Idaho semi-weekly world. [volume] (Idaho City, Idaho Territory) 1875-1908, 1877-10-09
LETTER FROM ALTURAs COUNTY.
Rocky BAR, Oct. A. 1871.

Troupe of Profs. Harmon and Mart
Taylor visited this place last week
and played one night, on the next day
went to Atlanta, performed there two
nights, and returned to the Bar, Civ
ing their last grand entertainment,
and will say the grandest ever wit
messed in these parts. Prof. Harmon
exhibited some OF his slight-of-hand
performances, astonishing the audi
ence, particularly moving the spiritu-
al feeling of those present when he In
troduced the magic staff of spirits,
displaying his great ability as a ven
triloquist. The great Mart Taylor
displayed his talent as comedian
and character singer. The miners
popular song, the days of Forty
nine," was composed by Mart Taylor
twenty-four years ago. What
change has taken place. Then this
comedian hero Of the day was, to my
recollection, beardless boy, digging
the ground for the precious metal. 1t
is not exactly the change in the per-
sonal appearance Of our hero that |
am abiding to, but it is the forward
aid progressive march of adventur-
ers westward, locating and building
villages, towns and cities, and sweep
ing off mountains of gravel deposits,
containing millions of dollars; of open
ing up the bowels of the earth, sink
ing deep shafts; and developing rich
and extensive quartz mines, yielding
millions upon millions yearly; popula-
ting the many rich and extensive val
leys with the industrious grangers,
producing all that is necessary for the
wants and comforts of man during his
short period OF existence on this ter
restriaI ball. Even us few adventur-
ers located in remote Idaho appreci-
ate the bountiful supply of luxuries
protu>eIy scattered around and with
in easy access of all !, and there is room
within the boundary Of our young and
growing Territory for many thou
sands more. who can fnd permanent
homes. The day is not far distant
when every tillable piece of ground in
Idaho will be producing something for
the benefit of man; bedrock fumes
will be constructed, bitches built con-
veying water from the river for irri-
eating purposes, and for washing the
extensive gravel deposits of placer,
known to be situated in the great
Boise Basin. Quartz mining in Idaho
is yet in its infancy. From all parts
of the Territory reports come to us
daily of rich and extensive discover
les. The Atlanta mine, alone, when
worked by judicious economy, and the
great wealth of our mines fully made
known to the monied men uf the world,
capital will come to our aid and as
sistance and crown the efforts of our
industrious people, though not beyond
expectation
In Atlanta the companies are work
ing opening up and developing with
good results. The Buffalo Company
is going to experiment in wet crush
ing, and have employed the services
of Capt. James Baxter to take charge
of the mill and amalgamation depart
ment. Mahaney, the former ANAL ga
mator and furnace man, resigned his
situation and took his departure for
Virginia City, Nevada. We know
that Mr.. Baxter is a very competent
and experienced mill man, having had
many years practice, both in South
America and on this coast; SO VIC may
look to the future for good results
During the first four weeks run of the