-west and east south-east, which, as above mentioned,

164

ii* ' :

conforming with the Huronian strata, which appears to underlie
these slates all through this locality. There would also ap})ear tO'
be another run of silver to the north of this, and nearly parallel
with it on tlie same north north-west veius, as silver has been
discovered on the Mackenzie locations to the north of " 3B," and
upon Prince's Bay and other locations lying northward of
Spar Island, on Pie Island and on one of Wood's locations to the
north of McKellar's Point, the distance between the ovvo extremes
being about 20 miles. Here we find two belts, as it were, of
silver, the same as at Thunder Bay, which, if this theory be cor-
rect, would show the presence of two or more argentiferous strata
in the Huronian, which seems not at all unreasonable, as aurifer-
ous and other metalliferous strata are known to exist in other
parts of the world. For instance, the late discoveries on the-
south shore of Lake Superior (and naore recently at Michipicoten
Island on the north shore) show that the silver, both native and
sulphuret, exist in large quantities in a sedimentary, sandstone
and clay slate, associated with the ores of copper. The silver is
found finely disseminated through the upper layer of a thick bed
of slightly metamorphosed sandstone, also in the lower layers of
the black day slate, which immediately overlie it. The change
in the character of the sedimentary deposits at this point shows
that a great geological change of some kind had taken place there
at the time of its depo.sition, to which, no doubt, the preitence of
tlu' silver is due. Here the general dip seems to be at a low
angle to the north-east into Lake Superior, but the whole has
been pressevl laterally into undulations nearly at right angles to
the direction of the dip, so that the outcrop of the lode has a zig-
zag course resembling somewhat a rail fence.

The foregoing tlusory is, however, but the expression of an
opinion which further discoveries may shew in a different light.
The far famed Silver Islet vein, though so rich on the islet, shows
comparatively little silver un the island near the shore, or on the
mainland, when several tests were made, thouj-h it is larce and
well defined, carrying galena, zinc blende and iron pyrites. There
is a peculiar metaliferous dyke of diorite (Macfarlane's band),
about 10 chains wide, passing along the above-mentioned line by
Silver Islet, McKellar's Island, Jarvis Island, etc., which difiers

165

in appearance from any of the dykes seen in the country. This
contains several ores, and in places appears rich enough to work
for its copper pyrites. Mr. Thomas Macfarlane, who located the
Jarvis and Silver Islet silver lodes, was the first to bring it to
notice, and accounted for the metaliferous character of these veins
on the same principle as that of the Koingsberg silver veins that
iatarsect the metaliferous Fahl-bands, comparing the diorite to
the Fahl-bands, so I'ich in a number of metals, silver included.
Although it would doubtless prove of great interest to many of
our readers to give more complete extracts from the history of
early explorations on the north shore, such a course might extend
this work to a most inconvenient length ; consecjuently but a few-
touching the discovery and location of the most interesting lodes
only can be here referred to. One of the very earliest discoveries of
silver in this district was that of Spar Island and Prince's Bay,
by Colonel Prince, some 45 years ago. The vein on the island is
hirge, well defined, and composed principally of spar. It inter-
sects the above-mentioned dyke of diorite, bearing about north
and north-west, with a dip nearly vertical. One of the ribs is
charged with the sulphurite of copper, native, and sulphurite of
silver. According to Sir William Logan, this appears an interest-
ing lode from which he anticipated satisfactory results, both in silver
and copper. It was about this period, also, that the Jarvis Island
(184()) and Silver Islet were located for the Montreal Mining Co.
by Prof. Forest Shephard, who, with a large party of prospectoi's,
located in addition to the above-mentioned islands some IG blocks
of land along the coasts of Huron and Superior, each block
measuring two miles by five. This included the Bruce mines,
where their operations in the way of mining was exclusively con-
fined until about the year 18GH. During this season the company
'(after the discovery of silver in Thunder Bay) employed Mr.
Macfailane to explore and report on their lands, for which
they were rewarded by the di.scovery of two silver lodes, the
Jarvis and Siver Islet, the latter lieing the discovery of Mr.
Morgan. From this rich lode they had extracted several thousand
dollars worth of silver up to the first of Septemlier, 1870, the
day upon which the sale of their lands was effected to the
American Couipany for the sum of §25,000. Between the date

I?!J

it..'.

I"'!;

16G

of the suspension of woi'k upon the Prince's Bay and Spar Island
locations (1847) until 1863, very little appears to have transpired
that would prove of interest in this immediate vicinity until the
discovery of

THE ENTERPRISE MINE.

It was in the sununer of 1865 that Messrs. Peter and Donald
McKellar discovered, among other interesting lodes, that of the
Enterprise mine, of Black Bay. This vein is described as six feet
to eight feet wide, the gangue being (juartz and calc, and heavy
spars, with a lode of three to four feet wide of solid ore, consist-
ing of a mixture of galena and copper pyrites, with a small
(juantity of tlie gangue, of which Prof. Chapman reports as fol-
lows : Lead, 47 per cent.; copper, 8 to 11 ; and some copper ore
ribs at 21 per cent.; besides an average of the prescious metals of
about .S17.00 in gold and 84.00 of .silvei*. Two years afterwards
it appears that the Messrs. McKellars effected a sale of 400 acres in
this vein to an American company for 820,000, who afterwards
made considerable surface and other developments upon it.

THUNDER BAY SILVER MINE.

Passing over a number of discoveries more or less remote from
this point, we take the next discovery of local importance, viz.>
that of Thunder Bay, by Mr. Peter McKellar. This event
occurred on the 20th of September, 1866, at a point some two
and a-t(uarter miles north-east of the mouth of Current River,
and about five miles from Port Arthur, or " The Landing," as this^
place was then called. At the point of exposure the vein was
about 20 feet wide, of (juartz, enclosing large masses or belts of
the country rock, which were also cut by numerous stringers of
vein-stone. "It was," observes the lucky discoverer, " a wonderful
show of silver, cc isisting of native and glance, with some galena,
zinc blend, and iron pyrites." This ore occurs in bunches, 3 to
18 inches thick, by 6 to 40 feet in length, the silver being in
strings, leaves and grains, and irregularly distributed through
the vein-stone which constituted the hanofinff wall, and one in the
greater part of the bunch. At the first opening there were twO'
of the streaks, one next the north or hanging wall, and one in

167

the miiMle. It is not well defined, beinj^- chietly in ril).s, with
con.'-ideriible slate between. In the full of 18G7, Messrs. J.
MeKellar and John Mclntyre, of Fort William, brought two half
barrels of this ore to Montreal, where a company was formed
with Governor Hopkins, of the H. B. Co. as president. It was
• livided into 80,000 shares, the par value of each being !?5.00.
Twenty thousand shares were sold for working capital, 00,000
being unaccessible. A manager for the mine, Mr. Maedonal<l,
was sent for to Europe ; even the stamp and other mill machinery
was imported from Europe. The mill was erected at the mouth of
Current River on a magnificent water-power. A good waggon
road w^as cut to the mine. Docks, crib-work, and other build-
ings wore also erected near the mill, all of which have been swept
away by the fierce forest fires of 1873 and '81, when the last
trace of the once substantial mill and dwelling houses were com-
pletely blottedout. Comparatively littleactual mining expenditure
has been made upon this property. Shafts were, however, driven
by the first manager in two places to a depth of 08 feet, some
300 feet apart, in both of which they obtained silver. These two
shafts were also connected, and the surface between was also
partly stoped when the manager was dismissed. The vein froni
the surface down, for 25 to 30 feet, passes through dolmite and
chert principally, and was strong, carrying the silver. A shaft
was also driven to a depth of 25 feet between Nos. 1 and 2, while
the ground between the extreme shafts, or a distance of GOO feet,
v/as stoped, in which silver was found in bunches as already
described, and Mr. MeKellar concludes by observing that " there
seems to be no doubt that the vein, if followed down into more
solid strata, would resume its original size and character, with
every chance of being richer as it approached or entered the
Hurouian, which I believe, lie within 100 feet cf the surface."
Work was entirely suspended here during the spring or summer
of 1869. The value of the ore raised — which, according to the
report of Mr. Chas. Robb, of the geological survey, amounted to
3,294 pounds — was 82,592, or an average of §1,513 per ton.
'There is, however," continues the same authority, " no knowing
how nuieh ore had been carried away by the miners and others,
but we have sufficient reason for believing that there had been a
great deal." This property contains about 1,700 acres.

168

r I •
■<

:V'.:

THE SHUNIAH OR DUNCAN MINE.

