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JANUARY, 1900.

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Kootenay

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^ 't h^ttHBO BY THE

niSTOaiqALGJiNADIAN PACIFIC S«fi«Eli. / RAILWAY

THE MINERAL WEALTH of British Columbia— the most westerly Province of the Dominion of Canada — is unsur- passed in value and extent by that of any other country onj^he habitable globe. Almost every kind of valuable mineral has been found within its limits, some under unusually favorable conditions of quality and quantity, although systematic exploration has e^stended over only a comparatively small section of the Province when its vast area is considered. Gold, silver, copper, lead, cinnabar, platinum, coal and iron have already given rich returns for the money and labor spent on their extrac- tion, and there are satisfying indications that some of the more precious metals exist in even richer and larger deposits in regions still awaiting thorough exploration than they do in the great wealth producing ore bodies now being developed. British Columbia's output, since the early discoveries fcrty years ago, aggregates in value nearly $125,000,000 — a magnificent total which is being largely augmented year by year as the work of discovery and development continually progresses under in- creasingly advantageous conditions.

A VAST MINERAL REGION

The mineral region of British Columbia covers a huge tract, forming a great belt whose western limit leaves the United States boundary about 150 miles east of the Pacific Coast and runs north-westerly beyond unknown Cassiar, 500 miles away, to the wonderfully rich Yukon Valley in Canadian and Alaskan terri- tory. This immense area is best described as resembling an animal whose head and shoulders are in the Yukon, the tail in Montana, but whose main body lies in British Columbia. Explor- ation has demonstrated that there is no very extensive section of the Province from the Rockies to the Coast and from the international boundary line to its most northerly limits that is not more or less mineralized, leading to the oft-expressed belief that almost the entire country is underlaid with precious metals. The name of British Columbia has in fact become the synonym of mineral richness, and its TREASURE CHESTS ARE NOW OPEN TO THE WORLD. The recognized and one of g^reatest authorities on mineralogy on the North American conti- nent, Dr. G. M. Dawson, F.R.G.Sm who for fifteen years was engaged in exploring British Columbia, says : " The explorations of the Geological Survey of Canada have alreadyresulted in placing on record the occurrence of rich ores of gold and silver in various places scattered along the entire length of the Cordillcran (Rocky Mountain) region in Canada. * • • Because a mountainous country, and till of late a very remote one, the development of the resources of British Columbia has heretofore been slow, but the

British GQi^anBiA

preliminary difficulties having been overcome, it is now, there is every reason to believe, on the verge of an era of prosperity and expan- sion of which it is yet difficult to foresee the amount or the end."

IMPROVED MINING METHODS

As the most primitive methods only were employed in mining the more precious ores up to a few years ago, the full value of the country's mineral resources could scarcely be approximately estimated, but with the recent commencement or the era of scientific mining in a systematic manner, made possible by the development of the Province through the inflow of foreign capital and the increased facilities for transportation, rendering prospect- ing easier and actual mining operations profitable, it is assured that the coming great development will show an enormous richness hitherto past comprehension.

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ROS8LAND, B.C. These rich fields are now attracting experienced mi^' mining men from all over the world, and capital is pouring all directions to continue in a more concerted and organiz that marvellous developing which has characterized the L 'i- nays and Cariboo and other sections during the past three yer.rs. A number of companies have been incorporated within the past few years in London, England, with a capital of over $50,000,000, to operate in British Columbia, besides the large sums of American, French, Canadian and Australian money which are being invested here.

MINING DEVELOPMENT

The official returns published by the British Columbia Bureau of Mines furnish interesting statistics as to the mineral develop- ment of the Province. The total mineral production of British Columbia to January ist, 1899, amounts to the enormous sum of $123,417,326, of which nearly $50,000,000 has been from placer gold — the result chiefly of rich workings in Cariboo, the Wild Horse in East Kootenay, and other famous locations. Between 1890 and 1898 (inclusive) the total value of the annual mineral production increased from $2,608,803 to $10,906,861, due largely

The KeeTENAYS

to the marked increase in the production of gold, silver, lead and copper. There has been a steady rate of increase during that period. In 1890, the output was $2,608,803 ; in i8qi, $3,521,102; in 1892, $2,978,530; in 1893, $3,588,413— an increase ot 21 per cent. ; in 1894, $4,225,717 — an 18 per cent, increase; in 1895, $5,643,042 — an increase of 33 per cent.; in 1896, $7,507,946 — an increase of 40 per cent.; in 1897, $10,455,268; and in 1898, as stated, to $10,906,861, which, however, does not fully represent the amount of work done, the results of which will be obtained later. There is every indication, however, that from the rapid strides forward which are constantly being made, the gradually expanding work will shortly reach immense proportions, that stage in the mineral development of the country having been reached which ensures a certain and prosperous future.

