“ Mineralogy.—Montana is one of the most important mineral-producing States. It is second in the production of copper, second also in the production of silver. Copper production began on an important scale in 1880 and has steadily increased since. The entire output is furnished by the Butte district. The gold production has been falling off in recent years from the deep mines, but the placer mines have shown an increase. Lead and zinc are produced in important quantities. The State has important coal production. ”

“ The Rocky Mountains are principally of igneous origin, and are made up of granite, basalt and metamorphic rocks, and at the base of the mountains are strata of Jurassic and Carboniferous rocks. Near the Missouri river fossil remains of sea serpents, snakes, snails, and petrified tree trunks abound. ”

“ The mountains are intersected by numerous valleys and cañons, through which flow most beautiful rivers. The highest point in the State, Emigrant Peak, is 10,969 feet high, and Mount Powell is 10,500 feet high. The principal river systems in Montana are the Shoshone, the Missouri, and the Yellowstone. The Shoshone rises in the Rocky Mountains in the S. part of the State, and after flowing W. turns N. and forms portion of the Idaho boundary. The Missouri river, formed by the Jefferson, Madison and Gallatin rivers crosses the N. E. part of the State and enters North Dakota. ”