Steam Comes to the Skagit Timber: Contractors Sign On to Build a Logging Railroad

Messrs. Nettleton and T. F. Smart, of King County, have taken a contract from the Stakely Mill Co. to build and equip a logging railroad on the Skagit. The former member of the firm was on the ground this week locating the right of way and surveying the road. This will be a substantial iron or steel railroad and will be equipped with locomotives and cars to do an immense logging business, as it is the intention to extend the road into the interior as the timber is taken out and business will warrant. No doubt several such roads will be built on the Skagit and Sauk within a year or two, for this appears to be the only practicable way of getting out the timber. Speaking of logging railroads, there is one near Mount Vernon. It is considered a success, and is much cheaper than the old style of hauling with oxen on the skid road. At Gage's camp the engine or locomotive is not quite powerful enough for the service, but yet it does fair work, and can haul from forty to fifty thousand feet daily.