MADISON, a co. in s.w. Montana, having a range of the Rocky mountains for its s. boundary separating it from Idaho; drained in the e. portion by the .Madison river run ning n., in the w. by the Beaver Head, Wisdom, and Passamari creeks which unite to form the Jefferson fork of the Missouri; about 5,100 sq.m.; pop. '80, 3,916-2,890 of Ameri Can birth, 294 colored. It is a fine agricultural and rich mining district, and an excel lent grazing country. The mountains, deep divides, and callous present scenery of great beauty and grandeur. It is in close proximity to the national park and the valley of -the Yellowstone river. Groves of evergreen trees grow on the foot-hills and along the river bottoms. The agricultural products of its valleys are barley, oats, rye, wheat, and live stock. Its principal industries are hydraulic, placer, and quartz mining; and in '70, it had 15 hydraulic gold ruines, 10 placer mines, and 8 quartz mines. Whole num
ber of hands employed 219, aggregate capital $672,800, with an annual product of $216, 416. Valuable silver mines are found near the Madison river, and are still attracting prospecting parties. Granite and silurian limestone underlie this region, and basalt, feldspar, gneiss, galena, and serpentine are found; also, in the vicinity of the county seat, hot springs with valuable medicinal properties. In the extreme s.e. is Sawtelle's peak, .an extinct volcano composed of porphyry, basalt, etc. With the exception of the Utah Northern railroad, extending some distance n. of Red Rock in the s. portion, the trans portation is by wagon and coach over roads along the mountain side built at great oxpense; and the vast amount of freight following the progress of the railroad proves the rapid settlement of the country. Seat of justice, Virginia City.