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ANALYSIS

7Iiueral IrTaters of Saratoga aucl Ball<$ton,

WITH

PRACTICAL REMARKS ON THEIR MEDICAL PROPERTIES; TOGETHER WITH

A History of the Discovery and Settlement of these celebrated Watering Places))

AXD OBSERVATIOSS ON THE

GEOLOGY AND MIlNERALOGy OF THE SURROUNDING COUNTRY.

BY JOHN H. STEEL, M. D.

" Tho Lord hath created medicines out of the earth, and he that is wise will not abhor tlicm." — Bible.

second Elittfon.

SARATOGA SPRINGS :

PRINTED ASD PUBLISHED BT G. M. DAVISON.

1S3§.

Entered according to act of congress, in the year 1838, by G. M. Davison, in the Clerk's office of the District Court of the Northern District of New-York.

I¥EAV-YORK

HISTORICAL SOCIETY;

Formed for the express purpose of elicit- iug; and pre!«erviiiii; Aviiatevcr may relate to the Pliyisical IIi:>»tory of tlic state, this Aiialy>>i«« of some of tlie mo<>>t distiuguislied and celebrated ITIiiieral AVaters Avliicli our country any Avhere affords, is respectfully inscribed,

By the

AUTHOR.

Saratoga Springs, July 1, 1831,

PREFACE

TO THE FIRST EDITION.

Is presentinfT to the public a new work on the mineral waters of Saratoga, some explanation may be deemed ne- cessary.

These waters had been considerably resorted to, and had become quite celebrated for their medicinal qualities, particularly about the country, long before any thing more was known of their properties than what was gathered from the effects which they produced, when taken into the stomach.

Dr. Seaman, of the city of New- York, who visited the place as early as 1793, undertook, while on the spot, some chemical experiments on the water, in order to determine its real character; and to him the public are indebted for the first scientific effort ever made to elucidate its true [)roperties. His publication contained much useful infor- mation on the subject, but his experiments were limited to only one of the fountains, and iiis deductions were not al- ways conclusive. Several other scientific notices of the waters were subsequently published by able chemists, but they were not more successful in producing satisfactory results; and, although they went far to corrobrate the opinions and views of the Doctor, they afforded no addi- tional inlI)rmation to tli;it which he had previously acquir- ed ; so that the di^icrect jihy.sician, vviicn called upon to

Vi PREFACE TO THE FIRST EDITIOIT.

direct the use of the waters, was frequently at a loss, and for the want of proper information, unable to decide, in many cases, as to the proriety or impropriety of prescrib- ing their use.

In the summer of 1817, 1 first published some observa- tions on the mineral waters of Saratoga and Ballston. At that time, I had resided at the Springs something over ten years, and having been, during that period, often consulted in relation to the qualities and uses of the waters in vari- ous diseases, I felt compelled to engage in a course of in- quiries, which would lead to a better and more satisfactory understanding of the general character and comparative properties of the different fountains ; and if the little work, which resulted from the undertaking at that time, was not sufficiently minute and discriminating in its details to satisfy xhe profound chemist, it was thought, at least, to contain all that was important for the instruction of the physician, or the benefit of his invalid patient.

Since that period, several analyses of the most celebrated fountains have at different times appeared, under the sanc- tion of names calculated to inspire the fullest confidence in their correctness ; but the glaring discrepancies manifested in the results have tended greatly to lessen that confi- dence, and to involve the subject in uncertainty and doubt.

It therefore became necessary tiiat a more careful and accurate investigation of the properties of these waters should be made, in a way and manner calculated to estab-

PREFACE TO THE FIRST EDITION. Vn

lish their real characterj and, if possible, to settle the public mind on the subject.

Having spent more than twenty years of my profession- al life on tlie spot, and having been compelled to devote almost the whole of my attention, particularly during the drinking season, to the operation and effects of the waters, in the various and complicated diseases which have, at diflerent times, presented themselves at the Springs, I was impelled, by a sense of duty which I owed to the public, as well as to the very respectable individuals who have here- tofore honored me with their attentions, to make the sub- ject an object of my particular and minute investigation ; and for several years past, the examination has employed the wl'.ole of my leisure hours.

Availing myself of all the sources of information which the present state of science on this subject aflbrded, I com- menced the arduous undertaking, with a determination that no labor, at least, should deter me from arriving at as great a degree of accuracy as the subject would permit ; and the result of a patient and laborious investigation is now presented to the public, under an impression that the accuracy of tlie conclusions will not be controverted by iho.ic who have the means, and will take tlie trouble to ex- amine for themselves.

By comparing the present analysis of the waters of the several springs with that which I formerly published, a considerable differcr.cc in tlip results will be readily discov- ered. This, however, must not be imputed to any alter-

Viii PREFACE TO THE FIRST EDITION.

ation or cliange in the original properties of the waters, but is accounted for, in a great measure, by the different state or condition in which the various saline ingredients afforded by the water were, by the different processes, ob- tained. In my former analysis the whole of the saline re- siduum was estimated while in a state of crystallization ; in the present instance, the quantities are calculated in a per- fectly dry state. There are otlier differences of a less im- portant character, which unquestionably arise from errors committed in the former analysis, which, I am now happy in the opportunity to acknowledge, as well as to correct.

Under an impression that every thing relating to the early history and settlement of the springs is becoming every day more and more interesting, as the place advan- ces in importance, I have endeavored to give as full and perfect an account of it as I have been able to collect. For this, lam greatly indebted to a number of individuals; particularly to John K. Beekman, Esq, of New- York, who kindly furnished me with severable valuable documents, in relation to the early history of the celebrated patent of Kayaderosseras.

I am likewise under particular obligations to Dr. Samu- el Freeman, of Ballston Spa, for the particulars in relation to the history of that place, as well as for many useful prac- tical observations on the medical properties of the waters. Dr. Freeman has resided on the spot for a number ofyears, and his knowledge and experience entitle his opinions lo the fullest confidence and respect.

PREFACE

TO THE SECOND EDITION.

The autlior of the present volume, the late Doct. Steel, had commenced revising it for a second edition in the sum- mer of 1837 ; but a continued ilhicss, with which he had been atihcted for some months previous, prevented a com- pletion. In tiic autumn of that year he liad journeyed to the soutii and east, under an impression tliat a change of climate and a relaxation from business Avould prove benefi- cial. But after an absence of some weeks he returned, and was soon thereafter confined to his house until his decease, which took place on the 23d of April, 1838, at the age of 56 years. A few weeks previous to this event, he placed the few additions wiiich he liad been enabled to make to tiie former edition of this work in the hands of the pub- lisher, with a request that they miglit be properly arran- ged, and such verbal corrections made as might be found necessary. This has been faithfully complied with ; and though it was the design of Doct. S. liad he lived, to have taken a wider range on many suljjects connected witli the history of the Springs and tlie analysis of the mineral wa- ters, it is believed that the present work (the only one of the kind extant) will be found to be highly instructive as

X PREFACE TO THE SECOND EDITION.

well as beneficial to persons desirous of availing themselves of the use of these waters for medicinal purposes.

The great experience of Doct. S. connected with his scientific attainments and a long residence at the Springs, gave him an opportunity possessed by no other person of being thorouglily acquainted with the properties and effects of these fountains, and of being eminently fitted to give di- rections for their use. To him more than to any one else are the public indebted for bringing them so effectually into no- tice; he spared no expense or labour, during his residence of twenty-five years in this place, in becoinini> familiar with their properties and with the various diseases for which they had proved remedial ; and there are thousands now enjoying the blessings of health, who might have been laboring under protracted illness, or have become the ten- ants of the grave, but for his prescriptions and the use of these waters. The written admonitions and directions of such a man are therefore invaluable, and will commend this work to the confidence of the public.

THE PUBLISHER.

Saratoga Springs, July, 1S38.

co^te:^ts.

Pagk,

histort of the springs, ..,....., 13

Geological Remarks om the County of Saratoga,..,. 49

Examination of the Waters, 75

Description of the Springs, 79

Congress Spring, id

Preliminary Observations, 84

Experiments with tests, 86

Inferences, 91

Examination of the gaseous contents of tlic water, 9-4

Examination of the sohd contents of the water, 100

Recapitulation, 113

Medical History, 118

Columbian Spring, 123

Wasliington S[iring, 131

Hamiltun Spring, 134

Flat Rock Spring, 139

High Rock Spring, 142

President Spring, 149

Red Spring, 1 oO

Ten Springs, 151

Ellis' Spring, 153

Quaker Springs, 1 56

Ballston Spa, 157

Sans Souci Spring, t • 169

Low's Spring, 172

Park Spring, 173

Public Well 1 74

New Washington S])ring, 176

SuLPUUEUEOLb WaTEKS,. • i . i 178

Xii CONTENTS.

Practical Observations on the Medical properties

of the waters, 183

Bilious Complaints, 185

Dyspepsia, 186

Calculous and Nephritic complaints, 192

Chronic Rheumatism, 193

Anthritis, or Gout, id

Phagedenic, or ill-conditioned Ulcers, 194

Cutaneous Eruptions, , id

Scrofula, 195

Dropsy, 199

Paralysis, id

Chlorosis, , 200

Phthisis, id

Season suitable for drinking the waters, 201

Closing remarks, , 202

ANALYSIS.

HISTORY OF THE SPRIIVGS.

Saratoga is, in all probability, a corruption of the Indian Avord, Sah-rah-ka, which is said to mean " the side-hill," and was applied by the na- tives more particularly to that part of the coun- try which lies between the Lake and the Hudson, where the application of the term is amply justified in the appearance of the country.

Tl'c ^vhole country which seems to have inher- ited the name is of much greater extent. It cm- braces a tiact of country which, coiomenchig at the mouth of the Moliawk river, stretches to the north along the wind/ngs of the west bank of the Hudson for more than s<;vcnty miles, to the coun- ty of AN'arren ; ♦hence in a westerly direction to the cast bounds of the county of Hamilton, about fiftt'cti mil<s ; frftni this spot the line proceeds in a southerly direction aloii!;; the wholt; extent of tiic cast line of the (bounty of Moui^'ouury. about n

14 HISTORY OF THE SPRINGS.

thirty miles, to the north line of the county of Schenectady ; thence along the line of Schenec- tady to the Mohawk river, which separates it from the county of Albany, and then along the course of the Mohawk to tlie place of beginning, about twenty-five miles.

These lines include an area of about eight hun- dred square miles, and a population at this time of about forty thousand souls.

The greater part of the lands included in this tract were originally granted by the crown of England to a company of thirteen proprietors, under the title of the Patent of Kayaderosseras.

The Van Schaick's Patent, so termed from the name of the person to whom it was granted, was of an earlier date, and included the present town of Waterford and a considerable tract of country adjoining. The Saratoga Patent was next in or- der, and embraced an extent of six miles square along the Hudson some miles above Van Schaick's Patent. The Apple Patent was still later ; it was granted to one William Apple, and was lo- cated on the Mohawk, and extended " tJirce miles hack into the woods" towards Ballston Lake.

The history of these grants, their settlement and the subsequent intercourse with the natives,

HISTORY OF THE SPRINGS. 16

would form an* interesting document in tlic his- tory of the country. Even at this late period, many important facts, hitherto undisclosed, miglit be brought to light from living witnesses, which a few more years will place beyond the power of the historian to recover.

The mineral waters which form the subject of the ensuing treatise being situated principally in the great Patent of Kayaderosseras, it will not, I trust, be deemed uninteresting by most readers to be made acquainted with the history of that grant, particularly as it may tend to disclose the true estimate which the native proprietors placed upon these " health preserving fountains," if in- deed they were known to them at all.

The first grant, of which there is any record, of land in what is now called the Patent of Kay- aderosseras, in the county of Saratoga, was made by two Indians, who, in the conveyance which they gave styled themselves " Maquacs Indians, owners and native proprietors of the land." They are thus described in the original inden- ture : " Ju.s(j)li, the Indian, by them called Te-jon- nin-ho-gc, and Ilendrick,* by them called Dc- han-och-rak-has, principal owners," &c.

