, 1888-03-15
MINING MATTERS.
upertInent Facts OF the Progress
and Prospects of the Wardner
District.


no abatement during the winter. The
prospects OF year ago are to-day
materalized facts of production and
ore "in sight," and some OF the devel-
opments and progress borders on the
phenomenal.
Notwithstanding the extremely cold
weather for time, the Bunker Hill
and Sullivan Concentrating Company
turned out more dressed ore in the
month of January than during any
previous month since they began
operations, amounting to something
over 1000 tons.
The uninterrupted yield of those
mines has not been the only source of
graft fication; there has been system
of developments in progress, the re.
suits OF which has been watched with
y great deal of interest.
During the winter lower tunnel
was run to tap the vein $50 feet be
low the former lowest level. Recently
the vein was reached and magnifi-
cent lode of ore cut; since then
drifting on the trend Of the vein for
distance of 100 feet shows it in better
form and better ore than in any OF the
upper levels. The result of this work
has evoked great deal OF interest, as
il not only put vast amount OF ore
in sight, but puts to rest all adverse
theories as to depth and strength OF
the vein. The management is quite
jubilant over the result, and has
started another tunnel 100 feet lower
and to be 1000 feet long, which will
drain both mines 100 feet below the
point where the creek crosses the vein.
This will make five openings at levels
of about 125 each. When completed
the mines will be in grand stage Of
development, and probably have a
productive capacity greater than any
other silver-lead mine in the world.
Among the contemplated improve
ments is theadoption Of an antiquated
contrivance for hosting ore from the
portals of these lower tunnels to the
mill which is situated considerably
higher. II is very unique affair, il
will bo operated by water power and
be entirely automatic. Concur
rently With the developments in the
mines, n large concentrating plant
will be built at Kellogg, probably OF
200 tons daily capacity, and will be in
running order some time during the
coming season.
Work in the lower tunnel on the
Stemwinder has been temporarily sus-
pended on account of the great
amount of water running in. During
this time, attention has been given to
the first ore body cut, where % raise
and stopping is carried on out OF which
has been taken several thousand tons
of ore, and enough in reserve to keep
the present mill of SO tons capacity
employed for long time. The raise
il up about 60 feet, and a shaft is be-
ing sunk to connect with it, which
will give thorough ventilation to the
mine. and prospect the vein 200 feet
in depth. 1t is the intention of the
company to continue this tunhel en-
tirely across the ore-bearing zone,
which has Indications Of being over
200 feet in width. Great results may
be looked for when this is done.
Here is the largest volume of water
running out of u mine in Occur d.
Alene, and at present is being very
profitably utilized for coWpressing air
to ventilate the mine.
The concentrator mt Kellogg is run
ming very smoothly and turning out
fine clean product. The tramway is
working very satisfactorily, and the
continual transit OF ore in its aerial
passage is suggestive of much enter
prise and improved methods OF
mining.
Deadwood gulch at present is the
scene Of considerable activity. The
Sierra Nevada has gone through II
vigorous process of good mining dur
ing the winter. This has been one of
the most difficult properties to put in
producing shape, and too much can
not be said of Prof. Clayton and Su
perintendent Mcconnell for the skill
and ability they showed in bringing
this mine up to its present high stand
ing. Fifteen tons of dressed high
grade ore is being shipped daily, and
when some minor additions are made
TO the mill the amount will be in
creased to twenty tons.
leo. b. McAuly Is making another
effort on the opposite side OF the creek,
but not on the Viola this time, how
ever. What Geo. lacked in judgment
on mine development he makes up in
business management. Apropos the
lines:
"The gold bug he has wings OF gold;
The fire bug, wings OF flame
The bed bug has no wings at all.
But he gels there Just The same"
After failing TO find it on the Viola.
he very wisely secured control of the
adjoining claim and has COM
mencsd operations on it, and