o 0. 5" P a o F 777 C5 BANCROFT LIBRARY -> THE LIBRARY OF THE UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA REPORT BOARD OF IMMIGRATION po LO P V A DO E R R i TO P V Y FOR THK Transmitted \~> tin- l.c<.M>l;itm' 1 h. \vi.K, COLORADO, \\ il.l.IAM \. i;VI-:KS. PUBLIC I'UIN'I l-.U. 1-71. *- REPORT OF /^ ./* v /-/ i> f ' f/tt' 7>W;v/ (>/ Immigration. variety of grand and beautiful natural scenery, by anyplace in America. Persons desiring to escape the fatal diseases incident to large towns and cities in the summer months, may here gain not only health and comfort, but pleasure; those who are fond of botany may find in the abundant flora many of the rare and most beautiful plants and flowers, while those who have a taste for mineralogy, may also here find deposited almost every variety of the base precious metals, from crude iron ore to the delicate frosted wire gold. Notwithstanding thousands of veins of the different kinds of minerals have been opened and worked, there still remain tens of thousands more hidden away in our hills and mountains, unfound and unclaimed. Primitive granite, hard enough for mill-stones, is stored here in mass, while upon the hillsides and valleys are found many precious stones, as white crystal, moss agate, topaz, onyx, opal, gar- net, and amethyst. Those of a sporting turn of mind can find amusement either in angling for the wary trout, or in hunting the swift- winged grouse, the nimble deer and mountain sheep, the stately elk, or the aggressive grizzly bear. It is here that the chest expands to its fullest extent, and the lungs fill to their utmost capacity at every inspiration, in order to secure sufficient oxygen for the aeration of the blood; and owing to the lessened atmospheric pressure upon the body, capil- lary circulation is increased, and hence elimination and nutrition become more a6live. With these qualities in such a climate, its bright days inducing out-door sports ; its cool nights bringir sh- ing slumber, it can be readily understood-t^.6 .17 short residence therein would cause tin Zg' '- 9 become broad, the relaxed in muse' 57 2.29 thin in flesh to gain weight, and 50 1*40 those suffering trom the bilious di.< 3* 60.3 .87 6 45-9 -7 longed residence in malarial district.' 2 41.2 .16 Those who desire to make a tou 7_ 21.3 .60 one, two or three months' duratir :hcs: in l872 ' l8 ' 78 inches; in l873 ' io Report of the Board of Immigration. Denver, guides, teams and camp equipage; while those who wish to enjoy the benefits and pleasures of the climate in luxurious ease, can go by rail to the foot of Pike's Peak, where are the soda, and the chalybeate springs, and large and commodious hotels in the midst of most enchanting and wonderful scenery : or, to the hot soda springs of Idaho, where comfortable quarters and every facility for bathing can be had in a lovely village, encircled by cloud-wreathed mountains, and in the neighborhood of the richest and most interesting mining district of this, our modern El Dorado. All of the springs are quite celebrated for their curative effect in rheumatic affections, as also for their tonic qualities. The second climatic division of Colorado embraces the eastern portion, which extends from the foot of the moun- tains to the boundary line. It is an open prairie, or plateau, which varies in altitude from 3,000 to 6,000 feet above the level of the sea. It is watered by streams rising in the monntains, which are all swift in their courses. The soil is dry and alkaline, free from boggy and marshy places, and "blossoms as the rose," with a great variety of flowers during the spring months, but is principally covered with a short, thick herbage, called buffalo grass, which usually dries into sweet and nutritious hay during the month of August. Trees are only found along the river or creek bottoms. This portion has a pure, rare, dry air, bracing and exhil- arating in its effects, warmed and softened by the rays of a geiy'" 1 "im, which is seldom shaded by clouds or hidden by s** lM >ject to frequent changes of temperature, but speckled trou. , c . f . . *r dampness at all seasons, logs and dews pine and fir, which g* the air. Hot and cold mineral than an ^ explanation can give, is pre- ot medicinal virtues, are* condensed record of th ^ weather mosphere is a little moi^ r durm S the P ast four >^ ears ' rare, clear, cool, and ch. ( electricity. This regio Report of tin- Hoard of Immigration. / / TEMPE2ATUEE. Yi \KS ASH MONTHS. Highest. 1 Latent. Mean. rt r 1 Inches. January February 1870 60 64 5 i 29.4 -j-I r i.i 5 I 7O March 4 67 g 33-5 72 7 t./w 7O April . . 4 80 1 6 3^-7 48 I .70 2 80 Mav 4 86 40 5 6 ! 7C June i 04. 48 68 2 J.) C2 July < 08 r-j 74 2 3* August 4 Q7 AC 64 8 12 September.... 4 89 4O 60 i October 4 27 47 8 68 November.... 4 68 2O */** 41 8 CA December .... 4 60 18 27 77 January 1871 6? 6 74 1 46 February . . 66 11 J4-i 78 c 27 March 67 10 jo-i 46 ill April 80 2C CQ I I OI May 86 4.2 6c 2 2 C.6 June . " . IQ7 C.6 74 O oc July y/ Q7 58 78 "5 August yi qe 54 27 September.... 44 86 AC 66 t; i 18 October 44 85 24 _ c 4.O November u 70 O 76 IO December .. (( r c 2 71 January February 1872 (4 5^ 64 26 22.7 74 7 2O March 44 78 ?q A *y April 83 2C 40 2 78 May 89 ?C 6?' 3 321 June U Q7 4Q 69 i c8 July 07 C4 **!r 71. 1 o 2 4.2 August 44 04 T2 72 September... . ,< QO -*C 62 17 October 44 88 10 S7 6 I 7O November.... 69 r 358 8l December .... (( 60 1 28 72 January February.... 1873 62 62 22 6 77 I .14 2/1 March 44 7Q 16 48*6 1 7 April 44 82 12 44. 2 08 May 86 7t: c8 Q 7O June 44 q? C7 72 2 2Q July 44 Q4 c? 72 7 I 7O August 92 60 72 I 4O September.... 