ANNUAL REPORT FOR 1873. 11 



ite or blende) and the carbonate (Smithsonite, or dry-bone) often, 

 though improperly, called calamine, a term rightfully belonging to 

 the silicioua oxide, that probably does not occur in the lead region — 

 full details will be found in Mr. Strong's report, showing the wonder- 

 ful increase of production within the past two or three years. "Wo 

 have here a case where an ore, supposed for a long time to be worth- 

 less, is suddenly invested with great value; and owners of abandoned 

 mines, find themselves in the possession of unexpected wealth. It is 

 to be regretted that the want of a cheap fuel in the lead region pre- 

 vents the smelting of these ores within our own state. The construc- 

 tion of a railroad from Milwaukee directly to the source of supply of 

 these zinc ores, by cheapening the cost of transportation, might render 

 the maniifacture of spelter and zinc-white, a business of profit on the 

 shores of Lake Michigan. 



It is proper here to call attention to the fact that Wisconsin lead in 

 known in the arts as soft lead, in contra-distinction from hard lead, 

 so called, that comes from the far west. The latter kind, separated 

 mostly from the silver lead ores, is supposed to contain other metals 

 as impurities ; while the former is free from all deleterious substances. 

 Doubtless the poisonous quality of some lead pipes used for the con- 

 veyance of water may arise from the presence of arsenic, or other im- 

 purities from which our lead is free. 



The very extended series of barometrical observations for altitude, 

 made by Mr. Strong and his party, will have special value in the 

 mining region, not only at present but for all future time. 



Another highly important subject, the diminution of the flow of 

 water from springs, and in the rivers and smaller streams is very 

 properly presented, and many new facts mentioned. Although this 

 falling off of the amount of water may be an advantage in working 

 the lead, zinc and copper mines, allowing the miner to penetrate to 

 greater depths before the steam pump or the tunnel must be resorted 

 to, yet in view of other vital interests, this drying up of the living 

 waters is to be deemed a disaster, which it should be the business of 

 a wise and prudent government to check. "Within the life-time of an 

 individual, perhaps the change is not sufficient to be of much conse- 

 quence; but within the life of the state, it will become a matter 

 deserving the most serious attention. 



It is perhaps to be regretted, that the necessity of extending the 

 geological survey over the whole state, with an area of fifty-six thou- 

 sand square miles, renders it impossible to make such special surveys 

 of each mining district as are wanted for the practical purposes of the 

 miner, and seem to be expected in some localities. Such working 



