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Maps, plates, charts, etc., may be filmed at different reduction ratios. Those too large to be entirely included in one exposure are filmed beginning in the upper left hand corner, left to right and top to bottom, as many frames as required. The following diagrams illustrate the method: Les cartes, planches, tableaux, etc., peuvent §tre film6s d des taux de reduction diffdrents. Lorsque le document est trop grand pour dtre reprodui.: en un seul clichd, il est film6 d partir de Tangle sup^rieur gauche, de gauche d droite, et de haut en bas, en prenant le nombre d'images ndcessaire. Les diagrammes suivants illustrent la mdthode. Trata to pelure, n i n 32X 1 2 3 1 2 3 4 5 6 u '% \ 4 Plan oV ^oolTo A fiy- — ^ ■ — • Mineral District, North Sliore, Lake Si Tributary to Port Arthur r*OMpiLED FOF\ / / A K .. i^ '^'■t U BpLPH^SMrMft CO. \lsje Superior J OKANITE PT ^^'^e/tCMevi fir 'm: .^--./ A LGOMA W ■ 1 ^]ST ITS MINES, SCENERY AND Industrial Resources ILLUSTRATED. BY WALPOLE ROLAND, C. E TORONTO: PRINTED BY WARWICK & SONS, FRONT STREET WEST. 1887. .r--' /?, O i. A w 1^ _ ^ 1 Entered atcorUiiiLr to the Ait nt P,,r of Agriculture. 1 PREFACE. The idea of presenting the f'Jlowing brief record of the nmr- •vellous resources of Western Algonia in general, an a marketable material is long acknowledged. TERRIBLE FATE OF AN EXPLORING PARTY, i 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. 9 i 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 I 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 10 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 « 11 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^Ai^l^ ^Hyims i^«ffi bBH^^H^k -^' . '-Fi^^^^fei^" -.' ,-- .. :., :-. .., ,.■ ■ i-M.-,^ -»a^ "'■>-, ^"! ^^^#«^ ^P^':' 'i ■ , \|i^:i.;^-; , ». ; i.- . - '' ' t ■ „ ;«^-' ''■'' ^§r£- !#' ili'ni.'jj ir ;;^;-:,--./^-«..' §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 15 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 indenteHII'. 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 16 I •(•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 17 ?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 18 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^->«- 19 ;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- 20 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 21 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. i 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 23 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 24 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 25 ^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. 26 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 27 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 I !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 28 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. 4 *» 1 I 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. 29 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 1 Jm 30 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, 81 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 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 Si 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 K 88 fv 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- 39 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 W f ,„^ I 1 " ■ 1 ■ i 40 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- 41 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 >.( 42 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 verani 46 i II ).' 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 47 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 48 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. 49 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 4 •■i! M' lit 50 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- 51 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 Wk ^■ 1 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 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 63 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. •f 'I 1! "1, 1^ 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. Si inr w .H 64 " 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. 65 Third. — Rabbit Mountain, Junior. " Mining Section 57T, or Rabbit Mountain, Junior, as it i^ calle^^^'fe-^-*- fn 72 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. Sutherlanoth 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, H ) ' I ! ■ ^ - '■i i. 74 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 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 76 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- «;, 76 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 77 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'! r^ 78 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. 79 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) 1.0 I.I 1.25 telM 12.5 ' m 12.2 1|4 12.0 I™ LI mil 1.6 Photographic Sciences Corporation 33 WEST MAIN STREET WEBSTER, NY. 14S80 (716) 872-4503 r 4; ^9) .V Xv" 6^ ^J"^ ^i> P7 *1 Q, Va \ s 80 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 81 the as dis- lieh Is in uent ;om- and who II its isive ik of :t of 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„ 6 \ 1.1. 82 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 88 u- Lce rer pg lad I of Ind Ihe 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'. 84 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." 85 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. H >■:■ m.:- o II- ;.•; rec in i to-( for mil we thif as i astc bro eve dist has if -w unci and 89 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! 90 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. 91 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. f' 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 92 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 93 •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." ?!' I » m 94 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. 95 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. rrr* 96 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 97 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. 98 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. pro afte 000 coni 812, the afte afte: cai*r U,0^ 99 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 ling •oper had mill the has with ump the 3rked ropev •istics lation. 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- 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. m^ no 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." 8 114 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, 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. 4^ : r and '1 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 1" 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