The Corvallis gazette. [volume] (Corvallis, Or.) 1862-1899, 1893-03-24
OREGON'S MINERAL EXHIBIT.

ing communication TO the GAZETTE
which contains interesting infor-
nation to those desiring to assist
in the laudable undertaking OF
furnishing mineral specimens for
exhibition at the worlds fair:
The time allotted us III the col
lection and classification of Ore
gon's mineral exhibit at the worlds
Columbian expositionis necessarily
very limited. We therefore earn
estly urge and solicit cooperation
and assistance on the part of all
who are interested i'll securing a
creditable display of the vast and
valuable mineral resources of our
state. Such an opportunity OF dis
seminating information and cali
ing the worlds attention to the
greatness and proftableness OF
Oregon's mining properties will nol
soon recur. In gathering the ex
hibits and preparing same for ship
ment, system and uniformity must
be observed. 70 that end we beg
leave TO submit the following sug-
gestions and directions:
1. For coal exhibits it will be
necessary to pack closely in boxes
that will not hold over 40 pounds,
and as large pieces as possible up
to this weight.
Building stone, lime stone, mar
BILE. kaolin. fire clay and kindred
| substances, in cubes Of II inches,
dressed Oh different faces to show
difference in method of finish. II
possible, a small quantity of man
ufactured articles made from the
materials mentioned.
2. Iron ore in pieces of no
greater weight than 100 pounds,
and not more than one such piece
from any one mine. Where it is
of smaller chunks, not more pieces
than will aggregate 100 pounds in
weight.
3. Gold, silver, copper, nickel
and kindred ores in quantities of
not less than 100 pounds from each
mine or prospective mine, and not
more than 500 pounds from any
one. Ores in large pieces are the
best for exhibiting purposes, and
as much of our ores in Oregon are
in a granulated or decomposed
condition, great care must be used
in handling and shipping.
4. Dirt from placer mines
should be gathered from off bed
rock, and all gravel stones larger
than quaiFs egg picked out.
Two or three sacks of such dirt
from any one mine is sufficient.
This dirt will be worked at the
fair on the miniature placer mine
in regular manner, and credit
given the mine from which the
dirt is taken.
70 better enable a proper class
ification of the exhibit and for the
distribution Of information con-
cerning Oregon's mineral wealth
among interested and inqniring
visitors at the exposition, it is re-
quisite and of the utmost impor-
tance that an accurate and proper
description of each specimen ac-
company same. We have pre-
pared and herewith enclose a list
of the data desired. These ques-
tons should be carefully answered
and in each instance returned with
the exhibit. Anyone having any
choice, rich specimens of ore that
were found in Oregon are asked to
let us have them, and receipt
will be given for their safe return
at the close Of the exposition. All
such specimens, together with all
nuggets, gold and silver bricks,
opals, crystals, ETC., and anything
of special value will be kept in
locked show case, and will be put
in safe at all hours during which
the exhibition is closed to visitors.
1t will not be possible for us to
receive. any private cabinets or
collections, as our space in the
mineral building will not admit,
but all valuable or choice speci-
mems will be accepted from them
and placed in show cases and pro
per credit given 10 the owners.
In all such cases, however, it will
be necessary for the owner to give
proper description of each speci-
men, as without identity they are
without value.
Mr.. F. III. Rowe is superintend-
ing the collection of exhibits in
eastern Oregon, and all ores and
specimens from that section should
be sent to him at Baker City EX-
hibits from other sections should
be forwarded to O. w. AYERS, min
ing commissioner, Portland, Ore.