44 86 12 60 7 87 October ,4 87 6 w.j AC Q 7O November 7O 2 41 2 16 December .... " 57 7 21.3 .60 The rainfall in 1870 was 12.65 inches ; in 1871, 12.35 inches: in 1872, 18.78 inches ; in 1873, 11.05 inches. 12 Report of the Board of Immigration. As dry air is a non-conductor of heat, the changes in temperature here do not affe6t the system readily. Many of the diseases that afflict the human race are mitigated or cured by residence in Colorado, but in this letter it is only- intended to speak particularly ot those affecting the air pas- sages. The malady called Hay Asthma has never been known, and those who suffer annually from this distressing disease in other climates, may here pass over the period of its attack without feeling a symptom of it. There is prob- ably no other part of America where persons suffering from spasmodic asthma, unconnected with structural changes in the lungs and heart, find such speedy and perfect relief. Often those who have scarcely passed a night for years without experiencing a tightness and constriction about the chest, accompanied by labored breathing, though having used almost every known remedy for tranquilizing it, on their arrival here, breathe and sleep with perfect freedom. Those who have organic disease of the heart, or lungs, or both, improve more slowly, and a very few, usually those advanced in years, do not experience any appreciable bene- fit. Cases of chronic bronchitis in the great majority of in- stances rapidly yield to the healthful influences of the place. Having myself been a sufferer from this complaint, with copious expectoration for several years prior to mak- ing my residence in Colorado, and having experienced here perfect immunity from it for a period of seven years, I know whereof I speak. Of the thousands of consumptives who have come to Colorado in all the stages of all of the varieties of the disease, with the hope of an immediate cure, many have sadly failed to realize their expectations, and the effect has been to bring some disrepute upon our country as a resort for this class of invalids. A careful consideration of the effect of climate upon disease and the kind of cases that improve here, will, I trust, make it one of the most popular places upon the continent. The climatic influences upon the general health is stimulating and anti-scrofulous, and its Report of the llouni of hnmigrotum, / ,' tendency upon the lungs is to correct abnormal secretion; to relieve irritability of the bronchi; to lessen local con tions and inflammations, and to calcify tuberculous or caseous deposits. The deep and full inspirations required here in- duce expansion of the chest and stimulate the absorptions of hepatizations. It is my experience- that a great majority ot the bronchial, pneumonic and febivid forms of pulmonary consumption, readily give way to the healthful influences of the place, and that the embolic variety may be checked if the lesions are not too great and too many. To syphilitic phthisis the climate can only serve as an auxiliary to a judicious medi- cal treatment. The tubercular or scrofulous consumption is the most common as well as the most intractable and destructive type of the disease, yet I can safely say that there are hundreds who came to Colorado in the first stage of the chronic form of this complaint, who are now enjoying all that pertains to a healthful life. I can not, however, say that ever} r one who comes thus early will recover, for her- editary taint or acquired predisposition may be so strong that the disease will go progressively through all of its stages to a fatal termination. After the second stage has been reached, a few cases are arrested, and now and then there is one in which complete recovery takes place. As, lor instance, a prominent railroad man came to this country in this condition in 1867. After one year's residence in which some improvement took place, he began to cough up bloody pus and calcarous concretions, the largest of which were the size of a white bean and fully as hard as common chalk. This was soon followed by a subsidence of the cough and restoration to health, and to-day he is a strong, able-bodied man, capable of great endurance. Acute pul- monary tuberculosis is too rapid in progress to b<: con- trolled or checked by change of climate. If there is great vascular irritability and excitement in any of the above mentioned torms, even in the first stages, it has been found that the climate is too stimulating, and that a warmer and Report of the Board 'of Immigration. moister place like Florida, is better suited to them. I must strongly warn persons in the third stage of pulmonary con- sumption, or even after the breathing capacity has been di- minished one-fourth, against venturing on to these elevated plains, because too great an increase of the action of the respiratory organs tends to hasten, instead of retard a fatal termination. The same cause is applicable to any forms of organic disease of the heart, excepting that induced by asthma. The most desirable place of residence tor consumptives is upon the plains, within twenty miles of the foot-hills, for this portion is protected from the dry north winds by spurs or divides from the main range ; and furthermore, there is daily an interchange of currents of air between the plains and mountains, similar to the land and sea breezes upon the beach. The mountain air is moister, and, mingling with the dry atmosphere of the plains, relieves it of any harshness it may possess. I would advise those who have a decided predisposition to hemorrhage of the lungs, and others suffering from great debility, to avoid a too sudden transition from dense to light atmosphere, by stopping for a period of ten days at Wallace in Western Kansas. To the young of consumptive families, Colorado offers special inducements, for here many a brilliant and useful .lite, that might be lost in a less salubrious climate before reaching the meridian of manhood, may be prolonged to a vigorous old age. The wheat of Colorado is not surpassed in quality by any raised in the United States ; and cattle in huge herds wander over the hills and plains, finding rich sustenance all the year round in the prairie grass ; therefore, breadstuffs and beef are good, plentitul and cheap, which is an advan- tage to the country second only to its air, it being a known fact that in regions where abundance of good bread and Report of the Board of Immigration. 