ferruginous sandstone, often so rich in iron that the luster of that metal is developed under the chisel; yet, smelting of this ore does not come under the range of economical probabilities, in consequence of the large amount of silica it contains. They are sometimes more argillaceous and composed of large rectangular blocks, with smooth planes and well-defined edges. Such as are close and fine grained would dress well and would equal the brown-stone fronts of Fifth avenue in the city of New York. Some of these rocks are nearly identical with the material of which the Smithsonian Institution is built. I can give these rocks none other but a local position. They seem to be "carpet-baggers," outliers (?). They are, however, often in considerable force and extent. Messrs. Meek and Hayden designate them in their section as No. 1, or lower cretaceous. Professor Haar, a noted German fossil botanist, refers them, from their organic remains, to the tertiary. If the object of this communication was not wholly practical and economical, I think I could produce some good arguments in favor of the latter reference. I will at all events state that these formations often jut down from the west into and partially fill valleys in the same manner as we find the tertiary sediment of the age of the White River basin, only they come further east. In this condition I found these ferruginous sandstones, with their characteristic impressions of leaves, in the valley of Salt Creek, near the salines in Nebraska, while examining the salt basin, under the direction of your office here. There they overlie carboniferous formations at or near the junction of the coal measures and the permian strata. These rocks have probably been confounded with trias sandstone and another formation at the base of the cretaceous of like lithological appearance. But enough of science. Among the cretaceous formations extending from Fort Harker mostly to the west boundary of the State, are also found good building stone, and sometimes even elegant. There are many of the strata that resemble the magnesian limestone of the permian, and are quite abundant north of the Arkansas River. I made a hasty classification of these formations while running the first guide meridian west and five parallels, as you may observe in my report under my contract to your office here. In concluding this branch of the subject, I hazard nothing in stating that there are but few sections of the Union of the extent of the State of Kansas that are so abundantly supplied with good and elegant building material. My classification of soils, under the different contracts executed by me under the direction of your office here, was made with care, and is reliable so far as the matter could be determined by the existence of different species of plants, and often by test with a field case. A word in explanation of the climate of Kansas. Our hottest summers are not correspondingly oppressive. In the past season the thermal range was unusually high. During the month of July, there were here 17 consecutive days in which the mercury marked from 94° to 100°, with an average of these high ranges of 960. However high the temperature of the day might have been, before nine o'clock in the evening the mercury would fall back to 75°. These oscillations produced a mean diurnal range of the month of 210. These great thermal ranges are the results of a dry atmosphere, clear and calm state of the weather during the night, affording the greatest facilities for the radiation of heat, and rarely wind enough to produce refraction in the ascending currents. I have observed that generally when the temperature reaches 940 and 960 in some of the Atlantic cities, cases of coup de soleil occur. Sun-stroke does not occur here under 1030, and no fatal cases under 105°. By a reference to the meteorological tables of Professor Swallow's geological report, you will observe that the fall of rain during the summer months is much greater than at any other season, much less in the spring and autumn, and but little in the winter. The great- advantage of such conditions is appreciated at a glance, particularly by the farmer. In the progress of time Kansas will become as proverbial for her clear sky, salubrious climate, and the good health of her citizens as Italy now is. We have none of those harassing diseases, such as diphtheria, typhoid and typhus fevers, nor any dangerous thoracic disorders, except those brought here from other climates. Scarlatina sometimes prevails, but generally in a mild form. Contagious diseases have never developed into an epidemic form. The prevalent diseases are malarial and of a periodic type. But as the country is opened and improved, the soil turned up by the plow, even the malarial diseases vanish under the pure bright sunlight and invigorating air of our plains. If I can serve you further in any manner, you have but to command me. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, Hon. JOSEPH S. WILSON, Commissioner General Land Office. F. HAWN. HELENA, MONTANA TERRITORY, May 18, 1870. SIR: I send herewith three specimens of ore. No. 1. Tin stone from Basin Gulch in Jefferson County, about twenty-five miles southwest from Helena. There are undoubtedly extensive mines of this mineral in that region, as large quantities of this stone are found in all the gulches in that locality, including the head of Ten Mile Creek. I discovered this mineral in the spring of 1867, while engaged in prospecting for placer mines, and believe that I was the first to call attention to the existence of tin in this Territory. I have taken out quite a number of beautiful cabinet specimens of toads-eye tin stone, but have none on hand now. I have sent over there for specimens to be saved for me, which I will send you as soon as I receive them. No. 2. Quartz containing gold and tellurium from the Granite Mountain, a patented lode at the head of Tucker Gulch, section 7, township 9 north, range 3 west, and section 12, township 9 north, range 4 west. No. 3. Specimens of ore from the Try lode in section 32, township 10 north, range 3 west, land returned on township plat as agricultural. The proprietors of this lode are now making arrangements to apply for patent. Only small quantities of this kind of ore are found in the lode. The vein is about thirty feet in width, runs nearly northeast and southwest, dips southeast at an angle of about eighty degrees. The rock from this lode, taken from the dump without assorting, yields an average of nearly $40 per ton in gold, by a mill test of about seven tons. Men working in the lode during the past winter for the proprietors, have made more than their wages by pounding picked specimens in a hand mortar. This lode has only lately been recorded, on account of the great width preventing a proper development of one wall, as required by the territorial law. I would like to have an assay made of this piece of ore, so Land States and Ter ritories. that I can embody it in my report when the final survey of the lot is made. If I could have special authority from your office to obtain and send specimens, I could undoubtedly send you many valuable specimens from this Territory. I remain, yours, truly, GEO. B. FOOTE, District Deputy United States Mineral Surveyor. Hon. JOSEPH S. WILSON, Commissioner of the General Land Office, Washington, D. C. No. 1.-Tabular statement showing the number of acres of public lands surveyed in the following land States and Territories up to June 30, 1869, during the last fiscal year, and the total of the public lands surveyed up to June 30, 1870; domain remaining unsurveyed within the same. Areas of the public also, the total area of the public Total... 30, 179, 840 47, 156 30, 179, 840 41, 346 23, 461, 440 3, 693 30, 179, 840 2,996, 307 52, 198 33, 406, 720) 33, 406, 720 59, 268 26, 631, 520| 64, 915 407, 333 27, 103, 768 10, 827, 752 25, 576, 960 36, 128, 640 1, 834, 998, 400 2,867, 185 508, 567, 668 1, 150, 006, 18, 165, 278 527, 882, 9521, 307, 115, 448 *Of the surveys in Arizona Territory 960,504.74 acres are Navajo Indian lands, reserved by the second article of the treaty of June 1, 1868, (United States Laws, vol. 15, p. 668.) Of the surveys in New Mexico Territory 959.840.56 acres are Navajo Indian lands, reserved by the second article of the treaty of June 1, 1868, (United States Laws, vol. 15, p. 668.) Of the surveys in Dakota Territory 918.352.70 acres are lands of the Sisseton and Wahpeton bands of Dakota or Sioux Indians, reserved by the third article, treaty of February 19, 1867, (United States Laws, vol. 15, p. 506.) DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR, JOS. S. WILSON, Commissioner. |