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7.1.6 Soil Samples
Soil samples obtained by use of an auger at Chinaman's Well were tested
in1987. These were taken at 100mm intervals to a depth of approximately
500mm, and found to have a pH range of 7.5 to 8.0. A control sample
from the Evelyn Creek side of the floodway at that site produced a range
from 6.5 to 8.0. By comparison testing of samples derived from the higher
ground within the Milparinka township found pH levels of 6.5 from the
surface to 200mm below. At 200mm a pH level of 8.5 was encountered,
while 9.0 (and a calcarious layer) was found at 360 to 470 mm.
The pH levels at Chinaman's Well are significantly higher than those on
the surface within the European town. The implications of this for the
survival of tin cans and bone at the Chinese sites, and for a significant gap
in the archaeological record, are discussed at paragraph 8.2.4.
7.2 "Chinaman's Garden Well"
7.2.1 Location
Chinaman's Garden Well is sited on the western bank of Evelyn Creek,
about a mile and a half (2.4 kilometers) upstream of Milparinka township.
At this point the main channel of Evelyn Creek is perhaps 1.8 meters deep.
A flood channel has cut to the west of the site, so that although the site is
presumed to have been located between the two watercourses part of it
may have been carried away by the action of floodwaters.
Map 10 shows the location of features discussed below. This map was
prepared from survey data in 1988. Only relatively minor changes had
occurred when the site was last visited in January 1994.
7.2.2 Site Features
Photographs 10 and 11 refer to features of Chinaman's Garden Well. The
main features of the site are a large excavation (photograph 10), 1.5
meters deep, another substantial depression (photograph 11) about 1.2
meters deep, and a low-sided corrugated iron tank set on a low platform.
The corrugated iron tank is located between the two depressions. The
large excavation is distinguished by the presence of a piece of three-inch
(75mm) angle iron, set upright in concrete which in turn is contained by two
mining buckets. At surface level in the north- western corner of the
excavation is some worked stone. Another single piece of worked stone is
adjacent to a ramp which leads into the depression on the south-eastern
corner. The second depression is evidently the site of the well from which
the location takes its name. This is surrounded by immature red river
gums, and by the remains of a fence. At the corner of the depression
nearest the large excavation and the tank are two posts through which