The Wichita daily eagle. [volume] (Wichita, Kan.) 1890-1906, 1897-07-25
TO READ UP ON THE KLONDYKE
United States Geological Surveys List of
Reference Hooks.

Washington, July A.-The Geological
survey has learned something about the
resources Of Alaska. An expedition was
sent out by the survey in May, 1896, q
the gold feds Of the Yukon river. The
reports that had come to the survey from
theb Yukon country were that there were
large placer deposits along the stream
beds.
The party crossed 10 the head waters OF
the Yukon river by Chilkoot Pass and
proceeded by boat down the Yukon 70
Forty Mile Creek. They found on ar
rival there that they could traverse the
country in al directions through can
mons and over mountains by having In
dams act as packers. The party trav-
ersed the valley of the Yukon from the
British boundary on the east 10 the mouth
OF the river on the west. All of the
known placer deposits were examined
and the origin of the gold in them was
traced to the veins of quartz along the
head waters of the various streams en-
tering the Yukon.
Sufficient data was secured to establish
the presence Of gold belt 30 miles in
length, which enters the territory near
the mouth Of DIRTY NILE creek and ex-
tends westward across the Yukon val
ley al the lower ramparts. It's further
extent is unknown. The opinion Of the
geologist in charge Of the expedition was
that it would entirely practicable 10
prosecute quartz mining throughout the
year in this region. Large areas Of rocks
containing hard bituminous coal also
We're observed.
The geological survey has asked con-
gress for sufficient funds to send five ex-
ploring parties into Alaska. The director
thinks that the gold feds are OF grea.
extent and value.
AT the Coast and Geological Survey
the demand for charts OF Alaska has
been unprecedented and the supply OF
charts is so nearly exhausted that the
department has been obliged to issue or
ders that more be prepared. They also
receive a heavy mail with requests for
information about the country, and each
Spouse possible.
The survey has prepared the following
list Of reference books which they recon-
mend to ali correspondents:
Alaska and Its Resources by Dali;
Shores and Alps of Alaska" by Karr,
Guide to the Yukon Gold Fields" Will
son; Papers and Correspondence Re-
iating to Russian America" a govern
ment publication, and Population and
Resources of Alaska, $780," by Petroff.
A fact which the officials of the sur
vey lament is that If the boundary expe-
dition had been sent to Alaska last year
as intended, the expedition would now
be in the heart Of the Klondyke.
The gold fever is increasing the labors
Of members of congress. especially those
from the western states. Inquiries are
pouring in TO them by the hundreds for
about the discoveries and
requesting maps and other information.
Two expeditions for the gold fields are
Being organized in Washington. One is
under DR.. John Hepburn, an experienced
traveller. The other also is G.
traveller. HE expresses the ut
most confidence in his project The other
also is under prominent physician who
withholds his name, as he says he does
not court publicity. He says that the
men who will accompany him will lake
sufficient money and supplies to remain
within the Arctic circle for ten years il
necessary. They will go for gold and
stay TIL they get it.