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in meeting the needs of the makers. It is plain that there were among these early miners men with the knowledge to construct appropriate and inclusive rules for an existing situation; it would seem that it were a part of American folk-genius not to feel at home without the tangible presence of constitution and by-laws.

MINING LAWS OF HUMBUG CREEK (Vol. 2, p. 112)

Article 1st Size of Claims

Each man shall hold a claim 100 yards square by preemption and as much by purchase as he represents.

Article 2nd

Priority of Water Rights

The oldest claim shall have the first right to the water but shall run no water by unnecessarily to keep others from using it.

Article 3rd

Necessary Work to Hold Claim

No claim shall be considered forfeited if worked one day in every five during the time there is a good ground sluice head in the creek.

Article 4th

Restriction on Dams, Etc.

No parson or company shall put a darn, reservoir or any obstruction in the creek, provided it is a damage to those above said obstruction.

Article 5th

Flood-gate for Do.ms to Be Kept Open Ar.y person or company putting in a reservoir shall have a flood gate five feet in breadth and three feet hight [sic] which shall be kept open as long as there is a good sluice head in the creek for washing up.

Article 6th

Recorder: Fee; When Claim Must Be Recorded There shall be a recorder elected and he shall be allowed One dollar per claim for recording. Any person leaving the Creek to be gone two months shall have their claims recorded.