PART 1.] 
Ball: Gold in Singbhmn, 8fc. 
13 
Comparing these results by the number of successful days first, we may say, 
that for gold ^ producing, the submetamorphic rocks are to the metamorphics as 
(100—13'6=)S6'4 to (100—66=)34=2'5 : 1; comparing by daily average, the proportions 
become '46 : T6=q. p. 3 : 1. 
We may therefore conclude that the submetamorphics are between two and half and 
three times as productive of gold as the metamorphics, so that as the gold washers only find 
a subsistence from washing in the submetamorphic area, it is obvious that it would not pay 
them to work in the metamorphics. 
The greatest amount found on one day was 2'2 grains, but the daily averages given 
above should not be taken as indicative of the amount of gold to be found by a regular 
system of working where the washers would of course be set at favorable spots, and would 
not have to spend a considerable portion of their time daily, as was the case of the men I 
employed, in making marches before they reached the scene of their labours.* 
Various papers in the Asiatic Society’s Journal describe the methods of gold-washing 
practised in different parts of India. The instruments used, though essentially the same 
in principle throughout, have local peculiarities of shape, &c., and the manner of manipulation 
also varies. 
At He era Khundfthe same instrument and manipulation serve for the separation 
of both diamonds and gold. In fact the diamonds are found in the middle of the process, 
the iron sand with specks of gold being the final residue. 
In Manbhum and Singbhum the instruments used are perhaps more simple than 
those used in any other place. The dish measures 28" by 18", it is hollowed somewhat 
eccentrically to a maximum depth of about 2J inches. A scraper formed of a flattened iron- 
hook set in a handle, serves to collect the auriferious sand and gravel which accumulates in 
the angles of the rocks in the beds of streams. The dish when filled is placed in shallow 
water, and the operator working with his hands soon separates and throws aside all the 
coarser gravel and stones, while the agitation of the water serves to carry away all the mud 
and lighter portions. 
The dish is then balanced on the palm of the left hand and oscillated to and fro 
with the right; this serves to throw off the greater portion of the remaining "ravel, 
and the process is completed by a circular motion, which is communicated to file water 
in the hollow of the dish, by which even the smallest particles of foreign matter are 
separated, and the final result is a residue of black iron-sand in which the specks of "old are 
readily apparent. 
The gold-washers belong to the lowest and poorest races in the country, Gassees 
according to Colonel Haughton, but some of those which. I met with were a race of kurnars 
called Dokras. Their numbers have been greatly reduced by the famine; without exception 
they are all in the power of the Mahajuns, for whom they work at a low rate, and are never 
able to free themselves of the claims which the Mahajuns make on account of advances. 
The daily earnings of the gold-washers are small, hut might no doubt he increased, 
if it were not that they are always satisfied when enough gold has been found for procuring 
the day’s subsistence. r ° 
It is conceivable that the fact of the greater quantity of gold being found in the superficial deposits within 
the submetamorphic area might, be atttnbutahle to something in the configuration or elevation of the ground condu¬ 
cive to the greater accumulation of gold within that area. 1 could not however discover anything of this kind ■ the 
fall to south is gradual throughout both formations. J 6 ’ 
The origin of the gold which is annually found in the rivers at present is, I believe, twofold. A portion being 
directly derived f rom the rockB and the remainder resulting from the re-assortment of detritus which is the remauet 
oi suo-aenai acuou* 
,i i both formations, the evidences of extensive sub-aerial action are numerous and prominent, and it is obvious 
that nature has been carrying on gold washing operations in the valleys, since denudation first commenced to scoor* 
them out, leaving barriers of intervening ranges of liills formed of the hardest rocks between them. P 
t J. A. S. B. VIII. 1057, 1839. 
