22 ALASKAN MINERAL RESOURCES IN 1904. [bull. 259. 
Considerable mining was done on Osborn Creek east of Nome, but 
no large plants have been installed. A ditch is under construction 
which will carry water from near the head of Flambeau River to the 
heavy gravel deposits near the mouth of Hastings Creek. In the 
Eldorado basin operations appear to have been confined to "shoveling 
in" on Venetian Creek. The discovery of bench diggings on the creek 
is of importance. 
SOLOMON RIVER REGION. 
The Solomon River region has forged ahead more rapidly than any 
other district during the last two years, though its gold production is 
not yet so large as that of several other camps. Four ditches on the 
main river were in operation or practically completed at the close of 
the last season. Several ditches were in operation on Shovel Creek, 
a westerly tributary of Solomon River, and surveys have been made 
for many more. The extensive but rather shallow gravel deposits 
near the mouth of Solomon River have been thoroughly prospected 
and found to carry values, and it is reported that plans are under way 
to mine these with dredges. Heavier gravel beds occur along the rims 
of the valley as benches. These are known to carry good values, are 
well located for hydraulic mining, and are the objective point of 
several ditches. One small and one large dredge were in continuous 
operation on the main river during the last season. 
The Council City and Solomon River Railway was running trains 
on regular schedule from Dickson, the coastal terminal, to the mouth 
of Big Hurrah Creek and beyond throughout the season, and at the 
same time the construction of roadbed continued inland. Before the 
close of the season trains were run to the East Branch, a substantial 
bridge was built across Solomon River at this point, and the grading 
extended for some distance beyond. Sixteen miles of track were 
reported completed when the winter set in. Construction work has 
the appearance of greater permanency than is usually the case in the 
Seward Peninsula. It is to be hoped that the line may be completed 
at an early date, as it will give access to many placers which can not be 
worked under present conditions of transportation. It is noteworthy 
that the Big Hurrah quartz mine continues to make a good showing. 
Twenty stamps have been installed and a depth of 150 feet reached 
in the workings. Some other lode deposits of the district appear 
promising, and augur well for a permanency of mining in this region. 
BLUFF REGION. 
At Daniels Creek, 20 miles east of Dickson, the Topkok Ditch Com- 
pany operated its hydraulic plant practically throughout the season. 
The heavy gravel deposits which are here being exploited lie in such a 
topographic position as to be more favorable for hydraulic mining 
