Cradling

Cradling

Cradling was a gold mining technique used by gold miners in the 1800s. Otherwise known as a rocker, the cradle does indeed resemble a child's cradle.

It must be manipulated carefully, to prevent losing the gold. Although big, and difficult to move, the rocker can pick up double the gravel, and therefore gold in one day than an ordinary gold mining pan.The rocker, like the pan, is used extensively in small-scale placer work, in sampling, and for washing sluice concentrates and material cleaned by hand from bedrock in other placer operations. One to three cubic yards, bank measure, can be dug and washed in a rocker per man-shift, depending upon the distance the gravel or water has to be carried, the character of the gravel, and the size of the rocker. Rockers are usually homemade and display a variety of designs. A favourite design consists essentially of a combination washing box and screen, a canvas or carpet apron under the screen, a short sluice with two or more riffles, and rockers under the sluice. The bottom of the washing box consists of sheet metal with holes about 1/2 inch in diameter punched in it, or a l/2-inch-mesh screen can be used. Dimensions shown are satisfactory but variations are possible. The bottom of the rocker should be made of a single wide, smooth board, which will greatly facilitate cleanups. The materials for building a rocker cost only a few dollars, depending mainly upon the source of lumber.


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  • Cradling — Cra dling ( dl?ng), n. 1. The act of using a cradle. [1913 Webster] 2. (Coopering) Cutting a cask into two pieces lengthwise, to enable it to pass a narrow place, the two parts being afterward united and rehooped. [1913 Webster] 3. (Carp.) The… …   The Collaborative International Dictionary of English

  • Cradling — Cradle Cra dle, v. t. [imp. & p. p. {Cradled} ( d ld); p. pr. & vb. n. {Cradling} ( dl?ng).] 1. To lay to rest, or rock, as in a cradle; to lull or quiet, as by rocking. [1913 Webster] It cradles their fears to sleep. D. A. Clark. [1913 Webster]… …   The Collaborative International Dictionary of English

  • cradling — /krayd l ing/, n. framework for supporting a coved or vaulted ceiling. [1810 20; CRADLE + ING1] * * * …   Universalium

  • cradling — n. framework for supporting a coved or vaulted ceiling cra·dle || kreɪdl n. baby bed, crib v. hold and fondle lovingly or protectively; lay in cradle; rock soothingly …   English contemporary dictionary

  • cradling — /ˈkreɪdlɪŋ/ (say kraydling) noun 1. Architecture a framework of wood, fixed round beams or columns to receive a casing. 2. Lacrosse the technique of swinging the crosse while running so the ball is kept in the net …  

  • cradling — n. Archit. a wooden or iron framework, esp. one used as a structural support in a ceiling …   Useful english dictionary

  • Brian Keenan (writer) — Brian Keenan (b. 1951 in Belfast, Northern Ireland) is an Irish writer whose work includes the book An Evil Cradling , an account of the four and a half years he spent as a hostage in Beirut, Lebanon from from April 11, 1986 to August 24 1990. [… …   Wikipedia

  • Swath — (sw[add]th; 277), n. [AS. swa[eth]u a track, trace; akin to D. zwaad, zwad, zwade, a swath of grass, G. schwad, schwaden; perhaps, originally, a shred. Cf. {Swathe}, v. t.] 1. A line of grass or grain cut and thrown together by the scythe in… …   The Collaborative International Dictionary of English

  • Swath bank — Swath Swath (sw[add]th; 277), n. [AS. swa[eth]u a track, trace; akin to D. zwaad, zwad, zwade, a swath of grass, G. schwad, schwaden; perhaps, originally, a shred. Cf. {Swathe}, v. t.] 1. A line of grass or grain cut and thrown together by the… …   The Collaborative International Dictionary of English

  • cradle — I. noun Etymology: Middle English cradel, from Old English cradol; perhaps akin to Old High German kratto basket, Sanskrit grantha knot Date: before 12th century 1. a. a bed or cot for a baby usually on rockers or pivots b. a framework or support …   New Collegiate Dictionary

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