(2) verbal n. Gold-digging on the surface of theground.
1861. T. McCombie, `Australian Sketches,' p. 133:
«What is termed `surfacing' consists of simply washing the soilon the surface of the ground, which is occasionallyauriferous.»
1861. Mrs. Meredith, `Over the Straits,' c. iv. p. 133:
«I've been surfacing this good while; but quartz-reefin's thepayinest game, now.»
1866. T. McCombie, `Australian Sketches' [Second Series],p. 133:
«What is termed `surfacing' consists of simply washing the soilon the surface of the ground, which is occasionallyauriferous.»
1890. Rolf Boldrewood, `Miner's Right,' c. xv. p. 153:
«They have been mopping up some rich surfacing.»
1894. `The Argus,' March 28, p. 5. col. 5:
«`Surfacing' or `loaming.' Small canvas bags are carried bythe prospector, and top soil from various likely-looking spotsgathered and put into them, the spots being marked tocorrespond with the bags. The contents are then panned offseparately, and if gold is found in any one of the bags thespot is again visited, and the place thoroughly overhauled,even to trenching for the reef.»