THE GOLDEN KLONDIKE.

New Zealand Graphic, Volume XX, Issue XXII, 28 May 1898, Page 669

THE GOLDEN KLONDIKE.

AN ENORMOUS KUSH OF GOLDSEEKERS GOING IN. SOUND ADVICE FROM AN INHABITANT. In the rush toward the golden fields of the Klondike, there are thousands who are ill-fitted to stand the strain oi hardship and exposure which are inseparable from that trip. Illness, disease, and death is almost certain to claim many of the ill-prepared adventurers. The following letter from one who has undergone the hardships of the trip, will prove interesting to those who intend going into the desolate but gold-laden north: — Skagway, March 1, 1898.

Dear, Sirs, —My object in writing this letter is to give a word of advice to those who contemplate going to the Yukon Goldfields. For ten years I have followed the occupation of prospecting, timber estimating and mining, and the hardships and privations which one hah to undergo are enough to wreck the strongest constitution. In the spring of 1897 I was stricken with pleurisy, as the result of exposure. I recovered from this, but it left behind the seeds of disease which manifested themselves in the form of heart and kidney troubles. I managed to reach Vancouver, but did not have much hopes of recovering. I was advised, however, to give Dr. Williams’ Pink Pills a trial and at first purchased but two boxes. Before these were gone I found beyond a doubt that they were helping me, and their continued use ‘put me on my feet again,’ to use a common expression. I then engaged to go to the Yukon country, and only tnose who have made the trip to Dawson City can form even the faintest conception of the hardships that have, to be borne in making the journey. Before starting I added to my outfit two dozen boxes of Dr. Williams’ Pink Pills, and I can honestly say no part of my kit proved of such invaluable service to me, and I would strongly urge every man who goes in to take a supply with him, as he will find the need of such a tonic and upbuilder of the system on many occasions. I went in and returned to this place by the Dalton trail, which consists of thirt-six miles of old Indian trail, starting at Pyramid Harbour. In going over the trail one has at times to wade through mud more than a foot deep, and ford streams waist-deep in ice-cold waters. When I started for the Yukon my weight was only 149 pounds, and I now weigh 169 pounds, thanks to Dr. Williams’ Pink Pills. I am soon starting for another trip to Dawson by the same route. This time, however, the travelling will be on snow-shoes, and you may depend upon it Dr. Williams’ Pink Pills will again form part of my outfit. I write this’ letter for the two-fold purpose of letting you know what .your medicine has done for me, and urging those who go in to take a supply with them. Every man, whether he is sick or well, who undertakes the trip to the Yukon will require something to brace him and keep his constitution sound in that country. I may say that my home is at Copper Cliff, Ont., where my wife now resides. Y’ours very truly,

JOHN PICHE.