100

of San Francisco, states in reference to the holdings of the Puget Sound
Iron Company, that . . . . “the deposit contains 1,000,000 tons and
probably an additional 2,900,000 tons.” ;

The present estimate of 700,000 tons of ore is not of developed ore,
for there is practically no developed ore. The estimate represents the
amount of ore that probably is present between the highest and lowest
visible points of the individual ore occurrences It is unreasonable to
suppose that ore does not extend below the lowest visible point, but no
reliable means is available for estimating the depth to which ore is likely
to extend. It is reasonable to hope, is perhaps reasonable to expect,
that the amount of ore present is very much greater than the above figures
indicate. Furthermore, in making this estimate, no attention has been
paid to the probable or possible contents of the numerous, apparently,
minor magnetite bodies whose general distribution and comparative
sizes at their outcrops are indicated on a map accompanying the report
by McConnell. A number of these occurrences are of such size and general
characters as would warrant their being explored if a market for iron ore
were established. It is not improbable that some of these occurrences
would prove to be of very considerable magnitudes. Given a market for
such iron ore as these properties would afford, there can be no question
that conditions are such as would warrant the expenditure of a sum of
money sufficient to determine the probable extent of the larger occurrences
and of some of those occurrences that at present seem of minor impor-
tance.

Texada Island Iron Ore Deposits; Sundry Occurrences

The following accounts, derived from the report by R. G. McConnell,
deal with various mineral occurrences on Texada island which, though
not all strictly speaking iron ore properties, are yet of such characters
as to render it possible that they might be of value as producers of iron
ore wherever a market for iron ore is established.

“Texada island with the exception of the few small areas covered
by Cretaceous deposits, is more or less mineralized throughout its whole
extent. The mineral occurrences, while numerous and widely distributed,
are mostly small and the proved important deposits are confined to two
areas, one near Vananda on the east coast and the other almost directly
south on the west coast. . . . The island has been subjected to nearly
constant erosion since late Mesozoic time, and thousands of feet of massive
and sedimentary rocks with their enclosed mineral contents have been
worn away. The lenses of ore are irregular in shape and size, occur at
varying depths, and the point at which they are intersected by the present
surface is purely accidental. Small lenses cut through their widest part
may make a better surface showing than large lenses, with only their tips
exposed. i

“The Paris group of claims are situated a short distance south of
Blubber bay, at the north end of the island. . . . The rocks on the
claims consist of . . . . limestones intruded by two small diorite
stocks and numerous diorite-porphyrite dykes. The stocks are highly
altered. . . . The workings consist of three shafts from 50 to 60 feet in
depth, the most southerly of which is connected with the surface by a
tunnel 250 feet in length. The shafts have been sunk on moderate-sized,

1 McConnell, R. G.: ‘Texada Island, B.C."’; Geol. Surv., Canada, Mem, 58,