■• 'I'liirt llciidrick i^ tlic .same vvliodislinguislicd liim.suH'iii the gubso(jucntwars under General William Johnson, and waselaio

16 HISTORY OF THE SPRmO*.

This conveyance was made " for and in con- sideration of divers goods" to David Schuyler and Robert Livingston, junior, yeomen of the city of Albany, and is dated at Albany, the twen- ty-sixth day of August, in the first year of her majesty's reign, (Queen Anne,) Anno Domini^ 1702. The boundaries arc thus described :

" Beginning on the west side of Hudson's river above Sar-ogh-to-gc's Patent ; beginning opposite the creek, called by the Indians, Ti-on- un-do-ga-he, and running along said side of the river above the second carrying place to a small island in said river,* and westward into the woods as far as their property belongs, together with all and singular," &;c.

In tlie spring following, 8amson Shelton BroughtoDj Esquire, attorney-general of the prov- ince, in behalf of himself and company, obtained a licence to purchase the "tract of vacant and un-

with Colonel Williams, in 1755, in an attack on a body ofFirnelk and Indians near Blcody Pond, not far from the head of Lake George, being then upwards of seventy years old.

* This spot is described in another place thus : " From the nortli bounds of the said Sarotogt;"s Patent to a place above Ihc falls that licth in Hudson river above the Carrying Place that f;oes over to the Wood Creek v/li'<_!i leads the wav to Canada."

mSTORY or THE SPRINGS. 17

appropriated land in the county of Albany, called or known by the Indian name of Kayadoroseros, adjoining to the north bounds of Schonectady on the east side thereof, to the west bounds of So- roctoga on the north side thereof, and to Albany river on the west side thereof, of the native In- dians and proprietors thereof, for their cultivation and improvement."

This licence was granted by his excellency, Edward Viscount Conbury, captain-general and governor-in-chief of the province of New- York and the territories depending thereon in America, and vice-admiral of the same. It is dated at Fort Ann, in council, in the city of New- York, the twenty-second day of April, A. D. 1703.

In piH'suancc of this licence a purchase was eflbcted of the Indians, Joseph, Ilendrick, Cor- neJis, Gideon and Amus, owners, proprietors and " native Maqueas Indians and sachems, in be- half of themselves and all their nation, for and in consideration of the sum of sixty pounds ($150) current money of the province of New- York, and <A' sundry goods to them in hand paid," &c. " by Sumson Shelton IJronghton, Esquire, attor- ney-gc:neral of the [)r(jviiic(;, I'eter Eauconnier, ICs<juire, late commissioner of the customs, and Nailing llermanse Visher, of the city of Albany,

18 IllSTOEY OF THE SPRINGS.

mariner, for themselves and company." The bounds of the tract thus granted are summed up and recapitulated in the original deed thus :

" The aforesaid tract of land being bounded below the All-Place and Schenectady river on the west by said river, then by the said town- ship's bounds round about to said river again, and still westward above the said town by the said river again for eight miles at least above Twek-to-non-do-hill ; thence by a north and north- easterly line to the headmost spring of the stream called Kayadaroseras river, and still northerly by a north line continued to be run eight miles further up into the woods, and yet still northerly by a north or northeasterly line run ficmi thence to Albany river above Sar-og-to-ge, by the town- ship of Sorogtoge, and round the same to said river again ; thence by said river to Anthony Van Schaick's northeasterly corner, and souther- ly by a line run from thence to the northwesterly corner of Nestiguione (Niskayuna) of Schenec- tady river, the place of beginning."

This deed is dated at Albany, the sixth day of October, in the third year of her majesty's reign, A. D. 1704, and is signed by all the sachems above named, except Cornells, whose name does not appear among the signatures.

HISTORY OF THE SPRINGS. 19

Immediately after this, a relinquishment of the claim of Schuyler and Livingston was procured by Visher in behalf of the company, for which Schuyler and Livingston were to receive a cer- tain portion of the lands when the patent should be perfected, or in lieu thereof the sum of £100 ($250) in money. On the back of this agree- ment is endorsed a receipt signed by Livingston and Schuyler, for £90 in full satisfaction for the condition.

These preliminaries being adjusted, the patent was sued for and finally obtained. It was grant- ed by Queen Anne in the seventh year of her reign, and is dated the second day of November, A. D. 1708. The grant was to "her loving sub- jects, Naning Ilcrmanse, Johannes Beekman, Rip Van Dam, Ann Bridges, May Bickley, Peter Fauconnier, Adrian llogelandt, Johannes Fisher, John Tuder, Joris llogelandt, John Stevens, John Tatham and Samson Broughton," and is " for all that tract of land situated, lying and being in the county of Albany, called Kayaduroscs, alias QueenshoruugJi."

The bounds of this extensive tract of land which has become so interesling to the present genera- tion, arc here copied verbatim from the original patent :

20 HISTORY OF THE SPRINGS.

" Beginning at a place on Schonectady river* about three miles distant from the southwesterly corner of the bounds of Nastiguione, the said place being the southwesterly corner of the pat- ent lately granted to Naning Harmense, Peter Fauconnier and others ; thence along the said Schonectady river, westerly to the southeasterly corner of a patent lately granted to William Ap- ple ; thence along the easterly, northerly and westerly line of the said Apple's Patent down to the above said river ; thence to the Schonectady bounds of the southeasterly corner of the said patent, on the said river, so along the easterly, northerly and westerly bounds thereof down to the said river again ; thence along the said river up westerly to the southeasterly bounds of a tract of land lately granted to Ebenezer Wilson and John Abel and so along the said patent round to the southwesterly corner thereof on the said Schonectady river to a place or hill called Twac- tononda, being five miles distant, or thereabouts, from the said southwesterly corner of the said Wilson's and Abel's Patent ; thence along north- erly to the northwestmost head of a creek called Kayadoroses, about fourteen miles, more or less ;

* This river in another place is st^-led " Schonectady, Mo» haks, or Maqueas river."

HISTORY OF THE SPRmOS. 21

thence eight miles more northerly ; thence east- erly or northeasterly to the third falls on Albany river, about twenty miles, more or less ; thence along the said river down southerly to the north- easterly bounds of Saroghtoge ; thence along the said Saroghtoge's northerly, westerly and south- erly bounds on the said river ; thence to the north- easterly comer of Anthony Van Schaick's land on the said river, so northerly and westerly along tlie said Van Schaick's Patent to the northeast corner of the above said patent granted to Naning Harmense, Fauconnier and others ; thence along the northerly and westerly bounds thereof down to the above said river of Schoncctady, being the place where it first began."

The consideration for all the lands contained in the foregoing limits, was merely £4 (810) quit rent to ha paid, in current money of the state of New- York, yearly forever, on the " Feast day of the annonciation of our blessed Virgin Mary, (com- monly called Lady Day,") to the collector or receiver-general at the custom house, in the city of New-York ; tlic crown reserving to itself all gold and silver mines, and conditioning that one or more settlement on some part thereof should be effected within seven years from the date ol the said patent.

22 HISTORY OF THE SPRINGS.

This last stipulation was entirely neglected until the seventeenth of October, 1715, when the company becoming alarmed at the prospect of forfeiting the patent from this neglect, the major part of them entered into an agreement with Naning Hermense, of Albany, to effect a settle- ment on the said lands, on or before the first day of May ensuing, and he was to receive in consid- eration for his services, one thousand acres of land, over and above his share, to be located any where in the patent, excepting on the Kayadcros- seras creek, where, it seems, the lands were held in much higher estimation than in any other part of the tract.

It does not appear, from any documents which I have the means of examining, where the first settlement was made ; but it is highly probable, from the frequent discomfitures among the remote settlers occasioned by the incursions of hostile In- dians in the vicinity, that the first settlers did not remove very far into the interior ; doubtless they were located in the vicinity of Schenectady or along the north side of tlie Mohawk.

On the Hudson, settlements might have been made much earlier, particularly on the patents of Van Schaick and Saratoga ; but it does not ap- pear that there were, at the period to which we

HISTORY OP THE SPRINGS. 23

allude, (1715,) any settlements above the patent of Saratoga, that is, north of the Fish creek, or what is now called Schuylerville ; and there could have been but a few scattering inhabitants, between that and the Mohawk. It was in the year 1747 that the town of Saratoga was burnt by the In- dians, and the inhabitants, consisting of about thirty families, were mostly massacred ;* and about the same time the family of Kettles were murdered by the savages. This latter circum- stance forms the subject of a story, interestingly told by Mrs, Ten Eyck. The place where the family resided was but six miles above Water- ford, immediately on the bank of the Hudson, nearly opposite to what is called the lower borough in Schaghticoke, and on the farm lately owned by John Ten Broeck, and more recently by one Strachan. The ruins of the cellar were visible, and a few aged fruit trees, said to have been planted by the family, were in blossom, when I last visited the place, a few years since.

From the period above alluded to until the final conquest and consequent subjection of the

♦ This sf;ttlemont wqh at the mouth of Fish creek, M'liere Schiiylprvillc now stands, and a fieiillcman by the name of John Schuyler, one of the ancestors of the present proprietor of that village, was among llie slain.

24 HISTORY OF THE SPRINGS.

province of Canada to the British government, the progress of emigration to this part of the country, which was then an exposed frontier, was greatly retarded.

During the summer of 1755, the fort was com- menced and completed at Fort Edward, which was then called the " Great Carrying Place" and at the same time a road was cut through the woods to the head of Lake George, where the Fort William Henry was commenced and a small garrison established at both places. This added greatly to the security of the settlements to the south ; but it was not until the arrival of General Amherst in the year 1759, who passed np the Hudson and through the lake to Canada, and completed the subjugation of that province, that the incursions of the hostile Indians were etfectu- ally checked, and complete security restored to the frontier settlers.

From this period the country began to be more rapidly settled ; the settlements, however, were principally confined, for several years, to the banks of the Hudson or the ]Moha\vk. The ex- treme fertility of the soil, tiie advantages of mill seats, and the tacility of cutting timber, gave to the neighborhood of these and their tributary streams, an advantage that was not to be over-

HISTORY

o:^ THE SPRINGS. 25

looked by the adventurous and enterprising emi- grants.

At what precise period of time the mineral springs, which have now become so important in the history of the country, were discovered and their properties first observed, cannot now, with any degree of certainty, be ascertained. It is but reasonable, however, to uifer that the discov- ery was sometime subsequent to the transfer of the title by the natives, as that circumstance took place without any intimation as to the fact of the existence of such waters, wliich could hardly be supposed to have happened had any importance I'Ocn attached to their properties, or had they. indeed, been known to exist at all ; and it is equally probable that those to whom the transfer was made were likewise ignorant on the subject, tor ihey made, some years afterwards, grants to individuals with the privilege to locate any iv/icrc 'jxcept on the flats of the Kayadcrosseras.

The fame which this part of the coimtry had long sustained as a hunting ground must have attracted the attention of those who occupied ihcmselvcs in the labors of the chase at a very early period, and it is highly probable that an ob- ject so singular and consj)icuous as the Iligli ll'jck would have presented itself to the attention

c

26 HISTORY OF TIIE SPRINGS.

of some of these adventurers at a much earlier period than is now generally known ; but what- ever might have been the knowledge of individu- als, it is certain that but little general information had been diffused on the subject until "about the year 1767.

General William Johnson, who had retired from his command in the army with the title of Baronet, conferred by his Britannic majesty as a special favor for his brave defence of Fort Wil- liam Henry, now resided at Johnstown, about thirty miles west of the Springs, in the capacity of Indian agent. Sir William being indisposed* and finding little or no benefit from the applica- tion of such limited means as his situation ena- bled him to apply, was induced, at the instigation of the Indians, with whom he was always a great favorite, to undertake a journey to the Springs, and in the month of June or July, he set out on the expedition. They passed down the Moliawk to Schenectady, from whence they travelled through the woods to Ballston Lake ; here they tarried over night at the hut of one Michael Mc- Donald, a Scotch adventurer, who, with a young

* Sir William was -wounded in the defence of the garrison of Lake George, and tlic wound, ahhough shght at iirst, continu- ed to trouble him the remainder of his days.

HISTORY OF THE SPRINGS. 27

family, had just commenced a settlement in the midst of the wilderness.*

On the following day, accompanied by Mc- Donald and his Indian guides, Sir William arriv- ed at the High Rock Spring, then the only one known; here he remained a number of days, be- ing well supplied with provisions by the dexterity of his hunters, and the whole company regaling themselves with large potations of the water, of which they soon became remarkably fond.

At the termination of his residence here, Sir William's health became perfectly reinstated, and although he had been brought to the place the greater part of the way on a litter borne on the shoulders of the Indians, he was enabled to travel back to Schenectady on foot.

