Cradles and rockers were invented in California. Also they are more efficient then panning. The cradle was one of the most popular tools. Another name for the rocker was the rocker box. Modern rocker

Cradles and rockers were like baby cradles, because you rocked them back and forth. Another name for the rocker was the rocker box.

To start the process you would put gravel, dirt and water in the box at the top. When it was shaken the gold and sand would go throw the holes in the box. After the gold and sand went throw the holes in the box it fell on to the sloping surface called the apron or the slide. The larger rocks would get caught on the hopper and would be thrown out. Once the batch was done it would be repeated with a new batch of gravel, dirt and water.