Arkansas true Democrat., 1857-07-21
Our Mineral Resources.

The following extract from the coTespon- dence of "W." of this city to the Memphis Eagle and Enquirer, touching the mineral re- sources of the western portion of our State will be read with unusual interest:
 The city of Little Rock stands upon what may be considered the verge or separating line, of the alluvial deposit on the one side, and the commencement of the rocky formation on the other This line, running little north of east appears to continue on to White river, and thence to the Missouri line while correspon- ding line, west of south, crosses the Saline, Ouachta and Red revers, to the Texas boun- dary Below this line, (and above 1t on the margin of the rivers and other water courSes) are the finest cotton lands' in the cotton region; while above, corn, wheat, tobacco and other products grow to great perfection.
 The geological character of this upper belt or section of the State is but little explored, and consequently, but little is known as to its real extent and value About eight miles north of this city. is what is termed the " lead mines," from which, some few years ago, considerable minerals were taken. The ore was sent to England, France, Germany, and other nations of Europe as well as to most of our eastern and northern cites From the experiments made upon it. it was pronounced to be very yaua- bie as being nearly pure lead, fixed with silver enough to pay for it's shipment to any of the points just mentioned. The "Calitornia fever" and other Inducements however, was the cause Connected with a want of capta) of drawing off the miners, by, as they thought, of fering greater prospects olreward for thelr labor The lead ore that Is found in many other DOT tions of the State is so pure that it is taken from the tout crop" of the mountains and melted in the hunters ladle, and becomes at once suitable for all his wants and purposes.
 West of this city, the coal fields begin to make their appearance, and from which has been obtained coal of a very superior quality, and of the various descriptions known to the geologist. Iron, too, is found in great abun- dance, some of a peculiar kind, so highly mag netzed that the surveyors compass cannot be used to any advantage in surveying the public lands; the attraction of the needle to the north is no longer to be relied upon, and hence, diff ferent instrument has to be used for that pur- pose Coal and, iron here will doubtless be found sufficient for the wants of an empire.
 Our last legislature created the office of State Geologist, and made smaN appropriation to begin this great o0orf-verifying the adage, that great results are expected from small begin nlngs
 Gov. Conway has secured as l understand, the services of that eminent and scientific geologist, David D. Owen. For this appointment the Governor has my hearty approval, and, doubt less, that of every true friend of this State.- This, in itself, is a step in advance it is bright harbinger of great things, to develop the unseen treasures of the earth. 1 have no doubt but that, by the meeting of our next legislature suf- fcient will be accomplished to induce, nay, to demand greater appropration-one commen surate with the great undertaking to be perform ed. Ifthis subject had received, ten years ago, the attention it's importance demanded, and is now about to be bestowed upon it, Arkansas lead, coal and iron would now make quite an item export to New Orleans and other market. Knowledge, industry and capital will produce a revolution in all our States affairs. From being defaulting, non paying State, we will soon be able to meet our State indebtedness, and make ample provision for every outstand- ing liability or claim upon us, and that without any increase in the rates of our taxes.