Transcription

                                                                             333

V I C T O R I A.

THE OVENS RIVER  -  JUNE 1854

The diggings throughout that wide spreading district  -  known as the Ovens, are at the present time far from offering any enticement to the gold looker, I cannot tell you which Creek, which locality is the best, for each and all present so little inducement even to the enthusiastic gold digger, that it would be hard indeed to give a pre eminence. That there is plenty of gold scattered through the ranges and in the beds of several of the creeks there can be no doubt, but the population located here have become so "disgustingly rich" or so dreadfully lazy, one or the other, that there is little probability of disembowelment until a new race comes upon the diggings, or at all events new blood infused into the old Class.  The great bulk of the people working at these diggings have, apparently settled down at them, they are not there to snatch what they can get and go away with it, they have made gold digging at the Ovens, a business, a profession  -  and having done so, they are contented with less gains than those who are "Chance Customers" at this gold field  -  Being every day there, they can choose their time to work, and their time to be idle, being their home, they can replenish their coffers when exhausted without any expenditure of labour time, or money.  In fact, if they want to buy a loaf and have not the wherewithal, they can take a tin dish and wash out its price before the baker calls.

COLONIAL GEMS.
Among the most valuable are Malachite, Rubies, Emeralds, Topazes, Amethysts of a large size and splendid colour; and a number of moss agates and onyx agates of really beautiful appearance, Some of the moss agates containing
petrified seaweed.  Diamonds of considerable value have been found, also a beautiful glass stone which closely resembles aqua marine in all except its hardness, it is of a bright sea green colour, & takes a beautiful polish.

 

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