Idaho County free press. [volume] (Grangeville, Idaho Territory) 1886-current, 1894-06-08
CN3,aHs Prairie.


The topography of Camas prairie
is best described as being of gen.
thy rolling character. The bedrock
below the soil is basalt of volcanic
origin, while the surface above this
is deep, black loan of the same
character as is found on the best
lands of the famous Palouse wheat
belt of Washington. This soil pro-
duces remarkable yields of all
kinds of cereals and grasses, fruits
and vegetables. Camas prairie is
well watered by the Cottonwood,
Three Mile, Butcher and Johns
creeks, which flow through it and
empty into the Clearwater, and
Grave creeks and the waters of
Rocky canyon, which flows into
Salmon river. A bountiful supply
of we'll water is obtained on the
prairie in almost any locality at
depths varying from 10 to go feet.
The altitude of Camas prairie is
about 5000 feet above sea level.
The climate of this part of the
state is by no means severe. Frosts
seldom appear here before Decem-
Der, and the snowfall during the
winter months are not heavy and
snow seldom remains on the ground
here longer than a week at time.
The warm chinook winds blowing
up from the southwest and the cur
rent of warm air which rises from
the river canyons below tend to
greatly temper the rigors of winter
on Camas prairie.
The population at the present
time does not exceed 1000. Owing
to lack of railroad connections with
the outside world, the farmers here
now give their attention principally
to stock raising, although sufficient
products of agriculture are raised
to amply meet the local demands.
The sale of surplus stock is annu-
ally increasing and it now averages
yearly about 100000 in value.
The mineral resources of Idaho
county are worthy of more than
passing notice in the present arti-
Gle, owing to the proximity and
accessibility of these mineral de-
posits to Camas prairie. The ex-
element attending the discovery
of the placer gold-felds of Orc Elmo,
Elk City, Florence and Warrens
diggings here in the early COS will
be remembered by many of the old
residents of the Northwest. AL
though placer mining is now on
the decline, recent valuable quartz
discoveries in these same districts
and the active preparation already
made for their development promise
greater activity in mining in these
districts than was noted 30 years
ago. In the Warrens district sew
eral valuable gold-quartz lodges are
now being worked at profit
although at something of a disad-
vantage owing to the lack OF
wagon roads and the consequent
heavy cost of hauling supplies tc
the mines. A state wagon road
has just been completed at cost O.
$50, 900, which will reach these
mines. The road is about ready tC
be open to travel and il will UNI
doubtedly give a great impetus tt
the working of the valuable quarts
mines of Idaho county.
A very rich section of Idaho
county is Alton mining district. l
is noted for its rich lodges and only
awaits the building of wagon road
to become a very prominent min
ing section. The Elk City district lie
in the foothills of the Bitter Roo
Mountains and is considered by ex
perts as being remarkably rich il
surface display. A road to thi
district is assured during the pres
ent year (lS94). The completion
of this road will give Camas prairi
means of communication with on
of the most promising minera
belts of the Pacific coast. TIL
famous Seven Devils mines ar
copper properties. Active prepar
ations are new being made to de
velop the mines on large scale.
(To be continued