PLACER

In mining law. A superficial deposit of sand, gravel, or disintegrated rock, carrying one or more of the precious metals, along the course or under the bed of a water-course, ancient or current, or along the shore of the sea. Under the acts of congress, the term includes all forms of mineral deposits, except veins of quartz or other rock in place. Rev. St. U. S. fi 2329 (U. S. Comp. St 1901, p. 1432). See Montana Coal A Coke Co. v. Livingston, 21 Mont. 59, 52 Pac. 780; Gregory v. Pershbaker, 73 Cal. 109, 14 Pac. 401; Freezer v. Sweeney, 8 Mont 508, 21 Pac 20. Placer claim. A mining claim located on the public domain for the purpose of placer mining, that is, ground within the defined boundaries which contains mineral in its earth, sand, or gravel; ground which includes valuable deposits not “in place,” that is, not fixed in rock, or which are in a loose state. U. S. v. Iron Silver Min. Co.. 128 U. S. 673, 9 Sup. Ct 195, 32 L. Ed. 571; Clipper Min. Co. v. Eli Min. Co., >194 U. S. 220, 24 Sup. Ct. 632, 48 L. Ed. 944; Wheeler v. Smith, 5 Wash. 704, 32 Pac. 784. Placer location. A placer claim located and occupied on the public domain. .