Wichita eagle. [volume] (Wichita, Kan.) 1886-1890, 1890-01-10
5sNNAllIAa
I,aily 60 Eagle
MOUNT SUPERSTITION.
A QUEER PEAK IN ARIZONA THAT
the ApACHES FIGHT SHY or.
A Gentleman with Taste for Eoaming
Makes an Investigation and Finds a
Natural Electric Battery-Rude Smeaser
Of the Prehistoric Inhabitants

Natural Electric Battery-Rude Szneater
Of the Prehistoric Inhabitants.
Some twenty odd miles due east from
Phoenix, the capital of Arizona territory,
rises abruptly the Superstition mountain,
which forms very prominent landmark, as
it can be seen for long distance in any di-
rection.
On the summit Of Superstition mountain,
and at the extreme western edge, overlooking
the rocky bluffs, 200 and 500 feet in height,
are the ruins Of an old stone fort such are
frequently found IN Arizona at points where
good view of the surrounding country is
afforded About en- acre of land, or rather
rock, is within this inclosUre. In this con-
nection, and as the name Of the mountain
would indicate, is an Indian legend, and the
place is held, even at the present time, II a
decree OF veneration and awe by the tribes
of that section of Arizona 50 great as to pre-
vent any of their members hunting on or
visiting it.
. In the fall of 1888 ?. c. Bickner, who still
resides in Phoenix, and who is a thoroughly
educated gentleman, with taste for roam
ing through the mountains and a penchant
for archaeological research. paid visit to a
friend-a cattle man residing on the Salt
river-for tie purpose of enjoying brief
period Of recreation in hunting, fishing and
the pursuit of his studies In nature. Lit oc-
Cured 10 him one day to visit the summit OF
Superstition mountain, which, although four
or five miles distant, could easily be accom-
plished before night. Taking his rifle and
canteen of water Mr.. Bickne1 set out, and
after long walk and a laborious climb
reached his objective point In the afternoon.
LIVING LINE OF FIRE
He saw nothing remarkable within the in
closure of the fallen walls. Some stone axes,
hammers and broken pieces Of pottery were
scattered about, but as they were of the
usual patterns found in all Arizona ruins
they did not arouse especial interest. In one
corner of the old fort, and nearly covered
with fallen rock. he encountered a rude fur
mace evidently used for the smelling Of ores.
Anxious to discover the use of what metal
tie prehistoric inhabitants had knowledge,
he set about removing the stones. The work
was very tedious and laborious, and, being
absorbed with interest, he paid no attention
to the fight Of time. Finally be was re-
warded by securing piece of Stag and also
G specimen Of ore which had not been sub
jected to treatment, ard was surprised to
find that the mineral was copper. Having
settled this matter to the satisfaction of his
own mind, Mr. Bicknel arose and cast look
to the west to discover that the sun was
then sinking behind the range of distant
mountains.
This did not disturb him much, however,
50 he built a fire, roasted a rabbit which he
bed killed on his way dp, md made such
preparations as were possible TO spend the
night comfortably on the mountain. After
shutdown the atmosphere became quite sui
try, and, as there was every indication of a
thunder storm, Mr. Bicknel concluded that
he would not remain within the walls of the
old fort, as the rain was liable to drive from
the loose rocks rattiesuakes, centipedes and
poisonous insects of variauS kinds. There
fore he selected for his sleeping place re-
markaloly smooth rock, about twenty yards
in front Of the east wall Putting his hob
nail shoes under bis head for pillow, Mr.
Blcknsll, somewhat exhausted from his long
stroll and excitement, soon fell into d deep
sleep.
sSone time afterward he was suddenly
awakened by sharp ekectric stloc! which
seemed to pass from the back OF his neck
downward Managing TO scramble to his
fest be ran some distance TO the east, and,
locking back TO his sleeping place, was SUI
prised to see living line OF fire or lightning
running across the mountain from north to
south. Newer having seen ground light
ming. before, Mr.. Bicknell was very natu-
rally awe stricken and astounded, but he was
more than surprised when, recovering from
his bewilderfnent, he noticed that the electric
storm had not passed over the mountain, but
was as distant, apparently, as when he first
lay down. The phenomenon lasted but a few
moments but its duration was sufficient for
the explorer.
Upon returning to the camp next morning
Mr Bicknel related his experience, which
was received with evident increduliby How
ever, he induced one Of the men 10 acooan-
pany him to the mountain few days after
ward They reached the summit about
noon, and the weather was very warm. The
men We're standing upon the smooth spot
which Bicknell had selected for couch, and
he was explaining about his shock, when,
with simultaneous impulse, they both sprang
forward and gazed into czech others fnces in
mute Interrogation. Subsequent explana-
ton showed that each had experienced we'll
defined electric shock, as though by light
current from "A Galvanic battery. Mr. Bick-
nell at once concluded that he would solve
tine mystery, and set about doing so, although
his companion was most anxious to leave the
dread spot. The Investigations then begun,
and subsequently, completed, led TO the fol-
lowing discoveries:
On the north side OF the precipice was
large dyke of pyritous iron, running east and
west, and on It's south wall the mineral APP
peared IN the form of prososulphates, or what
is commonly known Is copperss In the lat
Ter there wss small, irregularly shaped hole
several feet in depth, into which water was
slowly spp4ng from small spring on aslight
enlinence some yards distant. This water
was strongly impregnated with salt From
this pot hole and extending across the moan
tain top were a number of small veins. or
stringers, of copper ore, almost pare in their
native ssase. which terminated 10 ali appear
ances, IN heavy ledge OF caicspar, bec-ing
galena and a small percentage OF gold,
running parallel with the copper lead,
but on the opposite BRINK OF the
bluff. The copper strinse<s connecting the
le6ges Were evidently what is known in pros
pectors' parlaace rs a blow out," and rested
or malpalS-a kind of CLASSY Stag produced
by volcanic heat. Here was a positive and
negative pole, connected with Il good electric
conductor, and "a chemical decomposition
taking place that would prCducs n strong
battery. With jar OF the copper stringers,
produced by Atmospheric electrical disturb
ances or number CT persons stepping upon
them, why might net current be induced
sufficiently strong As 70 become destructive
to animal hfe2 But simply the facts are
given, snd the scientific reader IS ST liberty
TO evolve MS own theories-Saa Francisco
Examiner.
Where He Kept It.
Mr.. Youngkusband ferventlyA-Sweet one.