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From: Su Jacobsen <>
Subject: [CASANFRA-L] Hardscrabble Ditch - Hutchings' Mag
Date: Thu, 11 Mar 1999 12:20:36 -0800

>The following extraction came from an article in Hutchings' California
>Magazine of November, 1857:
>
>The owners of this ditch have large tracts of mining claims at Emery's
>Crossing in Nevada County. A company was formed for the purpose of
>supplying the claims with water. The owners of claims wished to enter into
>the company but were rejected. They then decided to construct a ditch for
>themselves.
>
>Two ditches were begun at nearly the same time and both completed. It was a
>contest to see which party would end in defeat. One ditch would supply
>every demand, therefore two could not be supported. THe former had much
>money at their command, but the Hardscrabble party were compelled to rely on
>credit, and their own bone and muscle. Both ditches were completed, but as
>the Hardscrapple Company were the only miners to be supplied with water, the
>other ditch fell into decay. Such instances of unyielding obstinacy and
>willful blind ness, in teh expenditure of money, are not infrequent in the
>mines.
>
>THe principal proprietors of the Hardscrabble are Charles Whitticer, William
>Reynolds, and Robert West. They commenced their work in February, 1856 and
>completed in September of the same year at a cost of $20,000.00. The ditch
>takes its suppy from the Middle Yuba, 4miles above Emery's Crossing, where
>it ends. In 2 miles, the ditch acquires an elevation of 98 feet above the
>river. The flume is 24" wide, 20" deep and 98' high. It is supported by a
>frame, the posts of which rest upon an arch of strong lattice work, 126' long.
>
>

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• [CASANFRA-L] Hardscrabble Ditch - Hutchings' Mag by Su Jacobsen <>