LAW AND ORDER

No known mining country enjoys a happier or more complete immunity from disturbing questions than British Columbia. The laws of the country — the result of wise legislation — are honestly and impartially enforced, and authority is admirably maintained. Life is as safe here as it is in all Canada and there is a wholesome regard for the rights ot property. There is a noticeable absence of rowdyism and crime in all the camps and the tougher element have discovered that there is no room for them in the country out- side the jails and prisons. All the towns of any pretensions have schools and churches, and some 01 them possess water works, electric lights and the other adjuncts of modern towns in the east.

CAPITALISTS AND WORKING MEN

A person with capital can find in any section of the Province excellent opportunities for investment, either in mining or in commercial pursuits. In some instances, not a great amount is required, and with the exercise of ordinary prudence and business caution should yield large returns. The foUojving is the present average schedule paid for experienced help at the mines, altliough rates may vary slightly in different camps : —

Common labor, $2.50 to $3.00 ; men in outdoor work and tunnelling, $3.00 to $3.50 a day ; machine drill men, $3.50 to $5.00 a day ; helpers, $3.00 a day ; blacksmiths, $3.50 to $4.50 a day; engineers, $3.50 to $4.50 a day; foremen, $4.00 a day. Living expenses are not excessive in these towns. Regular board can be had at $5.00 per week and upwards. Rooms cost from $8 . 00 and upwards a month. Servant girls get good wages, and are in demand. It is desirable that wage-earners should have some money beyond their travelling expenses to tide them over until a situation is secured.

KOOTENAY

SHE extraordinary growth of the mining industry in the Kootenay and the consequent rush 'o invest money in a country almost unheard of fi'.'e yeai 3 ago, has made its tame as familiar as the best known mining camps of South Africa, .\ustralia or the United States, and forms one of the century's most important epochs in the history of mining. California in '49, Australia in '51, and Colorado when Virginia City, Leadville and Cripple Creek were the centres of attraction, had no greater

V£ST KOOTENAY

rush of miners and minings men ; and while there have doubtless been greater " booms " than the Kootenays have produced, nowhere has there been that steady substantial progress which indicates solidity and pernnanency. That the enterprise of those who are pouring in from all parts of the world is being re- warded is evident by the satisfactory returns and the promising prospects which each ofthenumerous mines shows as development is undergone. Prosperous cities are springing up in every district, capitalists, merchants and business-men being attracted by the Stupendous mineral resources of the country, which embraces an extent of about 15,000 square miles. The output of ore is gradually increasing as machinery and appliances are being added to the different minei?, and with the cheaper and better means of transportation which have been recently supplied, and the cheaper smelting facilities furnished, there is every indication that a still greater impetus will be given the mining industry. The Kootenay is divided into two great divisions — the West and the East.

NELSON, BRiTISri COLUMBIA

Utterly unknown a few years ago, and with inadequate means of communication, up to a recent date, West Kootenay has suddenly, through the development of its great mineral wealth, acquired a fame that has reached far-off' lands and attracted hitherexperienced mining operators and capitalists who, convinced of the capabilities of the country, have remained to aid in its de- velopment. In the past few years great strides have been made. The work of development has been and still continues to be carried on with increased vigor. Many prosperous and progressive mining centres have been created,' %ind numerous prospects have developed into established and productive mines— a number of which in the Slocan country and in the Trail Creek and Nelson districts are either ore-shippers, or sufficiently developed to become shippers, and will shortly ship now that adequate smelting and transportation facilities are afforded, and a number of them are dividend-payers.