15 beef, with all their rich, blood-making qualities, are within the reach of every family, pulmonary consumption is rarely prevalent. Denver and many of the large towns and colonies, afford excellent educational advantages, the privileges of good society and business opportunities in addition to their sani- tary advantages. I have observed that many of the epidemic diseases that extend generally through the Western States, have reached us, but in a very mild form. I would further state that contagious diseases become mild, as a rule, after one or two transmissions, which is owing, in my opinion, to the par- tial drying up of the emanations and fomites, and thus rendering them less virulent. The climate throughout the Territory is almost free from malarial poison. No better proof of the general healthful- ness of the country can be given than that furnished by the last health report of the city of Denver, which shows the death ratio of that place to be only ten (10) to every one thousand (1,000) inhabitants, a fact unequalled in any other city in the Union, the next in the scale being Rochester, which has fifteen to every one thousand, while New York has thirty-two, and New Orleans fifty-four to every one thousand. The healthfulness of Colorado arises from its pure, dry air ; its altitudes ; its many bright, sunshiny days ; its uni- form and highly electrified atmosphere ; and its brilliant and grand scenery, which produces cheerfulness and a con tented frame of mind. It is impossible for me, in this letter, to enter into detail in describing the many different diseases that ma}', or may not be benefited by a residence here. There are, however, but a few of the curable ailments in persons possessing a sound heart, that may not be relieved or mitigated by dwelling for a few weeks or months in this climate. I believe that any person with a fair constitution, who settles in any portion of Colorado, stands a better chance of 16 Report of the Board of Immigration. enjoying a healthful life, and of finally attaining the full period allotted to man three score years and ten than in any other part of the Union. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, F. J. BANCROFT, M. D. POPULATION. The Board, at its meeting in January, 1873, estimated from data at hand that the population at that date was 100,- OOO, and think it reliable and safe to say that it has increased 25,000 in the past year, making a population of 125,000. In making this calculation, they take the vote of the people at the fall election, which was 20,544 ; it is safe to say from the information received that the registered vote was fully 25,000. Five thousand male adults, who arrived in the Territory too late to become voters at the fall election, would make a voting population at this date of 30,000. Taking the late United States census as a basis, the popula- tion was four and a half souls to each vote in 1870; at this date we believe it to be at least five souls, but at four and a half it would, give a population of 135,000; at the same time the Board do not estimate over 125,000. The agricul- tural districts have gained the most population, although Park County has more than doubled. The Secretary of the Board is daily in receipt of letters from parties in every State in the Union, in reference to settlement in Colorado, even this late in the winter. Com- mittees of several colonies have called for information, and after examining the resources of the Territory, have decided to locate early in the spring. The Board, after careful esti- mates, feel warranted in saying that the population of the Territory will increase fully 30,000 souls in 1874. As one evidence of the increase in the past year, they submit the following statement of the business of the Den- ver Post Office for the three quarters of the year 1873, ending September 3Oth : Report of the Board of Immigration. Total Money-Order business has amounted to $373*698 35 An increase of over 100 per cent, in past year. United States postage stamps cancelled on letters and papers from July 1st, 1873, to October 1st, 1873 8,250 oo Sold during the same time 7,66i 70 The last statement shows the influx of population, as all parties coming to Colorado bring stamps with them, think- ing they may locate at some point where they can not be obtained. The numerous Post Offices throughout the Territory have increased their business in like manner as the Denver Post Office. It is safe to say that the increase in postal matter in the Territory has been fully 100 per cent The following table will show the transactions of the Denver Post Office for the three quarters ending September 30th, 1873: Unpaid letters $ 14304 Newspaper postage 984 75 Waste paper 34 oo Box rent 5,99 Stamps and envelopes sold 20,962 35 528,114 14 Route Agents and Messengers paid $ 4,388 16 Department drafts paid 14,209 43 - 18,597 59 Registered letters mailed 1,688 Registered letters received for delivery.. 