Good post.
Chapter 1
"Having sunk to the "wash," or "drift," the digger, by means of one or more of the appliances mentioned above, proceeds to separate the gold from the clay and gravel in which it is found".
How many of us are looking for the wash or drift layer?
We drive for the day and can be totally ignoring the drift layer and then wonder why it is a hobby not an income.
Just focusing on locating the drift layer is critical. After about 8 trips to the same place I have found it and get it at Yambulla. (You can dig there all day and miss it).
These old-timers were total professionals.