Page:U.S. Department of the Interior Annual Report 1879.djvu/63

Rh mining claim should be as definite, so far as its boundaries go, as that of a city lot, and the right to work should be confined within the perpendicular lines of its side and end. Following the dip of mineral veins on the ground of other parties is, in his opinion, the fruitful source of litigation.

Peaceful relations have been maintained with the Indians during the past year. A majority have abandoned their tribal relations, and have taken up small farms in various localities, which are being worked to advantage.

The mining interests of Utah are reported as in a most excellent condition; the introduction of new methods of reducing ore causing larger profits to be realized than were possible in former years.

From the year 1870 to 1878, inclusive, the Utah board of trade reports, as taken from the books of the Utah Central Railroad, the shipment from Salt Lake City of 76,912 tons of lead ore, 109,276 tons of argentiferous lead bullion, and 8,197 tons of lead, worth in the aggregate about $40,000,000 The value of the ores taken out during the past three years was $18,558,805.48; of this, $5,379,446 was lead, the remainder being the precious metals.

The finances are reported in good condition. There is no indebtedness unprovided for. Territorial scrip which four years ago sold for 40 cents on the dollar, to-day is worth 98. Taxation is equitable, and provides for the necessary expenses of the Territory.

During the past year one hundred and fifty miles of additional railroad have been built.

The governor of Washington Territory reports satisfactory advancement in the development of the agricultural, manufacturing, mining, and commercial resources of the Territory. Its isolated position and the misconception existing in relation to its climate and productions have tended to prevent its rapid growth.

Situated between the forty-sixth and forty-ninth degrees of north latitude, its climate is generally believed to be cold, and yet the results of careful observation show that the climate of Western Washington is mild, during the winter months the temperature seldom falling below the freezing point. A tabular statement is given, showing the character of the climate throughout the year, based on accurate meteorological observations taken at Port Blakeley, on Puget Sound, in latitude 47° 36'. It would appear from this statement that the lowest temperature during a period of twenty-six months was 25° above zero. The highest in 1877 was 88°; in 1878, 94°; and in 1879, 86°.

The average rainfall is about the same as in the Eastern and Western States. The mildness of the climate is due to the presence of the thermal current, having its origin at the equator, near the one hundred