canvas—strong cloth used for tents and sails
claim—a piece of land belonging to a miner
contraption—an odd-looking machine
critter—creature; animal
hit color—to find gold
jerky—meat that has been salted, cut into strips, and dried
molasses—a thick, dark syrup that comes from raw sugar
peddler—someone who goes from place to place selling goods
pester—to bother or nag someone
pouch—a small bag or sack