3,584 Registered letters in transit 13,096 WEALTH OF COLORADO. From the returns made to the Auditor of the Territory, of the assessed value of property in the Territory, we find that in the year 1871, it was in round numbers $24,000,000 oo 1872, do. do. do 31,000,000 oo 1873, do. do. do 36,000,000 oo Showing an increase of values, as assessed, of $12,000,000, in the past two years. The full increase for 1873 can not be shown, for the reason that the assessment commences (2) i8 Report of the Board of Immigration. on the first day of May of each year. The general improve- ments of all descriptions in the mountains and on the plains are usually made after that date. As an example, since the first day of May last, the valuation of buildings erected in the city of Denver alone exceeds $1,000,000. It has been the same throughout all portions of the Territory. One hundred miles of railroad have been completed since that date ; over one hundred miles of grading done for new lines; so that in railway building alone there has been an increase of over $2,000,000. Taking all the data at hand and from reliable information from all parts of the Territory, the Board think that they are safe in saying in this connection that the assessment at this date would reach $50,000,000. The assessors through- out the Territory do not generally assess over 50 per cent. to 65 per cent, of the true value of the real or personal estate. In the matter of stock, roaming over such a vast area, it is conceded that about 60 per cent, only get on the assessor's roll. Leaving out the mines in our estimate of the true value of real and personal property in Colorado, the Board think they are safe at placing it at $70,000,000. The past year has been one of great progress throughout all sections of the Territory, and the great development made in all branches of industry has been astonishing and productive. The Territory levied no tax in the year 1872, and no tax has as yet been paid in 1873, and only a levy of one and a half mills made for the year. The Territory has no debt of any description, and a balance in the treasury. The Board think that they can point with pride to the financial and prosperous condition of Colorado ; no com- munity has felt the present commercial panic so little as have the people of Colorado. Around the commercial cen- tres, within her limits, there is more real cash and stable convertible values than there is in any other community, taking population as a ratio. Her banks are all sound and unlimited confidence is reposed in them by the people ; no cessation of business has been experienced ; loans to depos- o/ tlit ttinini ,//" Immigration. itors have been constantly allowed ; interest on 1 scarcely received even a temporary excitement; real estate is continually rising through all the wild reports of the panic in the Mast; and merchants hold their positions in the community just the same as before. AGRICULTURE. Your Board would congratulate the representatives of the Territory in the great progress which has been made in the department of agriculture. The pre-eminence which has been shown in eastern markets for the article of Colo- rado flour alone is a source of great gratification. We are informed that large orders have been sent to this Territory from Boston for flour, which commands a higher price there than the flour of any other State or Territory' in the United States. It has been well established, especially on the tes- timony of Mr. R. S. Little, of Littleton, that we can ship Colorado flour to Boston, with a very good margin of profit, thus opening a new market which cannot but give to the farmers an important inducement in raising wheat. Our flour commands $12.50 per barrel of 200 pounds; the charges of shipment are not more than 52.50, thus realizing $5.00 per 100 pounds to the shipper. This will ensure to the farmer a remunerative price for his wheat and its con- version into flour; and will also encourage the building of a large number of mills. The yield of the wheat crop con- tinues at about 25 or 26 bushels to the acre of average for irrigated lands ; the steady increase of the wheat crop keeps pace with the increase of our population, and the area of cultivated lands, and as new facilities are offered for irrigat- ing a larger area of land, and on a more economical basis, it is easily demonstrated that ere long, we shall assume the character of exporters rather than importers which hitherto has been the case and the balance of trade will be much in our favor. Let any one take a tour of the valleys of the Platte, Clear Creek, Ralston, Boulder, the Big and Little Thomp- 2O Report of the Board of Immigration. son, the Cache la Poudre, and down south on the Arkansas, the Huerfano, the Fountaine, and the rich and magnificent farms which are being constantly opened up, will show to him at a glance how rapidly and extensively the farming interest is improving. The numerous farmers' clubs, and organizations being formed all over the Territory, tell con- clusively the growing wealth and power of this great branch of our resources. Scarcely a settlement can now be found in the whole of our broad agricultural area, where there does not exist an organization of farmers. They meet together to talk over their plans and compare notes how they can best economize the fruits of their labors, which must of necessity bring about new avenues of practical wealth. It is in the success of the farmers that the whole country will attain a large share of internal greatness. The value of the agricultural