Democratic banner., 1850-08-26

crowds.
The Transcript speaks rather doubling
ly on the subject. 1t says:
"The reports cDme, as general thing
through teamsters and other persons whose
interest it is to give as favorable accounts
as possible. The statements are very con.
ficting."
To this we may add the opinion of gen.
tleman who reached this city from Marys-
vile, direct, on Tuesday night. The ex-
citement, he says is great; but no one could
give any definite information of the locality
or of its productiveness. Yet all seemed
to think there was no doubt in the matter,
aud as many as could get away were start.
ing or getting ready to push for the new
Ell Dorado. Upon his way down, on board
the boat, he conversed with man who pro-
fessed to have explored that region lately,
although he did not claim to know where
Gold Lake was. But between the north
fork of the Yuba and Feather rivers, at the
foot Of the great chain of mountains, he re-
ported series Of lakes Of various dimen-
sions. and "two thousand people" prospect
ing all about. The show was very deep
"six feet"-and but little gold. So he in
timated.
The following extract from the Placer
Times is the most positive information with
in our knowledge:
On the arrival Of tho Lawrence yester-
day, from Marysville we received more news
of the Gold Lake excitement, now prevail
ing in those parts. 1t promises to spare no
one. Many who would not be understood
to have yielded to it, seek, under various
pretences oget away-soms pleading bus
iRess in other quarters Of the mines; others
desiring the recreation Of country jaunt.
1t is reported that, up to Thursday last, two
thousand persons had taken up their jour
neY that many who were working good
claims, land had made considerable progress,
were deserting them for the new discovery.
Mules and horses were almost impossible to
be obtained. A supply from this quarter
was expected daily, and most anxiously a.
waited. Although the truth Of the report
rests on the authority Of the two or three
who have returned from Gold Lake, yet
but few are found who doubt their marvel
lous revelations. The first man who came
into Marysville took out party Of forty as
guide, on condition they paid him 800 each
if his story was verified, and Offering his
life as forfeit for any deception.
This party, it is understood. came near
losing their way, from the difficulty the
guide found in retracing his path, after the
snow had melted. Fortunately, however,
they encountered another man who was on
his way returning, and he showed the track.
This second person has since left with a
much larger party, who are to give him
two hundred dollars each, and the same for
felt is provided. The spot is described as
very difficult of approach, and it is feared
that many will lose their way. A party Of
ten Ksnakas are reported tobave winter
ed at Gold Lake, subsisting chiefly on the
flesh of their animals. They are said TO
have taken out about $75 900 the first week.
The lake is not large. and, after the wet
season ceases, has no outlet; at present,
however, the water runs over the basin,
and finds its way into the North Fork of
Feather river. AT lower stage it admits
of easy drainage, and the undertaking is
already projected.
Of course the most extravagant anticipa-
tions are founded on the result Of this work,
induced by the yield from the borders of the
lake which have already been realized
The "placeI" proper is very limited, and
little encouragemcntis given as to the char
actsr Of the surrounding country; indeed,
it is probably entirely unexplored, as the
region lies about as far up among the SHOWS
as the most adventurous have yet penetra-
ted.
Discovery OF SALT IN CALIFoRSIA.---We
have Just been favored with the view OF specl'
men Of salt, frcm salt spring about hiteen miles
west Of Sonora, and near the Iuolnmne river
The salt is described to US IS furnishing aOuh,
dance of water, which is xtieinely strong and
pure. Itis upon the side Of small hill, and at
a abort distance from where the water issues
from the rock. is circular basin some 290 feet
in circumfsrence and four or five feet deep, into
which the salt water from the spring aows.-
Tbr bottom and sides of this basin are Of solid
rock. forming most desirable receptacle, from
which the water can be taken when manufac-
tory for salt is established here. We are also in
formed that the land about the spring is well
wooded, and we doubt not that in short time
there will be manufactured at this point sufficient
salt for our own consumption at much less rates