The next important iliscovery of silver in this iunnediate
vicinity was made by Mr. George A. MeVicar, in May, 1S(17
Tliis was the well-known " Shuniah " mine, on the Current River,
some three and a-half miles from Port Arthur. This vein is 20
to 24 feet wide, running nearly east and west with an almost
vertical dip. It is composed of coarse crystaline calc-spar, with
a little quartz. There are also huge vugs found in it, in which
are developed immense crystals of dog-tooth spar. Some galena
and /ino blende, with considerable iron pyrites, are distributed
throughout the lode, the silver, both native and sulphurite, being
found usually associated with the blende. At the first opening
the silver was found in small bunches in the form of leaves and
fine strings, penetrating the ([uartz, spar, blende and galena, in a
streak of these minerals which run along within a couple of feet
of the south wall ; but in sinking the shaft it was lost about 18
feet down, and again found in the middle of the vein when cross-
cutting the lode at foot of the shaft in the 10 fathom level. Here
th(i ore was found in streaks and launches around enclosed
angular masses of black clay slates. The surface show of this
mine was small compared with that of Thunder Bay. Seveial
barrels of ore were taken out under the first attempts at develop-
ment, the average yield of which did not, it is said, exceed S200
to SHOO per ton, and 820,000 and upwards were extravagantly
expended in surface and other etjually unsatisfactory efforts,
until the company finally suspended operations for want of
capital. The history of this mine is a long one. In 1870 it was
again sold to an American company, who appear to have Ijeen
better rewarded for their outlay, and found silver in various
places in the difi'erent workings at a depth of nearly 200 feet.
"A good many thousand dollars," remarks Mr. McKellar, "had been
.spent by this company after the manner of the Thunder Bay Co.
— pi'oving and reproving the surface, instead of sinking as they
had been repeatedly advised to do." Although the average
sample of ore from this mine did not exceed 8250 or S300, it is a
matter of conunon notoriety that good samples went as high as
.!?5,000 to the ton.

ItiD

.1 AH VIS ISLAND.

In the winter of 18G7-H the Ontario Government placed an
annual tax of two cents per acre on all the patented lands on the
north shore, which resulted in mucli good.a.s parties holding large
areas of land were stimulated to explore and ascertain their real
value. In the spring of LSGS Mr. McFarlane commenced explor-
ing for hi.s company, the result being the discovery of silver on
the Jarvis Island and on the far famed Silver Islet. Jarvis Island
was the scene of his first operations. This island is about twenty
chains wide where the vein crosses, a considerable portion being
deeply covered with earth. The vein is a well defined one, eiglit
to ten feet wide, with a dip of about fifty degrees to the nortli-
east. The silver .shows in leaves generally, but is also found in
strings and small nuggets, throughout the spar, zinc-blende, and
black carbonaceous matter. Mr. Mcl^arlane sunk a shaft ht-re in
1869-70, from which fine silver ore was taken. About this date
the property passed into the hands of the Ontario Mineral Lands
Company, along with the Silver Islet and all other lands of the
Montreal Company, who, after doing some developments, sold it
to the Messrs. McEwen, of London, for the sum of $1.')0,<>00.
" The true fissure character of the lode is (pute evident from its
appearance. Again it intersects the immense diorite dyke of
Silver Islet, .so that there should be no danger of its losing its
character by sinking." This belongs to the same class of vein as
Silver Islet, which has proved to be unusually rich. Between 200
and 700 feet down, these veins bear in the same direction and
carry the same minerals and metals, and intersect the same form-
ation, with the comparison of size l)eing in favour of the former.
Again in August, 1880, work was resumed upon this property,
under the management of Mr. Arthur McEwen, ]\r.E., who, after
restoring the dilapidated ofiices ami outbuildings upon the Island,
l)esides erecting a new shaft and engine-house and assay otfices,
has commenced vigorous mining operations in the jn-incipal shafts
.so long abandoned ; and as this work goes to press some really
fine samples of black silver rewards his eftbrts : —

IMAGE EVALUATION
TEST TARGET (MT-3)

1.0

I.I

IIIM |||||M
IIIIM |||m

m mil 2.0

1.25 1.4

1.6

^ 6"

►

/}.

(f:

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e» a

///.

Photographic

Sciences
Corporation

23 WEST MAIN STREET

Wlit^TER.N.Y. 14580

{>16) 872-4503

ir^

170

it'^ '■■-

(Mining Review, 1887.)

After a long period of idleness work has been recommenced OU'
this well-known property. At a recent meeting of the company
in England a report of the condition of the mine was unanimously
adopted. It was then resolved to organize a new company and
resume operations at the mine. This property has all along had
a good name. The miners who were employed at the time of
suspending work say that the mine never looked better than
when they fired the last shots, and the reason for stopping the
work has long been a matter of surmise. However, Capt. John
Trethewey has been appointed superintendent, and is now hard
at work with a force of twenty men. Mr. Arthur McEwen repre-
sents the company here, Drifting has been pushed in the second
level to the south-east, and in the first level to the north-west.
On this location there are three shafts — one of 146 feet and two
others about 100 feet depth. From No. 1 shaft to No. 2 there are
two drifts, and in the second level the vein .shows up ten feet
wide. The course of the Jarvis Island vein is near!}'' north and
south, dippixig to the south-east. They arc now getting good
silver in sulphide mixed with fine galena and blende, and occa-
sionally native silver coated with nickel. A recent assay gave
ninety ounce to the ton. One peculiar feature of this vein is a
trace of silver in the pure baryta. This is a very rare association,
but the spar showed eighty cents to the ton.

SILVER ISLET.

: ^

About a month or so after the discovery of the Jarvis veins,,
the McFarlane party discovered the above lode ; the silver being
first observed by Mr. Morgan. The islet was then some seventy-
five feet long only, and rising from six to eight feet above the
surface of the lake, at a distance of fifty chains from the main
shore. The vein crosses the Islet in two branches about twenty
feet apart, each four to six feet wide, bearing north north-west
and south south-east with a dip nearly vertical. The vein stone
consists of calcerous or bitter spar, of a reddish white color, with
some quartz, etc. The rich streak of ore consists of spar, fine

171

grain galena, and occasionally zinc blende. Through the whole,
especially the galena, the native silver is more or less thickly
disseminated in fine strings — the sulphurets of silver being occa-
sionally present, also small quantities of nickel and cobalt. This
is two or three inches wide generally, but in places it spreads out
to a foot or more. It becomes poor and disappears in places, and
again comes in ; and in sinking, in some of the layers between
two floors, it is found to be rich and in others poor. These
"floors" dip at a low angle to the north, and are generally two or
three feet apart.

In the spring of 1869, Mr. McFarlane resumed his exploratory
work, and did some mining upon Jarvis Island, as above mentioned,
and some on Silver Islet. From the latter lode he succeeded in taking
out several tons, although the work had to be carried on in from
one to uhree feet of water. Mr. Robb, of the Geological Survey,
gives the amount of ore, in his report of 1869, at 10,791 lbs., or
over 5 1 tons, valued at S6,976, giving an average of $1,292 per
ton. They built a house or two on the mainland and one on the
Islet, and left a party of seven or eight men to mine and prepare
timber for crib-work during the winter. This partj commenced to
sink a shaft on the dry portion of the Islet, in the country rock,
with the intention of intersecting the lode at a depth of thirty
feet, where the water would not trouble them ; but by the time
they had got d^vvn eighteen feet, a heavy storm came and filled
it up, piling the ice high above it, and demolishing the boarding-
house, left the miners in great danger. This caused delay, and
early in March, when the shallow water had frozen solid to the
rock, the hardy pioneers cut through it, and succeeded in taking
out according to a fair estimate, about $25,000 worth of ore in a
week, when another violent storm arrested this progress again.
Mr. McFarlane was in Monti'eal during the winter, and nuiking
an estimate of the amount necessary to place the mine on a safe-
footing for carrying on the works, asked the company for an
appropriation of $40,000, which they refused, notwithstanding
the strong evidence of the richness of the lode.

Towards the spring of 1870 this property was placed upon the
market, and, according to the testimony of Mr. McKellar, the race
between English and American capitalists was a keen one. The

-fi—

172

Americans, however, with their characteristic enterprise, were the
hrst to come to time, paying .$50,000 in gold on the 1st of
September, 1<S70, and the balance in three instalments, making
•in all $125,000, the amount of the purchase. Immediately after
this transaction Mr. Sibley, acting for the American company,
telegraphed from Montreal to Houghton, Michigan, for Benjamin
Frue, a mining captain of tried experience, who soon after arrived
with a strong force of men, and the necessary supplies for the
construction of a breakwater to the Islet. Once more their works
were interrupted by stormS; and early in November their new
<;offer-dam was partially carried away. But after this and other
serious difficulties had been surmounted, the party had turned
their attention to mining exclusively, and had shipped ore yield-
ing i?108,00() before the close of navigation of their first season.
This company owned and employed three powerful tugs in the
construction of this work, and for carrying the men backwards
and forwards from the shore to their work, towing rafts of timber
across Lake Superior, and cribs and rock from the shore. This
mine had to be worked entirely from one surface opening or
shaft, which was a great disadvantage, as but few miners could
be employed for a long time. The shaft was built of timber, and
made water-tight to the height of twenty feet above the lake, so
that the water should not get into the mine, even if it should get
over the crib-work. From this opening the mine was continually
-enlarged by sinking and driving, eacli way on the lode, taking
•care to leave a strong backing to prevent the lake from breaking
in. By the time they had got down some 80 or 100 feet, they
had gained distance enough, on each side, to sink winds, which
would be connected at certain distances, or at each level, by gal-
leries on the main shaft, which was then closed all the way up.
This would purify the air, and allow them to employ more
miners. On this principle the works had been expanding length-
ways on the lode, and in depth.