The fame of this extraordinary cure on a per- sonage so distinguished as Sir William, soon s])i-cad over the country, and from this period '• The Springs" began to be the resort of in- valids.

♦ McDonald continued to reside on the same spot, until a few Yoar.i since, when he died, Ijting upwards of eighty years old, luaving a tine well cultivated farm as a patrimony to a large fuMiily.

28 HISTORY OF THE SPRINGS.

In the year 1770 and '71 several families loca- ted themselves on the highlands on the east side of Saratoga Lake, a little to the southeast of Snake Hill ; and about the same time, John Laing, Roland Perry and John Stiles, settled at Palmertown, (now Wilton.) about six miles nortli- east from the Springs. From these settlements, ex- cursions were frequently made to the High Rock through paths that were only passable on foot.

In the 3'ear 1773, one Dirck Scowton, influ- enced by a desire to trade with the Indians as well as to afford accommodations to visitants, commenced a settlement on the high bank a little west of the High Rock on the spot where Bent- ley's tavern now stands. Here ho cut down a few trees, and with the assistance of several per- sons who accompanied him for the purpose, they were rolled up to form a hut ; but before he had time to render it sufficiently comfortable for n dwelling, owing, as it was said, to some misunder- standing with the Indians, he was induced to abandon his project, and it is believed tliat hz never afterwards returned.

During the following season one John Arnold arrived from the state of Rhode-Island, with a young family, at the east side of Saratoga Lake, and from the representations made to him. bx

HISTORY OF THE SPRINGS. 29

was induced to try his fortunes at the Springs. Having provided himself with a few articles suit- able for Indian traffic, consisting mostly of spirit- uous liquors, he embarked his little stock in trade, together with his family and a few necessary articles of furniture, on board of a canoe near Snake Hill, paddled across the lake and up the Kayadcrosscras creek about two miles ; here he landed, and taking their goods upon their backs, tiicy followed a foot path which conducted them tiirough the woods to the Spruigs.

On their arrival, Arnold took possession of the house that had been built by Scowton, and hav- ing improved it so as to render it comfortable for his family, he opened a kind of rude tavern.

Mr. Tiiomas Arnold, a highly respectable far- mer, is now living in the town of Stillwater, about eight miles from the Springs. He is the son of John Arnold, and accompanied the family during their residence at the place, and altliouoh but nine years old at the time, retains a perfect rcc(jl!ection of the appearance of the country and the circumstances relating to his father's res- idence here.

The valley along the Ijrook was covered by large trees of licmluck, elm and maple ; and the !.>aiik c '

so mSTORY OF THE SPRINGS;

on the west side of the valley with a thick growth of overgrown white pine, while the opposite side was a perfect thicket of yellow and pitch pine.

The High Rock and Flat Rock were the only springs at that time known. The hole or open- ing at the top of the High Rock was at tiraes^ nearly filled with water, but this only happened in wet seasons or during long periods of wet weather. The water usually stood some inches below the top of the hole where its surface was in a constant state of agitation. This agitation, when the hole was nearly full of water, would, at times, cause it to surge over and run down its sides, but this very seldom happened. There was nothing like a constant discharge from the top of the rock at any time. The water, how- ever, was at all times so high as to be easily dipped with the hand.* There were the remains of a small hut or cabin near the rock, probably the one built by Sir William Johnson.

* This rising and falling of the water in the rock gave origui to the opinion entertained by the first visitants, that it "eiied tiCidjlowtd with the tide." The water, although now some feel below the top of the rock, still continues to rise and fall with the state of the season, as any one may observe who will take th': trouble to measure it at the proper times.

IIISTOnY OF THE SPRINGS. 31

The Flat Rock covered a quanlity of ground of several rods in extent ; it was considerably eleva- ted above the marsh or swamp which surrounded it ; the surface was flat and hard, and was perfo- rated in numerous places, where the water stood in little pools, through the bottom of which it was constantly bubbling up. The marsh and grounds about the rock were much broken and trodden up by the footsteps of wild animals which flocked here in great numbers to drink of the water, of which, there is every reason to believe, they were voraciously fond. Deer and moose would, at times, when in pursuit of this beverage, appa- rently lose their w^ildness and suffer themselves to be closely approached, and they were fre- quently shot by the Indians, and other hunters, while regaling themselves at this fountain.

The woods abounded with wild game. Bears, deer, wolves and moose were seen almost every day ; and the small stream which runs through the valley was the abode of beaver and great quantities of salmon trout.

There were sixteen cabins occupied by differ- ent families of Indians, all in sight of Arnold's house. These Indians were principally employ- ed in hunting and fishing, and although frequent- ly intoxicated, they were generally inoftcnsivo and friend Iv.

32 HISTORY OF THE SPRINGS.

There was a small clearing on the top of the hill south from where the Union Hall now stands. This was probably the first cleared spot in the vicinity of the Springs. It was said to have been done by a man who went by the name of Indian Joe, a half blood, who resided among the Indians in the neighborhood.

On the approach of winter, Arnold shut up his house and went over to the settlement on the east side of the lake, but returned early in the spring and resumed his business, which he continued, however, till fall only, when he again left the place. He was succeeded by one Samuel Nor- ton, who had previously obtained a permission from Isaac Low to occupy and improve a farm in the vicinity of the "salt spring" at Saratoga, under a stipulation to receive pay for his improve- ments should he think proper at any time to re- move. Low had acquired his title to the soil by purchase from the heirs of Rip Van Dam, to whom, on the general partition of the patent, this portion of it devolved.*

* 111 1770 the patent was tlivided, and lot number twelve, (which includes the mineral waters and a considerable portion of the adjoining lands at Saratoga Springs,) in the sixteenth general allotment, was sold by the representatives of Rip Van Dam to Anthony Van Dam, Jacob Walton and Isaac Low.

UISTORY OF TIIE SPRINGS. 33

Norton took possession of the house the same season tliat Arnold left it, and continued to make considerable improvements by clearing up the land, (fcc. through the succeeding season. But the war of the revolution, which had already conmicnced, was now becoming every day more and more serious, and he began to be alarmed for the safety of his family, and thought it pru- dent to remove them from a situation w here they were so much exposed to the aggressions of the contending parties. He finally joined the British army, where ho soon after died, and the Springs were again left without a single inhabitant.

Low absented himself from the county during the war, and his lands were of course sold by the commissioners of forfeitures; those which he own- ed at the Sj>rings w^ere sold to Henry Livingston in nSG, for himself and brothcis.

In the spring of 1783, a son of Norton resum- ed the occupancy of the former possessions of his father at the Springs, and continued to clear and improve the land in the vicinity until the year 1787, when lie sold his possessions and improve- menls to one Gideon Morgan, who the same year transferred them to Alexander Bryant. Bryant must be considered the first permanent settler here after the close of the war : he Ijuilt a black-

34 HISTORY OF THE SPRINGS.

smith's shop, and erected an additional log house which he opened for the accommodation of visit- ^pts; and there are persons yet living who recol- lect with peculiar pleasure, the clean apartments and comfortable accommodations afforded by the proprietor of this humble mansion.*

In the year 1783, General Philip Schuyler, who had a farm and a number of mills at the

* Bryant was a slirewd and somewhat of an eccentric cliarac- tcr, and the events of his Hfe, if generally known, would un- doubtedly place liis name among the patriots of his time, and furnish a deserved monument to his memory.

He was, I believe, a native of the state of Connecticut ; but emigrated to that of New-York early in liic, and fixed his resi- dence in the county of Dutchess. Here he connected himself by marriage with a highly respectable farnil}-, and some years alter removed to the town of llalfmoon, in the county of Sara- toga, where he commenced the business of tavern keeping at a place situated about two miles above Watcrford, on what was then the great road wliich furnished the principal means of com- munication between the northern and southern frontiers. On this spot he continued to reside during the war oftherevolu- tion, and his house, of course, became frequently the resort of the partisans of the contending powers; and such was»the adroitness of his management that he became the unreserved confidant of both parties, without even being once suspected of treachery by eitlicr. Of his patriotism, however, and his sin- cere attaclimcnt to the interests of his country, tliere cannot ex- ist a doubt. The important secrets which he frequently obtain- ed from his confiding friends, the torics, were soon disclosed to the committees of safety, with whom he managed to keep a

HISTORY OF THE SPRINGS. 35

mouth of the Fish-Creek, caused a road to be opened from that place to the Springs, and hav- ing set up a large wall tent near the High Roclj, occupied it with his family for the space of three or four weeks. They were so well pleased with the result of this visit, that the following season he caused a small frame building to be erected on the high land a httle southwest from the High Hock, where he continued to reside five or six

constant although a secret communication. The numerous and essential services wiiich he thus rendered to his country continued for a long time to excite the admiration and grati- tude of his few s\irviving associates, to whom alone they were known and by whom their importance could only be properly e.-timated : and it is to be regretted that, to the day of his death, tlicy remained unacknowledged and unrewarded by any token or profession of gratitude from his country.

W lien Gen. Gates took the command of the northcr.n army, iic a[U)lied to the committee of safety of Stillwater, to provide a suitable person to go into Burgoyne's camp, with a view to ob- la;;i a knowledge of the muviments of the enemy, Bryant was ;.nnK iliately scbctedas a person well ([ualified to undertake the liazardi'us entcrprize, and he readily agreed to accomplish iL Abofit the same time he was ap|)lie(l to by a friend of the ene- my to convey some mtclligence which he deemed of importance to Burnovne ; this he likewise undertook, having secretly obtain- ed th.j consent of Gen. Gates for that purpose. By pursuing a circuitdii- route, he arrived unmolested at llie camp of the cnc- mv, winch was tlien situated in the vicinity of Fort Edward. Ilavm;: liad several intervii'ws with Gen. Burgoyne, by whom ]:■: wa- rlos'ly c.xanMiiCil, iic was finally employed by tliat ofi)»

36 HISTORY OF THE SPRINGS.

weeks every year during the remainder of his life. This house was standing until a few years past ; it consisted of two rooms, with a stone fire place and chimney ; it was enclosed and lined with rough boards, and was the first framed house built in the place.

In the year 1780, a Dr. Blakesley and Gideon Putnam commenced a settlement at the Springs.

cer to superintend some concerns in the ordnance department. He tarried sufficiently long to obtain the required information, v.'hen he privately left the camp in the gray of the morning of the 15th of vSeptember; but he had not proceeded many miles before he discovered that he was pursued by two horsemen ; these, however, he contrived to avoid, and arrived safely at Gates' head-quarters late on the following night, and communicated the first intelligence of the enemy's liaving crossed the Hudson and being on the advance to Stillwater. This intelligence was of great importance, as it led to the immediate preparation for the sanguinary engagement winch ensued on the 19th of tlie same month.

Bryant continued to rcsi.ie at the Springs for more than thirty years, and until age had rendered him incompetent for active life. He then retired to the county of Scoharie, where he died at an advanced age. He possessed a strong constitution, a sound and vigorous mind, and a benevolent and kind disposi- tion. The poor, the miserable and the unfortunate were al- ways the objects of his care, his kindness and his charily. But his eccentricities often involved him in difOcultirs with his more opulent neighbors, and, at times, disturbed the tranquillity ofhis raost intimate frierul?.

HISTORY OF THE SPRINGS. 37

Blakesley occupied the log building erected by Scowton, and Putnam located on a new farm three fourths of a mile westerly from the village. It is to the enterprize of this latter gentleman that the village is indebted for much of its early im- provement, and the public for the first elegant and commodious accommodations which the place afforded.

In the year following, (1790,) Benjamin Risley, Esquire, from Vermont, bought the house whicfi Scowton built, and having erected some addi- tions, opened it for the accommodation of visit- ants. This, and the house kept by Bryant on the opposite comer, and but a few rods distant, con- tinued to be rival establishments for a number of years. Risley, a few years after, built the yellow house near the upper end of the village, which has been occupied as a tavern ever since. He likewise built a small house on the opposite side of the street, nearly against the yellow tavern, which was occupied for a time as a boarding house, but was, some vears since, burnt down. '

♦ This fire happened in Juno, 1807, two dwelling houses and

several out buildings were destroyed, and an aged gcntlciniui

hy the name of Miller, from the town of Diirninerf^ton, in Mas-

L-aehutcttH, who lodcred in an upper room in one o! 'he imiM-

I)

38 HISTORY OF TUE SPRINGS.

About the year 1794, the Messrs. John andZi- ba Taylor opened a small store in one of the rooms of Risley's house. They afterwards built a small log house which they occupied for the same purpose ; this stood on the high land, forty or fifty rods north from the High Rock Spring, but every vestige of it has long since disappear- ed. These gentlemen subsequently erected mills in the vicinity, and contributed much to the clear- ing and improving the surrounding country.

