Gold Hill daily news. [volume] (Gold Hill, N.T. [Nev.]) 1863-1882, 1879-09-05
GRAVEL GOLD MlNiNG.

II
As tho old shallow surface placer dig
eings OF California became worked out
and exhausted. attention was more and
more directed to deep mining. worked
by hydraulic process. long tunnels and
deep shafts. Thus ii was that By de-
erses the great ancient river channel.
better known as the ''Big Blue lead"
VA developed and traced from north to
south throughout the gold region. This
famous lead contains some OF the richest
and most permanent Of the gravel gold
mines Of California at the present time;
mines that will last for many long years
to come. Among the most recently To-
Gated OF these 10 the Centennial. which
being owned principally BY residents OF
Gold Hill and Virginia, 10 entitled to
particular consideration ct q hands,
especially In view Of the recent report
upon 1t by Professor W. Frank Stewart,
who made . thorough scientific eIamina-
ton OF Il Q few weeks ago. His report
has been printed in pamphlet FORM and
Q copy lies before rs.
The mine is situated in Washington
township, Nevada county. California
fourteen miles above Nevada City. in q
range OF hills at the head Of Jefferson
ravins, between the South Yuba river
and Deer creek. II comprises q tract
Of heavily timbersd land eight hundred
acres In extent. and right in the track
or channel OF tho old Blue lead. The
company il = joint stock concern, Of
si1ty.four shares or interests. comprising
twelve and one.half acres each. The
title to the property. including Its valu'
able timber. Is beyond dispute. being
under United States patent. with no I'D.
verse claimants. The mine has been
considerably prospscssd undsrth the super
in.endeuey Of Major Downis BY about
5000 feet Of tunnel. developing some
very good gravel streaks carrying heavy
wash gold, a. well as by shafts. aud the
dip Of the gravel having been ascer-
tanned. aprospectins tunnel to the east
ward il now being run in order to ascer'
tain tbs best aud most advantageous
point to start . main working
tunnel directly into the heart OF
the gravel deposit, low enough to
secure the best possible drainage. A
strong. permanent stream Of pure. eold
water, Of twelve or fftssn minsr's
inches, fows from the old tunnel, and 10
without doubt from the great chan
mel or river itself. This stream will
prove Of great value and Importance in
the gravel washing. The great blue
Lead" which has been traced for hun
dreds Of milss. has already given to the
world over $500, OOO. 900. aud now yields
$40. VOC. 900 annually; consequently the
chances for the Centennial turning out
rich by and by are pretty well assured.
Professor S,ewart's report Is inclusive
and corroborativc OF the foregoing. and
il given In elaborate scientific form. too
lengthy for reproduction In these col.
umns. It is very interesting as well as
instructive. aud Is illustrated with dia-
gram sketches showing the position and
character Of the great Blue Lead. and
the general situation OF the Centennial
workings, a. well rs suggestions for fu'
turs guidance aud success. Tho report
10 generally considered to DO very reli-
able. and was published In pamphlet
form merely for the benefit and inform.
alton Of all interested.