Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1882-02-16

SIDES three smaller ones, ana produces
about four hundred thousand dollars
in gold bullion per month. It is esti-
mated that their vein of ore in sight
will last at least ten years at its pres
ent yield. They are now at work on
'slevep' three hundred feet below the
surface, and the grade of ore improves
as they descend. They commenced
near the summit of mountain. There
are unquestionably many other mines
equally as good. Smaller companies
are working other mines of similar
promise in richness and extent, both in
this vicinity and IN the Southern
Hills, so called-being down near
their southern extreme. Near here
also is the famous "Sitting Bull' silver
mine, out Of which the proprietor has
cleared fifty thousand dollars in the
last year, and this after mourning the
expense of shipping the native ore
seven hundred miles, Cover 200 miles
by teams, } to Omaha, for smelling.
He commenced poor and was obliged
to do this. He has now put the profits
of the year into smelling works near
the mine, and will of course hereafter
reduce the ore much cheaper, and
make himself rich in very short time.
Other silver mines close to this are
being successfully worked. There are
also in the "Hills" several nice mines,
which produce the finest mica, and
promise an exhaustless supply. Large
coal fields lie off to the north about
forty miles; and in the Southern Hills
are several hot springs of remarkable
curative properties. There is seeming
ly no limit to the mineral wealth that
has. until within a very short time,
been concealed or unexplored within
the shadows of these towering Hills.
AS an agricultural and grazing
country, the valleys and plains within
and adjacent to the Black Hills are
unsurpassed on the continent. The
soil rewards the labors of the husband
man with great abundance. There is
usually very little rainfall after April,
and many farmers are commencing to
irrigate, which the frequent streams
enable most of them to do. With
advantages of irrigation there is abso-
lutely no failure Of crops, but on the
contrary an unfailing yield which
leaves most other farming countries
far behind. The farmer sells all his
produce by the pound, and for Prices
"way up" Potatoes, for instance,
from 3 to 5 cents per pound; eggs, &C
to IS cents per dozen; all other things
including grains, in proportion. There
is always demand for all that is pro-
duced here, and for many times as
much.
But after all, people here say. the
way to make money is to go into the
business of raising stock. The grass
that covers the vast plains around and
about us is more nutritious than those
of other localities; does not grow tall,
but natures early, and cures, retaining
all its nutriment. Cattle run here the
year round without care or feed, except
this grass, and are good beef at all
times. No other is used in this
country, and it is equal to the best
beef sold in the eastern markets. The
climate here averages better, with
reference to the business Of stock rails
ing, than in any of the other stock
countries of the west, even though
farther south. Last winter, which
was an unusually severe one every
where, was far more merciful to the
cattle in this country than to those of
Montana or Colorado. Very few were
lost here, in proportion to the whole
number, which large per centage-
more than half-perished in the other
regions named. Ordinarily none are
lost here in winter, and as before
stated. they keep fat the year round.
Many here are turning their attention
to this business. The ranges upon
which cattle can run are broad, and
even with rapid immigration, will
remain SO for years to come.
Now as to Impressions" The
facts [ have stated, taken by them
selves, can leave but one impression
upon ordinarily intelligent minds. But
other facts should be considered in
determining whether it is advisable to
come here and plant home. That
this country contains in the precious
metals, in the grosser metals, in its
soil and the natural productions thereof,
greater natural wealth than almost any
other / have no dnnht The rninaral