Vest Kootenay

Amongst the most valuable discoveries of gold and copper are those in the Trail Creek District, situated on the west side of the Columbia River and within six miles of the international boundary, the wealth of which, and the extent of mineral, aston- ished the mining world. Eminent mining engineers, represent- ing American, English and French capital, are authorityfor the statement that within a radius of a dozen miles of Rossland nature has deposited more golden store than in any similar area on the globe. The value of ore produced by the Rossland mines during 1898 aggregated $2,470,811, the shipments being 116,367 gross tons, and for the first half of the present year 64,277, an increase of 25,000 tons over the corresponding period of 1898. Rossland is the site of the famous Le Roi, War Eagle, Centre Star, Columbia and Kootenay, Evening Star, No. l.Josie, Iron Mask, Nickel Plate, Sunset No. 2, and several other gold mines, the value of the ore from which runs from $8 to $75 per ton and in instances even higher, in gold, copper and silver. The place has risen in its brief existence from an unknown mining camp to a thriving well-built city of 8,000

AIN8WCRTH, ON KOOTENAY LAKE

people . Rossland boasts of a system of waterworksand sewerage, is lighted by electricity, has agencies of the great banking insti- tutions of Canada, excellent public and private schools, hospitals, several churches, good hotels and datlj^and weekly newspapers. This city and Trail, seven miles distant on the Columbia River, are typical of what can be speedily done by the opening up of a mining district. In 1894, Trail had no existence. It has now a population of about 1,500, with the most extensive smelting works and only refinery in Canada, first-class hotels, schools, etc. , and is ?.lso ligh' ;d by electricity. The smelter ha& a daily capacity of 700 tons, and is modern in every detail, $200,000 having been recently spent in improvements alone.

Mr. Wm. A. Carlyle, formerly Provincial Minei alogist, in his report of the Trail Creek Mining district, says : — "The concensus of opinion of many mining men who have studied the conditions and surface showings in thi» new camp at Rossland, is to the

Vest p;qqtenav

effect that few camps have ever shown so many favorable in- dications that warrant the belief that on further extensive, system- atic exploration other chutes of f old ore will be uncovered. Pros- pecting has disclosed these man/ parallel veins, varying in width, when exposed, from an inch to st veral feet, and it is believed that many more ore chutes will be fr.und when these most promising surtace indications are thoroughly exploited, for it is quite im- probable that the large chutes of rich ore that have been shown on the surface by denudation will be found to be the only ones." Nelson, on an arm of Kootenay Lake, one of the most pros- perous and progressive towns in the Province, is, besides being the commercial metropolis of the Kootenays, also the centre of a rich district, the celebrated Hall mines on Toad Mountain being but a few miles from the town. A 370-ton smelter has been erected at Nelson, which is connected with the Hall mines by an aerial tramway by which the ores are brought down the moun- tain for treatment. Free milling ore has been found on

KA8L0, ON KOOTENAY LAKE several of the creeks near Nelson, and at some places hydrau- licing is carried on. There are other valuable locations in the Salmon River and North Fork River countries to the south and south-east.

About Ainsworth, Kaslo and other points on Kootenay Lake, rich silver-lpiid mines are profitably worked, those at the first men- tioned camp being amongst the earliest discoveries made in the Kootenay. Some of them are large shippers . In the locality are larg" bodies of low-grade ores which will be worked profit- ably under the more favorable conditions which are assured by the early securing of additional facilities for handling and smelting.

1 he Slocan country — that region lying between the Arrow and Kootenay Lakes — has been demonstrated to be one of the richest silver-lead ore producers on the continent. The output from this section, which is increasing rapidly, was valued at about $3,500,000 during 1898, and the different properties have declared

Vest KeeiENAv

dividends to the extent of about $3,500,000 up to the present time. Several of them are credited with having paid large sums to their owners. The general character of the ore is high-grade galena, often carrying 600 and 800 oz . of silver, ana averaging 100 oz . ot silver and 50 per cent . lead. Adjacent to these mines are well- built flourishing towns which had no existence a few years ago.

The country bordering on Slocan Lake and south towards the Lower Kootenay is richly mineralized, and at many points mines arc being developed rapidly and profitably. There arc already several small shippers whose output is largely increasing since the establishment of rail communication between the La' e and the Lower Kootenay River.

