JANUARY, 1900.
t
i
Kootenay
I
Country
J
and
Sariboo
y*^' -r
\Vi \ /^
^ '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.
nd
y
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
■"t...
■tapofths
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
;. Ai,
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.
i
■ i
■-1
^'^^-•^^^:
:.:■: ^m^t^.^L.^:rr^'Wr:-^ :^^'9^:^^^
\
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
w
Q012BEN Garibqq
Klondike in their richness. These new gold fields, are easily
reached by steamer from Vancouver and Victoria to Skag^ay, and
thence by railway over the White Pass to Bennett and steamer.
GOLD ABOUNDS
in every valley, and every stream that empties into it, and
there is no estimating the unusual activity in the Cariboo mining
circles, some of the richest places merely awaiting the advent of
capital for that development which the new condition of affairs
has rendered easily possible. When such marvellous results as
from $50 to $1,000 have been obtained from a square foot of
ground by the pioneering miner who had limited means and
primitive methods of working, how much more satisfactory are
the returns likely to be by capably organized companies, with
the most modem appliances to extract the gold, and
having unlimited capital behind them .- Already this new era
in mining in British Columbia is attracting the world's
attention to what has been proven one of the most remarkable
deposits 01 gold ever discovered.
TRAIL, B.O.
HOW TO REACH CARIBOO
The Cariboo region and the northern interior of British Colum-
bia can only be reached from the east and west by the Canadian
Pacific Railway to Ashcroft, and thence by stage three times a
week, to Clinton, and semi-weekly thence to Barkerville and
intervening points, but on application in advance, arrangements
can be made at Ashcroft for the transportation of large or small
parties at any time. Quesnelle Forks is reached from 150-Mile
House, on the great highway (135 miles from Ashcroft), and
Horsefly from 108-Mile House, by weekly stages. Alexis Creek,
in the North Chilcoten country, it. reached from iso-Mile House
weekly, by a 90-mile stage drive, and South Chilcoten is reached
by Clinton to Alkali Lake (90 miles) weekly in summer and semi-
monthly in winter . There is a stage iwice-a-week from Ashcroft
GGI2DEN Cariboo
to Lillooet, via Hat Creek, 64 miles . The roads are excellent, the
stopping places convenient and with good accommodation, and
the trip is not an uncomfortable one. Travellinor by day only,
Quesnelle Mouth and other points are reached in three days,
and Barkerviiie, the terminus of the main st \ge route, in four.
During the season of navigation (May ist to November 15th)
the steamer Charlotte will run regularly between Soda Creek
and Quesnelle, connecting with the stages . Meals and lodgings
en route are 50 cents each. There is telegraphic connection
between Ashcroft, Barkerville and intervening points.
CANADIAN PACIFIC TRAIN3
The Atlantic voyage is made from Southampton or
Liverpool, and connection is made from tha port of landing —
St. John, N. B., Halifax, N. S., in winter, and Montreal
and Quebec in summer, New York and Boston — with the
through trains of the Canadian Pacific Railway, which run from
Montreal and Toronto daily. Attached to these trains are palatial
sleeping cars and superb dining cars and first class coaches.
Tourist cars, very similar in general appointment to the first-class
sleepers, fully upholstered, with portable section partitions
which ensure perfect seclusion to each berth by night, and
a complete equipment of mattresses, linen, blankets, pillows,
etc., range in the kitchen apartment for those wishing to
prepare their own meals, lunch tables, etc., run through from
Toronto to the Pacific Coast without change, leaving the Union
Depot every Tuesday and Saturday and the Windsor Street
Station, Montreal, on Thursdays. The only charge for these
superb accommodations, in addition to the regular Sbcond-Class
railway fare, is $6.50 to Revelstoke, and $7.50 to Coast points
from Toronto, and $7.00 and $8.00 respectively from Montreal
and Boston. ?
Colonist Sleepers run through daily. No extra charge is
made for accommodation in these cars, but passengers must
provide their own bedding.