crop of 1868, was not over $2,000,000; in 1870, it was not much over $3,500,000; in 1872, it was at least $4,000,000; while in 1873, the esti- mated value of the crop is $5,000,000. IRRIGATION. Owing to the popular cry of more ditches and more lands to cultivate, all classes of our people have been devising every means in their power to accomplish a net work or system of irrigation to cover the whole available expanse of our Territory. The different conventions which have met and the constant beseiging of the Government by promi- nent men who have visited our Territory, and the letters and newspaper correspondence upon the subject of irriga- tion, have at last obtained from the President a warm re- commendation to Congress for the construction of an irrigating canal from the Rocky Mountains to the Missouri River, and the suggestion of an appropriation to make habitable to the pioneer farmer, what has been called " the desert wilderness " west of the Missouri. Report of the Board of Immigration. 21 PASTORAL AGRICULTURE. This branch of our commercial wealth is constantly on the increase. The returns of the assessor do not give above one-half of the real value of our cattle and sheep. There are great numbers of them, particularly the former, that the assessor cannot reach, on account of the extent of the country over which they are herded, the owners, in a great many cases, knowing that there is no possible mode of as- certaining the exact truth of returns, give very low esti- mates of the amount and value of their stock. Every one upon visiting our broad pampas are struck with wonder at the immense herds of cattle and sheep, con- stantly improving in the quality of their breed, and gradu- ally taking the place of the wild animals who have roamed over them for ages, and cannot but notice the difference in the returns of the assessors and the actual fact as displayed by a visit to the camps of the cattle kings. The gaunt, muscular frame of the Texas cow is being replaced, rounded and filled up with the sleek, rotund, straight-backed, deep- chested Durhams, Herefords and Devons. The Jerseys and the Galloways are to be found here in considerable numbers ; every day the herds of our blooded stock are receiving additions. Our sheep grazers are fast depleting the wild haunts of Texas of their large-bodied, degenerated, Mexican half-goat, half-cayote, and crossing them with the pure-blooded Spanish and French merinos, producing a fleece of a high value, and at a cost insignifi- cant, indeed, as compared with the flocks of the Eastern States, and which will ever command for Colorado wool as high a status in the market, for quality as well as quantity, as is now found for Colorado wheat and Colorado flour. The returns to the Auditor of the Territory show that there are 300,000 head of cattle and 315,000 head of sheep in the Territory. From J. L. Bailey, Esq., President of the Stock Growers' Association of Colorado, we are authorized to state that at 22 ' Report of the Board of Immigration. least fifty per cent.' can be added to the numbers thus re- turned, making 450,000 head of cattle and 472,000 head of sheep. Cattle, sheep and horses live and thrive the year round upon the native grasses of the plains. Only those that are used for work have to be fed, consequently the cost of raising stock in this region is very trifling compared with like expense in most parts of the county where they have to be fed ( during more than half the year. RAILWAYS. Commercial wealth, as a rule, always follows the wake of railroads. In 1861, and as late as 1866, the prediction that in the confines of Colorado "five railroads would be cen- tered," was received with a sneer and a smile, but in a few years what a change has been witnessed in the physical development of our country. Now, in 1873, we have six railroads, making Colorado the focus of a railroad system which might form sufficient capital for many an Eastern State to indulge in self-congratulation and egotism. The whole area of our Territory occupied as centres of trade and population, is permeated by some line of railroad. We have longitudinal lines connecting the North and South and latitudinal branches, either built or being built, radiat- ing in all directions. As each new region of agriculture or mining is developing, the annihilation of distance by means of railroad, becomes an immediate paramount necessity. We have now the following railroads in running order : KANSAS PACIFIC, connecting Northern Colorado with St. Louis and Chicago, within our Territorial boundary 210 miles DENVER PACIFIC, forming a connection with the Union Pacific Continental Railway 106 " DENVER & Rio GRANDE (narrow gauge) on its way to the Mexican coast, connecting Northern and Southern Colorado 162 " COLORADO CENTRAL, opening up the great gold and silver region 41 " KANSAS PACIFIC, KIT CARSON & FORT LYON, open- ing up the old overland Santa Fe and Arkansas Report of the Board of Immigration. 