Semi=weekly graphic., 1899-08-23
A BRIGHT OASIS IN THE GREAT SEMl-DESERT
 OF ARIZONA.
AN ANTELOPE CHASE.
A Woman Who Brought Her Weight in Gold-A Big
 Sheep Ranch.
special Correspondence of the Graphic:

ORACLE, ARIz Aug. 15.--The uostoffice of Oracle takes it's name from mine about one mile from Acadia Ranch, where the postofice is located. Eighteen years ago when there were few inhabitants in this country the Oracle mine was worked, but because of the lack of facilities and the expensive modes of transportation, it was subequent- ly abandoned. Recently, however, operations of the Oracle mine have been resumed ard ore is now being taken therefrom in paying quanti- ties.
 The community of Oracle is really bright oasis in the great semi desert of Arizona. Located ln the foothills of the Santa Catalinas at an elevation of 4500 feet, surround ed by malestic mountains witk here and there a precipitous cliff or huge boulders assuming all sorts of gro tesque shapes, and with giant oaks and variety of green grasses and wild flowers on the mountain sides all combine to make a pleasing picturesque view. Verify, on the tops and sides of these noun tains- Full many a flower is born to blush unseen, And waste it's fragrance on the desert air"
 At the present season the verdure of the valleys and mountains is es- pecially brilliant and beautiful, and under the various lights and shad- ows, with constantly changing hues, present a scene of novel and unend- ing interest.
 There are many drives in and around Oracle, and nothing is more deIlghtful-especially at this season of the year when the foliage is green and fragrant and the numerous species of cacti are in flower or fruit ing-than drive over the noun tain roads and across the grassy mesas or down through the canyons with their precipitous and pictur- esque sides.
 Game is also abundant in thls vii cinity. Al and around Oracle are to be found quail, doves, rabbits and squirrels; in the noun tains deer, bear and small mountain 'Iions, !" and on an extensive mesa four miles from Oracle and at the foot of An telope Peak is the antelope country One of the most thrilling experience es l eyer had or enjoyed was the chase, n company with St. Louis an few days ago, of flock Of half dozen antelopes across the prairie for distance ot several miles. But the animals are exceedingly shy, and ltis almost impossible to get shot at even one of them, However, the chase, with the prospect of possi ble or an occasional shot, is very exciting and exhilarating expert ence
 When Dr. Waxham of Chicago said that Oracle was ''The ideal place of all Arizona" he spoke from knowledge of the facts and with truth, Its surroundings are most conducive to restful and healthful resort. It's winters are mild ano delightful, and during the present summer the thermometer has regis tered 96 only three times and for a lew brief hours. Even then the heat is not oppressive, because of 'ne mountain oreezes and the ab- sence of humidity. It has been comfortable in the shade throughout 'ue summer, and at night cool enough for blankets and comforts tue ar IS pure, bracing and invigo 'a''ng, and the heat is not so ener sa'lng as in the low lands and in most climates. There is also total aosence of mosquitoes-I have not uearo the familiar song of one this Summer.