In Mr. McKellar's interesting paper are also shown very
elaborate diagrams of the above

mine, illustrating in

section

what has been actually done up to date, together with still more
elaborate extracts from the balance sheets and public accounts
of this Mining Company, in proof of the satisfactory state of

173

their affairs up to date (1874) : — " I have been more particular,"
concludes the writei', " in showing what the mine really has done,
as I meet so many who think it of little importance after all, and
that it returns but a small interest to the investors. The stock
is put down at 36,000,000, and any person buying at that rate
would only receive three per cent, per annum up to the present.
But such >vould be the result were the mine ten times richer
than it is, providing that the value of the stock was increased
propoi'tionally. It is the original investors who make this money
out of it, as they only paid 81 for what a person would pay SSO
now were he buying at par. Had this mine been on the main
land and worked under ordinary circumstances, what a wonder-
fully I'ich mine it would have been ! Even where it is, with all
its disadvantages, it has produced largely and has been a very
profitable affair for the stockholders, and no doubt further
developments will show many equally rich mines in this exten-
sive metalliferous section."

SILVER HAlJBOll AND BECK MINE.

Next in order of discovery of silver was the above mine in
the summer of 1870, by Mr. Ambrose Cyrette, of Fort William.
It is situated on the coast of Thunder Bay, about 14 miles north-
east of Port Arthur. This vein at surface measures eight feet
wide, enclosing a considerable amount of coimtry rock. It bears
about east north-east and west south-west, dipping at a high
angle to the north-west, or nearly vertical. The gangue consists
principally of quartz, holding a good deal of iron pyrites, zinc-
blende and galena, and in places a quantity of silver, some of
which occurs native, but chiefly sulphuret. Some fine specimens
of glance were also taken out, and altogether the prospect of
getting more appears good — if they would only follow it up.
Thi« property was last worked by Capt, Beck, who arrived here
in 1872, when several tons of ore were selected and sent east.
At the close of Beck's operations, in a shaft some 40 feet deep,
they took out some very fine silver ore, specimens of which are
scattered far and wide. This vein showed a considerable quantity
of silver in the upper siliceous and dolomitic bed, but toward the
bottom of the shaft in the argillaceous beds, it was irregular and

174

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1^'

poor. So the shaft working was discontinued, and their atten-
tion turned towards working the surface beds — the same course
that the Thunder Bay Company, and I may add the Shuniah
Company, followed. In the fall of 1872 work was suspended
here, but they will be resumed again beyond a doubt. I do not
think that they would require to sink deep in this lode to reach
the Huronian rock, as the junction of both formations lay but
40 chains to the eastward of the vein.

" 3A " SILVER MINE.

This interesting discovery of silver was made in the fall of
1870 by two miners from Silver Harbor mine. The " 3A "
adjoins the latter mentioned mine on the north. This lode is
from eighteen inches to two and a half feet thick, consisting of
quartz and spar, through which are irregularly distributed the
ores of copper, iron, lead, nickel and silver, with some cobalt and
gold, as shown by assays. The silver is found native, and com-
bined with sulphur and nickel, thickly penetrating the vein-
stone in small and large patches, in some of which it is quite
heavy, and quite as rich as Silver Islet ore. A mass of this ore
18 inches thick was for a long time to be seen on exhibition in
the window of Messrs. Hime & Baines, Toronto. The vein strikes
nearly east and west, and nearly parallel with and about a mile
to the north of Silver Harbor. It occurs in the Huronian series,
which in the vicinity consists of thick beds of diorite and fine
grain greenish grey slates, some of which are chloritic, talcose,
<;alcerous and ferruginous, with some serpentine alongside and in
the vein. This formation, with which the vein appears to con-
form, dips here at an angle approaching the perpendicular. It is
much more ancient than that in which the other mines above
described occur. The discovery of the precious ore in these
older rocks, which are known to underlie unconformably the
horizontal silver-bearing slates of Thunder Bay, should be suffi-
cient evidence to show that the silver does carry down, and is
not confined to the surface bed. During the winter of 1871-2,
two minei's worked on this lode, carrying the ore taken out in the
day to their boarding house at Silver Harbor every night. They
sunk a pit some 18 feet deep from which they had taken 22

175

Jmrrels of ore, which was, according to the testimony of Mr.
McKellar, (then on the spot) as rich as the Silver Islet ore. This
•ore was bought by Mr. J, S. Lyon, of Buffalo, where he had it
reduced by Kayser, James & Co. A few of the bars of silver
were for a time left on exhibition and then sent to the United
States assay office in New York, where, according to the official
report of the chief clerk, Mr. J. M. Floyd, yielded $17.80 of gold
to $301.45 of silver ; the amount of silver or nickel either to the
ton or to the whole bulk was not given. Soon after this evt;nt
Captain Slawson took over the management of " SA." He com-
menced to sink three shafts on the load 310 feet apart, and by
the opening of navigation No. 1 shaft was down 77 feet and No. 2
shaft to a depth of 99 feet, when both workings were discon-
tinued for the want of pumps to keep the water out. A box of
the ore taken from these shafts looked very fine, and the super-
intendent, Mr. Courtis, and the assayer, Mr. J. B. Cleveland
■certify that the assays show a yield of 2,465 7-lOth ounces fine
silver to the ton of 2,000 lbs., the coin value of which is $3,205.41.
The assays also showed 1.4-lOOths per cent, of cobalt and 25 per
cent, of nickel, a valuable metal.

And, assuming the " 3A '' to be a good paying mine when
thoroughly opened out, it could not be expected to pay dividends,
if systematically worked, until two or three shafts were down to
300 feet, with the connecting galleries driven at each level of (JO
feet. Then a large force could be employed in stoping out the
bunches of ore, which appear to be numerous, also large, judging
by the quantity taken out of the first, while the barren ground
would be left standing. Again, the same amount of vein can be
removed by stoping for about one-quarter of the money it would
take to do it by sinking. The stockholders and the public at
large appear to have been much disappointed at the result of this
winter's operations, as they were expecting a large shipment in
the spring, by reason of its being too highly represented in the
first place — their calculations having been based, no doubt, on the
lode being equally as rich throughout its length and depth as it
was in the first pit or bunch. * * * In closing this brief
sketch, the writer expresses the greatest confidence in the lode,
and after giving the total value of product from 100 fathoms of

176

mining as about S9, 500.00, concludes by asserting that owing to
its peculiar formation that the chances of its becoming a good
paying mine, when further worked, appears tolerably certain.

Passing over the records of a number of other discoveries of
silver, copper, and argentiferous galena in this district, including
"Thompsons" and MacKellar's Islands, the Silver Lake, and
Cornish mines, and the well-known galena veins of Black Bay,
all of which have been only partially tested, I will briefly refer
to the subject of

GOLD MINING ON LAKE SUPERIOR.

Previous to the summer of 1871, free gold was not known to
exist on the north shore in Canadian territory ; yet the pyrites
of copper and iron were shewn to be auriferous in several places,,
as in the Prince's Bay locations. Black Bay (Enterprise) mine,
" 3A," and a few other places.

The general characteristics of the Huronian States of Lake
Superior resemble those of the most gold-bearing formations of
the world, but it was not until the summer of the above date
that a careful search for the precious metal was rewarded with
success.

JACK FISH LAKE — GOLD MINES.

