The Placer herald., 1858-09-18

While it is quite possible that this line as
run can be SO altered as to give practicable
route to Auburn, there are several other
routes, which should also be examined, some
Of which b lieve to be practicable. From
an inspection OF the profile it is evident that
any line from Auburn must pass down the
Auburn Ravne for about 3 miles or op-
posile the New Hotel, this being the KEY to
Auburn. Here, therefore, we mus look for
the starting point, or head Of all lines or
routes.
The other routes may be enumerated as
follows: lst. Route down Auburn Ravine
via Ophir aud Gold Hill, Walkup & Wymans
and Gray's ranches, to the California Cen
trail Railroad. consider any route down
the Auburn Ravine impracticable, as the
country drops off at Gold Hill too rapidly to
sustain any feasible grade. The high lands
on the north side OF the ravine fall off too
suddenly, while line on the south side.
would involve the crossing of Dutch Ravne,
where it runs into Auburn Ravine, opposite
Gold Hill, at an elevation altogether too
great to be practicable.
2nd. Route down south side of Dutch Ra-
vine, which Is, in my opinion, practicable.
Considering the line as established and prac-
ticable for 2 miles below Auburn, or to
the point where we strike the road to the
Mountaineer House, the line can thence be
carried down the south side of Dutch Ravine,
which will, in my opinion, afford ground to
sustain a continuous grade of 80 feet per
mile. The high ground on the south side Of
this Ravine continues on to and gradually
merges into the plains, ridge running down
to within about 12 miles of the present
location of the California Central Railroad
The only difficulty to be apprehended on
this route is, that the side hill may prove
too broken and uneven to afford au economi-
cal line, or that tine grade may carry the
line so high as to make the crossings of the
various ravines which run into Dutch Ravine.
heavy and expensive. This can only be de-
termlned by actual survey.
Sd. Route down Antelope Ravine. This |
believe to be practicable and think that it
will give a better line than that down Secret
Ravine. 1t will be necessary to bear the
present line off to the right, Immediately
above Newcastle, and if the ravine can be
entered easily, it will undoubtedly give a
good line. This ravne runs into Secret Ra
vine about mile above the crossing of the
California Central Railroad, and line down
it will therefore strike the same terminus as
the present line down Secret Ravine. This
line will probably save two miles in distance
over the other.
4th. The present line, via Buckeye and
Secret Rarines. If the alterations previous
sy suggested can be made, this will give a
practicable line.
If the present line Of the California Cen
tral Railroad were moved about four miles
further east, opposite Wakup d Wymau's
ranch, the length of branch to Auburn
would not exceed l2 miles via. Dutch and
Auburn Ravines: it would increase the length,
of main line about l.2 miles. No mate.
rial impediments to such change are ap
parent to the eye, and sacl, a line would
secure the trade Of Gold Hin, Virpiniatowu
and several smaller settlements in the yicin;
ty and make the distance to Nevada via
Aaburn, from this point not over AZ miles.
Accompanying this will be found profile
OF ts'e Ans as run. Very respectfully,
THOMAS u. JUDAH,
Chief Engineer. Cal. Cen. Railroad.