Idaho semi-weekly world. [volume] (Idaho City, Idaho Territory) 1875-1908, 1883-06-22
LETTER FROM II. n. r.
HORSESHOE BEND, Boise County,
June 10. 1883.

VI vfSitiHR nf. >. n. GOiCtrap1S mil,
in Garden Valley, ON Tuesday last,
and was agreeably surprised at the
mill and its surroundings. The build.
ing itself is a substantial three story
frame, painted cream color, situated
in pleasant nook in the foothills,
easy Of access, and surrounded with
an abundance Of pine timber. Mr..
Goldtrap. who is himself practical
miller, took great pains in showing us
the mill and its internal arrangements,
which are of the latest and most inn
proved pattern. The mill has an ex-
cellent water power, having fall of
125 feet, carried through an 1l-inch
iron pipe which discharges on a tur-
hine wheel. This power also runs a
large saw-mill, in connection with the
grist mill, and adjoining it. At the
head Of the ditch are hot springs, from
which, in winter, the water is turned
into the main ditch, thus providing a
power that does not freeze in the cold
est weather. The farming section of
the county at present, does not sup
ply grain enough to keep this mill
running but portion OF tine time.
But the arabic land is fast being
brought under cultivation. and will
soon be able to more than double the
present supply.
We also visited Gold Hill and
Quartzburg, and were agreeably en-
tertained by Mr. David Coughanour
and family The mill is steadily pound
ing away, doing effectual work in
crushing ore that has paid steadily
since the mill first started The cab.
inet of specimens from their mine is
the richest we believe, in the Territory.
This mill employs large number of
hands, the shaft now being 400 feet
below creek level. aid is the life of
this section of country. We could
only wish that many more of the VAL
liable lodges III this coul.ty were being
worked instead of lying idl.
Striking over the mountains by trail,
we were rewarded on reaching the
summit, by a panorama of beauty.
Away to the northeast loomed up the
Sawtooth range, their SUBMITS wrap
ped in snow; other ranges to the east
aud southeast, whose names we are
not familiar with, seemed to rear their
heads to the clouds, and with their
snowy peaks glistening in the sun.
To the north aud west was the valley
of the Payette river, the stream wind
ing along through the valley as far as
the eye could reach. Looking across
Boise Basin with its densely timbered
valleys and ridges, could be seen the
tall peaks beyond Atlanta and Rocky
Bar. The trail over these mountains
is passabie, although we climbed over
snow banks % feet deep, and went
around many that were impossible.
The valley is pretty well settled up,
but were we allowed to express an
opinion, should say that the farmers,
as rule, dc not appear thrifty-they
seem to be satisfied with barely get
ting along. Had the farmers of this
beautiful valley the energy that the
miners have in developing and work
ing the miues, the valley would soon
present much more attractive ap-
pearance. At the Bend we found some
very pretty farm houses and farms.
Mr.. Miner, Mr.. Roland aud Mr. Robb's
places VIC noticed in particular. Judge
Moore, of your city, has also a nice
place on Shater creek. II. \. Z.
uAro ,,a 1aa1 Ttm2, said an Irish