The excitement caused by the silver mines of Thunder Bay
spread everywhere amongst the Indians, who also began to hunt
for metalliferous veins, by bringing specimens in from every
white rock they met with. Two of these, Jean Baptiste and
Michel Pouchette, who were in the employ of Mr, Neil Whyte, of
the Hudson Bay Company's post at Beau-Blanc, found this vein
on a return trip from Fort William, in the winter of 1870-71.
Mr. Whyte forwarded specimens from this vein to Mr. P. McKellar.
These specimens, it appears, consisted of pieces of talcose slate,
and although not showing free gold or other mineral visible to
the eye, Mr. McKellar felt confident that the vein did carry gold.
" We started for the examinati jn of this property," writes Mr.
McKellar, " in July, 1872, following the Dawson route, a distance
of 45 miles to Shebandawan Lake, where we procured a canoe
and provisions for the rest of the journey, which was 30 miles by

177

water, to bring v to the west end of the lake ; thence, according
to the Indian's estimate, it was 25 miles to the vein by portages,
small lakes, and streams ; which subsequently proved — upon a
road l)eing cut out — to be only 12 i miles by actual measurement.
On reaching the place I commenced my examination, and was
soon rewarded by finding the free gold in the form of thin leaves,
coating the bitter spar. At the i)oint of exposure the lode is
running along in the face of a steep hill, and large blocks of the
vein rock had fallen down, making it appear to the Indians to be
running at right angles to its true course ; therefore, they were
unable to trace it further, or Hnd its outcrop in any other
place. * * * Before leaving for Thunder Bay I had traced
the vein by its outcrops for about GO chains, finding it of similar
character throughout,"

The result of the above examination was the final location of
the lands now comprised in the Township of Moss, better known as
the " Huronian Gold Region." This survey was made by Thomas
Wallis Herrick, P.L. Surveyor, who, with Messrs. Whyte, McKellar
and Mclntyre, became interested in this property. The surround-
ing country is covered with the usual timber found on the high
lands, including spruce, tamarac, small pine, poplar and birch,
which in general are small, though occasional patches of large
timber is met with. The flat mossy tamarac swamps that prevail
in this section, are surrounded by low rocky and sandy ridges,
which seldom rise above an elevation of 200 feet. The rock
formation consists of the usually fine textured greenish slates of
the Huronian series, — such as dioritic, chlorotic, talcose, silicious,
and fine grain micaceous slates, interstratified with beds of massive
diorite, and an occasional bed of ferruginous (juartz and magnetic
iron ore. These nifognetic beds are from 20 to 150 feet in width,
and show a ribbon-like structure, being interlaminated with layers
of quartz, and can be traced for miles along their strike.

The rock, on either side of the lode for some distance, is com-
posed of the greenish slates ; while, resting on these to the north-
west of the lode, about a mile, is a great thickness of the above
mentioned micaceous slates, which are dark in color, and in places
pass into clay slate, shewing a transverse cleavage. These are
cut in every direction by masses or irregular veins of quartz^

180

5-1. ■ ■ 'v
.1'' • ■

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l':<-f-

1'.* i^

crops for a mile along its strike without any apparent diminution
of size, until it disappeared in a lake at one end, and in lowland
near the other. The vein proved to be a large one, averaging from
6 to 14 feet, composed of vitreous (juartz, with an occasional thin
parting of soft talcose slate. The quartz is partly stained red by
the oxide of iron, and blue and green by the carbonate of copper,
and appears to be sprinkled all through with copper, iron pyrites
and small particles of gold, the latter being so evenly distributed
through the veinstone that little room is left for choice in select-
ing samples. Fragments from two places on this vein, weighing
some 80 to 90 pounds each, and from places widely apart (three-
(juarters of a mile), were sent to Montreal, and the assays by Dr.
Griswold, of that city, yielded from i?27 to 830 per ton. The
gold, writes Mr. Peter McKellar, is very easily extracted, as it is
free through the (juartz. " I have tried many samples of the rock
where the gold could not be ^,3en by the eye, by simply crushing
in a mortar, roasting over a fire, and washing, and it never failed
to yield a consideral)le (juantity of gold dust. The fact of the
gold being so evenly distributed through the quartz, and the quartz
being in such large (juantities, are, I believe, sufficient evidence,
although only some 827 to 830 per ton, to show that this is a
valuable mine." The above description of the lode, etc, a^e given
as received from the discoverer of the gold, who had taken speci-
mens and geological notes upon the ground, ana can be depended
upon. I may state that this vein is distinctly different in char-
acter from the Jack Fish Lake gold lode. Being on Indian terri-
tory, however, no work has been done upon it since.

Since the discovery of gold at Jack Fish Lake many other
important discoveries have been made in that section, including
the Kashabowie and the Shebandowan Lake lodes, which are said
to yield from a few dollars up to 8100 per ton. Also the " Loch
Erne lodes," (McLachlins,) the latter looking very fine. These
discoveries were made chiefly between the years 1872 and 1875,
or before the construction of the Canadian Pacific Railw^ay, and
the extinguishment of the Indian's title to the surrounding
country.

THE HERON BAY GOLD AND SILVER MINE.

The year 1872 appears to have been an eventful one in the

history of mineral discoveries on the North Shore.

During the

181

aumtner of this year the well-known explorer, Ambrose Cyrette,
and W. Pritchard, while prospecting near the Pie River, which
lies some ISO miles along the coast eastward from Port Arthur,
were shewn two veins l)y an Indian named Moses Pe-kong-gay.
The exact location of these veins appears to be within about
one and a-half miles from Heron Bay Landing, and within about
100 feet south from the present station of that name on the line
of the Canadian Pacific Railway. These proved to be (juartz
veins carrying considerable galena, zinc blende, iron and copper
pyrites, also gold and silver, as proven by reliable assays made at
Silver Islet and elsewhere. The width of the veins vary at sur-
face from four to eight feet, composed of vitreous quart/, with
some bitter spar. One of these veins seem to conform in dip and
strike with the chloritic slates of the Huronian series in which it
is found, which strike about east and north-east, with a dip
nearly vertical. The other bears nearly north and south, inter-
secting the slates. Upon this vein a shaft was sunk in the follow-
ing year, to a depth of 40 feet, when the vein was proved to
widen considerably, and the quality of the ore was richer. Assays
of this ore at this date averaged about S70 in gold, and the same
in silver. The general characteristics of these two veins, with
regard to the veinstone and its ore and also of its enclosing for-
mation, are precisely the same as those of Jack Fish Lake gold
lode and formation.

THE WALBRIDGE MINE.

The above was one of the very earliest locations made in this
immediate vicinity, and according to the authority of Mr. Duncan
McEachern, was the very first mining property sold in Thunder
Bay.

After the suspension of mining operations in Prince's Bay in
1847 the upper part of the lake was almost entirely neglected
until 1863, when Walbridge & Co., of Detroit, bought this lode,
which is located some seven miles from Fort William in what is
now the Township of Paipoonge, for Sl,400, from Mr. John Mc-
Intyre, of Fort William East, and D. McEachern, and J. R. Mc-
Vicar. Very little work appears to have been done upon this
.property. The vein is a strong one, 24 feet wide, composed princi-

182

pally of calc-spar and ((uartz, which hold galena, zinc-blende,
copper and iron pyrites, in bunches, stringers, and disseminated
in grains. It dips at a high angle to the south, bearing nearly
east and west, and can be traced for a mile or two along its strike.
It intersects the silicious and argilacious beds of the lower beds
of the copper-bearing rocks. A little development was done with
a view to sell the mine. The vein carries galena principally.

V' ■

ACTIVE OPERATIONS RESUMED AT THE HURONIAX MINE.

Arrangements are now progressing to resume vigorous mining
work on this property. A grant of S8,0()0 has been obtained
through Mr. Conmee, M.P.P., from the Local Government for the
construction of a new and more direct road to this property, and
already Mr. M. Dwyer, road commissioner, has a strong force of
men and teams engaged in grading and bridging.

The new route to the Huronian mine is via the Canadian
Pacific Railway to Savanne, a station seventy-five miles west of
Port Arthur, where connection is made with the mining com-
pany's steamer plying between the Savanne River and Baril
Portage at the head of navigation on Lac des Mille Lac — thirty-
six miles south-westward. From this point the road is being-
constructed nearly south to the mine, a distance of nearly twenty
miles. The Mining Company also contribute liberally towards
building this road.

OUR ABANDONED MINES.

In dealing with this subject the Chicago Mining Revieiv
writes as follows : — " Instead of proving the uncertainty of
mining operations such instances are strong evidence to prove
inexperience and lack of practical knowledge concerning mineral
formations. These cases also show in the strongest light the
absurdity of judging the value and security of the mining
industry by the success or failure of different operations. Many
abandoned mines Lave been proven most valuable upon further
prosecution of well directed work.

" In various parts of the mining country there are great enter-
prises which started up with considerable show of activity and

183

stir of excitement that are now apparently deserted and aban-
doned, and all the extensive workingH, expensive machinery and
great investment of capital are lost and wasted — another example
of the uncertainty of mining ; but a little understanding of the
case often reveals the fact that there is a well laid plan in this
apparent death and desolation, and it forms no criterion of the
real value of the mines or the future of proper development.

" Enough is shown to prove that these ' surface indications '
attbrd no standard by which to estimate the character of mining
as a business."

MIXING — PAST AND TRESENT.

There is scarcely a field of thought or speculation at the pre-
sent time that has not been completely rcvoluoi^utlzed, during the
last few yeai's, by the advanced teachings of scieuce; morals and
politics, trade and commerce, and every productive industiy
have, to a greater or less extent, felt the .nflaence -^t this all
powerful . gent. And when we compare the hi.story of the mining
industry of the past with that of the present, we arc bi'ought
i.A,ce to face with the facts that forcibly demonstrate the essenti-
ally practical character of the present ag':». A few years ago
mining was conducted on an entirely diiterent principle from
what it is at the present time. Then, the wildest and most
reckless speculations characterized all mining operations ; now
mining is conducted upon the most cautious and most .-cientific
methods of development. The past, in a great many instances,
was one complete system of robbery and deception ; the present
is an honest expenditure of labor and capital, as in every other
productive industry. In the past, physical energy and capital
were mis-applied and mis-directed ; in the present these are most
carefully and most cautiously directed by the skilful hand of
science.