23 River Trail, and the rich country of Southern Colorado 54 " DI-.NVI u \ Hofi.DKR VAI.I.KY, from Denver to Erie, Valmont and IJoulder, opening the rich mineral region of ('arihou and Gold Hill 39 " GOLDI N \ It i I.SBURG, completed to Longmont, tra- versing the fine farming valleys of Northern Colorado 30 " Total 642 miles THE. MINES. The following, from the pen of Hon. Frank Hall, repre- sents our paramount industry : Since the last session of the Legislature extraordinary strides have been made in the material development of the numerous mineral belts previously explored, and in the matter of discoveries hitherto unknown. The South Park, Hall's Gulch, Gold Hill, San Juan, Hardscrabble, Geneva Gulch, many parts of Lake County along the Arkansas river, and a remote district located near the "Mount of the Holy Cross," present notable illustrations of this latter fact, while the renewed activity everywhere exhibited in the more prominent of the older districts, has been marked by constantly increasing production of the precious metals. Many of the principal veins of Gilpin County, conceded by experienced native and foreign investigators to be the rich- est gold bearing section of its area in the world, which, by reason of litigation, abandonment by their Eastern owners, and other causes, had for some years prior to the last bien- nial term lain wholly idle and unproductive, have at length been reopened, and their treasure poured into the channels of trade and commerce. Large numbers of veins on the mountain slopes, upon which the original discoverers and owners had made no further improvement than was required under miners' laws to hold them by record, have been oc- cupied, opened and rendered available for the purposes of their creation. Similar advancement prevails in Clear Creek, 2 j. Report of the Board of Immigration. Park, Lake, Boulder, and Summit counties. Under its sus- taining influence trade is prosperous, labor abundant and well paid, the population rapidly increasing. New methods of working, improved appliances for the more certain and economical extraction of gold and silver from their matrices, combined with general concentration, and systemization of operative forces have been employed as powerful aids for bringing to the pursuit of mining the substantial progress it now assumes. Along the Clear Creek Valley from Georgetown and Empire to the eastern limits of the county, evidences of unusual activity are seen on every hand. The lodes are yielding large quantities of bullion, mostly silver, and capital is supplying the means for a much greater expansion of this industry. In Park, Lake, and Summit counties the gulch miners, wisely availing themselves of improved systems adopted in California and elsewhere, have been enabled to work with greater facility than ever before, and with corresponding financial results. Many new discoveries of gold and silver mines in quartz have also been exposed during the year just closed. Probably the most productive of the new districts is that known as " Mount Lincoln," on whose lofty and precipi- tous slopes untold wealth has been unearthed by the exer- tions of the restless prospector. The deposits are essential- ly different from any of those elsewhere made known among the mountains of Colorado, and form a valuable and most interesting feature of our mineral resources. The ores are found in limestone formations which compose the exterior crust of the mountain, and in layers, or strata, (dipping to the east and into the mountain at an angle of twenty degrees) making the process of extraction easy, and from their great extent and richness highly profitable. The principal mine, and one highly characteristic of the lime- stone region, is the "Moose" mine. This mine, discovered in the Fall of 1871, has produced an enormous quantity of high grade ore, which has given a desirable impetus to the Report of the Board of Immigration. mining interest of Park County. The Territorial Assayer for that district has given some statistics, from which we see that the yield from this mine alone has been sufficient to not only pay for all the outlay necessary in developing the mine, such as building houses, constructing wagon roads, etc., but has also afforded a large profit to the owners. The character ot the ore from this mine is an argentiferous galena with copper pyrites. The " Dolly Varden," " Hia- watha," and several other mines of this District are essen- tially similar in all respects, being stratafied veins and pitching with the limestone. The proximity of these mines to the extensive pastoral lands of the South Park affords an opportunity to the miner to supply himself with cheap beef, mutton and agricultural supplies. Two smelting works have been established and a third is in process of building near at hand, which furnish immediate markets, with lucra- tive returns, for ores of all grades. The hundreds called there by the advantages presented, caused the expansion of the small settlement of Fairplay into a large and active town. Early last autumn it was partially destroyed by fire, but will undoubtedly be rebuilt the coming Spring. The next new district of importance is Gold Hill, situate in Boulder County, about twelve miles west of the County Seat. This fruitful section was occupied to some extent as early as 1859, and considerable prospecting done in the two or three years following that memorable epoch. It was then practically abandoned until about the beginning of the past year when work was resumed. The town of Gold Hill, beautifully situated on the crest of the first range of mountains, overlooking the Boulder Valley, now num- bers some three hundred actual residents; has from seventy- five to a hundred substantial buildings, two or three excel- lent hotels, supply stores, and other institutions suited to the wants of such a community. Among the more con- spicuous producers of mineral is the " Red Cloud," the first in which tellurium ores were noticed, and which up to this time has yielded large quantities of it. The main shaft is 26 Report of the Board of Immigration. now something over three hundred feet deep, from which eight hundred feet of levels have been driven into the vein. In a recent communication to the Central City Register, Prof. J. Alden Smith, Territorial