During the summer of 1792 the Congress Spring vv'as first discovered. Three gentlemen were boarding at Risley's who frequently amused themselves by hunting for small game in the neighboriiig woods. One of them, John Taylor Gilman, of Exeter, New Hampshire, (afterwards Governor of that state,) and who then was, or had be jn a member of congress, accidently dis- covered a small stream of water issuing from an aperture in the side of a rock, the face of which formed the border of the brook. An appearanc-e so singular attracted his attention, and on exam- ining it more attentively he found it to be a strong mineral water. He communicated the discovery to his associates, and in the afternoon of the same

ings, lost las life by jumping from the windoM' of his apart- ment.

HISTORY OF THE SPRINGS. 39

day he conducted his landlord, together with a number of other persons, to the spot. It was situated a few feet further west and on the oppo- site side of the brook from where the Congress spring now is. The water issued from an aper- ture which resembled a worm hole in one of those large masses of silicious lime rock which form the upper stratum of the rock formation at this place. Its taste and other sensible qualities satisfied tiie company that the discovery was an important one ; and the spring was immediately dignified by the consent of all the persons pres- ent, with the name of the CONGRESS SPRING, out of respect to the discoverer, and as a compli- ment to the superior strength of its waters.

About the year 1770 it is said that a Dr. Con- stable, who resided at Schenectady, examined the waters at Saratoga and Ballston, and pro- nounced them highly medicinal ; and in 1783, Dr. Samuel Tenny, a regimental surgeon stationed at Fish-creek, visited the Springs, and made some interesting and judicious remarks on their prop- erties and uses as a medicine. The result of his -observations he addressed in a letter to Dr. Joshua Fisher, of Boston, which was subsequent- ly published in the Memoirs of the American Aca<lemy of Arts and Sciences, vol. II, part I, 17H3.

10 HISTORY OF THE SPRINGS.

The venerable Samuel L. Mitchill, LL. D. of the city of New-York, records it as one of the remarkable incidents of his life, that in the year 1787, he "visited the Springs at Saratoga while surrounded by the forest, and ascertained experi- mentally that the gas extricated from the water wsis fixed air, with the power to extinguish flame and destroy the life of breathing animals."

It does not appear, however, that there was any attempt at a scientific examination of these waters until the year 1793, when Valentine Sea- man, M. J), then one of the surgeons of the New- York Hospital, and an eminent physician of the city, published •' A Dissertation on the mineral waters of Saratoga." His chemical experiments were principally confined to the water of the High Rock spring ; and to him very justly be- longs the honor of first developing the time char- acter and qualities of these interesting fountains. From the result of his enquiries he inferred and published his views on the " use and medical vir- tues of the waters." In the year 1795, Dr. Yan- dervoort published the result of his experiments on the waters of Ballston.

These publications had the effect to produce a more general knowledge of the properties of the waters, and to confirm tlic ffood opinion whid-.

HISTORY OF THE SPRINGS. 41

had already been formed of their efficacy in many complaints. The consequence was an in- crease of company to such an extent as to evince the necessity of more extensive and better ar- ranged accommodations. Influenced by this consideration, Mr. Putnam, whose enterprize was always active, was induced to build a large and commodious house near the Congress spring, around which, at the time, the country was a perfect wilderness. lie commenced it in ISOO, and in the spring of 1802 the Union Hall, then called Putnam's tavern,* was opened for compa- ny. It consisted of a large dining room, two par- lours and a commodious kitchen on the first floor, and the two upper stories were divided into lodg- ing rooms.

In ISOS, Jotham Holmes, who had before kept a house near the High Rock, commenced build- ing the Columbian Hotel near the Flat Rock, ant J the tollowing season it was opened for com- pany. Tlic success which attended these first eflurts induced Mp. l^utnam to extend the means of accommodation still further. He added con- siderably to the dimensions of the Union Hall, and in Is 12 commenced the Conjrrcss Hall on

♦ The sicn '.va.- a ruilcly painted rcpri'Scnlali'jn of t!ic alory of rutnini and the voT

42 HISTORY OF THE SPRINGS,

the opposite side of the street ; but before it was^ completed, its worthy and enterprizing proprie- tor died, and the completion of the building was consequently delayed until the fall of 1814, when it was sold to Graudus Van Schoonhovcn, who finished it, and in the spring of 1815 it was opened.

From this period, the character of the waters, and the excellency of the accommodations af- forded to visitants, began to be more generally known and more justly appreciated ; and the lit- tle village, as it emerged from the surrounding wilderness, began to present the appearance of a place of fashion and extravagance, and from be- ing the mere humble abode of the indigent and infirm, suddenly became the resort of the most polite and polished society. Such was the rapid increase of company, that it became necessary that still further accommodations should be pro- vided ; and in 1819, the Pavilion was opened by Mr. Lewis, and in 1824, the United Stales Hotel by Mr. Ford. All these csiablishments have from time to time been enlarged and improved, until they may be ranked among the most spa- cious and imposing buildings of the kind in the United States ; and for good fare and polite at- tentions, will not suffer by a comparison with • hose of any countrv.

IIISTORy OF THE SPRINGS. 43

The village was incorporated by an act of the legislature in the spring of 1827. It contains about three hundred dwelling houses, five church- es, a printing oflice and reading-room, together with a number of stores and mechanic shops, and at the present time between two and three thou- sand mliabitants. It possesses no peculiar ad- vantages cither for manufacturing or mercantile pursuits; it is therefore' indebted alone to its character as a loatcring j'^acfy for the advances which it has heretofore made in improvement and population.

The village is situated at the termination oi one of the s])ur3 of the immense pile of primitive mountains which separate the waters of Lake Champlain from those of the St. Lawrence. It is twelve miles west from Schuylervillc on the Hudson, and thirty cast from Johnstown in the county of Montgomery ; it is thirty-four miles jiortherly from Albany, and twenty-seven south- erly from Lake George. Its principal street is (jiie hundred and forty feet in width and nearly one mile in extent. The houses are well built, and the whole village has an air of neatness and ^^alubi'ity s(;[:l(jni equalled in any country village. I'ornK.rly the inhabitants were subject to attacks ol iiiienniltcnt and remittent fevers, but for the la-t ten y<;urs these diseases have entirely (lisa[)-

44 HISTORY OF THE SPRINGS.

peared. This remarkable exemption is imputed to the destruction of a number of mill-dams in the surrounding country, and the clearing and draining of the low marshy grounds m the imme- diate vicinity of the place, which must, during their existence, have afforded fruitful sources for those exhalations, to which has always been im- puted the origin of these afflicting diseases. Nor is the surroanding country less exempt from those pestiferous exhalations which render a place insalubrious and improper for even the temporary residence of invalids. The springs are situated in an elevated district, and in the immediate vicinity of an extensive range of moun- tainous country ; the atmosphere, therefore, is remarkably pure and invigorating, affording to the diseased one of the best selected spots that could be chosen for the improvement of a broken or impaired constitution,

But Saratoga is not only interesting on account of the salubrity of its waters and the purity of its air ; the name is associated with the great events which gave birth to the empire ; her plains are distinguished in the history of freedom. It was here our fathers fought and bled ! and here the sight of their graves daily reminds us of their val- our and their patriotism. It was here, during the dark and gloomy period of the revolution, that

HISTORY or THE SPRINGS. 45

ihe liglit of liberty first dawned upon our then benighted land, and cheered the hearts of our desponding countrymen with a full prospect of a great and glorious day ; and although the bones of those who fell upon her plains arc now scarcely distinguishable from the earth which covers them, yet the spot of their repose will be sought after and remembered while pat- riotism shall have a votary, or liberty a name. The scene of the defeat and surrender of Gcne- jal Burgojne is but two hours ride from the Springs, and is full of interest.

The falls of the Hudson are numerous, and some of them highly interesting, particularly those of Baker, Glen and Iladley ; they are situated about eighteen miles from the Springs, and are well worlli the attention of the tourist.

.Saratoga Lake is but four miles distant from the Springs. It is- a beautiful sheet of pure water, nine miles in extent from north to south, and irom one to three in width. The scenery around il is tliversificd and highly picturesque, while the lake Itself aljounds with a variety of fish and its bor- ders with abundance of small game, afiording io die sj)ortsman and ei)icure a nev(;r failing source of anmscmenl and gratification.

46 HISTORY OF THE SPRINGS.

Lake George, twenty-seven miles distant, pre- sents a scenery sublime, beautiful and romantic beyond description. Here the invalid may not only be exhilarated by the delightful prospects which surround him, but will find himself invigo- rated by inhaling the pure air of the mountains, and bathing in the limpid and uncontaminated waters of the Sacred Lake,*

The artist may here occupy his pencil in delin- eating some of the grandest views which the Uni- ted States any where present, and which fancy in her wildest and most extravagant exertions can never imitate or improve. Indeed, no being, en- dowed with reason and common sense, can ever visit this spot without receiving impressions calcu- lated to elevate his views of the divinity of nature, and the dignity and grandeur of her works.

The roads leading to all these places are tole- rably good, particularly where they pass over the plain country ; as tiicy are there not only level and dry, but frequently hard and smooth in con- sequence of the admixture of loam with sand. The invalid may, therefore, select such route from the Springs as may best suit the state of his

* The French, who first discovered the lake, £:ave it the name of " Lake Sacrament,'''' from tlic puritv of its waters.

mSTORY OF THE SPKINGS. 47

health. If feeble or afflicted with painful disease, he may ride on the plains without fatigue ; or if more vigorous and courting exercise, he may mount the hills in Greenfield to the north, where, in a tour of eight or ten miles, he may enjoy a mountain scenery.

The approach to the Springs from the south is now effected by rail road — the time actually em- plo}cd in travelling between them and New- York not generally exceeding from 15 to 18 hours. A rail road has also been commenced between Sara- toga Springs and Whitehall, on Lake Champlain, and when completed, will perfect the great chain of internal communication by steam from Quebec to North Carolina.

Saratoga, as a j)OLrit of attraction, Avill prove a resting place for travellers designing a northern or southern excursion, and, like the watering ])lacc3 in Europe, will also be doubtless selected as a locality for the country seats of many of the opulent. Indeed, it is already bcgiiming to as- sume that character, and to give evidence that the period is not distant when it will become as popu- lous and in all respects equal the most renowned and fashionable towns of the kind on the eastern fjontinent.

GEOLOGICAL RE3L1RKS

ON THB

COUNTY OF SARATOGA.

The arrangement of the different geological formations in tiiis county is peculiarly interesting, and affords one of the happiest opportunities for acquiring a knowledge of the general outlines of the science of geology. The primitive transition and secondary formations present themselves al- most at one vievr, and afford to the enquirer an opportunity for studying the physical characters, positions and arrangements with a facility that can scarcely be surpassed at any other spot. But before I proceed to a description of its geological structure, it will be necessary to say a few words on the geography of the county.

The county of Saratoga was set off from the county of Albany in the year 1791. It is situated between 42 deg. 40 min. and 43 deg. 23 min. north latitude, and 26 min, cast and 10 rain, west longitude from the city of A^ew-York, and is di- vided into twenty townships, the greater part of which are highly cultivated, and all of ihcm in a

50 GEOLOGICAL REMARKS.

State of rapid improvement. The soil is generally good and well adapted to either pasturage or culture.

Formerly the great quantity of fine timber, which the land every where produced, its prox- imity to market, and the facilities afforded for erecting mills on never failing streams of water, induced the earlier settlers to turn their attention to the business of lumbering, to the almost entire neglect of the land. But the disappearance of the timber has now nearly put a stop to this kind of traffic, and the farmer is beginning to consult his better interest in the cultivation and improve- ment of his farm ; and in a few more years this county will rank among the first in the state both for the quantity and quality of its productions.

The face of the country is undulating, and the soil considerably diversified in its character. Along the Hudson there are some tracts of allu- vial bottoms extremely fertile ; but it is remarkable that this river does not produce such extensive tracts of alluvial lands as are usually found along streams of its magnitude. Back from the river there arc extensive tracts of smidy soil intermixed with a light loam. The soil of the mountainous districts is of a gravelly consistence, intermixed with much vegetable substance, while that which

GEOLOGICAL REMARKS. 61

occupies the space between the mountains and the sandy plains is generally of a rich vegetable mould.

