A MUSHROOM CITY.

Poverty Bay Standard, Volume X, Issue 1197, 8 November 1882, Page 3

A MUSHROOM CITY.

JThk latest instance of the rapidity with “which a wilderness may be changed into a paradise— of a certain sort—is just now to be found on a certain Pennsylvanian plateau, at present the scene of a great oil “rush.” The story reads like one of the famous gold rushes in California and Australia. On a small table-land, surrounded by almost impenetrable forests in the heart of the mounCanons oil district, a new city has sprung up in less than three weeks, and what was only desolation before is now the most important place in the oil regions. In a ravine close by is the now famous “ Mystery,” or “ 646” oil well, surrounded by 160 other “gushers,” from each of which oil is flowing at the rate of 1000 to 2000 gallons a day. It is said to be the richest discovery of oil ever made. Carriers and traders are making fortunes. Land has risen from eighteen cents to 1000 dollars an acre, and it is said that dollars in millions are being invested. Already there are hotels, stores, telegraphs, and telephones. Stakes driven into the ground bear such signs as “ Messrs X. will occupy this place next week as a dry goods store;’’ while among other curiosities hanging from the limb of a tree is the sign, “Palace Barber Shop.” The story of the discovery is a curious one. The discoverer had, it seems, been working for a long time back comparing the geological formations of the different portions of the “oil country,” and had come to the conclusion, after much patient toil, that there must be oil. His difficulty, however, was to strike it, for his funds had run low from his experiments, and he was compelled to sell out for a trifle. The purchasers then went to work with as much secrecy as possible. No one was allowed near the well and all was shrouded in mystery. But one oj the curious speculators, who had been prowling about in vain for some time, managed to hide himself, and after a long watch under a derrick managed to satisfy himself of the presence of oil. The surrounding land was at once bought up, oil was struck In ever so many places, and tremendous profits are being realised by the lucky speculators.' What may be the final result of this J no one can say, but already it has ’ had the effect of depreciating " oil property” ’ to the extent of 30,000,000 dollars.