212 



GEOLOGICAL RECONNOISSANCE 



indicate an infiltration of the zinc through interstices of the previously 

 formed rock. Perhaps the most plausible explanation of these pheno- 

 ls that the ore was first in the state of sulphuret, and was subse- 

 tlv changed into carbonate by some reciprocal play of chemical 

 ffinitiea acting from the interior upwards. The increase of the sulphuret, 

 - vou descend in the rocks, and the general structure of the deposit 

 which resemble inverted cones, showing a divergence at the surface froi 

 a central point of action; together with the existence of carbonate of 

 zinc in the associate rocks and clay, rather favor this view of its forma 



Bt, 



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tion. 



It is a remarkable fact, to which attention was first called by Dr. Koc 



that where deposits of calamine are found at the surface, the only vege- 

 tation to be seen is a small, black lichen, closely adhering to the ore or 

 Accompanying rocks; and the soil, to the depth of a few inches, is of an 



intense black color. 



There are, in addition to those already mentioned, four other mines, 

 opened and belonging to the Independence Mining Company, on the 

 following sections, viz: Section 28, township 17 north, range 3 west; 

 sections 12,28, and 20, township 18 north, range 4 west. 



At the town of Powhatan, in the street leading to Smithville, I discovered 

 a deposit of carbonate of zinc, the extent of which cannot be known 

 without digging; but it is no doubt considerable, and there is every reason 

 to believe, that good calamine vail be found abundant in the immediate 



vicinity of this town. 



Powhatan is situated on Black river, a stream navigable for small boats, 

 at all seasons of the year; it has under construction, and partly graded, a 

 plank road leading to Gainsville, in Greene county, which will intersect 

 the Cairo and Fulton railroad twelve miles distant. This, together with 

 the fact, that it is surrounded by, and close to, the main deposits of zinc 

 ore, renders it the most desirable point for the location of a zinc smelting 

 furnace. In addition to the advantages to be gained at this place for 

 shipping the metallic products of the furnace, abundance of charcoal may 

 at all times be had, from the extensive forest bordering on Black river. 



These suggestions, for the location of a zinc furnace at Powhatan, are 

 made from the fact that the " Calamine" furnace, from mismanagement, 

 did not go into successful operation; and experience has shown that its 

 location is not a favorable one. At all events, before the members of the 

 zinc company remodel their establishment and engage experienced 

 smelters, they should take into consideration the advantages of a change 

 in the location of their works to Powhatan, or some equally accessible 

 point on Black river; because* the success of the enterprise certainly 



