210 



THE AUEIFEROUS GEAVELS OF THE SIEEEA NEVADA. 



him to speak with any degree of certainty in regard to the number and con- 

 nection of the various channels in Sierra and Plumas. That there are several 

 of them, and that their general course is in a southerly direction oblique to 

 that of the streams in the region, seems not to be doubted. That they are 

 very extensive and as yet but imperfectly developed is also a matter of cer- 

 tainty. 



An abstract of Mr. Hendel's views (taken from the account referred to on 

 the preceding page) in regard to the course of the channels will be given 

 here * as it contains the latest views of those practically acquainted with 

 the district, and appears trustworthy ; although, perhaps, the resources of the 

 county are depicted in somewhat too glowing colors. The difficulty and ex- 

 pense of getting water to the high gravels of Sierra and Plumas counties must 

 be taken into consideration. The form and drainage of the summits of the 

 range are not so favorable for the collection of the large bodies of water 

 necessary to keep up a supply during the dry season as they are farther 

 south. Some of the gravel deposits, indeed, are, as will be seen farther on, 

 on the very summits of isolated peaks, where an abundant supply of water 

 would be an entire impossibility. Still, even with these drawbacks, there is 

 undoubtedly an immense field for the development of the hydraulic mining 

 interest in the region in question. In regard to this point Mr. Hendel re- 

 marks that, although there are fifty mining ditches in the county, with an 

 aggregate length of 220 miles, and having cost about $ 750,000, there is still 

 demand for more water, as the present supply lasts only from four to eight 



months. 



According to Mr. Hendel's views, there are three distinct lines of gravel, 



» 



or channels, running across Sierra County with a general north and south 

 course. One of these, however, is divided into two parallel branches for a 

 considerable distance, as will be seen from the following description given in 

 Mr. Hendel's own words : f 



" The most eastern of these channels appears to come from Plumas County, in the north. It 

 crosses Feather Eiver near Beckwith's Pass, J continues thence, in con junction with a channel com- 

 ing from the northwest (passing Gold Lake), as one grand river in a southwesterly course, passes 

 the Key-Stone quartz mine and Milton's Ranch, crosses the old Harness Pass wagon-road near the 

 ( middle waters,' — having been so far but very little opened, — thence along the mining camps of 



* See Fifth Report of the United States Commissioner of Mining Statistics, pp. 77 - 90. 



t A diagram of the position of the Plumas and Sierra County channels will be given farther on in this 



volume. 



% Probably a misprint for Beckworth's Pass. 



