Their sorting table was set up and they went to work with a will that was backed with enthusiasm and hope.
The result of their digging was turned into the sieve, which was suspended by a rope from a cross bar, with handles on one side.

The digger would swing it backwards and forwards until all the loose fragments of earth were broken off and nothing remained but the small stones like line gravel.

These were then carried over and dumped on the sorter's table, who examined them carefully and placed anything promising to one side.

But for three weeks nothing of any value was found.

The small specimens that were obtained were disposed of to the dealers who daily visited every camp and digging.