GOLD VS. MICA. 
59 
pleasant country, being a succession of forest and plain. At 4, 
p.M., in passing the mouth of a small stream, we again found 
ourselves aground, with a prospect of waiting twelve hours for 
the next tide. A boat was lowered, and some of the passengers 
went off to hunt. There were fish here in abundance. We 
offered them refreshments, but they seemed to “loathe the sight.” 
The passengers who had gone on shore, had disappeared in the 
forest, but soon two of the number were seen hurrying toward 
the shore. They pushed off the small boat, and were soon coming 
over the side of the brig. They appeared much agitated, and, 
after consulting a friend in -whispers, the three started for the 
shore. 
After an hour’s absence, they returned with their handker¬ 
chiefs filled with something, which was evidently not for the 
public eye. It was immediately put unde? lock and key. From 
The self-satisfied air and knowing winks of the three fortunate 
individuals, it was apparent that their fortune was full of hope. 
After mature reflection, they, no doubt, came to the conclusion, 
that as there was enough for all, as it was in their power, with 
a w r ord, to place wealth within the grasp of all, it was their 
duty to make all happy, without delay, and, with great magnani¬ 
mity, informed us that they had ascended the stream some dis¬ 
tance, and, as they approached the ripple, to their astonishment, 
' they found the water gurgling through pebbles of gold. They 
had each secured a competence, assuring us that we could go 
and do likewise. Some evil-disposed person stood by, who 
informed us that he noticed the same thing, and did not think it 
was gold. The three above-mentioned individuals, to reassure 
us, unlocked their trunks, but, lo! their fortunes, like fancy- 
stocks at the present day, had a downward tendency. It proved 
to be mica. It had somewhat the appearance of gold, but on 
separating it from the sand, it was found to be very light, hav¬ 
ing the appearance of small pieces of gilt paper. It was a most 
blighting illustration of the adage, that “ all is not gold that 
glitters,” particularly to the three above-mentioned individuals. 
The bed of the river at this place had the appearance of being 
constituted of golden sands. The same has been noticed in 
almost all the streams in California, and has, undoubtedly, 
given rise to many of the golden reports. At 10, A.M., (Sun- 