The northern part of the county is mountainous. It consists of two elevated ridges, the first of which is styled the Palmertown mountains. It is a continuation or spur of the immense pile of prim- itive mountains which occupy the space between the waters of I^ake Champlain and those of the St. Lawrence. They enter the county a few miles west of Glen's Falls, on the Hudson, in the town of INIoreau, from whence this ridge, pursu- ing a southwesterly course, gradually sinks to the level of the plain lands in the vicinity of the min- eral waters at Saratoga Springs. It presents an abrupt front, in many places precipitous, and rises in some parts to the height of several hundred feet above the level of the plains which lie to the east and south of it. From the top of this range the land gradually declines to the west for the distance of six or seven miles, when it is again abniptly thrown into another ridge called the Kayaderosscras mountains. This, like tlic Pal- mertown ridge, is a spur from the same group of primitive mountains to the north. It sinks to the general livel of the country. In the town of Gal- way it presents an appearance very similar to that of the Palmertown mountains, and like that

52 GEOLOGICAL REMARKS.

declines gi'adually to the west until it comes in contact with another spur from the same source, called the Sacanadaca or Sacandao;a mountains, which terminate at or near the Little Falls on the Mohawk ; this range is in the county of Mont- gomery.

The waters of the Sacandaga river, one of tlie principal branches of the Hudson, have their source in this latter range of mountains, and col- lecting their scattered branches, they pursue an easterly course, and passing through tlie Kayade- rosseras mountains unite with the Hudson. These waters now pursue a southerly course for a few miles only, when they again strike off to the east, and continuing the course, pass through the Palm- ertown mountains, and in the vicinity of Glen's Falls again take a southerly direction, and pur- sue it with but little variation to the city of New- York.

In tlie passage of thes'c waters through tlic mountains, they form numerous rapids, cascades and cataracts, which present some of the most wikl, romantic and picturesque scenery of which the country can boast.

These mountains comprise the primitive region ill this countv. The rock formations which con>

GEOLOGICAL REMARKS. 63

pose the regular constituent parts of these el^a- ted ridges consist of the following ;

Granite.

Sienite.

Gneiss.

Mica Slate.

Steatite.

Granular Lime Stone.

Granite

Discovers itself in a number of places along the whole extent of the Palriiertown range. It rises to the top of some of the highest peaks of the mountain near where the Hudson crosses it, and is again met with in some of the vallies. At the southern termination of this mountainous range, in the immediate vicinity of the transition formation, and within a mile of the mineral waters at Saratoga Springs, there is an extensive mass of granite considerably elevated and lying across the course of the mountain nearly east and west. The surface of this range of granite is exposed for the distance of more than a mile, and it is the last of the primitive rocks which make tlicir appear- ance in this direction until . we reach the High- lands below Newburgh, a distance of more than one hundred miles, where they again occur, and the appearance seems to justify the opinion that

E*

54 GEOLOGICAL REMARKS.

4hey constitute a part of the same range. Sucb is the situation of the valley or basm between these two distant points, that the Highlands may be distinctly seen over it, on a clear day, from almost any point on the last mentioned range of granite at Saratoga Springs.,

On the west side of the mountain, where the land slopes off towards the Kayaderosseras, gi'ani-. ite frequently presents itself in extensive ridges, sometimes exhibiting its own well defined surface, and sometimes supporting masses of sienite or gneiss, which run into each other; and in tliis manner it hkewise combines with mica slate, and although each rock is distinctly marked, yet they are so intimately combined at their union as to render it difficult to determine the exact line of theii' meeting.

On tlie Kayaderosseras mountains the granite discovers itself towards their southern termination and along their highest ridges. It is very con- spicuous along the slope of the mountains on their western sides in the town of Providence. It like- wise breaks through the gneiss, or rises above it in several places in the precipitous parts of the raountains on their eastern aspect in the towns of Greenfield, Corinth and Iladley.

GEOLOGICA.L REMARKS. 55.

In the town of Day, on the north side of the Sacandaga river, and not far from the road lead- ing through the mountain along the valley of the river from Hadley to Edinburgh, there is an ex- tensive range of beautiful flesh coloured granite. It rises through the gneiss which lies on both sides of it, and occupying a direction nearly southwest and northeast, may be traced a distance of some miles. It consists almost entirely of feldspar in a highly cr\'stalline state, and contains some nodules of quartz and rarely some small specimens of mica.

Most of the granite which occurs in this region is of a Coarse granular structure, having its usual constituents variously combined. Sometimes it consists almost entirely of feldspar and quartz. In some specimens the mica is in excess, and in others the mica and quartz are scarcely discover- able, and frequently all three are so intimately combined as to make it difficult to determine wliich is in excess.

Sometimes the granite occurs in veins passing tlirough gneiss, in which case it is highly crystal- line, and its constituent parts may be easily sepa- rated, often with a single blow of the hammer.

56 GEOLOGICAL REMARKS.

Gneiss.

This constitutes by far the greater proportion of the primitive rocks in this region. It composes almost the whole of the eastern face of the Palm- ertown mountains, except being occasionally in- terrupted by the granite. It extends to the west along the slope of those mountains to within a mile of the Kayaderosseras ; and these last moun- tains are almost entirely composed of it. Where the Sacandaga river crosses this range, the moun- tains, which are several hundred feet in height, particularly on the north side, approach it in frightful precipices, which are entirely composed of this rock.

it is usually found resting on granite ; but in some places it is observed to alternate with sien- ite, but more frequently with mica slate. It dif- fers much in its composition ; being in some instaiices composed almost entirely of mica and quartz, and in others of mica, quartz, feldspar and hornblend. Sometimes the feldspar is want- ing altogether, and sometimes the mica is deficient. They are all in fine particles and much diffused m the mass.

Sienite, or Hornblend Rock, Occurs in several places along the western dcchvity of the Palmertown mountains, and along

GEOLOGICAL REMARKS. 57

the southciTi termination of the Kayaderosscras mountains in the town of Providence. It is ob- sciTed in other places combined with gneiss or aheniating with mica slate. It docs not, how- ever, appear to occirpy a very extensive space in the formation of this region.

Mica Slate.

This rock occurs near and along the southern termination of the primitive region in the town of Greenfield. A little below Fitch's mills it forms a distinct stratification, and along the mountains to the north and northeast it rests on the gneiss, and is observed to form veins or seams in several places in the granite. It exhibits fragments of an extensive stratification both on the Palmer- town and Kayaderosscras mountains.

Steatite, Soap-Stone, or Talcose Rock,

Occurs at or near the foot of the Palmertown mountains in the town of Moreau ; it occurs likewise near the top of the mountain in the town of Corinth, and again in the town of Greenfield. They all appear to be of the same dcscri])tion and evidently belong to the variety termed pot- Ptone. The locality in Moreau appears to be extensive. It is covered by granular limestone, through a fissure of which, the specimens which

58 GEOLOGICAL REMARKS.

I have were procured. I have several other specimens which I strongly suspect came from one of the above localities, although they were represented to me as coming from another quar- ter. They were procured by some infatuated money diggers, and they were exhibited under a pretence or belief that they contained the pre- cious metals.

Granular Limestone.

This occurs in the immediate vicinity of the foregoing formation, and appears to rest upon it. It enters largely into the formation of the Palmer- town mountain at a place about two miles north from its southern termination. All which I have-* examined is of a coarse granular structure, and in its general character and appearance strongly resembles the Bennington and Shaftsbury mar- bles. It is easily worked, and when pure receives a fine polish. Most of the specimens, however, contain crystals of feldspar diffused throughout the mass in such abundance as to render it in a great measure unfit for the operations of the chisel. It is probable, nevertheless, that when those localities come to be properly explored, specimens sufficiently pure may be procured for all the useful purposes to which marble is applied.

GEOLOGICAL REMARKS. 59

Every thing conspires to induce the beUef that these primitive regions have undergone great and important changes since the period of their formation. Fragments -of these rocks, exactly corresponding with those in place, are strewed in immense quantities all over the county in the form of sand, water- worn pebbles, rounded stones and bowlders, specimens of which, weighing many tons, arc found at the distance of some miles from their parent rock resting on earth which covers secondary limestone.

The minerals which have been observed con- nected with the primitive formation of this region, are tourmaline, garnets, beryl, sulphuret of mo- lyi^dena, graphite, spodumene, iron in the form of magnetic hematite and sulphuret, chrysobcryl,* prismatic and laminated mica, coccolitc, &,c.

Transition Formation.

The rocks which are distinctly marked as be- longing to this class in this region are —

Pudding Stone, or Conglomerate, (iiiarlzosc, or Coarse Siliceous Sand Stone.

• Tlii-! rnro mineral occurs in veins of granite running through gu'Mf's m two or tlirco placo, from wliich some beautiful speci- mens liavu been obtuincd.

60 GEOLOGICAL REMARKS.

Metalliferous, or Mountain Lime Stone. Argillagceous Slate. Gray Wacke and Gray Wacke Slate. Siliceous and Calcareous Sand Stone.

Pudding Stone.*

This formation occurs in the town of Green- field, not far from its south line, on the southeast side of the Kayaderosseras mountain, distinctly resting on the primitivo rocks. It consists prin- cipally of rounded pebbles of quartz, from the size of a small shot to that of a man's head, and larger, united into one common mas§ by a kind of coarse ferruginous sand. The rounded masses which characterize this formation are much the largest at its conimencement, or where it unites with the primitive rocks, and they regularly de- crease in size as we climb up the series, until it passes into a uniform quartzose, or coarse silice- ous sand stone, which overlays or alternates with it over a considerable extent of this part of the county. Broken rounded fragments of this for* mation are found all over the county, and in

*This formation, with the succeeding one, answers well tt» the description given by Eaton, of the niillstonc-grit of the canal district; but its situation here peremptorily forbids lis being placed among tlie secondary rocks.

GEOLOGICAL BEMARES. * CI

great 'abundance along the valley between the Palmertown and Kayaderosseras mountains.

Quartiosc or Coarse Siliceous Sand Stone.

Tliis formation occupies an extensive space along the valley betvreen the Palmertown and Kayaderosseras mountains, and is found along the eastern declivity of the latter mountain, near its southern termination, in thin and horizontal strata, in some places alternating with conglome- j-ute or passing into it. Near the foot of the iuountain it inclines a little to the southeast, and disappears beneath more recent formations.

This formation is generally of a reddish brown color, particularly where the surface has been exposed to the weather. It is, however, fre- quently white or greyish white ; and at or near the falls on tlie Hudson at Iladlcy, it passes into and alternates with a kind of rubblestone of a I:)lueish cast, which slightly cfTervesces with acids and sometimes contains calcareous spar.*

* Pr'iK.-sor F.atoii has described this fonnation as bcin;', jiriui.tiv, ri'id iiufjUoriS tlic occurrcncu uf an intervening stra- '.■na of iinddinq ifone as a rt-fnarliahle circumstance. I once • Tjt'.rtairii-d I'n; - iine (i|.i':!'jn, hut a nHjrc careful investigation la.- put lu li'-_vi':i.i ;i ii-i,',i tliat tlii^ is a Iransiilmi lurinalioii, •) -I u()yi'iL' 'li'j ^'U'^ui o\ A '"d^.a\ formed by the sarroundm;; j':;':i;i.! .e iii''i:i: .u : ■.

7

62 • GEOLOGICAL REMARKS.

Metalliferous, or Mountain Lime Roc'k.

This formation occurs in the town of Green- field, on an elevated ridge of land in the valley between the Palmertown and Kayaderosseras mountains, and evidently reposes on the foregoing sand stone. This locality is not very extensive, and I am not aware of its occurring at any other place, although it ver)^ probably may, along the course of the same valley which occupies the space between those primitive spurs for nearly twenty miles.

Argillaceous Slate,

This formation appears to underlay the greater part of the county that is not included in the primitive region. It forms the bed of the Hudson to a little above Baker's Falls, opposite Moreau, and ihat ■; f the JNIohawk to above Schenectady. It is likewise observable in tlie interior of the couMty, at tiie bottom and along the shores of the lakes, both at Saratoga and liallston ; and it forms the shores or banks of most of the streams that ])ass to the southward of t!ie secondary for- mation, but it has not yet been observed to make its appearance between this last and the primitive rocks.