The Lardeau and Trout Lake — reached from Arrowhead by steamer and waggon — are promising districts. They present excellent openings for the prospector and investor, for, while not a very large area has been prospected, sufficient has been shown to indicate the presence in large quantities of silver-lead with ^old and copper.

IN THE TRAIL SMELTER

The Big Bend district comprises those portions of both East and West Kootenay lying north of the Canadian Pacific Railway in the triangle formed by the course of the Columbia which flows north from Donald for 100 miles and turningj suddenly south is crossed again by the C. P. R. line at Revel- stoke, 75 miles further west. The region is mineralized through- out. In the early days enormous yields of gold were] obtained by placer min' 1; which still makes profitable returns. There are gravel benches of great value along the main river j and most of its tributaries, which will, vrith the utilization of| hydraulic plants, give rich reward.

Along the main line of the Canadian Pacific are several prosperous mining camps — the mining division of lUecillewaet occupying the western slope of the Selkirk range. The ores of the lUecillewaet are chiefly silver-lead, running from 35 to i3C ounces of silver and 40 to 70 per cent. lead. Through the

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CARIBOO

Vest KeeiENAV

Albert Canon section — as in nearly every other part of West Kootenay — are areas which have yet to feel the tread of the prospector, and opportunities which, if properly grasped, cannot fail to lead on to fortune.

Within this entire mining region, parts of which are only beginning to be prospected, the number of claims recorded is steadily and rapidly increasing, while the output of many of them that have gone beyond the development stage would average about $100 to the ton. It must also be borne in mind that many of the mines from which the heaviest output was made until recently were miles from water or rail communications, thereby hampering extensive operations.

The development of the mines has tr *he past been some- what retarded ^y the want of smelting j, but this has now been overcom by the erection of isive works at Trail and Nelson, and the owners of ous mining properties have built concentrators and stan ^nills, for in some sections there is free milling gold, and constructed roads and tramways to handle their outputs.

Probably not a little of the wonderfully increased activity in mining is due to the greater facilities for transport provided by the railway and steamboat companies, who, satisfied of the immense value of the country, and the enormous trade at their command, at once arranged the extension of the required lines, so that now any part of the West Kootenay country is easily accessible throughout the year. That this could be accomplished, railway branches have been constructed through southern British Columbia by the Crow's Nest Pass to Kootenay Lake ; from Revelstoke, on the main line of the Canadian Pacific, to Arrowhead ; from Nakusp, on the Upper Arrow Lake, to Sandon, in the Slocan region; from Sandon to Kaslo; from Slocan City, at the foot of Slocan Lake, to the Columbia &Kootenay branch on the Lower Kootenay ; from Rob- son to Nelson along the Lower Kootenay, connecting the Columbia River with Kootenay Lake ; from Robson to Rossland by way of Trail, the smelting centre; and other branches are in course of con- struction. With the recent completion of the Crow's Nest Pass Railway from the main line of the Canadian Pacific Railway east of the Rocky Mountains through the East Kootenay coal fields to con- nect with the Company's system in West Kootenay, no other mining country in the world possesses the advantages of this district in its extensive facilities for communication. The Canadian Pacific Rail- way Company has also established an excellent steamboat service on the Columbia River and Arrow Lakes, on Slocan Lake and on Kootenay Lake, connecting with the different branch railway lines through the whole district.

HOW TO REACH WEST KOOTENAY

The West Kootenay country can be reached by the Canadian Pacific Ry. from the east by two routes. The most direct of these is by its Crow's Nest Pass Branch from Medicine Hat, on the main line of the Canadian Pacific Ry., east of the Rocky Mountains, through East Kootenay to Kootenay Landing at the head of Koot- enay Lake, where steamer connection is made for Nelson and other points on the Lake. A fast daily service has been inaugurated with through sleeping car to Kootenay Landing. From Nelson there is direct communication either by rail or steamer with all parts of British Columbia.

