THE MIXTXG PRACTICE----BURKE COEXTY. 95
pieces up to 1 ounce in weight, and -J of the larger nuggets (above 1 ounce). The tributors worked in pairs, one pitting and taking out the bed-rock while the other one manipulated the rocker (cradle), shown in fig. 7. It is made up like a barrel, with half-inch staves, smoothed on the inside, with solid heads, the latter being a little more than half a circle. One wheelbarrow-load is put in the rocker at a time. After the gravel is thoroughly disintegrated by vigorous motion of the rocker, the pebbles, etc., are thrown out, and finally, by a light movement, the finer and heavier portions arc examined closely by eye. It is practically a panning process on a larger scale. Fifteen minutes are occupied in cleaning up one charge.
THE MILLS PROPERTY, BURKE COUNTY, N. C.
This property is situated near Brindletown, about 14 miles southwest from ^lorganton. It comprises an area of 2-160 acres, including the eastern portion of Pilot Knob and the western flanks of the South mountains, being drained by the waters of Silver creek. The problem here presented is the reworking of old gravel deposits by a simple hydraulicking process where the grade is sufficient, or, where this is not the case, by raising the material to the surface by hydraulic elevators.
Geologically, the locality is in the South mountain belt. The general strike of the crystalline schists is ]ST. 20° ^Y. and the dip 20° X.E. The rocks are decomposed to a considerable depth, reaching often 50 feet and at times 100 feet. The strike of the auriferous quartz-veins is X. 60° to 70° E. and the dip 70° to 80° X. \V. These veins are usually from a knife edge to several inches in thickness, and are too small to work individually. One vein from 12 to 18 inches in thickness has been explored, but was found to be almost barren. The gravel deposits occupy the present stream beds and adjoining bottoms, and the ancient channels now covered with deep over-burden and extending into the hillsides which flank the mountain. From Pilot Ivnob and along its lower slopes, a number of these dee]) channels radiate in all directions.
The facilities for obtaining water for mining purposes are good, though beset with difficulties. The numerous streams which have their rise in the South mountains are small though of good flow throughout most seasons, and it is practicable to collect their water and lead it to the larger part of the mining ground in ditch and flume-lines and reservoirs with sufficient head for sluicing and hydraulieking purposes. However, the summer months cannot be depended upon for steady work, as the water-supply is apt to be cut short by droughts. The chief impediment is in the loss of grade before the mining ground in the lower country is reached, owing to the deep and numerous indentations of the mountains which it is necessary to circumvent. It is impossible to
