Weekly journal-miner., 1911-08-16

familiar with formations and the necessary requirements to detect where the drill shiuld be used to test out those favorable places. !, Coming to the point of an absolute test, there is not a geologist in the world that can tell for certain that any given spot in an unproven field will result in oil being developed.
 The drill is the only absolute test; the value of an expert so-called. is that. if he understands his business, he can be of great assistance in both determining the probability of oil, and also can select the more likely place to make the test.
 There are many things that, com bined, assist one to a determination as to whether any certain section is or is not favorable for oil. only few of these can be stated in a let ter, but I desire to so write as to give as much information as possible to . of these matters.
 It is my firm conviction that the Verde region will develop into a fine commercial oil field bearing oil of high grade.
 It is not possible to determine the depth the drill will have to penetrate to demonstrate this, but my judgment is that 1900 to 2OOO feet ought to be sufficient.
 One well may not test the matter, but I think it will if care IS taken in selecting the place in which to drill.
 A secondary advantage to the Verde country in testing for oil will be the result of getting artificial l water.
 This is certain. The amount of the flow will depend on the grain of the formation, if fine; the flow will be small; if course, tt may be enor- nous.
 There are many acres of fine bench lands along the Verde that are the finest lands of the valley; if artesian water should be developed it will be under considerable pressure and much of this land will then be subject to irrigation from this source, and it is worth more than the cost for both, to test the water alone.
 For the benefit of some who may ditions in the Verde country, permit me to say that it is an ideal farming country. The valley farmed is mar TOW, not more than mile wide on an average, but that part farmed has an abundant supply of never failing water from the Verde river. The crops grown are alfalfa, barley, oats, corn and all deciduous fruits. All vegetables do well The elevation is about 35OO feet, but little snow ever falls in the valley and no very cold weather. The main valley lies not to exceed 50 miles south of the main line of the Santa Fe railroad, while Cherry Creek on one of the branch lines out from Prescott is within 9 miles, and freight rates from th.s station to any part of the valley are only ten dollars per ton.
 The United Verde copper mine railroad at Jerome ends within eight , miles of parts of this field, and at . this time there has been commenced the construction of a new railroad from Cedar Glade, south of Ash Fork, , by the Santa Fe that is coming , directly down the Verde river and will be completed into the field at the new town of Jerome or the new shelter site within ten months, so , the railroad facilities are fine.
 Prices of all farm products are very reasonable, alfalfa hay selling } on the farms, baled, at ten dollars per ton.
 } The water is fine and there is } enough wood that can be delivered to } drill two or more wells at five to six } dollars per cord. The formation is ? soft and favorable for rapid drilling l and with a rig on the ground drilling should not cost over four dollars per foot; casing would be in addition. 5 No country has ever been develop
 ed or its resources determined with out an effort and an expenditure of money. Narrow men get narrow re- s suits; resources remain dormant and - undeveloped until live men take the ' helm. I know of nothing that will l add wealth to your territory faster or t that would stimulate other develop
 ment as rapidly as would the demon 8 stration of one or more oil yielding l districts.