At the outset of the gold rush, there were indeed nuggets just glittering on the banks of rivers and streams. This bounty was swiftly consumed; thereafter the precious metal had to be extracted from ever increasing quantities of dirt, mud, sand, and rocks. The task involved back-breaking labor leavened with heavy doses of disappointment. The simplest tool was the simple wash pan. Start with a pan of loose dirt and icy mountain water - swish it around in a circular motion letting some of the dirt slop out the edges. The gold, being heavier, eventually settles to the bottom. Repeat this procedure all day long, every day. As time went on, new-fangled devices were created. These included the cradle, long tom, and sluice box. They could process more dirt - but they were just as much work.