Such, we find, in examining and comparing the past with the
present is a fair illustration of the character of the raining opera-
tions in Thunder Bay district. Men in the past became crazed
by mirage of approaching riches and rushed into the most unwar-
rantable speculations, deaf to the voice of reason and heedless of
the warnings of experience. They were tempted further and

If*;- ■' ■

182

pally of calc-spar and quartz, which hold galena, zinc-blende^
copper and iron pyrites, in bunches, stringers, and dis seminated
in grains. It dips at a high angle to the south, bearing nearly-
east and west, and can be traced for a mile or two along its strike.
It intersects the silicious and argilacious beds of the lower beds
of the copper-bearing rocks. A little development was done with
a view to sell the mine. The vein carries galena principally.

ACTIVE OPERATIONS RESUMED AT THE HURONIAN MINE.

Arrangements are now progressing to resume vigorous mining
work on this property. A grant of $8,000 has been obtained
through Mr. Conmee, M.P.P., from the Local Government for the
construction of a new and more direct road to this property, and
ah'eady Mr. M. Dwyer, road commissioner, has a strong force of
men and teams engaged in grading and bridging.

OUR ABANDONED MINES.

In dealing with this subject the Chicago Mining Revictv
writes as follows : — " Instead of proving the uncertainty of
mining operations such instances are strong evidence to prove
inexperience and lack of practical knowledge concerning mineral
formations. These cases also show in the strongest light the
absurdity of judging the value and security of the mining
industry by the success or failure of different operations. Many
abandoned mines Lave been proven most valuable upon further
prosecution of well directed work.

" In various parts of the mining country there are great enter-
prises which started up with considerable show of activity and

183

stir of excitement that are now apparently deserted and aban-
doned, and all the extensive workings, expensive machinery and
great investment of capital are lost and wasted — another example
of the uncertainty of mining ; but a little understanding of the
case often reveals the fact that there is a well laid plan in this
apparent death and desolation, and it forms no criterion of the
real value of the mines or the future of proper development.

" Enough is shown to prove that these ' surface indications '
attbrd no standard by which to estimate the character of mining
as a business."

inter-
and

MIXING — PAST AND PRESENT.

There is scarcely a field of thought or speculation at the pre-
sent time that has not been completely revolutionized, during the
last few years, by the advanced teachings of science ; morals and
politics, trade and commerce, and every productive industry
have, to a greater or less entent, felt the influence of this all
powerful agent. And when we compare the history of the mining
industry of the past with that of the present, we are brought
face to face with the facts that forcibly demonstrate the essenti-
ally practical character of the present age. A few years ago
mining was conducted on an entirely different principle from
what it is at the present time. Then, the wildest and most
reckless speculations characterized all mining operations ; now
mining is conducted upon the most cautious and most scientific
methods of development. The past, in a great many instances,
was one complete system of robbery and deception ; the present
is an honest expenditure of labor and capital, as in every other
productive industry. In the past, physical em^rgy and capital
were mis-applied and mis-directed ; in the present these are most
carefully and most cautiously directed by the skilful hand of
science.

Siich, we find, in examining and comparing the past with the
present is a fair illustration of the character of the mining opera-
tions in Thunder Bay district. Men in the past became crazed
by mirage of approaching riches and rushed into the most unwar-
rantable speculations, deaf to the voice of reason and heedless of
the warnings of experience. They were tempted further and

■:M

¥■

184

further by their own intemperate desires ; regardless of consci-
ence or honor they converted all their operations into a complete
system of gambling, and only did they recover their judgment
after finding themselves hopeless wrecks on the ver}^ brink of
bankruptcy. There was scarcely a merchant in Port Arthur, or
in any other part of this district, who did not suffer from the
illegitimate speculation that was carried on at that time. Capital
was driven from the country, and legitimate mining speculators
abandoned it in disgust ; and one of the consequences that fol-
lowed — an inevitable consequence that follows every illigitimate
mining speculation — was the ruin and condemnation of the
country. We are now, however, recovering our reputation in the
mining world ; and it is doubtful, whether any other field in
America is attracting more attention at the present time than
this district. The character of the mining operations is of such
a nature as would force the most hypercritical in coming to the
conclusion that the mining industry in this place is conducted
upon the strictest principles of business integrity. The steady'
and systematic development that has been going on here during
the last three years ; the success that has attended every succes-
sive step in that work of development ; thorough and satisfactory
tests that have been made, have redeemed the mineral reputation
that this country possessed a few years ago ; and we sincerely
hope that in the future every attempt to practice the fraud and
deception that characterized the operations of the past may be
discountenanced and condemned in the most emphatic manner
by every citizen who has the welfare of the district at heart and
who is desirous of preserving the high character that we have
lately gained.

185

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186

THE BEAVER MINE,

At present the richest jvntl most promising mine in Canadii, is located in the
Township of O'Connor, about 25 miles south-west of Port Arthur and 11
miles from Murillo, the nearest station cm the line of Canadian Pacific Rail-
way, and is easily accessible by a good wagon road from Murillo, from whence
a regular stage line connects with the mines adjacent, via the Beaver and
Silver Mountain roads. The location comprises about 1,100 acres of mineral
and timbered land, with a splendid supply of water. The geological forma-
tion consists of Camlirian shales rapped by trap. The general strike of the
Heaver vein is south 30° east, with a slight dip to west. Its average width
is about 4 feet 4 inches. The vein matter consists of calcspar, fluorspar,
quartz and syenite, with silver-glance, brittle silver, native silver, argentite,
galena, zinc blende and pyrites. The vein is of a strong and kindly character
with well defined walls.

The workings up to date amount to 2,800 feet, and there has been exposed
a body of very rich ore about 150 feet south of shaft No 1, in levels Nos. 1
. and 2. The overshoot has an average width of 3 feet, and the present
developments show it to extend over 50 feet in depth and 250 feet in length.
Sam[)les averaged on three to five feet of vein showed $800 to 81,800 to the
ton of 2,000 lbs., and the average value of the ore is not less than §1,000 to
the ton. The lowest estimates show about $2,500,000 worth of ore in sight.
There is besides a large quantity of lower grade ore all along the No. 1 level
that averages about $50 per t(_)n.

The ore is at jiresent treated in a ten stamp-mill, but its capacity has been
found to be entirely insufficient to dispose of the large quantity of high grade
ore. It has, therefore, been decided to double the capacity of the mill.

The mill at present (24th May, 1887) is giving great satisfaction and the
ore concentrates are running 4,000 to 5,000 ounces to the ton, and turning
out upwards of a ton of them per day.

187

vol

THE SLEEPING GIANT ON THUNDER CAPE.

A Sketch from Port Arthur, Distant 18 miles.

W. R., Ist June, '87.

nnti

THE LE(iE>I) OF THUNDER — HOW THUNDER BAY OBTAINED ITS NAME.

Note. — Among the most popular traditions touching the origin of this
suggestive title is the following, tas related in the Otchipway by " Weisaw,"
and very freely translated by a friend of the writer's: — "Long years ago,
while my great-great-grandfather, then a young brave, was returning with a
war party from a bloody encounter with our foes (the Sioux) near Dog Moun-
tain, a place twenty-five miles north-west of the Kaministiciuia River, their
attention was suddenly arrested by loud and prolonged reverberations, accom-
panied by vivid fljishes of lightning. Ascending the heights overlooking the
Kitchie Gamee, an appalling sight met their gaze — far out in the bay towards
the east, where the 'Sleeping Giant' Nanibijou usually reclined on his fleecy
couch, all appeared in flames, while at intervals great pinnacles or shafts of
flame and black clouds were driven upwards with terrible fury. * * * ■'■■
Arriving at the mouth of the Kaministiquia River they were told of the fate
of two hunters from a distant tribe, who, regardless of repeated warnings,
provoked the fiery spirit of the great 'Thunder Eagle' by assailing its home
in the cloud-capped cliff, and perished in the vain attempt to bring down a
great medicine. Previous to the advent of the white num our storms were
grander and more frequent, and only upon rare occasions indeed, could a
view from a distance be obtained of the Cape or Nanibijou."

1S8

s'l

Who hath seen the gentle water, breathe round the sluniberina; form,

And soft caressing kiss the robes of yon dread G(xl of Storm?

