The Placer herald., 1859-11-05
SAW MILLS.

1857. 1858. 1859
Total valuation, $65oOo 5s.40O 1860
To judge from the figures, quartz mining
is a losing business in the county, and is
taking steps backward. And although in
point Of fact this is not true, yet it cannot be
claimed that much success has been met
with 80 far-at least none have made for
tunes in the business. There is considerable
being done, and the quartz prospects we'll,
but the large amount Of dead work requir-
ed in opening leads, entails heavy expense
Quartz mining in the county is yet in its in
fancy, and has so far struggled along with
varied success; but the indications are quite
favorable to the companies now operating.
Several mills have stopped running within
the year, to resume under more favorable
auspices after while. At present seven
mills are running. The assessment upon
this kind OF property for three years has
been
1857. 1885, 1859.
Total valuation, $4,000 $4,000 12,45O
With Turnpikes and Bridges we close the
list. As with canals, saw and quartz mills, the
estimate of their value has fallen in amount,
although an investment in this kind of pro
perty has proven to be good in nearly every
instance. The falling off, however, has not
been great; but like more perishable pro-
perty it goes upon the assessment roll for a
little less each year.
TuRNPIKEs AND BRIDGES.
1857. 1858. 1859.
Total valuation, $75.35o $1,000 64,25O
Of mining property, other than bitches
and quartz mill, the returns are not COM
piled and indeed would not make large
showing, from the fact that much of it, by
decision of the Supreme Court, is not liable
to taxation.
The total amount of land tsken up in the
county,. GRITTY, as per return Of the Assessor, is
1920 acres.
From the foregoing it will be seen that in
the cultivation of fruit, the raising Of grain
and stock, the greatest advances are being
made, and in these items alone thousands Of
dollars annually are being added to the
wealth of the county. And that this will
continue to be the case there can be no
doubt. Experience has so we'll shown the
certainty Of profit in these vocations, that
every wear adds to the number of tillers of
the soil and stock raisers. Many who have
engaged in mining, after accumulating suffi-
Gent wealth to embark in the more certain
and easy life of the farmer and ranchero,
drop the pick and shovel without reluctance,
glad to escape life, whatever its compensa-
ton, is one of arduous toll.
It is pleasant to observe from year to year,
the growing permanency in the property in
terests of our own and the other counties
of the State, as it is an assurance that few
years has done much in determining large
portion of the population to make California
a home. Every year shows better for US,
and we only regret that in the annual returns,
there is not a more thorough classification
of property made, and its true value more
nearly given, that the real wealth of the
State could be better arrived at.
California Eastern Extension Railroad.
This is the name Of Company lately or.
ganized, to constructs railroad from the Cali
fornia Central Railroad where it crosses Au
burn ravine, to point between Gold Hill and
Doty's Ravine. The line will be about sew
en- miles in length, and it is the design to
open it at the same time the Central reach
es Auburn Ravine. A fine belt Of timbered
country will be adjacent to the road, and will
furnish lirge amount Of cord wood for
freighting to Sacramento, and it is the be-
lief of the company that the road will secure
a heavy freighting business Of the goods des.
tined to the mining region. The terminus
of the road will be at the foot of an abrupt
range Of hills and from the depot turnpikes
are to be constructed to the principal roads
leading to the mountains. We are informed
by those connected with the company, that
the grading will be commenced as soon as
the earth is softened BY rain. As we have
not received pamphlet giving the cost and
the estimated business of the road, we are
unable At present to speak fully Of the en-
,v,horo III