GEOLOGICAL REMARKS.* 63

The layers of this rock are much curved, par- ticularly along the southern parts of the county, and possess a considerable elevation to the norih- Avest ; but as it approaches towards the seconda- ry rock, to the north, its layers become straight, are evidently less inclined, and separate into thin plates, some of which appear suitable for roof slate. The seams and fissures of these layers arc frequently filled with calcareous' spar ; and at Bakers Falls large masses of this substance arc imbedded in the rock. It is extremely liable to disintegration where the surface is exposed ; and in many places it breaks into regular rhom- bick tables, whose fracture is always parallel to their sides, evincing a crystalline character.

Some specimens of this rock are glazed with black lead, which when handled soils the fingers; and from this circumstance, some inexperienced geologists have mistaken it for bituminous shale, a substance which probably will not be found in this district.

Large masses of chlorite, milky quartz, and sometimes red jasper, are likewise found, citiier imbedded in tills formation or passing through it in liie form of veins ; and the sulphuret of iron, in beautiful golden colored crystals of various forms, occurs in great abundance, either in seams

t>i GEOLOGICAL REMARKS.

or imbedded in its substance. The decomposi- tion of this latter substance probably gives origin to tlie suljihurous icatcrs which are found in tliis region, and likewise to the efflorescence so often met with on the sides and walls of this rock. This efflorescence is either the sulphate of irorij lime or alumine, and sometimes consists of al- three.

Siliceous slate appears to be im]:)edded in tlic- argillite, rather than forming a separate stratum. It is of a black flint like appearance, possessing a concoidal fracture, and has a dark shining as- pect. It occurs in large irregular masses in the argillaceous slate on the egst side of Saratoga lake, and likewise along tlie southern parts of the liounty

Gray-Waclic. Wherever this rock is found in this region, ir rests on the argillaceous slate, and in someplace-.-^ is obsen'ed to alternate with it. It forms the sum- mit of most of the insolatcd elevations through- out the southern pai'ts of the country. It occu- pies a considerable space along the highlands which i-un parallel to the Hudson through tlie t^wns of Saj'atoga and Stillwater, and enters largely into the composition of Bemus' Heights^

GEOLOGICAL REMARKS. 65

It is observable again along the souUicrn pari? of Ballson and Charlton, where it runs into, and al- ternates with gray-wacke slate. This last dillorj but little from the former, excepting it is more slaty in its structure. Along the cast side of Sar- atoga Lake, and at several other places, they have a considerable declination to the southeast ; but in Charlton tlieir position is nearly horizontal. In some places the strata of this formation c.vc curiously oontorted and bent, furnishing iritcrest- ing views for the speculations of the scientific ge- ologist.

Siliceous and Calcareous SamJ Stone.

These rocks occur all alonu the eastorn aud sQuthern termination of the primitive region, vvka which in many places they appear to come near- ly in contact. They appear in the banks oi" the Hudson a little below Glen's Yo\U, and they aiC Mivy conspicuous along the south part of tiie to% . a of Greenfield at the foot of the Kayadcrossoras, when they pursue the course of that prinilii>o tract to its southern termination in the town of Galvvay. They then take a western ccnirse into the county of Montgomery. In Greenndd and Corinth this formation occupies a narrow si)ac.i along the eastern foot of the Kayaderosscias mountain for the distance of several miies ; aud the same formation occurs again on its opposiio

66 GEOLOGICAL REMAUKS.

side, along the foot of the Sacandaga mountairis, and it is of this stone that tlie piers of the elegant state bridge over the Sacandaga river near the Fish House are constructed. Indeed, some of the rocks at this place approach very nearly to compact lime-stone, and contain organic remains.

Horn stone is found in great abundance im- bedded in the calcareous sand stone ; and calca- reous spar, beautifully crystalized and possessing a vaiiety of colors, occurs in both. Some of these rocks contain in their fissures and cavities beautiful and very perfect six sided crystals of quartz. These occur in great abundance among the calcareous sand stones in tlie vicinity of the mineral springs at Saratoga, and arc presented to the curious under the appellation of diamonds. Some small specimens of these crj'stals have been found in tlie loose earth about these rocks, having regular sides, with both terminations entire, and possessing a brilliancy but little inferior to the diamond itself

The siliceous sand stone in some places seems to pass into a kind of ajnygdaloidal 7'ock, which effervesces but slightly with acids. Its cavities^ which arc numerous, are lined with chalcedony. This frequently occupies the whole space, but sometimes forms gcodcs, the msides of which ajc

GEOLOGICAL REMARKS. 67

Studded with small brilliant cr}'stals of quartz, or a variety of crystalized spar. The walls of these gcodes not unfrcqucntly pass into agate, cxliibiting its zigzag pai'allel lines very distinctly.

Most of the calcareous and siliceous sand stone of tliis region are easily wrought, and they bear the effects of a high temperature well ; they arc therefore used in Galvvay for the backs and jambs to cliimncys. They have been likewise extensively quarried in Greenfield for the con- struction of tlie locks on the northern canal ; and at Saratoga Springs they are used altogether for the foundations of buildings.

Secondary Formatiou.

The rocks which compose the regular scries of thi.3 fjrmation arc —

Compact Lime-stbnc, Shell Lime-stone, and Oolite.

This lime-stone formation passes into the coui:- ty at Glen's Falls, and pursuing a southwesterly direction, occuj)ics a narrow space along the course of the primitive region, and not far from it throuiih the towns of iMorcau, Willon, Sarat<'<:p,

68 GEOLOGICAL REMARKS.

Springs, Milton, Galway, and so into the county of Montgomery.

The connection of this formation with the tran- sition rocks is very obvious at a Uttle distance be- low Glen's Falls, where it is first observed to al- ternate with calcareous and siliceous sand stone, and folloiving the stream still further down, these last rocks alternate with gray-wacke and gray- wacke slate, which finally rest on the argillaceous slate, not far above Baker's Falls, in the town of Moreau.

Both the compact and shell lime-stone occur in the same series of strata, constituting distinct layers, which overlay each other at irregular in- tervals. They are of a dark blue color, and the compact is susceptible of a fine polish, and is used for ornamental work of various kinds. Both, when properly burned, form a very pure lime, giving out when first heated, a strong sul- phurous odour.

The shell lime-stone differs very materially ti-om the compact, being more loose in its texture, and consisting nearly altogether of organic re- mains, the forms of which are perfect and entire ; among which have been recognized celleporites, pectenites, orthoceralitcs, amonites, cardites, gry-

GEOLOGICAL RE5L1IIKS. Gf>

phites, coralliiiites, terebratulites, ostn'atitcs. and belcmnites.

Oolite.

Tliis formation had not been known as consti- tuting a part of the regular scries of rocks in the United States until it was discovered in this coun- ty. It occurs at a place about two mites north west from the village of Saratoga Springs, ai;id within half a mile of the ridge of granite rocks which terminate the southernmost point bfthc Palmertown mountains. From this spot it stretch- es across tlic valley which separates the Palmer- town from the Kayaderosseras mountains, and probably may yet be traced around the termina- tion of the latter mountains to those of the Sacan- daga, and possibly along the whole extent of these primitive spurs of what professor Eaton has termed " the M'Comb Mountains."

The calcareous concretions which characterize and identify this formation, are fur the most part arranged in successive layers throughout the stra- ta in which they appear. They are globular, of the size of mustard seed, possess a shining black color, and are cvidtnilly composed of concentric layers. They are united in the mass by a calci .

70 GEOLOGICAL REMARKS.

reous cement, more or less granular, combined with fine siliceous sand.

More than one half of the whole mass of some of the strata which constitute the scrieSiof this formation, consist of these globular concretions ; in others they are more sparingly diflused, and some of the strata appear to be composed alto- gether of a calcareo-siliceous sand, without the intervention of a single globule. They are most- ly of a dark gray color, but they are in many places rendered brown by the intervention of fer- ruginous particles.

From a cursory examination, at the time this formation was first observed, I was induced to believe that it rested on the transition rocks ; but a more careful investigation has satisfied me that it rests on secondary or shell lime-stone. This lime-stone differs somewhat from that which I have before described ; it is of a lighter color, less compact in its structure, the organic remains are more equally diffused throughout the strata, which are thinner, and are frequently separated by thin layers of aluminous slate, which, in some places, is nearly identified with the lime-stone. Can this be the lias of the European geologists ? and is this shale tiie lias day which in England is known to be impregnated with muriate of soda

GEOLOGICAL REMARKS. 71

and other salts ? and the same in which the min- eral springs at Cheltenham and Gloucester are said to rise ? If it should be so, we shall find but little difficulty in accounting for the origin of some qf the salina ingredients found in the mineral waters at Saratoga ; but it must be left to further investigation to determine this subject.

Diluvial and Alluvial Foruiatious.

Diluvial and alluvial deposits cover a great proportion of the secondary and transition rocks throughout the county, in the form of thick beds of sand and clay and fragments of rocks more or less rounded by attrition.

The diluvial inrludes generally all those lands that are usually termed pine j-lains, extending from the northern to the southern limits of the county, forming a part of a range which fallows the course of the Hudson for more tlian four hundred miles between the primitive mountains.

But little is as yet known of the depth or interior j)r.')perties of this immense body of earth. It has seldom l.'cen ojicned to any extent but for the purposes of ol)laining water, which is usually found at a depth of from ten to twenty-five feet, in a coarse loose sand resting on aluminous marl, or between this first stratum and anotlu^r at no great distance beneath. AV^hcn water is found to occur

72 GEOLOGICAL REMARKS.

over the marl, it is usually very pure, combines readily with soap, and is what, in common lan- guage, is termed soft ; but when it occurs be- tween the strata of marl, it possesses properties which give it the appellation of hard ; it decom- poses soap without forming a pure suds, and con- tains lime, magnesia, &c. usually combined with sulphm-ic or muriatic acid.

Wherever this formation has been exposed to any considerable depth, it presents a stratified structure consisting of regular and well defined strata of different colored sand or earth, or coarse and fine gravel regularly arranged. Sometimes these strata are separated by thin layers of marl or clay, and sometimes by the argillaceous oxide of iron. They are horizontal, inclined or undu- lating at diiferent places.

Marl appears to underla}-' or form a constituent part of almost the whole of the diluvial deposits of this county ; it is mostly argillaceous, but some specimens contain from forty to sixty per cent, of lime, and are evidently calcareous.

Argillaceous oxide of iron (bog ore) occurs in a number of places, imbedded in the sandy dilu- vial. On the plains between Saratoga and Ball- .ston Spa, it was formerly found in ^uincicnt quan-

GEOLOGICAL REMARKS 73

tities to supply a forge for a number of years, which produced from fifty to seventy tons of wrought or bar iron annually.

The alluvial formation is found along the banks of streams and at the bottoms of vallies ; it con- sists of beds of clay or marl, interrupted at inter- vals by layers of quicksand, and sometimes by that of vegetable remains.

Every thing in this extensive region of diluvial lUid alluvial deposits conspire to induce the belief that it once formed the bottom of an immense fresh water lake, which must have existed subse- quent to the retiring of the oceanic waters, in which were deposited the lime and other secon- dary rocks which contain the remains of marine animals in such abundance : but as the discussion of this subject is not necessarily connected with the object of the woj-k before us, it is deemed in- expedient to pursue it any further at this time,

llavinf; thus given a concise account of the (lis- covcry and setlljrucnt of the Springs, and a gene- ral view of the geological features of the coimli)- in wliich they are .situated, (preliriiinanes iniorosf- :ng and ini[)ortant.) I shall nf)W [)roceed to an ( xarnination ijilo ih*; cliaracler and properlic- I'f i!ie watc TK.

EXAMINATION

OF THE

HI I i\r: R A L WATERS.

Sicii is the solvent power of water, that it is seldom, if ever, found perfectly pure or free from foreign ingredients. Rain and snow water, when collected in the open country, remote from towns or villages, and immediately after their descent, are the most pure of any used for domestic pur- poses ; but even these arc not entirely free from impurities.

TIiC waters of springs, wells, rivers, lakes and ponds are still more impure, owing to their con- taining a larger proportion of foreign substances in solution or in a state of suspension ; but it is seldom that these contain sufficient quantities to render them altogether unfit for domestic uses ; when this docs happen, they ai'c styled mineral

WATERS.

