422 BOARD OF AGRICULTURE. 



of the island poorly adapted to obtain the best material for manu- 

 facturing-. The best deposit is at the other end of the island and 

 appears suflficiently rich in pyrites to authorize the establishment 

 of sulphur works. The outlay would be comparatively slight, and 

 under present circumstances would yield a fair return. 



This concludes what I have to say concerning the economical 

 value of the iron ores of Maine. Compelling myself to write 

 plainly, fairly and briefly, the report may appear to present many 

 discouragements to those who may have intended to embark in 

 iron mining in this State. But the value of the work of a survey 

 is not enhanced by giving exaggerated estimates of the mineral 

 wealth of a State. If I have succeeded in advising that specula- 

 tors and proprietors use more caution than heretofore in commenc- 

 ing mining operations in any place where a few handfuls of metal 

 are found, I shall be truly gratified. Knowing that you entertain 

 the same opinions as these which come from the Laboratory, I 

 have, sir, presented the matter with the more freedom. 



In conclusion, let me olfer the thanks of the Survey to Dr. II. 

 T. Cummings of Portland, and to Prof. P. A. Chadbourne of Bruns- 

 wick, for their many kind attentions and the liberal use of their 

 laboratories. 



With high regard, 



I am, sir, 



Yours respectfully, 



GEO. L. GOODALE. 



Gold. 



Gold has been for a long time known to exist in the valley of 

 Sandy river. An examination of the country last September shows 

 that the rocks there contain the peculiar veins of quartz in which 

 metallic gold is disseminated. We could not feel, however, that 

 the precious element is very abundant in this portion of the State. 



The opinion expressed concerning the auriferous character of 

 the country upon the upper river St. John, is still entertained after 

 another inspection of the country. The limits of this region have 

 been enlarged by our observations. It must extend nearly to 

 Moosehead lake on the Penobscot, and perhaps along the dividing- 

 ridge between Maine and Canada, even to the New Hampshire 

 corner. Where the Canada road crosses this belt in Sandy bay, 

 the veins look exceedingly promising, and the banks of the streams 



