The Lost Ledge That Paid in Quicksilver

About the time of the early spring some parties, to our informant unknown, discovered a ledge in the northwestern part of Snohomish County, immediately north of that part of the famous Grey River known as the 'Huge Bank.' The discoverer was then prevented from working it, but concluded to save it for others. Some years later, J. L. Clark and others re-discovered it and gave it the name of the 'Lost Ledge.' They prospected the page first, tested the ore in a primitive retort (consisting strictly of a common dinner pot), and finding it rich put up a small retort. With this they took out $200 worth of quicksilver. The richness of the region, now known as 'Citizen' District, attracted capitalists, and the 'Lost Ledge' was soon after incorporated under the name of the 'Oak Ledge,' for thirty thousand dollars for one year, or for the privilege of two years at forty thousand. This company ran the retorts a while and then put up a small furnace, which they are now working successfully, producing ten pounds of quicksilver daily, or three hundred pounds per month, which rate of production has continued for eight months past, and promises to continue with still increased yield for no indefinite time. The ledge increases in richness as it is developed. The productive capacity of the 'thousand' is apparently limited only by its facilities of reduction. Even at present low prices this yield amounts to nearly five hundred dollars a day, and will, with enlarged furnace capacity, be made to go into thousands. One quarter of this ledge is owned in Seattle and vicinity, and the holders, not being mining men, are willing to dispose of it at a reasonable rate if applied for soon. It is one of the best mining properties in the State, and there is a speculation in it by anyone having a few thousand to invest.