The river press. [volume] (Fort Benton, Mont.) 1880-current, 1880-11-03
THE BARKER MINES.

We present this week some of the charac-
~teristics OF the ores of this district, and re-
gret that the data are not sufficient to render
a comprehensive comparison of them trust
worthy. But few of the leads prospected
have been analysed. Most of the assays
which nave been made on these ores have
been for silver only, and only one of those
we were enabled to get has been subjected to
the test OF q cumulative analysis-which on
ly will give o true indication of the vein
characteristics. It is a matter for congratu-
]ation, however, that all the assays thus far
made indicate ore of exceptional richness.
All Of them agree with remarkable uniform
ity in presenting the same features and in
value with each other.
In some cases the ores prospect q very
high percentage Of silver-rhe maximum
rating of the Barker being as high IS 260
ounces to the ton, with a minimum of SO.
The bases with which the metal exists in
combination also give favorable indications,
all Of those in the granite formation being
combined with sulphur, and the various OK
ides which characterize the great silver leads
of the world which have shown exceptional
durability.
When the metal is found existing in the
form of q carbonate, it may be taken as a
positive indication Of pluvial formation, the
metal being first dissolved by carbonic acid
and afterwards p%recipitated with alkaline
matter with which it may come into contact.
1t is al open question whether all the COM
binations of the precious metals with basic
salts are not formed in this way; but the
weight of opinion is that all the formations
in the primitive rock are of volcanic origin;
and the evidence before US of the formation
which lies in the granite Of the Barker dis
trict favors the latter hypothesis; while it
is highly probable that the formation in the
gneiss and slate should be classed under the
former.
The Emma presents ore similar In char
acteristics 20 the general features of the great
Comstock and some of the Butte mines. The
large percentage of gold is the essential fea-
ture of the surface indications Of this mine.
This will probably disappear when they get
down on the vein, and the product will, if it
is not merely q deposit vein, show the charac-
~teristics Of the rest Of the district it assays
$3.50 in gold, $21 in silver, ~ per cent.
lead, with a trace of copper and zinc.
Until a much larger number Of the leads
and prospects have been assayed with a view
tothe determination of al the elements of
the different ores, and the nature Of their
combinations, ii will be impossible to de-
termine whether there is a reasonable de-
gree Of the uniformity IN general feature
which is associated with good mining local.
ties elsewhere; and it is hoped that theoWn-
ers of the various discoveries will take suni-
Gent interest in the determination u this.
feature, and set at rest all doubts which may
exist on this subject. It is essential to a de-
termination Of the real value of this district
81 9 future mining center that this be done,
and the sooner it is done, and the results
made known, the better for those interested.
The Barker will average over $50 per ton
il silver; the Nil Desperandum SO ounces !;
the Benton b ounces; Challenge 81 ounces;
Gen. Hancock 81 ounces; the May Wilson IS
ounces; the Chas Rowe IL ounces; the Pal-