Geologist, published the fact that he saw in the office of the Superintendent, near the mine, a dozen or more sacks of mineral estimated upon previous actual products from a like collection to be worth about $5.00 per pound, or $10,000 per ton, and pieces could be selected from the lot that would yield at the rate of $100,000 per ton in gold. "Besides this very rich mate- rial," he says, "there is raised a considerable amount of second-class, worth from $400 to $600 per ton, and very large quantities of third-class, worth from $80 to $120 per ton." The lode is of the character known to mining geol- ogy as a "contact vein," standing between a dyke of light gray porphyry on the north, and granite on the south side; is well defined, strong, and very large. Resembling it in general characteristics, and located within a few yards of the "Red Cloud," is the "Cold Spring." The shaft is 160 feet deep, carrying a vast amount of rich tellurides, distrib- uted throughout a vein of crevice matter from ten to fifteen feet wide, a selected sample of which gave, by assay, $133,509 per ton in gold and silver, or at the rate of $66.75 per pound. The specimen from which this assay was made weighed seven pounds, and there was no metallic gold or silver visible in it, either .before or after it was pulverized. Blocks of five to ten pounds weight are frequently taken out which are worth, that is to say, will yield, from $5 to $15 per pound. These two mines are undoubtedly pro- ducing, in quantity, the richest ores of any within our knowledge. A number of other veins, among them the "Forest" and the "Cash," though less extensively opened, indicate like character and value. The collection of mine- rals sent from there to the last annual exposition of the Colorado Industrial Association, excited the surprise and admiration of all who examined them. Several parties in England, experienced in mineralogy, attracted by reports, Report of the Board of Imniigration. 27 sent agents to these mines instructed to carefully select and ship to them samples of all grades of ores, in order that they might determine for themselves the truth or falsity of their reputed value. During the year now begun this re- gion will acquire a large increase of capital and numbers, and become one of our most productive fields of enterprise. The Caribou District continues to be highly prosperous. The great silver fissure which gave the district its name was sold during 1873 to a company of Hollanders, under whose management it is now paying a liberal interest on the $3,000,000 invested. Other mines in the neighborhood are being prosecuted with profitable results. The interval of two years between the Ninth and Tenth Legislatures has witnessed the discovery of a point near the southwestern corner of our Territory, in the San Juan range of mountains, of a belt of mineral veins whose ores give evidence of great strength, richness and permanence. Hun- dreds have flocked thither, as is usual where excitement leads the way, but, as yet, little has been done beyond the extension of prospecting over a large surface of country, owing, measurably, to the lack of machinery for reduction, and its remoteness from the chief market towns. Several thrifty settlements have sprung up. Many splendid lodes have been opened, and no doubt the succeeding twelve- months will witness a heavy lodgement of people there. The Indian title to the lands so occupied has been, or soon will be, extinguished by the general government, and the whole of this immense and extremely opulent belt of veins thrown open to American enterprise. In four of the leading districts, smelting establishments, wherein the crude material is reduced to bullion, are in full operation, producing, in the last current year, about $3,500,000 of gold and silver. The largestrof these, lo- cated at Black Hawk, is now shipping between four and five thousand pounds of nearly pure silver monthly, beside a vast amount of gold bullion. Other methods of treat- ment, operating in Gilpin, Clear Creek, Park and Jefferson 28 Report 'of the Board of Immigration. counties, have proven very successful. These advantages will be enlarged as the necessities of mining may demand. Events are continually apprising us of the fa6l that the mineral resources of that portion of the Rocky Mountains included within our Territorial boundaries, are illimitable, and practically inexhaustible, embracing nearly every use- ful mineral known to science. Also, that as yet their de- velopment is scarcely more than entered upon. Each year brings to light new and wonderful discoveries, opens wide avenues to labor, and returns generous revenues to the country. While one class of people are engaged in pro- ducing, another turns its attention to the work of explora- tion, and no year passes without its rewards to both classes. Thus we are constantly expanding this particular branch of industry and as constantly offering lucrative employment to skilled and unskilled immigrants. The laws of Congress, enacted for the better regulation of titles to this class of properties, imperfect as they are, have answered a much better purpose than those furnished by the Territorial Legislatures. Every claim now taken is made to cover fifteen hundred linear feet on each vein dis- covered after the passage of the act (1870) together with ample surface ground for buildings, machinery, waste piles, etc., while, under local laws, all claimants, except the dis- coverer, were limited to one hundred feet, and he to two hundred. The new arrangement conveys possession to a single claim large enough to be worked advantageously, under the best systems, by individuals 01" capitalized asso- ciations ; avoids a multiplicity ot ownerships which was the curse of earlier times ; encourages improvement and secures to the prospector valuable rights not granted by the old usages. Miners may obtain government patents to their lodes, which' not only gives them permanent and secure possession, but confers the additional blessing of taxation for the support of the State, a privilege not extended by statutes of their own making. On the tenth of June, 1874, what is known as the "forfeiture clause" of the Congres- Report of the Board of Immigration. 