Southern standard. (McMinnville, Tenn.) 1879-current, 1888-01-28
uMcA ISLANDS WEALTH.
yta MlnsrAi Resources worth More ThA
the Purchase Prioo Of Aluahn.

tie AGinsFAi Resources worth More ThAA
the Purchase Prios Of AisshA.
An Alta reporter made tho acquaint-
ance Of G. c. King, who is Just from
Unga Island. In Alaska. Mr.. King 10
well known to many San Francisco
people IS successful miner, and
gentleman whose observations and ex-
peiience are entitled to high considera-
ton.
"It Is not very beautiful country"
said Mr.. King. "but it is far better than
great many people think it. Unga
Island. where have been. is in lati-
tudc IS degrees north, longitude 1862
degrees west. 1t is surrounded by
several other islands. and the main
land. in the shape of peninsula, is
very near. These are all very noun
famous, and one or two VOLCANOES, or
burning mountains as they are called
there. can be seen in the distance" 1t .
"How about the soil and climateg"
Tho soil is rich and deep. produc-
ing an immense growth of vegetation.
As this Is all returned to the soil by
the decaying processes Of fall and
winter the land becomes richer from
year to year. There is no stock to eat
the grass, which grows in rank luxuri-
ance and often to a height of FIVE feet.
It is the red-top bunch-grass variety.
THE climate is not so cold as you
might infer, but in the fall and winter
is very disagreeable on account of the
rains and snow. The latter lies on the
ground but few days when the
eastern winds bring rain, and so the
alterations go on from November to
May. The climate is too changeable
for cereals. However, berries and some
vegetables grow in great abundance.
This part of Alaska will soon be a
farming country, but have no doubt
stock-raising in time will largely be
carried on there. The grasses can not
be eaten out, as is often the case in
the Pacific States and Territories. The
rains up there are constantly renewing
the growth of grass.
II have no doubt also that it will, in
time, become great coal-producing
country. The out groupings are abun-
dant. and reveal a very fine quality.
The game is limited to bear and
deer; and wild fowl are not abundant,
with the exception of geese and
grouse. / have never seen quail in
this part of Alaska. But the fish are
the finest in the world. The day be-
fore started on this trip to California
caught fifty pounds of trout which /
sailed down and brought with me.
There are three varieties of them-the
speckled, red and silver sides. Cod
fish, halibut, salmon and numerous
other kinds of fish swarm the waters.
"The land and sea fur-bearing ami
mails are, however, becoming scarce. l
visited St. Paul and St. Georges
Island and l know from my personal
observation, that the Alaska CONNER
cial Company is compelled to take
great care in protecting the seals.
Otherwise they would soon become ex-
tinct."
"How about mining?"
''In time that will become the great
industry of Alaska Gold, silver and
copper are in all the mountains. But
gravel-digging is failure. l have
seen great many quartz lodges carry
ing sufficient gold and silver to war
: rant further development Smelling
would be easy, as there is plenty of
lead and iron for fux. saw free mill
ing gold ore at Squaw Harbor on Unga
Island. | believe that the metallic
wealth of Unga Island alone is greater
than the United States paid for the
whole country. There are several large
, veins Of quartz on the island already
developed, and among these the Sitka
Apollo, Rising Sun and Squaw Harbor
claims are being worked to advantage.
] am sure great future is before this
island. Five tons of ore brought down
from the King mine by the steamer
| Dora yielded 81 per ton.
prospecting on the mainland is very
difficult. No animals to carry pro-
, visions are obtainable. If miners had
, Jacks or mules some fine discoveries
might be made on the mainland. The
natives are peaceable and hospitable.
The majority of them speak only Rus
sian, but we occasionally meet one who
talks English. Those who live near
the seaports dress like Americans,
{ their clothing being furnished them by
the Alaska Commercial Company.
r This company buys from the natives
sea otter skins for which they pay from
$50 to 900.
! "Prospectors going to Alaska should
make every possible preparation be-
fore leaving San Francisco. They
should especially take animals with
I: them. "--Alta California
!. O-S--o--------
The Old Lady's Custom.
Old Lady lin drug store)-D'ye
know vnun0 man I've stood hare like