In this dark land of the Otchipways, he guards the Western Gate

Towards the far lone golden plains, where parted spirits wait :

To that far land of spirits where the glorious sun burns low,

And rose and gold and amethyst about the Siui God glow I

We fathers, and oui fathers saw, before the white man came,

Yon mighty giant heave in sleep and breathe the sulphurous Hame ;

Have seen him roused in anger lash these seas in furious wrath,

And all the torrents of his ire in lightning pouring forth ;

Have seen him ever robed in clouds, and his extended form.

Forever clouded in his robes, his right robes of the storm ;

But never saw through lifted clouds his rugged sides before

The white man came to drive away those lurid clouds of yore.

E'en now sometimes the clouds sweep down to pay their ancient court,

And froin the distant spirit plains their pageantries are brought

To robe the giant as of old and rouse him from his sleep

Where he lies dreaming of tlie past and slumb'ring on the deep ;

But his mighty Thunder Eagle has tied beycmd the plains,

And little of his ancient state in these last days remain.

Once from the nations of the east, two wandering hunters strayed,

Their birch canoe, all patched and old, their dress of deerskin made ;

I saw them in our chieftain's Indge, l)eside the stormy bay,

Ere they towards the setting sun should still pursue their way.

They came towards the setting sun to seek his resting place,

Where all the spirits of our dead, and all the human race,

Dwell where the sky is ever bathed in floods of sunset light,

The everlasting eventide that knows not death or night,

Or tiro, or flood, or drought, or war, where winter never reigns.

To the far happy hunting grounds up(m the golden plains,

And when we told them of tlie God, and his dread shroud of gloom,

And when they saw across the bay tlie clouded mountain hjom.

And heard of the dread Thunder Bird whose nei^t was in the height,

To guard the unassailed cliffs all hid in endless night ;

And heard their fate who dared to seek the nest and bring us down

The wond'rous medicine secrets hid there on the mountain crown :

They laughed our fears to scorn and said : " Should brave men danger fear.'

*' And what is danger if it bring the life hereafter near I

" Now will we learn the secrets hid in Thunder's eyrie nest,

"To bless the race we leave before we pass into the west.

"We pass through sleep to Life, where throned among the hills this sun

"Sinks wearily into his rest — his great day journey done."

Nor warning nor entreaty stayed their swift impetuous feet,
And soon they rode upon the bay with all our dainty fleet,

189

f oar I

And journey'd on the darkened sea with measured movement slow

A solemn cortege, as the sun's last lurid glare burned low.

We journey'd on the glassy bay, the shadowed., slumbering deej),

We journey'd with them towiirds the brink of their luat earthly sleep.

So when the east was cold with dawn, and the ioweri.ig clouds were grey.

The sh.idow of the mountain loomed against the wakening day.

In earnest cimclave then we prayed that Manitou should save

The chiefs who sought among the clouda for wisdom or a grave.

The agates rattled as their boat touched light the sombre main,

The solenui thunders echoing warned, but warned tlie l)raves in vain.

With red plumes waving as they strode, they passed along tlie sliore

To where a clouded canyon loomed through broken rocks and hoar.

And vertical the cliffs soared upon every side around.

And at the base their fragments lay, and brushwood strewed tlie ground ;

They clambering o'er the boulders, leapt from rock to rock and climbed

Right up amid the canyon's gloom, 'til troubled sight a)id mind

Had lost the tiny spots that moved along the shadows vast,

And every vestige of their forms passed into gloom at last.

Then morning instant sank to gloom, and gloom was steeped in night.

The Avaters all so late at rest had crests of foaming white.

While mountain waves assailed the heaven and cyclones round us blew,

Great ^lanitou stooped clown to guide and save each frail caiu)e.

The hurricanes swei)t by — a lull, a blast, a loud wild cry

From the rent altitudes, thetcnvurs and battlements on high,

With ancient crags crashed down the heights, and lo, each breaking wave

Screamed in his triumj)!! round a crag and bounded o'er its grave I

The giant shook with wrath — the trees uprooted, hurled in space.

Like hails of monster spears were shot adown the mountain's face —

Against the precipice on high the wildest breakers hurl'd,

And round the whirlpool's circling deeps the broken waters swirl'd ;

An! who can tell the lightning's glare, recount the tlunider's roar,

Or the wild shrieks that through the gloom the vengful cylcoues bore;'

How long the tempests swept the bay, how long we fought for life.

How long among the lodges mourn'd the aged, child, and wife.

How long before we saw the smoke of camp tires far away.

Just where the Kaministicjuia is emptied in the bay,

How long we slept and wearied lay, restored to home at last,

We could not tell ; but heard the S(|uaw8 relate four days were past

Since they had seen the tempests rage about the giants bed,

And seen the seas contend with heaven and mourned their braves f(jr dead.

Full many suns were set between the darksome western height.
And still the thunder roared by day and lightning glared by niglit,
And still the dark cliffs towering round re-echoed loud the roar
That shook the region of the cloud, and weighed our hearts with awe.

■•11.

■'4'

190

We prayed that Manitou should aid the venturous braves' escape :

'Twas then we named this "Thunder Bay;" the mountain. "Thunder Cape."

At last when evening shadows came across the mighty lake

Fast spreading up the channel with the night time in their wake,

The night wind swept across the bay a shadowy lone canoe

That drifted slowly into sight, the wind was all her crew

And his chill breaths dying shook the tents and all the clust'ring reeds

And left the little skiff to rest among the drifted weeds,

The chieftain sent two braves to take the stranger in their care,

And when they reached the frail canoe they found a warrior there,

A warrior resting from the storms and wounded sore and cold.

With whitened hair all scathed with fire, and naked, starved and old,

They laid him down beside the tents, and death shades like the night

Upon liis face were chased away by the red sunset light.

His dim eyes opened as he spoke, but in the voice was told.

The fever spirit dwelt within ; in each proud feature's mould

We saw that youth had changed to age since on the mountain side,

He dared the Thunder with his friend iind every death defied.

" I see the clouds are low'ring down — I see the gathering gloom.

These are the agonies of death — This mountain is our tomb —

The rocks are shaken — and the walls of this impending chasm

Are closing cm us ! — Haste — Advance — Fly from this mountain's spasm I

This is the plateau — to the trees, as hail are hurled in space —

Behold *ho huge rorks glow with fire along the mountain's face I

The mountain is in flames 1 The smoke in densest volume soars

And round the crests a rain of fire from all red cloudland pours !

Lo, in this storm unaided man a thousand deaths had died —

Break Giant all the world in rvin — Are)t,ge — Tfuni art tiejied!

— He comes ! Dark Thunder though thy nest were thrice inviolate

Thou and all thine shall perish — Haste dread vulture to thy fate !

— He strikes ! — and Death is near — is come — Erect thy pride my friend.

Lay down the life but not the man, for death is not the end !

— He dies ! — and I die not — I go — to tell to all mankind

That man may live a thousand deaths — and deathless reigns the Mind !

By fire, by fever, or in fight, by lightning, ice, or wave.

There never sank a braver man than to this hero's grave I" /

A mightier hero still then he who on the mountain died
Lay by the Kaministiijuia !

Now broadly flushed and wide
The mighty gates of evening, as the golden sun was gone.
And gorgeous across the heavens the arch of glory shone
So all the air was filled with light, and all the earth with rest,
As the brave si)irit took the trail that leads towards the west.

^ape."

sm !

md,

RusTness Directory

-OF-

I^ORT Arthur.

•*/i-

*4*l!»-

» - ■■-■'S,s3

V.AV"

• •••«•••••••(

'» .i

1 ■ ■■ t 1

195

ESTABLISHED. 1857.

Thomas Marks & Co.,

|5bXci'duuits, -:- l^otwuAn^

-A.asrxD

VESSEL OWNERS,

Port Arthur,

Ontario.

N.B.-Tourists, Sportsmen, Miners, Lumbermen and Railway
Contractors' Supplies a Specialty.
13

196

THE * NEW * COMMERCm

Cumberland Street, Port Arthur.

KHONT ELEVATION.

HIS is one of the best finished unci appointed houses of the West, is
situated ut the heail of Lake Superinr, overlooking tlie Bay, and com-
manding ta splendid view of Thunder Cape, " the Pie," Mount Mackay," and
valley of the " Kam " and other attractive scenes peculiar to this charming
suniiuer resort. Its dimensions are 50 feet by 85 feet ; is three stories
high, containng TjO bedrooms, all of which are lofty and well ventilated. The
Commercial dining, reading, sitting-rooms and parlours are after the best
models, spacious and well lighted. Contains also Family llooms, Baths, etc.,
and a balcony. Stnicture, solid brick and stone ; heated by steam and
suj)plied by latest innovations in the way of Fire-escapes. Designed })y
Ellis. . -

197

ANGUS SINCLAIR

PRACTICAL BUILDER Al COmAM.

Estimates, Plans and Specifications furnished.

SAILS, TENTS AND FLAGS

Hade and Repaired m sbort ootice,

-BY—

The Pioneer Navigator of Lake Superior,

PORT ARTHUR.