29 sional Act of 1870 takes effect. It provides that all claims not patented nor protected by applications for patents, or represented by a certain amount of improvements during the previous year, shall be forfeited to the government, and subject to relocation by any one who will supply the de- ficiency. This evidently means that the mines are to be worked and not held for an indefinite period as unproductive properties by the tenure of a simple record. Its enforce- ment will obliterate thousands of paper titles, and afford the industrial classes many opportunities for acquiring valuable gold and silver mines, beside giving new impetus to devel- opment. It is impossible to comprehend within the brief space al-- lotted to this department, anything more than a mere out- line view of the condition of this great branch of industry. That it is remunerative, wherever conducted according to correct principles, such as obtain in all other channels of production in established centres, is abundantly demon- strated by the results achieved, and it is equally certain that the increase of yields from year to year is indicative of steady progression. With the passage of time come the valuable deductions of experience, which we are permitted to use as forcible instruments to our further advancement. The revelations of science, judiciously applied, furnish new power for the accomplishment of ends hitherto unattainable. The annual importation of skilled laborers, now becoming an essential part of the fixed population of all mining sections, brings another substantial element of prosperity. But the field is broad, capable of indefinite expansion, fur- nishing homes and employment to thousands. It is a field in which competition benefits every member of society, and in which there is no obnoxious rivalry. Fire has taken the place of water and iron stamps in the treatment of refractory ores, how successfully is evidenced by the increasing de- mand upon it, and the growth of those towns where it is employed as a reducing agent. jo Report of the Board of Immigration. From the foregoing facts it may be safely predicted, we think, that within the next biennial term, the five millions in gold and silver produced in Colorado during 1873, will be doubled in the present fiscal term, and that the number of people actively engaged in mining, and supported by it, will be increased an hundred fold. COAL FIELDS OF COLORADO. The following article, written by F. F. Wagenen, of Georgetown, fully represents one of the most beneficial and profitable resources of Colorado : The area of land known to be rich in coal deposits in Colorado is about 7,200 square miles, lying in various parts of the Territory, on both sides of the main range. There can hardly be a doubt but that this extent will be largely increased in years, for new discoveries are constantly being made upon the foot-hills and plains. Our coal lands may be separated under heads depending more upon their geographical position than upon the char- acter of the fuel, viz : First The Northern mines. Second The Eastern foot-hill mines. . Third The Southern mines. Fourth The Summit County mines. Fifth The Conejos County mines. Of the first but little is known. Weld and Larimer counties are undoubtedly underlaid by VEINS OF LIGNITE similar to those of Wyoming, which are at present furnish- ing an excellent fuel for steam engines, domestic purposes, and for some metallurgical processes. Coke made from the Wyoming coal fields was tried at both Golden and Denver for smelting silver and gold ores, and though sub- sequently discarded in favor of Pennsylvania coke, is con- sidered to be a fair fuel. Report of the />W;v/ WEEKLY. Pioneer of the Rocky Mountain Region and Recognized Leading Paper of Colorado Territory. LARGEST NEWSPAPER between KANSAS CITY and CALIFORNIA ITS EDITORIALS ABLE AND INSTRUCTIVE! ITS LOCAL NEWS FRESH AND AHEAD OF ALL RIVALS! ITS CORRESPONDENCE VARIED AND SPICY! ITS COLUMNS REPLETE WITH ENTERTAINING MATTER! ITS TELEGRAMS THE LATEST AND FRESHEST! IN ALL ITS DEPARTMENTS The News Stands Superior to any other Paper in the Far West ! ! By Far the Best Advertising Medium in Colorado. IN CONNECTION WITH THE NEWSPAPER IS THE BEST JOB OFFICE IN THE WEST. The Daily News (by mail) $10 per year. The Weekly News (by mail) 3 per year. Iti^Specimen Copies Sent to All on Application. "&a WM. X. BYERS, Publisher, DENVER, COLORADO. BETTER INDUCEMENTS Are offered along the lines of the JfAJYSAS %>& CIl^IC and PACIFIC 'RAIL WA. TS in Colorado than elsewhere in the West. PROVIDE YOURSELVES WITH FARMS WHILE LAND IS CHEAP! -OF- Choice Farming, Grazing, Timber & Goal Lands TEE DENVER PACIFIC AND MAS PACIFIC RAILWAYS IN COLORADO. An Equal Amount of Government Land adjoining the Railway Land can be taken by ACTUAL SETTLERS under the Pre- Emption and Homestead Acts. in ii|e f ill for FERTILE SOIL-ABUNDANCE OF WATER-PLENTY OF COAL. THE MOST HEALTHFUL CLIMATE IN THE WORLD. A never failing Market in the Mining Districts for all the Farmer can produce. i *t Gen'l Agents, DENVER, COL.