The Rathdrum tribune. (Rathdrum, Idaho) 1903-1963, 1906-08-03
MINES Of KOOTHNAL
Inspector Bell Speaks En-
couragingly Of Them.
THE PRIEST LAKE DISTRICT
Prospects Promise 70 Yield
Much Lead and Gold.

K i
The matchless scenic beauties Of
Priest lake, in the northwest corner
" Knotenai county, can only be ap
pteclated by sail over It's placid
bosom and a ramble along its ever
changing and romantic shores said
State Mine Inspector Robert N. Bell.
who has recently returned to Boise
from an extensive trip through the
mining districts Of the Panhandle
''The Indian name OF the lakes,
for there are two lakes connected by
a channel called the Thoroughfare.
was Kaniksu the signidcation OF
which did not learn. but 1t must
have had some relation to the unusual
charms OF the lakes and environinR
country.
'.The mineral resources Of the
mountain slopes Of the lakes and
tributary streams are interesting and
promise to develop important and
profitable ore deposits. In the mines
of the Idaho Continental company,
II miles above the head of the lake,
there is probably the best lead show
lng Ia the state outside OF the Occur
d'Alenes. There are also most
promising showings 10 the properties
OF the Priest Lake Mining company
as we'll as In the mines OF the Noun
tain Chief company which are ad-
vantageously situated at the head Of
the upper lake. Two tunnels Of con-
siderable length have been driven on
the main lead which have developed
some high grade galena ores"
II was pleasingly surprised at the
showings being made in the proper.
ties being developed 10 the Pine
creek district which lies south Of the
'akes and eight miles northwest oI
Priest River station on the line oi
the Great Northern railway. The
principal operating mines are the
Farmer Jones and the Camp Bird
The Farmer Jones is q straight GOLD
quartz vein which is being developed
/ in a very intelligent and conservativ,
manner.
II have often seen thin slabs o
dne specimen ore from this min'
that. while peppered with nativ'
gold, gave the impression Of havini
come from narrow rib Of vein o
frozen quartz, hut visit to tn
property dispelled this idea for tn
mine exhibits an IRE shoot of sDil'
quartz, mote or less hDneycombrd al
through, that will average from tw
to four feet ia thickness and Is az
\ parently 400 feet in length and 1
4 which there Is exposed on thesurface
in numerous shallow cuts and tunnel
several hundred tons Of free g0l
quartz that was informed wi
average $25 per ton In gold, and wi
Yield average assays In several plac,
,cross the vein OF $50 to 500 per to
while specimen samples can be read
y picked that will duplicate II
above figures IN ounces OF gold to Il
tor, and judging from the paDninI
! obtained l believe these estimates a
conservative. 1t is patent from
!, cursory examination OF this nit
that IT has enough ore nuw IN sigl
4 to easily pay back the total inves
v ment SO far involved.
q ..The longest tunnel Is a crosscu
& now 410 feet In from the port;
l. which Is expected to cut the vein
= the contact of the big porphyry dill
!, he tunnel is now 10, with the und
y lying quartzite. and at depth,
the dip OF the vein, Of 200 fe
a should this anticipation be reall2
} and the ore body prove to be as I
ensive and rich as shown 10
surface Workings, and there !
Q strong indications that 1t will.
81 stack OF this company will likely p'
. form some acrobatic stunts hal Y
= surp-i>p Its present holders.
.The Camp Bird and other mil
III in this district are making pr"mis
To show,ngs is d,vetp.sn's pr''
ed and l vii. OF n+ surprised II
hs district develop shipping proprr'
I'd before the clooe Of the present yea