East Kootenav

The other route is by the Canadian Pacific Railway to Revelstoke, where a branch line of the C. P. R. runs to Arrowhead, at the head of the Upper Arrow Lake, from which all parts of the country south of the main line of the C. P. R. can be reached. The splendid new steamers " Rossland," " Minto" and "Kootenay" of the Canadian Pacific Railway Co . run daily to Nakusp and Robson, making close connections at these points with the Company's branch lines. At Nakusp the Nakusp & Slocan branch of the C. P. R. is taken to Rosebery, New Denver, Three Forks and Sandon. From Sandon a railway has been completed to Kaslo, on Kootenay Lake. A daily steamboat service has also been established by the Canadian Pacific from Rosebery to Slocan City, and intermediate points on Slocan Lake, immediately south and east of which are situated several newly-opened camps, and from Slocan City the Lower Kootenay river is reached direct by rail. At Robson the Columbia & Kootenay branch of the C. P. R. is taken to Nelson, from which Kaslo and all other important camps on the Kootenay Lake are reached by Canadian Pacific steamers daily (except Sundays). From opposite Robson the Rossland branch of the Canadian Pacific Railway runs down the west bank of the Columbia river to Trail, the smelter centre, and thence to Rossland. The railway has also been extended into the Boundary Country west of Kootenay.

CANADIAN PACIFIC STEAMER ON ARROW LAKE

Lying immediately to the east of West Kootenay and extend- ing to the eastern boundary of the Province is East Kootenay — a wonderfully rich country now on the eve of full developnnent and expansion. The great wealth of this region has been known for years, and in the early days of placer mining it almost rivalled Cariboo in its yield of millions, but the lack of means of communication and the heavy cost of transportation of supplies and machinery, combined with the rich discoveries in other parts of the Province which were more easy of access, naturally retarded mining operations seriously and prevented the work of development reaching those immense proportions which, under more favorable conditions, would have been attained. The

East hOQTENAv

completion of the Crow's Nest Pass Branch of the Canadian Pacilio Railway (from its transcontinental line through Southern Alberta and East and West Kootenay and its extension to the c.imps of the Boundary Country) has renioved these obstacles, and its construc- tion and operation have already given a marvellous impulse to the development of its boundless mineral resources. By this road easy access is gained to this hitherto almost sealed region, and a new ining empire — second to none in all that makes wealth — is being opened to the world. The magnitude of the latent riches of this vast tract can now scarcely be estimated, nor will the full ex- tent of its mineral deposits be known for some years, for although the work of prospecting has been vigorously prosecuted with most gratifying results there is still a large area to be explored . The existence of large bodies of ore has already been established, but how wide their distribution is can only be determined by actual

AT WORK IN THE MINE search. Prospectors find here magnificent opportunities for dis- covery and practical mining men and capitalists an unsurpassed field for investment. Mining operations are being carried on exten- sively and successfully in the long stretch of country between Golden on the north and Moyie Lake. The immense low grade silver-lead mines, including the famous North Star and Sullivan groups near Kimberley ; the rich silver-lead deposits on Moyie Lake, embracing the Bt. Eugene, Lakeside and other mines ; the promising copper properties on Bull river and on Elko river, both rivers capable of developing great electrical power; the extensive hydraulic works on Wild Horse creek ; and the placer mines on Perry, Weaver and other str ;ams, are a few only of several promising camps, that with the recent advent of the Crow's Nest Pass Branch have sprung into prominence with the mining invest- ment public.

Besides gold, copper and silver-lead. East Kootenay possesses what is believed to be the greatest coal deposit in the world — seams overlying each other for an exposed depth of 132 feet, and iron ore exists within short distance. With the proximity of these two minerals there is every prospect that

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East KeeiENAv

^; i-at manufacturings centres will arise in East Kootenay whose loal measures will also supply the coke required for its own Miir.lters and for those of West Kootenay. The coal mines at I'trnie, on Elk River, arc- already under process of develop- m;nt, shipments are being made and a large number of coke ovens, whose output supplies the West Kootenay smelters, are in operation.

The resources of East Kooteniy, unlike those of mining regions generally, are not confined to minerals. Invaluable oil wells exist in the south-eastern part, the quality of whose pro- duct is said to be the purest ever discovered ; and in the wide valleys are great stretches of arable land on which the most favorable conditions exist for raising stock, grain and ordinary farm produce, with the additional advantage of the settler being assured an excellent cash market close at home.