T/ie Fort IVilliam Jotiimal

-AND-

THUNDER BAY MINING NEWS,

Published every Thursday, at the Office,

a:n'me street, fort willmm west,

AT THE LOW PRICE OF

^2.00 pe:r annum.

H. D. LEE,

Editor and Proprietor.

198

. S. DOWNING'S ,

lilDB, J^plrit, 1^18 aDil f orler

AND BOTTLING "WORKS.

'/ ,■

-dp:aler in-

Imported Liquors, Ales, Cider and C^^ars.

STORES AND WAREHOUSES, PEARL ST., PORT ARTHUR.

THE BODEGA.

PORT ARTHUR.

*'. I » >' '•/

»'

Utr. G. JOHZffSON,

Importer of

Wines, Liquors and Cigars.

McCUTCHEON & CO.,

House : and ; Sign : Painters,

LATKST STYLES IN

Decoration Papers and Plain Wall Paper.

OFFICE AND SHOP, - - OUMBEELAND ST.

199

GEO. PHILIP LABBY& CO.,

ESTABLISHED, 1881.

■ HAY, FLOUR AND FEED, '

Crockery, China, Glassware, etc.

CONTRACTORS, RAILROADERS, MINERS AND
SURVEYORS.

Outfits supplied on shortest notice.

STORE AND WAREHOUSE

St. Louis' Block, Cumberland Street,

M>iri J

jpo:eii: ^^rthtji^.

200

!!' J

If/

ROYAL PHARMACY,

PORT ARTHUR. , , , ; . : ; rj

Chemist ^f

r-y,r\^^/\^\

. ^t^

Druggist.

DEALER IN

Pure Drugs, Patent Medicines, Perfumery, Toilet Articles,

Sponges, etc., etc.

All dispensing carefully and promptly attended to both day and night.

T. J. C. RODDEN.

The bay view PiOTEL

South Water St., Port Arthur.
ADOLPHE PERRAS, - Proprietor.

THE BP]ST QUALITY OF

American, English and Canadian Ales

ALWAYS ON DRAUGHT OR IN BOTTLE.

■ALSO-

FINEST QUALITY OF LIQUORS,

CANADIAN ^^ FRENCH WINES,

^iTiD BEST CIGARS.

The attention of Miners, Explorers and Voyageurs, is particularly directed to our
Establishment.

; , A. PERRAS.

Rj'**'

201

OLE BRAND.

F. NYQREN.

^ FRONTING THE BAY, "^

SOUTH WATEE STREET, POET AETHUE, ONT.

Every convenience for Tourists and Travellers.

Choice Brands of Liquors and Cigars.

BRAND & NYGREN,

Proprietors.

L. U. BONIN,

Wholesale and Retail Dealer in

Grocer iesy -:- Provisions^

CROCKERY AND GLASSWARE,

* )-■■_.

.■-''\' ; . '"/ ■■...'■■'. I ' . '

Flour, Feed, Fruit and Vegetables, Paints, Oils, etc.

SOUTH WATER STREET

Port Arthur, Ont.

202

The Mining E^xchange

V PORT ARTHUR, ONTARIO.

The Bar of this Estal)lishiiient is stocked with the Finest

Imported Wines, Liquors and Cigars, etc.

AGENT FOa O'KEEFE & GO'S ALE AND POETEE.

Good Aceommodation for Boarders and Travellers.

Agent for the Allan Line of Steamers. Proprietor.

MALONEY & SPOFFORD,

PORT ARTHUR, ONT.,

,1 '' '^rS«

HAMS, B-iOON, BUTTER, EGGS and LARD.

m" Boats, Hotels, Boarding Houses and Mines, supplied at Reduced Rates.

SIIOI^ 03Sr 0"Cr3Sd:BERL.A.iq"3D ST.,

Four Doors East of Arthur St.

203

ROBERT MAITLAND,

S>ia

FCDJEirr Jk.RTI3:TJR.

WINDSOR HOTEL,

Port Arthur, Ontario, Canada.

-THE ONLY SOLID BRICK HOTEL IN TOWN-

€lioice Brands of Liquors and Cigars.

>'■"• ' .;^t' ) ,

204

A. Ci. MOIR.

A. F. MILLM.

ri't

POST OFFICE BLOCK, CUMBERLAND ST.

MOIR & MILLS,

t »

IVatchmakers and Jewellers,

STATIONERS AND FANCY GOODS DEALERS.

Fort Arthur,

Ontario.

FOOTE'S BAKERY,

Arthur St., Port Arthur.

Every variety of Cake and Confectionery,

BVW^^VWV/N.

Orders from all parts of the Distriot suppliedL pxomptly.

■■^"t

i»"

H. POOTE,

Proprietor.

%■'- -

20/

, J. F. RUTTAN,

Real Estate Broker,

FIRE, LIFE, MARINE and ACCIDEJfT

CUMBERLAND ST.,

PORT ARTHUR, ONTARIO.

Lots in the business portion of Port Arthur.

Lots near .he Canadian Pacific Railway Pa&cenger Station.

Lots beautifully situated for residences.

Lots in "very part of the Town.

Lots in the Town of Port William.

Farm Lands in Thunder Bay District.

Mineral locations in Thunder Bay District.

Mineral locations in Silver Mountain District.

,^e°„llJi;to°;!i.l;'Xr"i!°'' ''''"'•"' "" ''•""'"'^ "°"«'" 0" '«■"■

easy enougn to siur, any purch

Farming land sells from §1 an acre upwards.

J. r. RUTTAN

FOIiT -A-RTHTJI?,

OIsTT-A-I^IO^

20G

lit.' ;

W. H. ARTHUR,

DEALKB IN

^ancy : ffioods^-

Amethplsi Grystalst Spar, eld etc.

FOE SALE.

12,000 ACRES

-OF—

Mineral and Agricnltaral Lands

VERY CHEAP.

SPECIMEJVS OF ORES

ALWAYS ON HANI).

Views of C.P.B. and Lake Superior
Scenery.

Sandstone, Serpentine, ICarble
anA Cement Stone Quarries.

Town Lots and Acreage in vicinty of

PORT ARTHUR.

SOUTH WATEE STREET,

PORT ARTHUR. iW. H. LAIRD.

The Continental Hotel,

CUMBERLAND STREET, PORT ARTHUR.

^fe

This popular and Commodious Summer Hotel is esteemed one

of Port Arthur's most creditable efforts in point of

location, cheerfulness, comfort and economy.

It is quite a new and handsome structure, commanding a most extensive,
varied and charming view of the entire limit of Thunder Bay and Cape, from
both lower and upper windows and balconies.

The Continental is now being outfitted in first-class style, and should stand
unrivalled as a family or individual Summer Hotel.

NEIL McARTHUR,

, Departmental Manager.

207

THE GOLDEN BOOT.

The Leading Boot, Shoe and Rubber House of Port Arthur.

BOOTS AND SHOES. ~

RUBBERS AND OVERSHOES.

MOCCASINS AND SNOWSHOES,

TRUNKS, SATCHEIS and VAIISES.

,,.l^.l\"'„"pS™;'4er™''' °' "•" '•'"'■""* " '- -' »"■■ "■-y "-.» for
PRICES 'IS lo^v iis any in the Dominion. '

QUALITY of goods unsurpassed.
STYLESi t-'t'-'-. most recent and fashionable.
CASH ia the terms upon which we purchase all our stock.
We ask on cost only such advances as is consistent witli the motto —

" SIMll PROFITS 11 m^ RETlllli."

You will find the stock very complete in

MINERS' LONG AND SHORT BOOTS.

A call respectfully solicited,

C. O. LALONDE.

SIGN OF THE "GOLDEN BOOT,"

Oor, Cumberland and Arthur Streets, Port Arthur.

i.. ■ i
1

208

THi: BAZAAR

The Largest Retail Stationery, Musical Instrument and Fancy
Goods House in the Dominion of Canada.

-Hi^^f

Novelties from aU parts of the world can be had from this

FJLJCE STORE. i-^-

^visiTOiis TTT— jJonycE.

J. L. MEIKLE.

PORT ARTHUR IRON WORKS.

Established 1883.

WOODSIDE BROS., Proprietors.

ENGINE AND MACHINERY REPAIRS A SPECIALTY.

Castings in Iron and Brass. Heavy and Light Forgings.
Stoves. Railing. Fancy Fencing. Mining Machinery and
Pumps. Engineer's Supplies Packing and Oil. Pipe and
Fittings. House Columns f. id Decorations. Rubber
Goods.

Agents for the Gutta Percha and Rubber Co., of Toronto, also for Wm. Kennedy
& Sons' celebrated Propeller Wheels.

Port Arthur is the future manufacturing point for the Northwest, "and don't say
we did not tell you so. " .

WOODSIDE BROS.

201)

-H>SeEEr-»'

BONANZAS!

,1=^,.