Mineral waters arc those which contain so large a j)roportion of foreign matter as to render them unfit for culiuarv or other domestic uses. Thev

7G EXAMINATIOxV OF THE WATERS.

possess a distinguishing flavor, and when taken into the stomach produce distinct medicinal effects. They have been, for the conveniency of descrip- tion, divided into distinct classes, each class re- ceiving an appropriate name from the prominent character given to the water by the articles held in solution. Hence we have

Acidulous waters, those which contain so large a proportion of carbonic acid as to give them a distinguishing character ;

Chalybeate waters, containing iron in some of its soluble combinations ;

SaUiie W'aters, those which contain one or more of the saline purging salts ;

Sulphureous waters, those which contain sul- j)liurctted hydrogen either in a combined or un- combined state.

It not unfrequently happens that the same foun- tain contains all the foregoing distinguishing in- gredients, particularly the three first, in which case it is styled an acidulous salu\e chalybeate WATER. To this class belong the famous mineral waters of Saratoga.

EXAMrVATION OP THE WATERS. 77

Tlicse celebrated waters occur along the southern termination of the secondary, and in the immediate vicinity of the transition formation. They are scattered along a line running nearly east and west, for the distance of about twenty miles. At Ballston Spa there are a number of these springs, some of which make their appear- ance at the surface through alluvial deposits of plastic clay, or marl and sand, while others have been obtained by boring to a considerable depth in the transition slate which here forms the basis on which rests the alluvial deposits. Bctv^-een this place and the village of Saratoga Springs, there are several of these fountains of less note situated both in the transition and secondary for- mations. At Saratoga Springs they are more numerous, and diversified in their sensible quali- ties, than at any other place. They discover themselves, in great numbers, for the distance of more than a mile along the valley, in marl, which rests on secondary lime-stone. They occur again in the southeast part of the old town of Saratoga, at a place called the Quaker Springs. The rock formation at tlii.i place is transition slate.

All the waters of tliese numerous fountains ap- pear to ])ossess the same or nearly the same <ianl-

78 EXAMINATION OF THE WATERS.

ities, differing in their medicinal properties only, in the quantities of the articles which are held in solution.

I shall now proceed to a separate and distinct examination of all those fountains which have excited attention either from their notoriety, or their sensible qualities ; and I commence with the Congress Spring.

DESCRIPTION OF THE SPRINGS.

CONGRESS SPRING.

This truly celebrated fountain is situated on the west side of a narrow strip of low marshy ground, close to the foot of a beautiful little cas- cade, formed by a small limpid stream which bursts from the earth only about fifty yards west- erly from the spot. The spring was first discov- ered, as heretofore stated, during the summer of 1702.* At that time the water made its appear- ance through a small aperture in the side of a cal- careous rock, whose margin formed the border of the brook. Here it was caught in tumblers as it issued from tiie rock in a small stream, and this formed the only resource for obtaining the water for several years after its discovery ; but the quantity afforded was found altogether insuffi- cient, even at that early period of its use, to satisfy the demands of its visitants ; it therefore

• Jolin Taylor Gilnian, who has since been governor of the slate of iS'cw-llaiiipbhire, atid a brother of his, were in company wlien ihiH spring was first noticed, but it is not no^^• certainly known which of the two first discovered it.

80 DESCRIPTION OF THE SPRINGS.

became desirable to obtain a larger quantity, and with a view to effect this object, some efforts were made which unfortunately resulted in com- pletely obstructing the passage of the water, and for a time the spring was supposed to be irre- trievably lost.

Not long after this accident, Mr. Putnam, a gentleman whose name I have already had occa- sion to mention, who then resided near the spot, and who ranked among the most enterprizing of the early settlers, observed bubbles of gas break- ing through the water in the middle of the brook, a few feet south and east from the site of the former fountain. Governed by the hope of be- ing able to recover the original fountain, he turn- ed the stream from its course, and having cxca^ vated the earth to the depth of about eight feet, discovered a strong mineral water rising in vari- ous places through a very liard and compact stratum of indurated marl imbedded with round- ed pebbles and coarse gravel. He prepared a square tube made of strong plank, about ten inches in diameter, and of sufficient length to reach from the bottom of the excavation to a little above the surface ; this he placed upriglit in the well, and, having adjusted the lower end so as to include a number of these separate little fountains, replaced the earth firmly around ii, and

DESCRIPTION OF THE SPRIXQS. 81

thus secured to posterity the possession of a min- eral water which, for its peculiar medicinal prop- erties, stands unrivalled.

In this curb, which is perfectly tight, the water rises to a few inches above the surface of the brook, which still passes close to the spring, and hero it becomes stationary. A little below this point, however, it is suffered to escape through a small aperture made in the side of the curb for the purpose. At this aperture, when the spring is not disturbed, the water issues at the rate of something less than a gallon per minute. The quantity of water, however, which the fountain affords, seems to be inexhaustible, for when the pressure has been removed by lessening the col- umn of water in the curb, as when it has been rapidly dipped out, it rushes in with such rapidity that it becomes difficult, if not impossible, to re- move the whole contents of the well.

Pli|Tsical Properties of the 'Water.

The surface of the well is constantly agitated by the escape of gas in ffne bubbles, giving the appearance of simmering, not unlike tiiat wiiich water exliibits just before the process of violent ebullition lakes place.

82 DESCRIPTION OF THE SPRINGS.

When first dipped, the water is remarkably hmped and sparkling, and were it not for the constant escape of gas in innumerable fine points, it would be perfectly transparent. It however becomes turbid after standing a short time ex- posed to the air ; a delicate white pellicle forms on its surface, which terminates in a reddish brown sediment. This sediment is likewise ob- servable in the well, being incrustated on the walls of the curb and along the surface, over which the water makes its egress to the adjoin- ing brook.

Transparent glasses and bottles which have been much used in the water, or in which the water has been suffered to stand for any length of time, become tarnished, and though carefully washed, retain a strong iridescent stain.

Its saline and gaseous properties are very per- ceptible to the palate, and to most persons not offensive. When swallowed, its effects depend in a great measure upon the state of the stomach at the time of receiving it, and upon the quantity drank. When taken, however, in a moderate draught, by a person in tolerable health, the sen- sation is seldom, if ever, unpleasant ; and to those who are in the habitual use of it, particularly in the hot season, it is a deli<ihtful beverase.

DESCRIPTION OP THE SPRINGS. 83

Its most obvious effect, when taken into the stomach as a medicine, is that of a cathartic and diuretic. In most habits this effect is produced by drinking from four to six half pints in the morning before eating. Soon after taking it, the person feels a sense of fullness about the stomach and bowels, attended with frequent eructations of fixed air, a slight giddiness of the head, and a sen- sation bordering on a disposition to sleep. These feelings, however, are soon removed by the copi- ous discharges that almost immediately follow, leaving the stomach with an increased appetite for food, and a disposition for exercise unattended with languor.

The respiration of all breathing animals is im- mediately affected by coming in close contact with the surface of this fountain. The gas which issues from it is immediately fatal to the lives of animals which happen to be immersed in it, and even fishes and frogs survive but a short time when placed in the water.

Flour, when made into a paste or dougii with the water frcsli from the sj)ring, and immediately baked, forms a tolerably light bread while warm ; but when cold, it becomes clammy and heavy like milcavoned ])read. The water is much uscmI by the country people for making " hot cakes." The

84 DESCRIPTION OF THE SPRINGS.

flour is mixed with the water and a quantity of sour cream, and i& ready for baking as soon as the ingredients are sufficiently ,lcneeded together. It forms a very palatable hot cake, and recom- mends itself on account of the expedition with which it is prepared.

Preliminary Observations.

The temperature of the water of this spring, as shown by Fahrenheit's thermometer when im- mersed in the bottom of the well, is 50 deg., and it does not appear to suffer any sensible variation either during the summer or winter months. At a time when the thermometer in the open air stood at 14 deg. below zero, and at another, when it was 90 deg. above, the water at the bottom of the well was still at 50 deg.

The specific gravity of the water at the tempe- rature of (30 deg., the barometer ranging at 29.5 inches, is 1009.7, pure water being one thousand. Excessive wet, or long seasons of dry weather, seem to produce a slight variation from this result ; but repeated experiments, made at different peri- ods and under various circumstances of season, &c. for tlic space of more than twenty years, have in no instance produced a deviation of more than the 0.5 of a iirain.

©"ESCRIPTION OP THE SPRINGS. 85

A thin, transparent glass flask was filled with the water fresh from the spring, a thermometer was immersed in it, and the whole placed in a sand bath, to which the heat was gradually ap- plied.

At the temperature of 65 deg., there was a perceptible increase of air bubbles formed at the bottom of the flask, and passuig up in rapid suc- cession through the water.

At 80 deg. the water became much aghated by tiic rapid disengagement of the gas, and its transparency slightly affected by a faint milky ai)pcarance.

At 100 deg. tlie commotion in the water, from the abundant escape of gas, continued to increase as the temperature advanced, and the milkiness became mure conspicuous.

At 150 dog. the profusion of air bubbles con- tmucd, and there appeared a very delicate white j)f;llicle forming on tlie surface of the water, and the turijidncss assumed a browiiish shade.

At 180 (leg. the air bubbles still continued to ♦jscape in great abundance, and the pelhcle ap- peared broken and began to be ileposited, togeth- II

86 DESCRIPTION OF THE SPRIXGS.

er with a light flaky powder, which accumulated at the bottom of the flask.

At 200 deg. the water became less turbid, and the escape of gas had nearly ceased. It was then suffered to boil for the space of half an hour, and then removed from the sand bath; and when cold, it became nearly clear and exhibited an a- bundance of a reddish brown sediment. It had lost its pungent acid flavor, but was decidedly more saline.

ExperiMiCMts ^vitli Tests.

Exp. 1. Lime water, added in considerable quantity, produced a milky turbidness, which ter- minated in a pulverulent white precipitate. This effect is not produced on water that has been previousl}^ boiled.

Exp. 2. Tincture of litmus produced a light red colour, when added to water just dipped from the wxll. Litmus paper was likewise reddened by plunging it into the water and retaining it there a few minutes ; the blue colour of the litmus paper was, however, restored on exposing it for a few minutes to the air, or on drying it by the fire. The water, after being boiled, had no effect on the colour of htmus paper ; but strips of this pa-

EXPERIMENTS WITH TEST*. 87

per, reddened with distilled vinegar and then dipped into the water, had its blue colour re- stored.

Exp. 3. Tincture of red cabbage produced a beautiful green colour, and this was effected as readily after the water had been boiled as before ; the effect, however, was best displayed on water that had been considerably concentrated by evap- oration.

Exp. 4. Tincture of turmeric was converted into an orange colour when added to a quantity of the water, and when the water had been much concentrated by boiling, it was im'mediately con- verted into a brick red.

Exp. 5. Tincture of nutgalls, dropped into the water when taken recently from the spring, in- stantly produced a light purple tinge, which be- came much deeper after standing some time ex- posed to the air. No such eftect was produced on water that had been previously boiled.

Exp. C). Prussiate of potash produced a slight green tinge, whicii, after standing some lime, be- came azuie. Tiiis experiment succeeded best when the water had been previously saturated with sulphuric or muriatic acid ; it then termina-

88 Congress spring.

ted in producing a precipitate of Prussian blue- On water that had been boiled, or suffered to stand for some time exposed to the air, the prus^- siate of potash had no sensible effect.

Exp. 7. Muriate of barytes, after standing some minutes mixed with the water fresh from the fountain, produced a slight cloudiness, which terminated in a white precipitate, which was en- tirely dissolved with effervescence in muriatic acid. When the water liad been considerably concentrated, the precipitate was formed much more rapidly.

Exp. 8. Bar^^tic water, when mixed with the water considerably concentrated by boiling, pro- duced a white precipitate, which, like tliat in Exp. 7, was entirely dissolved with effervescence in muriatic acid.

Exp. 9. Oxalic acid produced an immediate active effervescence, which was succeeded by a dense white precipitate.

Exp. 10. Oxalate of ammonia produced an immediate turbidness, which terminated in a copi- ous white precipitate ; when applied to water that had been boiled for some time, a slight change in. its transparency only was produced.

EXPERIMENTS WITH TESTS. 89

Exp. 1 1 . Carbonate of ammonia, when added in considerable quantities, produced a faint milky turbidness ; but, on the addition of the phosphate of soda, a copious white granular precipitate was immediately formed.

