CEUISE OF THE STEAMER GOKWIN. 107 



All the coal in tliis region is of a lignite composition, which is the most recent formation of 

 the coal series. In many respects the product resembles that of the well-known vein near Cape 

 Lisburne. The latter is nndonbtecTly the northern termination of the Kowak Eiver vein, and it 

 affords an interesting study in tracing the coal belt of Alaska. Below the coal formation we found 

 extensive deposits of fire clay. This material is used to a limited extent among the natives for 

 the manufacture of rude earthenware. 



The deposits of clay existing here are mostly of a fatty nature, which is a serious objection to 

 its use. When subjected to heat the shrinkage is apt to cause a fracture. The addition of sand, 

 however, will in a measure remedy this. 



GOLD. 



In regard to the existence of gold in this region there seems to be no doubt. In almost every 

 stream, large and small, we found the color of gold, and if this be an indication this precious metal 

 undoubtedly exists in some sections of this country. Gold never exists iu the secondary or coal- 

 bearing formation, hence we may look for it in vain along the lower river. 



Admitting its existence in northern Alaska, the question arises whether it can be profitably 

 mined. Since the acquisition of the Territory the southeastern portion has been well prospected. 

 More recently miners have penetrated the vast region drained by the Yukon, and many have 

 journeyed down that river to the sea. 



Thus far the results obtained have not been flattering, and but little encouragement is offered 

 for further work in this region. Miners, while they admit the existence of gold there, assert that 

 it can not be mined at a profit. The character of the country, its remoteness from a base of 

 supplies, the long winters and the short summers, are detrimental to mining of any description. 



Itis possible that with the richest ores quartz mining might be successfully carried on. Again, 

 with large quantities of free gold, placer mining might prove remunerative, but as far as known at 

 the present time nothing of the kind is to be found in Alaska. 



It is not probable that the experience of others will deter miners from prospecting there in 

 the future. It is believed, however, that if the situation were better known miners might save 

 both time and money and avoid inevitable disappointment. 



GEEEN STONE. 



Among the natives of Arctic Alaska there is found a peculiar green stone. In former times 

 large quantities were used for the purpose of making axes, spear and arrow heads, as well as 

 ornaments and articles of domestic use. The stone thus employed was of various sliades of green, 

 some being dark and oi)aque, while others were light and translucent. There seemed to be no 

 uniformity in this respect, but the latter varieties were not found in abundance. 



The stone has always been greatly esteemed by the natives. The greater portion of the green- 

 stone implements found among them at the present time are undoubtedly very old, and have been 

 handed down as heirlooms from one generation to another. 



The stone has been popularly called malachite, jade, and various other names, none of which 

 terms are correct. All the finer translucent varieties are nephrite. This is a hard, compact 

 mineral, generally of a dark green color. Among certain races it was worn as a charm for the 

 cure of kidney diseases, from which fact the name is derived. 



Large quantities of nephrite were brought from Peru and Mexico in the shape of carved 

 ornaments at the time of the Spanish conquest. 



For many years attempts have been made to find the source of this stone in Alaska. The 

 natives themselves apparently know very little concerning it, which fact indicates the ancient 

 origin of the nephrite implements. Indeed we have every reason to believe that they are the 

 work of a past generation. The existence of this stone is well known to the natives, but they 

 are reluctant to give any direct information concerning it. 



At a distance of 120 miles above the mouth of the river a range of mountains was pointed out 

 to us in which the stone was said to exist. The range, which was rather isolated, towered consid- 

 erably above the surrounding mountains. It is about thirty miles in lengtli and has a general 