FOR FURTHER INPORMATtON APPLY TO AMY ASSNT OF TRB CANADIAN
PACIFIC RAILWAY, OR TO
Archbr Bakbr, European Traffic Manager, 7 Jamea St, Lhreipool ; 67 and 68
Kiog William St., E.G., and 30 Cock»pur St., S.W., London, Bnr. !
and 67 St. Vincent St., Glasgrow, Scotland.
A. H. NOTMAN, Asst GenL PaM. Afft, i King St B.. Toroata.
H. J. COLVIN, Dist Pass. AgU, 197 Washington St, Boston.
E. V. Skinnbr, Genl. East. Agt, 353 Broadway, New York.
C. G. OsBURN, Freight and Pass. Agt, 129 East Baltimore St, Baltimore.
H. McMuRTRlB, Freight and Pass. Agt., Cor. 3rd and Chestnut Sts., Philadelphia
W. W. Mbrklb, City A«t., 1239 Pennsylvania Ave., Washington.
A. J. Heath, District Pass. Agt., St. John, N.B.
A. E. Edmonds, City Pass. Agt, 11 Fort St W., Detroit
J. F. Lbb, Genl. Agt. Pass. Dept, ss8 S. Clark St. Chicago.
M.M.STBRM.DistPass. A«rt,6a7 Market St, Palace Hotel Bldg.,San Praadbco.
W. R. Callaway, GmU. Paaa. Agt Soo Una, Miaaaapolia, Mina.
W. S. Thorn. Aast Genl. Pass. Agt Soo Line. St Paul, Mian.
G. W. Hibbard, Genl. Pass. Agt South Shore Line, Marquetta, Mich.
E. J. CoYLB, Asst. Gen. Pass. Agt., Vancouver, B.C.
C. E. McPrbrson, Geo. Pass. Agt, Lines Weat of Lake Superior. Winnipeg.
C. B. B. Umhbr. Genl. Pass. Agt, Lines East of Lake Superior, Montreal.
Robt.Kbrr. Paseenger Traffic Manager, MoatieaL
British Gei^a/nBiA
BRITISH COLUMBIA'S MiNIWQ LAWS
(Subject to alteration and not applicable
to the Yukon)
The mining: laws of British Columbia are most liberal. A Free Miner may
stake out a claim practically wherever he discovers mineral, provided snch
grround has not already been taken up by another Free Miner, and as the mineral
wealth of the country is only beginning to be discovered the field for successful
prospecting: i» very wide.
Having discovered mineral, a Free Miner can obtain perfect title to his
discovery for a nominal fee, the only condition bein that he shall do a small
amount of development work on it each year.
LODE MINING
Under the Mineral Act, every person over eighteen years of age, and every
joint stock company shall be entitled to all the privileges of a Free Miner, on
taking out a Free Miner's certificate, the cost of which is $5 a year for an
individual, and from $50 to $100 a year for a company, according to its capital,
and is procurable from any G. 'J Commissioner or any Mining Recorder. A
Free Miner, and such only, can locate and hold mineral claims or interests there-
in, under the mining laws in force at the time, during the continuance of his
certificate, but no long^er.
A mineral claim must not exceed 1,500 feet long by 1,500 feet wide, and must
be marked by two legal posts, numbered i and a, placed as nearly as possible on
the line of the lode or vein, and not more than 1,500 feet apart. The line from
I to a is the location line, and the claim may extend any number of feet to the
right and to the left of said location line, provided the total distance on both sides
does not exceed 1,500 feet.
A legal post marked " Discovery Post " must also be p'&ced on the lode
where it was discovered. On No. i post must be written: "Initial Post," the
name of the claim, the name of locator, date of location, approximate bearing of
No. a post, length and breadth of claim, and number of feet to the right and the
number of feet to the left of location line. On No. a post : Name of claim, name
of locator, and date of location. The line from i to a must be distinctly marked
by blazing trees, cutting underbrush, or planting posts.
