Daily Iowa State Democrat. [volume] (Davenport, Iowa) 1856-1859, 1859-05-25

what Q P0koss Poak Payer Seesoes

ton Of importance, WHICH msy posi-
blv come a little nearer the truth than
ANYTHING that has yet been seen thi'
way. we take the following extracts
| THE GOLD MINES.
Until within the last twenty days
the mountains have been so blocked
up by snow AID ice, as to prevent any
thing like successful prospecting. Blu,
since that time We have reports Of rich
diggings having been struck in the
mountains, and which report we be-
ieve to be reliable.
On all the streams flowing from the
FOUNTAINS, north Of the Platte Canon,
float gold may be found in the beds
and bars, but not any distance in the
banks.
Does it not follow that gold in it,
original state must be in the mountain.
from which the streams flow. To
attest this, shot gold has already been
found for distance OF ID miles back
of Boulder creek Canon.
One little gulch has already been
discovered, which will average five
dollars per day to the man with q
rocker. We have we'll substantiated
reports Of ten dollar diggings having
been struck about ten or fifteen miles
from the above named canon.
We think the reports Of gold have
been exaggerated, but We firmly be.
lieve that effective prospecting in the
mountains will develope rich and ex-
tensive diggings.
Many men are returning to the
States-what are the circumstances
under which they retrace their steps ?
Simply these they came here just at
the opening Of spring, expecting men
who have been here during the win
ter to point them out rich diggings-
disappointed in this, they turn back.
They have not stopped to consider
that men who came here as early as
the LIST of last November had their
cabins to build, and when that was
done winter had set in, and although
on the prairies the winter was mild
and open, the mountains we're COM
pletely inaccessible, and have been so
until within the last few days.
The mines are as follows: Spanish
diggings. Dry Creek, Plum Creek,
Long Creek, Clear Creek, Vasquer's
fork, Thompson's fork, South Park, and
several other places.
Those who have been engaged in
the mines are generally satisfied with
their prospects, and feel sanguine that
tho summer will develope rich dig
gings.
For three years after the discovery
Of gold in California, it was by many
pronounced humbug, and the same
will be said of this country.
There are a great many men in this
country who could not be induced 10
return to the States, SO well are they
satisfied with their prospects. The
country, however, is yet to develope
itself. No man can. to any certainty,
tell what two or three months will
bring forth. The whole thing, thus
far, is but an experiment. That there
is gold to be found, in almost any part
of the country, no man who has been
here can deny. The smailness Of the
particles and the scarcity of water, are
at present, the great hindrance, but
these objections will, without doubt, be
overcome in time. The main Deepen
dence, however, for the present, is in
the mountains.
For the last 20 days, Messrs. St.
James Il st. Vrains, have taken in and
have now on hand one hundred and
fifty -seven dollars in the precious dust.
Mr.. Aubreu has two hundred and
thirty-three dollars.
II. ID. Wootton tells us that he
could have taken 1000 in dust if he
had had flour. coffee, sugar, DC.
There are SO many coming in with
out provisions, that it will be impossi-
BILE for New Mexico to supply our
market.
OUR AGRICULTURAL PROSPECTS.
A very pertinent inquiry, and one
made daily by persons coming through
for the purpose Of engaging in agri-
cultural pursuits is, how is the soil
adapted for farming purposes, or,
"what kind of farming country haye
you"
At first sight the soil Of the prairies
presents rather discouraging appear
ance to the farmer, and he looks to his
bottom lands as his only resource.
We have conversed with gentlemen
who are familiar with this country
from TT. Bridger to Losvegas, and are
informed that the soil is infinitely
preferable to that of New Mexico.
where grain and vegetables are equal
to such as are raised in the States, and
as good as can be produced.
Irrigation doubtless will be necessary
in some places, but it will be some
time before such thing will be neces-
sary, as there is sufficient bottom land
to accommodate all who will follow
agricultural pursuits for some time to
come, and the upper prairies will be
used for stock ranges.
Captains Theodore and Williams
Parkinson arc opening farm in the
bottom below town. and are we'll sat-
isfied with the soil.
CURIOSITY GRArrrIED AND SArrsF1ED.-Some
Newporters are renowned for their pry-
Ing curiosity. Their popularity is point
edly hit by the following, which. says the
Nn-rork n~s1~ A.. Z. &c -.