490 MmiNG INDUSTEY. 



cal business-like way, and in a manner adapted to the means at hand and the 

 end in view. 



The methods of mining are gradually improving; the costs of labor, 

 materials and supplies are steadily being reduced; metallurgical processes 

 adapted to the several classes of ore have been introduced into the region and 

 successfully applied to their purpose, and the business is slowly but surely 

 establishing itself on a permanent and healthy basis. 



In the following chapters the principal gold and silver mining districts of 

 the Territory, the first located in Gilpin County, the second in Clear Creek 

 County, will be described, with the purpose of presenting the characteristic 

 features of typical veins, the general method of their development, and the 

 present condition of mining and milling industry. Besides the localities thus 

 selected for description there are other outlying districts which formerly 

 received much attention, and now, after a long period of inactivity, are again 

 being worked. The mines of Boulder County, lying on the north of Gilpin, 

 were wrought several years ago, with almost if not quite as much vigor as 

 those of the last-named county. Several important mining districts were 

 formed, many lodes were opened, and some of them acquired a great reputa- 

 tion. In the depression of mining interests, which came in 1864, this region 

 suffered very much, and, during the writer's visit to the Territory, but little 

 work was in progress. According to late newspaper reports, operations are 

 being resumed. In Ward district alone there are five stamp mills, contain- 

 ing over 100 stamps, most of which are reported at work. The veins are 

 productive both in silver and gold. The general type, however, appears to 

 resemble those of Gilpin County. 



Southwest from Central City, and between that point and Georgetown, 

 there is a succession of mining districts, especially along South Clear Creek 

 and its tributaries, which were once vigorously worked, then neglected, and 

 are now again attracting renewed attention. There are many stamp mills and 

 other establishments for the treatment of ores located along the course of the 

 stream. Placer mining was formerly very productive on this creek, and is 

 still a feature of some importance. Southwest of Georgetown, too, there is 

 a good deal of activity along the mineral belt. The Snake River mines, in 

 Summit County, and lying on the western slope of the range, are being 



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