The Arizona sentinel., 1900-06-13


 majority of the most favorably situated in the valleys were the first taken, the early pioneers occupying the tracts nearest the rivers, for the reason that they could be more cheaply irrigated. The mesas are for the most part un- occupied, although they comprise much of the most desirable land, such espec- tally as are adapted to the growth of the citrus and other seEi-trOpical fruits. Water can not be easily brought upon them on account of their eleva- ton above the river bed. Canals cap able of carrying sufficient water for ir- rigation would entail comparatively heavy expense, because many miles must necessarily be constructed before the water can be brought to the sur face. Such outlay would prove too ex- pensive for the slender resources of the average settler, and So, as matters stand, they lie idle under the rays of a semi-tropicaI sun, untouched by the spade and plow This condition of things, however, can not long continue. Neither physical nor typographical diff faculties exist that can not be surmOun- ted by the expenditure of a reasonable amount of capital.
 It may be safely assumed, in view of what has just been said, that the large bodies of available agricultural landare confined to the valleys of the GiIa and Colorado. and also to the comparatively level plains stretching from the Gila river to the Mexican line
 
 MINES AND MINING-There is no section of the United States, or prob ably of the earth, more rich in mineral wealth than the county of Yuma. All the country north, east, and south of Yuma lies directly within the main gold belt that comme nces in Alaska and ends in Mexico.
 From the San Bernardino mountains in California to the Sonora boundary line the mountains and hills are eXcep- tionally rich in the precious metal, as though demonstrating the theory often advanced that the richest gold mines are found bordering the beds of extinct oceans. The great Colorado Desert was once an inland sea, cut off centuries and perhaps ages ago from the main ocean, leaving it's waters to eVapOrate in this intense heat. Throughout all the country bordering the desert, in cluding this section, rich mines are be- ing discovered, and some of recent To- cation are already producing profits. In this neighborhOod claims exceedingly rich are being located, and all signs p5rtend a great mining boom for this county. It seems wonderful to believe that all this mineral wealth has been lying at our Qoors for so many years without a taker; but the tendency of prospectors is to go long distance off into strange lands, rather than to seek for mines in a county as old as Yuma and so accessible. The greater the dis tance, the hardship, and the danger the greater the fascination for the prospec- tor. Distance seems indeed to lend en- chantment."
 So it is that this county is almost a virgin field for the mine hunter, and now, with a few hundreds searching III its mountains, it's mineral secrets are stil! in effect secrets, fo~ thousands up on thousands might be wandering through the rock-ribbed fastnesses of our mountain ranges and their presence be unknown almost, so vast is the eX- tent of the county.
 La Fortuna mine, near Yuma, has largely added to the list of valuable gold properties in the territory. It Is aTsO prominent example of the fact that the gold bearing regions of Ari- zona have been greatly neglected and not we'll prospected nor developed.
 The mines and mill of this company are situated about 30 miles southwest of Yuma, in Yuma county. It is in region without a natural supply ot water, but capital and skill have rem adied this defect by pumping water from the Gila river at point F miles north of the mine. A large and power
 ful pump, requiring 100 horsepower, is
 paced at the river and the water is
 forced through a finch pipe to the mil ar the mine, overcoming an elevation If 750 feet. The difficulty of working z mine and mill without water is thu! overcome and the supply is unfaiing A 1GO-ton cyanide plant has recent! been installed, making the average out l | There. are also upon this property, ant | within less than 1000 feet of the For | tuna, four other distinct and well-de | fined Iedges one 10 inches wide, one | feet wide, one 1 feet wide, and one ay | eraging F feet wide. The assay VaIu | of the ores from these ledges averages
 respectively, $2O. $25. $S and SIP per ton
 The several shafts or pits sunk on thes
 ledges amount in all to about 3I5 fee and the drifting to 32O feet All thl drifting and sinking is on ore, and fror
 the prospects it would appear that thes | ledges will develop into extensive an valuable mines, comparable with th Fortuna Work is progressing upon al
 Thus in a few short months this p'ac (Fortuna) has developed from desel
 and wilderness into a prosperous an
 growing camp, and intelligent an legitimate mining, with sufficient cap
 tai. is having it's golden reward.
 The King of Arizona gold mine IS
 recent discovery, and vast preparation
 are going forward to work the mine 0
 an extensive scale. The richness or U
 mine is fabulous, the ore having assa!
 ed as high as S, 200 per ton. Owing
 a scarcity of water this mine has n'
 been worked before now, but an abuI
 dance of water has recently been di
 covered at a depth of 400 feet about miles from the mine. There is so te of water in the well and it is now b
 ing pumped up to the mine. A crushir mill. a cyanide plant, and much oth modern mining machinery is being Il stalled. The discovery of water ne; the mine will accentuate prospecuI . in the district, which is computed to me of the richest in the world.
 The Castle Dome lead mines are b ing worked successfully and new m l chinery has lately been installed thel r New developments and discoveries a