mining
towns, there was little disturbance from any outbreak of ruffianism. In
spite of all demoralizing influences, the conservative and civilizing
agencies and public spirit that advance communities and exalt good
citizenship gained in force year by year on the Diamond Fields.
Notable
progress was made in the provisions for the health and security of the
towns. The most crying need, from the first, had been pure and abundant
water. The average rainfall of the mining field was only 17.5 inches,
and the suffering from the lack of water in the dry season was scarcely
endurable. Much was done to improve and increase the supply by the
sinking of wells and extension of natural reservoirs and the more