While East Kootenay is still in its infancy, it has several towns . — Fernie, near the coal fields, Cranbrook, a railway divis- ional point, Wardner, Moyie and Moyelle on the Crow's Nest Pass line, Fort Steele, Kimberley and Windermere also in thecent ralpart, and Golden on the main line of the Canadian Pacific, and with the anticipated comingdevelop.nent these will not only increase in popu- lation and wealth, but others will arise in the different sections.

HOW TO REACH EAST KOOTENAY

The East Kootenay mining camps are most easily reached from the east bv the Canadian Pacific Railway and its Crow's Nest Pass Branch from near Medicine Hat. There is a daily ser- vice with through sleeping cars to Kootenay Landing. From the west, connection is made with the trains of the Crow's Nest Pass Line at Macleod, in the district of Alberta, by way of Calgary, on the main line of the Canadian Pacific Railway. j

The Boundary Country

Immediately to the west of the Kootenay country and separ- ated from it by the Gold Range of mountains is an extensive min- eral bearing area, forming the extreme south-easc portion of the Vale District. It includes four distinct mineral basins, viz . , that around Christina Lake ; that adjacent to the North Fork of Kettle River ; the important mining camps of Boundary Creek ; and the main Kettle River, with Rock Creek and other tributaries. The whole area covers a distance east and west of about 40 miles along the international boundary, and extends about 50 miles northward. Numerous finds of ore have been made in all tour of the mineral basins named, but there is still much unexplored country, offering an attractive and easily accessible field to the prospector. On many of the claims located, large deposits of ore, carrying good values in gold and silver or in gold and copper, have been opened up and numbers of steam plants have been provided for the purposes of permanent development ; in fact, it can be said that the Boundary Country has the largest

BefciNBARv Country

deposits of gold-copper ore on the continent. The Canadian Pacific Railway Co.'s lines have been extended from West Robson, on the Columbia River, through the district to Midway, a distance of 100 miles, and traverse the most resourseful parts of the country— the Christina Lake, Kettle River and Boundary Creek, with branch lines to Deadwood, Summit, Phoenix and Wellington Camps, and other spurs will be constructed by the railway company as mining development calls for them.

The agricultural, horticultural and pastoral possibilities of the fertile valleys and grassy hill-sides of this district are great, but these resources have not yet been largely developed . Fruit and vegetable growing is receiving a great deal of attention, there being a good home market as the mines attract an ever- increasing population. Facilities for irrigation have already been provided in parts of the district, and small holdings of suitable land are obtainable. Farming, dairying and poultry raising give good returns, the local demand for their products

AT TRAIL" SMELTER

being large and constant. The temperature is generally mild, excessive heat or extreme cold being seldom, if ever, experienced here. The total annual rainfall is light, so the climate is dry and healthy .

The chief towns of this part of the Yale District are Gladstone, Cascade City, Columbia, Grand Forks, Eholt, Phoenix, Greenwood, Midway, and other towns are springing up in consequence of the construction of the Railway.

With its extensive area of mineral lands, its large tracts of fertile agricultural fields and rich pasturage, and its magnificent timber limits, the Boundary Country will naturally become one of the most flourishing sections of the Province.

To the west beyond Rock Creek is Camp McKinney, in the Osoyoos district, where the Cariboo mine has already become a dividend payer to the extent of $350,000. Still further west is the Fairview camp, at which considerable development work is being done.

G012DEN Cariboo

HOW TO REACH BOUNDARY COUNTRY

This regcion is reached by the Canadian Pacific Railway and i I s Crow's Nest P&ss Branch to Robson, or by the Canad an Pacific tu Revelstoke, thence by branch railway and steamer to Robson, irom which there is a daily train service on the Columbia & W^estern branch of the Canadian Pacific Railway to Glad- stone, Cascade City, Grand Forks, Columbia, Eholt, Green- wood and Midway. Another route, for thost coming from the west, is by the Canadian Pacific Railway to Sicamous, thence by branch railway to Vernon and Okanagan Landing on Okanagan Lake, from which the fine Canadian Pacific Railway steamer "Aberdeen" sails every Monday, Wednesday and Friday for Penticton at the foot of the lake, where connection is made for the different mining camps in the Osoyoos district by stage. Camp McKinney is reached in thirteen hours from Penticton. Fairview (28 miles) and Osoyoos (40 miles) are also reached by stage from Penticton.

