The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1903-07-19


pronounced type of the doubling Thomas,
who laughed at the idea of such an investi-
cation, and so the matter was dropped
Squire Porter declared his willingness to
investigate, even to excavate, with
reputable associate, but had a perfect hor-
ror of attempting anything of the kind
alone, because 80 much sport was made of
anyone who was searching for the lost
mine.
During the civil war. some parties be-
coming interested, at my suggestion they
went into the neighborhood of the lost
mine. intending to ask Squire Porter to
conduct them to the place he had described
in the foregoing conversation. To their
disappointment. however. they learned
that the Squire had moved to Martinsburg
several miles distant, in Washington coun-
ty, and so that metallurgicai dream was
over. If the old gentleman is living now,
and this meets his eye, it is hoped he will
recall the conversation and give his former
neighbors another opportunity to investi-
gate.
Some of these pioneer treasure hunters
bethought them to avail themselves of the
fortune teller of this part of Clark county.
A party was organized, and accompanied
by the aforesaid wise woman. with her
divining rod. they plunged into the then
wild and unbroken wilderness of the knobs
She was mounted, the others were on foot
Suddenly she was found to be in fainting
condition and was helped from her horse
to the ground. When somewhat recovered
ti,rr
that gigantic Indian had appeared be-
fore her and menaced her with his Ratchet
and she positively refused to go any
further or lend any assistance, and so much
were the party impressed with her story
that they made no further attempt to dis
cover the lost mine.
Recent discoveries and indications of
mineral wealth in the knobs have awakened
these "reminiscences, and if anyone can sup
plement these stories with something more
definite and tangible they will confer a
favor on readers of the Journal in this
part of the State.
On Wednesday Of last week three men,
bers of the Board of Forestry visited the
reservation, spending the entire day there
Those who made the visit were f. c. Car
son. president, John Cochrane and w. H
Freeman. secretary. 1t was Mr.. Cochrane's
first visit. and like all the other members
who have seen the reservation, he ex-
pressed himself as delighted with the land
situation and all pertaining to the forest.
FORESTRY FUNDS LIMITED.
/. The board considered plans for the future,
which must be circumscribed, however. for
some time. owing to the limited amount of
funds at their disposal. At present the
work on the roads is suspended but that on
the superintendent residence continues-in
fact. all outdoor work. The students from
Purdue University have completed the sur
veys of the boundary and are now plating.
About four more weeks work on this will
be required.
George w. Barnett, superintendent of the
forest reservation, had battle royal with
a rattle snake few days ago, but finally
dispatched the reptile. which was four feet
In length and had eleven rattles. For years
this has been the home of the rattlers. but
they are rapidly disappearing.
President Carson of the Board of For
estry. said when he was here few days
ago that he hoped to see the forest worth
100000 by the time his term of office ex-
PRED two years hence. The land was pur-
chased for $4,000. All the members of the
board who have visited the reservation are
greatly pleased with the location. Several
members stated that IL was their intention
to spend some time in camp on the land
during August.
1t has always been claimed that there Is
an abundance of clay the knobs adj
mirably adapted for the manufacture of
drain tile. for which there is great demand
in this section. There is hope of inducing
some large manufacturers of the article to
locate here for that purpose. Mineral
springs and an abundance of good water on
the knobs are inducements for great devel-
opment in this section in the near future.
For mineral water users there will soon be
erected a hotel either here or near the min
era springs.
Enormous quantities of blackberries. wild
and cultivated, are shipped from here daily
TO Indianapolis and Chicago. One merchant
alone shipped S100 worth in two weeks to J.
l.. Reach. the Potato King. First shipments
of peaches made last week bringing
s.. so per bushel. boxed. Only medium crop
Is I'm sight.
Bern Mundelle. for many years connected
with the Indianapolis postoffice, and now an
inspector OF postoffices is here from Indian
apolis with his wife. who is visiting her