_Nugget_ (Vol. vi., pp. 171. 281.; Vol. vii., p.143.).--T. K. arrogantly
sets aside the etymology of W. S.; and, in lieu of the Persian _nugud_ of
the latter, would have us believe that _nugget_ is nothing more than a
Yankee corruption of _an ingot_. I {273} hold with W. S. notwithstanding,
and so will all who have had any dealings with the _Bengalees_: the term
_nuggut pisa_ being with them a common one for "hard cash;" and as the
Hindostanee language is largely indebted to the Persian, the derivation of
W. S. is no doubt correct. To account for its occurrence in Australia, it
is only necessary to say that that country has been for some years past a
_sanatarium_ for the debilitated _Qui Hye's_, many of whom have settled
there; and becoming interested in the "diggings," have given the
significant term of _nuggut_ to what has in reality turned out _hard cash_,
both to them and to certain lucky gentlemen in this city--holders of the
script of the "Great _Nuggut_ Vein" of Australia.