All records must be made at the Mining Recorder's Office of the mining
division in which the claim is situated, with affidavit that mineral has been found
on the claim. A mineral claim must be recorded within fifteen days after location,
if within ten miles of the office of the Mining Recorder. One additional day is
allowed for every additional ten miles. The locator must furnish the Mining
Recorder with the following particulars, in addition to the affidavit above men-
tioned, at the same time the claim is recorded, paying a fee of $a 50 for recording
claim and 35 cents for filing affidavit : Name of claim, name of locator, number of
ocation, number of Free Miner's certificate, where the mine is situated, direction
or bearing of location line, length and breadth of claim, number of feet to the
right and number of feet to the left location line, and date of location.
To hold a mineral claim, work to the value of $iou must be done on the
claim each year from date of record, to the total value of $500. An affidavit
made by the holder, or his agent, giving a detailed statement of the work done
must be filed with the Gold Commissioner or Mining Recorder, and a certificate
of work obtained from the Gold Commissioner or Mining Recorder, and recorded
fee $3.50) before the expiration of each year from the date of record. The
holder of adjoining mineral claims may, subject to filing a notice of his intention
with the Gold Commissioner or Mining Recorder, perform on any one or mors
of such claims all the work required to entitle him to a certificate of work for each
claim. Any money or labor expended in constructing a tunnel to develop a vein
or lode will be deemed to have been expended on such vein or lode. In lieu of
the above annual work, the holder of a mineral claim may pay to the Mining
Recorder $100, get a receipt and record the same, each year for 5 years from
date of record.
To obtain a certificate of improvements to a mineral claim the holder must
have done work on his claim to the 'i alue of $500 ; had the claim surveyed and
marked out by a provincial land surveyor, whose field notes and plans must be
immediately forwarded to the Lands and Works Department ; posted notice on
claim and in Mining Recorder's office for sixty days ; filed copy of surveyor's field
notes and plan with Mining Recorder ; inserted copy of notice in British Col-
umbia Gazttt* and in some provincial newspaper circulated in the district, for
British GoiianBiA
sixtjr days after posting notice on claim ; and filed with Mining Recorder affidavit
of himself, or his agent, in the required form and to the enect that Ae above
conditions have been complied with.
Applications lor Crown grants must be made to Gold Commissioner within
three months from date ot certificate of improvements. The holder of a certifi-
cate ot improvements, on making application for Crown grant, must enclose
certificate of improvements and the Crown grant fee of $10. The holder ot a
certificate of improvements, which has been duly recorded, in respect of a
mineral claim outtidt the railway belt, is entitled to a Crown grant of such claim
on payment of Crown ^rant fee of $ .0, and malung application as above ; but in
respect of a claim withm the railw iy belt, a further payment of $5 an acrt is
required. t>r : Any lawful holder of a mineral claim can obtain a Crown grant
by paying to the Government of British Columbia $500 in lieu of expenditure on
claim, after having complied with all the provisions relating to certificates of
improvements except such as have respect solely to work required to be done on
the claim.
PLACER GOLD MINING
Regulated by the " Placer Mining Act 1891 and Amendments."
FREE MINERS
Under this Act any British subject over 18 years of age, and any joint stock
company duly incorporated under the laws of this Province, shpll be entitled to
the rights and privileges of a Free Miner upon taking out a Free Miner's Cer-
tificate, which is not transferable.
This Certificate costs for an individual $5.00 per year, and for a company
$50 cx> or $100.00 per ^ear, according to the capital of the company, and may be
obtained from any Mining Recorder.
Only persons or joint stock companies holding such Free Miner's Certificate
shall be entitled to any right or interest in or to any placer claim-mining lease,
flume or any mineral in any ground compr!r,ed there.'n.
And such person or company shall only be entitled tc such as long as they
hold an unexpired Free Miner's t'ertificate.
No Free Miner can hold any claim or any interest therein as trustee or other-
wise for any person not a British subject, or for any corporation not entitled to
take out ^ Free Miner's Certificate.
