blocks of wood, of various sizes. The vessel is rectangular, meas- 
uring 64 inches high, 14 inches long, and 4 inch broad, being intended 
for coins, not smaller than alf eagle or quarter dollar, and for 
ore, the ore is first weighed, and afterwards its surface is moistened. — 
The vessel is then nearly filled with water, and so much as is superftuous, 
4 
‘ 
small 
are offered to the Society. 
. The opening of the gold mines of California brought out a great 
number of beautiful specimens of gold in the matrix (or mingled with 
quartz) of the most fanciful forms, and every variety of size and value 
n many cases it was presumed, by the holders of these prizes, that they x 
would bring more money, as curiosities, than as bullion; and at any 
rate, very many owners were unwilling to have such attractive specimens — 
spoiled until they had been sufficiently exhibited. At the same time, it 
was always desirable to know, pretty nearly, how much gold was acti 
ment was interesting as a matter of scientific inquiry. Especially when 
we could compare our estimates with the more definite and accurate isk « 
