The hydraulic press., 1860-08-25
THE THREE FLATS.

MOOre'S and orleans latS. noW tueSe udts
were originally formed-whether by mountains
slides from the Backbone Ridge, which looms
above them, or from the natural and quiet depo-
stion of large areas of gravel by the Yuba river
is a question which we are not geologist enough
to solve. We must leave it to Mr.. Whitney, to
whom the Governor has entrusted the duty Of
investigating the geological structure of our
State. All we know about these Afats" is, that
immense quantities of gold have been taken from
them, since 1858, and that immense quantities of
the same metal remain hid in their bowels, which
an intelligent and energetic class of miners is
fast bringing to the light.
Early this week we paid visit to that portion
of Nevada county, and are only sorry that the
hurry of our engagements did not permit us a
more extended opportunity of examining their
capabilities. We shall shortly visit that neigh
! borhood again; for the frank hospitality of the
people resident thereabout, aside from the splen-
doris of their mountain scenery, is perfectly fas-
cinating to the visitor who has some soul in him.
| At Wolsey's Flat, which we first struck, on
several hours, and under the safe conduct of Mr..
VIM. R. Litchfeld, had an opportunity of visit
ing and inspecting several extensive mining
claims. The diggings here are hydraulic and
drift, and of the heaviest kind. Tremendous
boulders are encountered in the gravel, of which
there are strata running in perpendicular and
horizontal directions. These are very rich, but
exceedingly difficult to pipe. A great deal of
digging has to be done, and the use of the der
rick is found to be indispensable. The average
depth of these diggings from the surface, is about
140 feet. They commence on the southwest of
the town of Wolsey, and sweep round in a north
ern semicircle, touching at the southeast of the
town, and extending some distance on towards
the east. The front of the hill, or ''fat," is torn
entirely away, leaving an immense front of parti-
eolored earths exposed, and looking out upon a
long ravine-stretch, far below.
Among the best of the paying claims here,
may be enumerated the "Last Chance" claims !;
| the "Boston Diggings," belonging to Messrs.
Sewell & Gallagher; the "XIX," diggings,
owned by Col. Whitman and Pleasant Wells !;
the "Blue Ravine," or Wheeler Diggings; and
the claims of Mr.. w. H. Lawrence. These do
not embrace one-half the whole number of valu-
able claims, but they were all that our limited
time would permit us to visit. We were inform
ed by an intelligent gentleman, however, that
the gold product of Wolsey's Flat for each sue
cessive fortnight, averages from $4,000 to
| $35,
Just above Wolsey's, with wide ravine divid-
ing them, is Moore's Flat; and about the same
distance from Moore's, also with ravine be-
tween them, is Orleans Flat. An excellent road
connects the three places, and an hourly line of
spring wagons enables the separate citizens to be
in familiar intercourse. The diggings at Moore's
Flat, are about of the same character as at VOL
sey's. The heaviest operators, perhaps, are
Messrs. Jones & Beck, who work from 40 to so
hands in their diggines.
We had no opportunity to visit Orleans, but
hope do Justice to its mining features hereafter.
Lake City--On and Over the ssRidge.'
From the time one leaves San Juan, in making
the journey to Moore's Flat, every foot.of ground
is interesting. There is succession of ridges,
or, rather, an almost unbroken continuity of
ridge. Indeed, the residents at either extremity
speak of it as "The RIDGE" cup the Ridge,
con the Ridge" etc.
Now, all admirers of the picturesque in scenery
must know, that these vertebral roads-particu-
ticularly when they traverse the tops Of towering
/ nountains-afford feast for the eye which is
seldom realised without inspiring emotions akin
to sublimity. Nowhere in the State, nor perhaps
in any other State of the Union, is better op-
portunity presented for the qualification of a
thrill-yes, positively, thrill of delight-than
ascending and pursuing the twenty miles Of
space which has already been indicated. At one
time the traveller is looking off to the right. The
red andragged earth of prosperous mining claims
is seen on the distant hills, surmounted with
sinuous bitches and skeleton fumes, emptying
abrased sides. Far below, in the abysmal depths
of echoing gullies, where the stature of man is
no longer defnable, bowl-like reservoirs, white
sands and cleaning boulders, form comingled
spectacle; and the sound of tfse blast goes BOOM
ing through the pines, to arrest attention, and
add variety to the scene. Again, he directs his
gaze to the left. Tmpenetrable forests are before
him, sweeping down into the ravines, and casting
a shadowy gloom along the water-courses. And
straight ahead, on the Ridge, the road passes
through forests Of pine, under the shadows Of
pleasant oak groves, with someshing new at every
| angle, to attract and occupy the attention.
Halfway of this delightful journey on the
frontlet Of lofty mountain with tabular plain,
is the little town of Lake City, otherwise known
as Arnold's Ranch. A large reservoir of the
Eureka Lake and Miners Ditch Company is To-
Gated here. 1t contains a Whitehall pleasure
boat, in which the lover of aquatic sports may
indulge short excursion, on level with the
clouds, and imagining the sea to be spread out
four or five thousand feet below him!
i Mr.. Henry Arnold, who keeps large and ex-
eellent hotel at this point, declares-and we think
with the argument much in his favor-that the
view from his door IS not excelled for grandeur,
nv auv in the Tinted Cxofas w. f..y ...~l.