•♦-5^3<-i^

-() —

FOR THE (JREATE.ST BARfMINS IN FIRMTCL^SS

DRY GOODS

To ))e had in this country, steer your patronage to

SHJESRA i£ GO'S.

" THE EIGHT HOUSE,"

Cumberland street, . . . Port Arthur.

There liousekeepera will find wanderful value

Carpets, Sheetings, Cottons. Blankets, Quilts, Lace Cur-

tains. Towels, etc., etc.

A very choice stock of

Silks, Satins Dress Goods, Sateens, Prints, Muslins,
Embroideries, Laces, etc., etc.

THE " RIGHT HOUSE " THIIORING DEPARTMENT

()

N.B-Orders by Mail promptly attended to. Samples sent on application.
TEITTS l^^IDB TO ORIDER. ■

SHERA & CO., THE " RIGHT HOUSE,"

CUMBERLAND ST., PORT ARTHUR. >'

210

LI?ERY.

•^^•

stables and Office: Cor. Court and Park Sts.

HORSES, SADDLES, BUGGIES AND CARRIAGES,

ALL NEW AND SOUND.

Regular coiiuiiuiiiciition witli the great Mining Centres, the Railways and
Steamboats. Competent and trusty drivers to all points, and entire satisfaction
guaranteed.

Icleitlioue Orders n(teii<l«><l to at all lionm.

ARCHIE CHISHOLM.

H. NICHOLSON,

MERCHANT TAILOR.

Mporter of HiEli Glass Goods attd TriMings.

A FINE AND COMPLETE STOCK OF

PLAIN AND FANCY TWEEDS, SUITINGS, ETC.

The finest assortment of Oents' Furnishings, and Underwear

in Silk, Merino, Cotton, etc., ever brought

into Port Arthur.

ALL WORK GUARANTEED. A TRIAL ORDER SOLICITED.

Oor. of Park and Water Sts.,

Port Arthur, Ont.

mmmttm

211

Ont.

Tig MBafaril Builiiaj aol MaEuIactej Co.,

CONTRAOTOES AND BUILDEES.

Wholesale Manufacturers and Dealers in all kinds of

iiiiiiiifi Mffliiiii, urn umm m mm urn.

-o -■

Special Rates to all Upper Lake Ports.

PlaiiH Speciliuations and Estimates prepared ;)v our own •uvl.if.wf M- r

fireS.s ''''"''''' -'' ■"' ----''^ -*-. ^^'-^ ri;:'eSn^o.'ii::i

ALL OKDERS PROMPTLY ATTENDED TO. WRITE FOR PRICES.

JAS. A. ELLIS, LSanaeer.

J. OLELAND, President.

iGlSOll ROCK MILL CO. & CAMDA,

— MANITIWCTUKRK.S OK-

Eclipse RocK Drills, Air Compressors, Boilers, Steam floisls,

—AM) —

GENERAL MINING AND QUARRYING MACHINERY.

COQPcR. FAlRMflN & CO.,

Iiiiportcf.s of and DualerH in

Railway Contractor .' ^.nd Miners' Supplies. Li^'.. .-ine Rails,

Steel, etc.

-ALSO

MANUFAOTURLES OF WIEE ROPE FOR ALL PURPOSES.

Write for KstMnates M„d ilhi^trate-I rai„d.;vi.cs.

NO. 44 FOUNDLING STREET

212

The Daily Sentinel

-A.3srxj

NORTH SHORE MINER

-PUBLISHED BY-

The Thunder Bay Sentinel Printing Co,,

PORT ARTHUR, ONT.

D, J. FAIRBAIRN, Editor and Manager.

,.: •»

TiiK Skminkl has an extensive circulation throughout the district, and
amongst mining men generally. Full and accurate accounts of the latest develop-
ments of the Mining, Timber, and Agricultural resources of the country.

SUBSCRIPTION PRICES

Daily Sentinel and North Shore Miner, one year,
Weekly " " " " - -

$() 00
2 00

218

"The Western,"

A NEW HOTEL WITH AN OLD NAME.

Centrally located on Corner Cameron and Cumberland

Streets.

Rebuilt and Refurnished, 1887.

A substantial and practically fire-i,; oof l)uil(ling (dolached), consiHtincr of
Uuung, Naniple Koonis, Jiar, Parlour, and Twenty-five Sleeping Rooms.

LATEST MINING JOURNALS ON FILE.

Special Rates for Explorers, Miners and Prospectors.

CHARLES HAYNE.

Iffanaerer and Proprietor.

$6 00
2 00

^^^ THK PA "LACK k-^

][^

l"S»S*S*K«S^^^S»I«S*S^a-S«»I«4s»I»3»I

Shaving m Parlour

T:i<o Doors E,iKt of thr ''Northern " Hotel awl next to Ontario liaid:

BATHS AT ANY TEMPERATURE AND AT ALL HOURS,

A.CHOICE!STOCI-COK

ClOARS, TOIJACCC) AND PU'K^.

T. DUNBAR, Proprietor

214

THE HALF-WAY HOUSE

— »TO THE'' —

— ^ "siLVER'MOUN'rAIN'MINES ^—

jglllS NEW AND ELEGANTLY FINISHED HOTEL is situated immediately

tS^ "I"'" f'l'' fi'ivt'i'iniiciit Roiid t(i Silver Mountain Mini's (at a point lO miltis west
^' of Murillo, on the C.l'.R. ), where Firat-clasn Attendance and Accomvu/datiun for
its patrons is assured in crvry rv.sijcct,

PASLOURS, BEADING, DINING, BILLIARD aud BAR ROOMS.

Tio I Slccpivj and Private Apartments luell furnished.

Excursion aiul Pic-iixo Parties proyiiled for liy coiirteons managers.

N.B.-GOOD STABLES

GARLAND, ELLIOT & CO.,

Opposite ''The Bazaar," Cumberland Street.

i i 1

'. /

IMMENSE BARGAINS IN

€1,©^'H11I@I

Gents' Furnishings Complete,

Miners' and JGxplorers' Outfits,

BOOTS AND SHOES A SPECIALITY.

GARLAND, ELLIOT & CO.

215

THE LEADING GROCERY HOUSE.

FRESH GOODS. RIGHT PRICES.

FULL LINE WhaRD WARE

From the Leading xMiimifauturers.
RIFLE AND REVOLVER CARTRIDGES.

Hay, Oats, and Leading Brands of Flour.

Complete Stock of Boots and Sh^^f every style and variety.
ONLY THE BEST BRANDS OF

WINES, LIQVOBH AND CIGARS

Kept in Stock.

M. ISBISTER & CO.,

Port Arthur.

^nulijtical and technical (Chemist,

^ssayev aiul SbXttaUuvoist

foil ;Artltur,

?r.(0. Bciv, 305.

0)utuvlci, (J^anada.

21G

WARE S GORHAM,

Proctors in the Maritime Court,

NOTARIES PUBLIC, ETC.

OFFICES :
Near thk Post t)FFicE.

Cumberland St.,

rOKT ARTHUR, ONT.

'•0^»

«. T. ^VAKK.

T. A. (iOKIIAM.

0:
yip.'.:

CIVIL ENGINEER

-AN'D-

ioiroflraiiUinU Purveyor.

Minhuj Lm-atiimn Kxaminrtl and Iloportcil mi.

Land Valuator and Inspector for
C.P.R.R. Co.,

PORT ARTHUR.

PHOTOS

-OF A-

SUPERIOR QUALITY

TAKEN AT

BAIlRm STUDIO.

A large assortment of North Shore
Views and Scenery always on hand.

Also, rhotoa of all tlie Working Mines
in the ntnv Silver District.

All work (lone by the Instantaneous
Process.

W. J. BARRIE,

Cumberland St.

'217

A. L. RUSSELL. D.L.S..

niOVINCIAL

LAND SURVEYOR.

BUILDING LOTS

AND

— Milling Locatioiis-

FOR SALE.

OFFICE ANJJ UKHIIJKNCK :

Cameron St., opp. St. Paul St.,
POET ARTHUR, ONT.

CHARLES KREISSMANN.

Metallurgist and Assayer.

Advises on the Reduction of Ores,

-A.ss^A.^yinsrG

In all its branches.

W. H. FURLONGE,

Provincial Land Surveyor

-AND—

MINING ENGINEER,

BuRK's Block,

Cumberland St.

A. H. Macdoiit'iill, P.L.S., will act for
Mr. Furlonge dui-ing liin ;iI)Heiice.

G. iS. l^KCK,

M.n. TORONTO UNIVEimTY, M.I).,
V.M.M.U.C.S., LONDON, ENO.

Prompt and accurate returns
guaranteed.

Late UoHideiit Asni,stiint .Surgeon to
loroi)to(ifncral Hospital, and Accouch-
eur to tlie liuniHide Lying-in-Hospital

OFFICK :

Rear of W. J. Clarke's Drug Store,
ARTHUR ST., PORT ARTHUR.