A Free Miner under the Placer Act has all the privileges of a Free Miner
under the Mineral Act, but a Free Miner under the Mineral Act only has the
privilege of a Free Miner under the Placer Act provided he be entitled to take
out license under such Act.
A Free Miner may enter, locate, prospect or mine for gold and other precious
metals on any lands in the Province, except Indian Reserves, Government
Reserves for townsites or ground already taken up by another Free Miner.
He may locate and record one placer claim on each separate creek, the record-
ing fee being $2.50 per year, and he may hold such claim as long as he contin-
uously works it during working hours, but should he fail to work it for a period
of 7a hours it would be considered abandoned and forfeited, except for sickness
or reasonable cause, or leave of absence from the Gold Commissioner of the
District.
Size of placer claims vary somewhat, but are usually 100 feet along the creek.
A discoverer of a new diggings can stake 300 feet, or two partners 600 feet.
HYDRAULIC PLACER GCLD MINING
In diggings which have been found not to be rich enough to be worked by the
ordinarv placer sluicing, a lease for a term of ao years may be obtained by a Free
Miner, from the Gold Commissioner, with the sanction of the Lieutenant-Gov-
ernor-in-Council, to work such ground by hydraulicing.
In abandoned creek diggings the area that may be so taken up is }i mile
along the creek, in any other placer mining ground the area is limited to 80 acres,
but not more than 500 feet along the creek or river.
Upon making application for a lease a deposit of $ao.oo is required.
The terms of the lease vary with the ground applied for, but development
work to the amount of $1000.00 per annum must be done on each leasehold.
DREDGING FOR PLACER GOLD
The Gold Commissioner of a District may with sanction of the Lieutenant-
Govcmor-in-Council, grant a lease for a term not exceeding ao years, of the bed
of any river below low water mark, for dredging purposes for a distance not
exceeding five miles, at a yearly rental of $50.00 per mile, and 50 cents royalty
per oimce, of all gold recovered, and development work of $1000.00 per mile per
annum. The value of any new plant or machinery employed to count as money
expended on development.
PRECIOUS STONE DIGGINGS
..'^('Similar leases for the purpose of mining for precious stones n ay be similarly
obtained — but shall not exceed 10 acres — bat the right to mine for precious stones
shall not include the right to mine for gold c- other precious metals, unless
specially provided for.
TO PROSPECT FOR COAL
A special License costing $50.00 must be taken out and certain notices given.
The Gold Commissioners and Mining Recorders will furnish all information
desired as to the mining laws, but any such information, or copies of the mining
acts or Reports of the Department ot Mines, may be obtained from the Minister
ot Mines, Victoria.
7 77"
MAR or
/7r
C»^!*NRjC//7c
RAI LWAY
r5=_
KOOTENAY DISTRICT
BRITISH COLUMBIA
B
A * Halcyon !S ^
ARROW <*)
Summi
^inoral City
oo C'r.
BuVtoij. >^ NewDenvi
Bearer L. _ 7 j
fFCre«k L o. \?L8LO«
*• Sin* $:
- .=»)/ — » A \ftV5f Savoyard
v-^
v
(»rsr« z-vjV
>unctn Cy,
^i»
\H0\
Ul» Cr.
12 Mil« Creek y'WogjJCery
5y-
)ArgentK
■/
<^
St. Marys
R.
^NB
tonu|{Boundarjr ^ ^^^
^^^.i E
50
^
"ort Steele
Jfom o« L
^flTH*
Swansea^ "" ^ c>^
Moyie
rocht^
-7
ahk
£f.
ContinentJlS
Crosapdint ^,
(ISKU i
f-IJftpke
[Slmlra
^
fakt
^3^^
'CWbwrn
-^Llbby
t-»-.^ jj
49°
r;7°
OORRCCTIO TO Oia IBM.
JANUARY, 1900.
in
Boundary
Country
and
eariboo
Reached BY THE \
CANADIAN PACIFIC t
RAILWAY