, 1854-09-23
Coal, Limestone. snndstone. Sd. !.

try bordering upon the Sound and Straits
of Washington Territory, and reports his
investigations of the coal fields Of Bcling-
ham Bay and Dwamish river, as agrecably
Disappointing him, A specimen of over
one hundred pounds weight is at present in
the office of Secretary Mason, awaiting
public inspection, and decision as to its
practicability for river or ocean steam nav
igation.
1t is one Of the most beautiful specimens
which we have been called upon to exam
inc, and although no gcologist, We have
every assurance from DR.. Evans, that it is
at least semi-bitumDous coal, and can be
found to an extent and quality equal to the
Vancouver Island coal.
DIR. Evans informs us that the farther
north the better the coal, owing as he sup
poses to the upheavings of the earth
through volcanic influences that the coal
Of SkOokum Chuck is Of the same forma-
tion, but not so well matured that there
is a vein extending through the whole Ter
ritory, but as before said, becoming better
as approaching the north. The coal at
Goose Bay or any other of the California
districts being much inferior-actually lig-
nite-in comparison with the coal at Bel
lingham Bay or the Dwamish river.
The great difficulty in the way of our
Goals not meeting with speedy market at
San Francisco, arises from the fact, as
heretofore stated, of the over anxiety of
proprietors to realize Immediately proceeds
in money for shipments made. For ill.,
stance,-two vessels shipped on board car
goes Of what was understood to be coal,
but when tested it was found that slate,
dirt, and foreign elements were intermixed
in such quantities that by some masters of
vessels it was pronounced impracticable for
river or ocean steam navigation.
Had proper course been pursued in the
development of the mines, and an adequate
outlay been vouchsafed for the prosecution
of the same, the coal fields within our bor-
ders would have stood "a iHmber one"
Dr. Evans informs us that in the veins
Of coal which he has examined, there is in
terlarded from IL to Is inches apart, q
strata of slate. He termed this strata,
seams, and in the excavation of these mines,
with careful INNING, he thinks they Oan,
without trouble be extracted.
Although not pronounced by him as the
best quality, he assumes that when coal is
scarce or high, it will undoubtedly be used
for ocean and river steamers. Our misfor-
tune has been, as above stated, that too
much was sought to be made out of the use
of the mines with disproportionate amount
of capital. Some men expected to realize
fortunes in day, without proper regard
to due development of our resources. In
this they have been disappointed, and thus
the coal that has been excavated and sent
to San Francisco has been measurably dis
honored.
We have every confidence in the sagaci-
ty experience, and perfect knowledge Of
DR.. E. in the line of his profession and
could the most sceptical disbeliever Of San
Francisco be brought to witness the spec-
men alluded to at the Office of the Secreta-
ry of this Territory, without analysis) he
would be forced to the conclusion, that des-
pite the modesty Of Dr. 4 the coal would
answer all practicable purposes, if fairly
developed, the wants of the Pacific coast.
We are further informed by Dr. Evans,
that limestone was found at Nanimo, in the
vicinity of Bellingham Bay, which vein he
informs us extends throughout the entire
range of the Cascade mountains. This fact
has been heretofore strenuously denied, and
is still but further proof of the intell-
gence and research Of the Geolosist of Or
egon.
Sandstone in considerable quantities was
found to line almost the entire length of
the Sound, of superior quality, and excel
liant for building purposes.
We are also authorized to state that de-
sirable farming prarie land back of Seattle,
and extending nearly to Frazer's river, is
yet unoccupied, and but awaits the hand
of toll to be made to yield rich and abun-
dant harVests.
p9r The attention Of the Agricultural
ist and Horticulturalist is respectfully di-
reeted to the advertisements Fruit Trees
for the Million D-Huph Patterson tho