A system of leasing portions of mining claims, called “chloriding” in
Calico, was introduced in the early days, and is still in vogue. Many
poor men have made moderate fortunes in the district, and in days gone
by all did well. The mines are leased on a royalty of one fourth to one
sixth of the ore to the claim owner, according to its value, the owner
receiving more as the grade is higher. Chloriders were at work on the
Loo, Little Waterman, Humbug, Bismarck, Blackfoot, and other mines,
during the past year. The ore obtained in this manner is usually sacked
and shipped to a custom mill, where it is crushed, the charges ranging
from $9 to $12, according to the character of the ore, some (the more
brittle) milling much faster than others.