To the south of Grand Forks, and rt iched by a good wagon road — a distance of 35 miles — is Republic, Washington, known as one of the richest gold camps on the continent. Nine miles south of Rock Creek is the Myers' Creek Camp, and to the south- west are the camps surrounding Oroville and Loomis, that are more easily and directly reached from the C. P. R. than any other means.

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EN ROUTE TO CARIBOO

The richest of these marvellous auriferous alluvial deposits are in the Cariboo district, a region which, with the neighboring mines of Omineca and Cassiar, has yielded fully $60,000,000 in go. : since their discovery in 1858, the most of it being taken out with the primitive appliances of the earlier days. In the eighteen years up to 1876, the yield was above $40,000,000, nearly all of which came from the shallower placer deposits and gravels in the beds of the present streams, and principally from Williams

6QL2DEN GARIBQQ

and Lightning Creeks. The wealth of these placers was naturally to a great extent exhausted after years of incessant working. Practical miners and scientists agree that there are other rich deposits in the district, and express no doubts whatever of the existence of gold, far beyond comparison with the opulence of the shallow placers from which millions had been extracted, on the bot- toms of old water courses and, in some places, in old river channels which have been elevated above the old level and beyond the reach of water without a costly outlay for hydraulic machinery. Dr. Dawson, of the Geological Survey, after a personal inspection of Cariboo some years ago, asserted that there was an immense quantity of gold yet available, that the country had not been thoroughly prospected, that over the whole region where surface diggings had been carried on the deeper ground would prove very rich on proper exploiting, and that the only obstacles to its immediate development were lack of exact engineering know- ledge on the part of the miners, the prohibitory cost of transpor- tation charges on heavy machinery and the great cost of labor

HVORAULIG MINING IN CARIBOO

and supplies. These obstacles have been largely overcome by the construction of the Canadian Pacific, and the improva- ment of the great highway from that railway to northern British Columbia, with the result that the work of development has since been vigorously and extensively prosecuted and greatly ex- tended arefts profitably worked. During the past three years several costly hydraulic plants have been introduced by different wealthy mining companies, with capital ranging from $200,000 to $500,cxx>, which are now operating well-known claims with most gratifying results, and there is every prospect of a second golden harvest which in its immensity and value will completely over- shadow that which made Cariboo famous over thirty years ago.

In addition to the properties of these Companies, there arp numerous other large gravel deposits, many of which are now being prepared for working by companies with ample capital, and which only require properly directed efforts to ensure larg^e

6QI2DEN Garibqq

returns. Both placer and quartz mining received more than usual attention during the past year, and it has been ascertained that large bodies of ore will yield satisfactorily to cyanide treatment . Hundreds of men have found employment, and none who really desired work at fair wages have failed to ure it.

At the bottom of the Fraser and in its tributaries along a great part of its whole length gold lies in unknown quantities, but, for want of proper facilities for working these deposits and separating the gold from the sand, that ample reward hoped for was not attained. In recent years, however, the attention of experienced scientific mining men has been attracted to these fields, and, well backed by capital, they are making an import- ant movement in river dredging, and by other means are procuring gold from the river beds and bars.

QUE8NELLE FORKS

Several promising quartz- bearing locations are also being developed in the Lillooet district, and as machinery capable of treating the refractory ores on the most improved methods has been imported, the ri suits already attained are proving a great impetus to the further development of this rich region, which will be still further augmented on the completion ot additional roads, some of which are under course of construction.

Omineca and the Peace River countries, beyond Cariboo, the former of which is best reached from Ashcroft, and the latter by way of Calgary and Edmonton, east of the Rocky Mountains, are attracting much attention, as there is a large and practically unexplored region that is known to be rich in gold, copper and silver. In Omineca, three hydraulicing companies are operat- ing successfully, and it is anticipated that during 1900, Ton", Manson, Vital, and Slate Creeks and Nation River will be the scene of active exploration and development .

Considerable development is also anticipated in the Cassiat district, as improved means of communication are established with that rich region, and at Atlin Lake in the northern part of the Province, reached from Vancouver and Victoria by way of Skagway, newly discovered gold fields promise to rival the