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holes about two inches in diameter have been bored. These holes appear
to relate to a windlass, the remains of which (photograph 25) are located
fifty meters downstream in the centre of the site. To the west of the well
depression is the ruin of a small stone structure, the sides of which
measure perhaps 1.5 meters by 1.0 meter. At a point in the creek bank
roughly adjacent to the well are four upright posts, perhaps associated with
a landing used when the creek contained water.
7.2.3 Artefact Scatter
Three artefact scatters suggest the location of structures on the western
edge of the site, between fifty and ninety-five meters downstream from the
well.
The two most southerly artefact scatters each cover an area approximately
ten meters by ten meters. The others, although containing large numbers
of items, are not clearly related to any modification to the soil surface. The
third, which is a little to the north-west of the others is associated with an
area of packed earth, is less clearly defined. The westerly scatter was
more sparse than the others, but appeared to include opium tins, Chinese
medicinal vials, Chinese coins, bottle glass, and pottery. large pieces of a
stoneware demijohn were significant feature of the that scatter.
The possible remains of a fenced area is located between the two
southerly concentrations of artefacts. This is suggested by the remains of
fence posts approximately 75mm in diameter, and stones evidently used to
weight down the fence. The scatter on the downstream side of the posts
or stumps comprised mostly glass fragents, plus a number of opium tins,
and iron items. The upstream scatter appeared to contain a slightly
contained a higher concentration of clothing-related artefacts. North-west
of the upstream scatter, between it and the area of the western scatter,
are a piece of corrugated iron, a post stump, and wire netting.
The site has been disturbed by flooding, but reflects little evidence of
interference by bottle fossickers or souvenir hunters. It is clear, however,
that it has been visited on previous occasions, perhaps during the annual
Milparinka Gymkhana which is held on a ground not far removed from the
site. Some bottles bear evidence of flaking and other impact damage,
perhaps from rifle fire. There is one small excavation. At the Peak Hill
Station homestead are the remains of a wheelbarrow said to have come
from the site, and given the history of flooding, whole bottles and other
buoyant objects have probably been carried away downstream.
7.2.4 Structural Materials
There is no evidence at Chinaman's Garden Well to suggest premises
constructed wholly of durable materials such as stone, rammed earth, or
mud bricks. But there is evidence of the cellar mentioned in the historical