The Nevada Journal

QUARTZ MINING IN NEVADA.
We are glad to see that those engaged in quartz mining in this vicinity, are in decidedly better spirits now than two or three months ago. Nor is this encouragement without a good and reasonable foundation. For a few weeks past the results of the operations have been remarkably cheering. From a gentleman connected with the Gold Run Company, we learn that from five and a half tons of quartz, taken from the Shoemaker lead, crushed a few days since, they received $1100, being just $200 per ton. This, every one knows, is an extraordinary yield; nor do we pretend to say that this or any other lead will produce the amount as a general thing. But this lead is doubtless one of extraordinary richness. If it will on an average produce $100 per ton, which we have good reason to believe it will, its wealth is almost beyond computation. We were shown a lot of specimens, which as we understand were selected from the rock quarried for that day's work, and which had not been crushed. These specimens surpassed any thing of the kind we have ever seen, and if they had been added to the 5 1-2 tons, while the addition to the gross weight would have been almost imperceptible, it had certainly added some $250 or $300 to the net product, making say $250 per ton.
In addition to this we have been furnished with the following results: The Revere has been yielding from 5 to 40$ per ton, though we are not certain it has ever come quite as low as 35. The yield they may safely calculate upon, is about 38 or 40$.-- The Wyoming, we are informed, realizes about 30, the Central 50, and The St. Louis Mill, from the Canada Hill Lead, last week, $150 per ton.
We are not enthusiastic. Some of these statistics may come to us exaggerated, though we believe not. We have in no way participated in the despondence produced by the temporary failure of two or three companies some months ago. A combination of circumstances made the business unpopular with many of the capitalists in the cities below, who had made investments which they imagined were not safe, for which reason they threw their influence against the operation with the same rash inconsideration with which they embarked therein-- both being done without duly understanding the consequences. That those owning leads have, to some extent, been culpable in creating an enthusiasm in the public mind the reality would not justify, we do not deny. The effect of this must of course lead to disappointment, and that disappointment to sink the credit of the enterprise far below what it deserves. But this matter is of great interest to the world, and as it has merit, this discredit and depression cannot last long. It was thus we viewed the matter, when the tide of public opinion took its downward tendency last winter. and after carefully viewing the influences with which we would have to contend, and having every confidence in the wealth of our quartz leads, we thought it prudent to make no opposition to the course of the panic, but await its reaction. That time has now come. Several of the companies have persevered, some of them against obstacles that would appal ordinary minds, until their works have been put in successful operation; and every experiment they have made, has proven the entire success of their undertaking.
The plain secret of these temporary embarrassments is this :--Many of the companies owning leads are composed of men of small capital. By application to capitalists, they were led to believe that certain amounts would be sufficient to erect the necessary machinery; and not unfrequently the very ones instrumental in producing this impression would immediately commence negotiations to supply the necessary funds, on the credit of the enterprise. But when the amount was expended, the work was only half, and in some instances one third done. Finding the operation costs twice what they had anticipated. they become distrustful, and in their anxiety to get out of what they finally conclude to be an awkward position, create a like distrust in the minds of others.
We have been assured by men who have had some experience in the matter, that rock which can be quarried at a reasonable degree of convenience, producing $20 per ton, will, in the end, prove a fortune to the holder, after paying all the expenses of working. We do not contend that all the quartz in this vicinity is rich enough to invite the miner to embark in the operation; but we do believe that in and around Nevada, is to be found a degree of wealth unsurpassed-nay, even unequalled in the history of mines. Time will prove this. To become acquainted with the mode of operation by which these mines may be successfully worked,will require some philosophical research, and it would be madness to expect inexperienced operators to take hold of so complicated and scientific a subject, and pass through triumphantly, without some temporary disappointments. Nor have we any fears for the ultimate success, of almost every undertaking of the kind. where the operators, inexperienced as they may be, proceed with due caution, and persevere, until they have made themselves acquainted with their business. This will be done, until the mountains of California will be known the world over, as "the El Dorado."
And while we envy no portion of the State for the degree of wealth it possesses, we confidently believe that the greatness and prosperity of Nevada county, are yet but half understood, and her best days are yet to come.