Exp. 12. Pure ammonia produced an immedi- ate change in the transparency of the water, .which was followed by a copious precipitate.

Exp. 13. Pure potash produced nearly" the same effect.

Exp. 14. Sulphuric acid produced an instan- taneous and very rapid effervescence, which re- sulted in an abundant white precipitate.

Exp. 15. Nitric and muriatic acid produced a similar discngagoinent of gas, but their effect was not followed by a pr jcij)itate of any kind.

Exp. 10. Nitrate of silver produced a thick cloud, which immediately collected into flakes and fell to the bottom of tho vessel in great abund- ance. This effect was the same on water that hat! been boiled as on that which had not. The precipitate was of a white curdy appearance when first produced, but. soon became of a dark muddy colour. This change of colour, however^

so CONGRESS SPRING.

did not take place when the vessel containing the mixture was kept excluded from the rays of Kght

Exp. 17. Muriate of platina produced no ef- fect, either on water fresh from the fountain, or on that which had been previously boiled ; but by evaporating two gallons of the water by a slow heat, until cubic crj^stals began to form, fil- tering the remaining liquor and again evaporating until its bulk was much reduced by the crystalli- zation of its saline ingredients, and then adding a small quantity of this test to the remaining solu- tion, a very minute quantity of a bright yellow precipitate was produced.

Exp. 18. Chlorine gas. To a portion of the solution obtained from four gallons of water, in the manner related in the foregoing experiment, a quantity of chlorine gas was transmitted, which immediately converted the liquid into a reddish yellow colour. A small quantity of pure sulphu- ric ether dissolved the coloring substance of the solution, becoming itself of a hyacinth red tint ; and this was again rendered colourless, by the ad- dition of a drop or two of costic potash.

Exp. 19. A solution of starch was added to a ^rortion of the water, containing the soluble salts.

INFERENCES. 91

evaporated until crystallization commenced ; to this solution a few drops of dilute sulpuric acid was added, which gave to the whole solution a deep violet colour, which was destroyed by the introduction of a stream of chlorine.

INFERENCES,

Drawn from the foregoing observations and ex- periments. •

1st. That this fountain has its source at a great depth in the earth, as is evinced from the regular- ity of its temperature at various and extreme states of the atmosphere, and from the circumstance of its being but slightly affected by wet and dry weather.

2d. That the water of this fountain retains its original properties, or its medicinal qualities, the same at least as they were twenty years ago, as is evinced by the uniformity of its specific gravity during that period.

3d. That it contains a large proportion of a gas- eous material in a free and in a combined state, as is made evident by the eflects produced by the application of heat.

92 CONGRESS SPRING.

4th. That* the gas so copiously evolved from the water is the carbonic acid or fixed air, as is inferred from Exp. 1 and 2.

5th. That the water contains a carbonated al- kaH, agreeably to Exp. 3 and 4.

Gth. That oxide of iron forms one of the con- stituent properties of the water, and that it is held in solution by an excess of carbonic acid, agi'eea- bly to Exp. 5 and 6.

7th. That it does not contain sulphuric acid un- der any form or combination, as is evinced from the action of muriate of barytcs and barytic water ; the effect which these tests produce being referi- ble to their union with a carbonated alkaK. See Exp. 7 and 8.

8th. That it contains carbonate of lime in abun- dance, agreeably to Exp. 9 and 10.

9th. That it contains a large proportion of car- bonate of magnesia, agreeably to Exp. 11.

lOlh. That the carbonates contained in the water form a large proportion of the ingredi- ents held in solution, agreeably to Exp. 12, 13, 14 and 15.

INFERENCES. 9S

11th. That it contams a large proportion of a muriatic salt, agreeably to Exp. 16.

12th. That the carbonated alkali, evinced by Exp. 3 and 4, is the carbonate of soda, as is made evident by Exp. 17. This experiment, likewise, indicates tlie presence of a minute quantity of the vegetable alkali or potassa.

13th. That the water contains the newly dis- covered elementary substance termed hrome or bromine, is made abundantly evident by Exp. 18.

14th. That iodine forms another of the constit- uent properties of this interesting and truly distin- guished water, is satisfactorily demonstrated by Exp. i9.

Thus, then, we have certain indications, as far as tests can be relied on, that the water of this fountain holds the following substances in solu- tion, viz.

Cari)onic Acid, Muriatic Acid,

Soda, Potassa or Potash,

Iron, Bromine, and

Lime, Iodine. Magnesia,

94 CONGRESS SPRING.

It remains to investigate the manner in which these substances are combined, and to determine the proportions in which they enter into the com- position of the water.

EXAMINATION OF Til* GASEOtS CONTENTS OF THE WATER.

A quantity of the gas was procured in the fol- lowing manner: A large bladder was prepared, and to its mouth w-as secured a stopcock, to the end of which was fitted the small aperture of a large glass funnel. Tiie funnel was inverted in the spring, and as soon as it became filled with gas, the stop cock attached to tlie bladder was appHed, and the bladder, which was dry and had been pre- viously emptied by rolling, was now suffered to fill with the gas as it escaped from the water. In this way a sufficient quantity of the gas, for all the purposes of experimenting, may readily be ob- tained at any time.

A quantity of this gas was pressed from the bladder into a tumbler, in which was inmiersed a lighted taper, which was immediately extin- guished.

A sprigiitly live mouse was confined in the bot- tom of a glass which was filled with the gas, and it expired in less fhan a minute.

GASEOUS CONTENTS. 95

Ii was emptied O'om one glass to another, and continued to occupy its station in tlie glasses for some minutes, evincing its presence by continuing to extinguish flame, ccc.

A small quantity of the gas was pressed from the bladder into a glass vessel containing a quan- tity of pure transparent lime-water. It immedi- ately became milky, and threw down a white pre- cijiitate, which dissolved in dilute muriatic acid with a strong effervescence.

Litmus paper, a little moistened and immersed in a glass containing the gas was immediately col- oured red, but retained its florid colour no longer than it retained its moisture.

A (iuantity f)f the gas was passed up from the hh'hlcr into a graduated glass jar, flilcd with and inverted in a solution of costic potash. A largo [)r<!pasi'tion of the gas was almost inin;of;iatcly ab- sorbed by the solution, wiiile a very j.v.niil quantity remained in the top of the jar appar.jntly unaflcci- cd by it. Gd< %\as continuiid to be added to the cr.nte'Uls of the jar until its graduated sides indica- ted a quantity (jf t(;n inch's, \\hi(:h remained and continued undissolved by the costic S(/lution. To tc-:t the properties of the remaining ten inches, a piece of phosphoiMis was secured to the end of a wire and passed u[) into the gas, and being bronglit

^ CONGRESS SPRING.

close to the side of this jar, was ignited by the cautious application of a heated iron to the out- side. It burned for a moment with its usual bril- liancy, but soon became dim and went out. It was again lit, by the re-application of the hot iron, but was extinguished in the same breath, and could not again be rekindled, although it was slightly fused by the application of the iron. The gas in the jar was at first a little dilated, but after being cooled to its former temperature, it was found to have sustained a diminution of bulk to the amount of about two inches, or one fifth of the whole ; thus demonstrating that the gas, remain- ing unaffected by the operation of the solution of costic potash, was pure atmospheric air.

From the results of these experiments, then, we are bound to infer that the gas which escapes in such profusion from this spi'ing consists simply of the carbonic acid, with a small proportion of at- mosphei'ic air. To ascertain the proportions of each, and the amount contained in a given quan- tity of the water, the following method was adop- ted :

A tin bottle or jar, of the capacity of two quarts or 115.5 cubic inches, was procured, and its mouth secured and rendered perfectly tight by the appli- cation of a well adjusted stopcock ; to this was

GASEOUS CONTENTS. 9*l[

Kicely fitted one end of a small flexible leaden tube, about two feet in length, at the other end of which was altachcd a capacious and well prepai'cd bladder. This jar was filled with the water to be examined, at the spring, and the stopcock imme- diately applied and secured. It was then placed in a water bath, and the bladder connected with the flexible tube being previously well emptied, was suspended in a large glass vessel fitted for the purpose, and filled witii pure water of the tempe- rature of GO deg. Tiio tube having received a proper curvature, was connected with the stop- cock. Ilcat was now applied to the bath in which the jar containing the water was placed, the valve of the cock opened, and the gas suffered to escape through the tube into the bladder, which, as it di- lated, forced the water in which it was suspended over into a glass jar prepared for its reception and gauged to half inches. It is obvious that the quantity of water remaining in the graduated jar at the end of the process would indicate very accurately the quantity of gas received in the bladder.

This apparatus fur (IcterminiMg the quantity of gas contained in the water, aside from the mercu- rial trough, is urK[iK'stioiial;Iy the Itcst that could 1)0 adopted, and is in ((Vcct the same as that re- commended by the laic Sir Ilum})hrey Davy in

I

98 COKGRESS SPRING.

his analysis of soils. It however subjects the ex- periment to the probability of some trifling inac- curacies. It is obvious that the walls of the wet bladder may absorb a small proportion of the car- bonic acid, and thereby render the quantity ap- parently less than what it really is ; and it is equally certain that the quantity of atmospheric air contained in the tube, together with the small quantity remaining in the bladder, (for it cannot be entirely excluded,) must add somewhat to the quantity obtained. The difference, however, in the result is too trifling to merit a serious consid- eration. The reception of the gas over mercury would unquestionably be attended with the great- est degree of accuracy ; but the difficulty of pro- curing a suiTicient quantity of that article in the country for the purpose of accurate experiments, entirely precluded the possibility of having re- course to that method.

With this apparatus, adjusted in the manner just described, two quarts or 115.5 cubic inches of the water of this spring ahordcd 159 inclics of gas, at the temperature of GO dcg. and a pressure of the atmosphere, indicated by the mercury of the barometer, standing at 29. o inch. Of tlii.5 159 inches, 155.5 were absorbed by a solution of caustic potash, leaving 8.5 inches on which the solution had no eflfoct. The proportion of the two

GASEOUS CONTENTS. 99

gases, then, contained in two quarts of the water,

will stand thus :

Inch. Carbonic acid gas, 155.5

Atmospheric air, 3.5

Amount contained in 2 qts. of water, 159.5

It is rendered more than probable, from the re- sult of repeated experiments, that the quantity of- gas contained in a given quantity of the water is not always exactly the same. The variation, however, is never sufficient to produce any per- ceptible difterence in the sensible qualities of the water, as it appears always to retain in combina- tion considerably more than its bulk, besides a considerable quantity of disengaged or free car- bonic acid. The same quantity of water has af- forded at different times, under exactly similar states of temperature and pressure of the atmos- phere, 150, 150, 159, 1(31 and 170 cubic inches. From two quarts of the water that had been ex- posed in an open vessel for twenty-four hours, in a temperature of 00 degrees, was obtained 1 12 cubic inches of gas.

It would tlicrtjf jre appear that the difference in these results arises j)riiirij)aily from the /)yc car- Ijonic acid diffused in the water, being in a greater or less f[nantity, and n<>t from any deficiency or

iOO CONGRESS SPRING.

increase in that portion of the gas retained in it ia a state of combination or solution.

The portion of free or uncombined gas must be considerably affected by the frequent and violent agitation of the water in the well, occasioned by the process of dipping it out for use, and in filling- bottles for transportation ; and to this circum- stance may be imputed the variations alluded to. But it is not impossible that the quantity of tlie gas extricated from the interior of the earth, un- der various circumstances and at different times, should become more or less abundant.

EXAMINATION OF THE SOLID CONTENTS OF THE WATERS.

It has already been shown, by the application of tests, &c. that some of the solid ingredients w'hich form a constituent part of the contents of the water, are in such minute quantities as to re- quire the evaporation of a large portion in order to arrive at accurate results in estimating their quantities, while others enter so liberally into its composition as to be more readily and accurately determined by separating them from a much less quantity of the water. The following process was adopted r

SOUD CONTENTS. 101

A given quantity of the water was taken fresh from the spring and placed in a clean porcelain basin, and suffered to evaporate in a water bath heated by a small lamp, and kept at a temperature in no instance exceeding 160 deg. of Fahrenheit. The basin was secured from the intrusion of for- eign substances by a cover of two or three folds of fine crape. In this manner it was suffered to dry gradually away, until cubic crystals began to form along the sides of the basin. It was then removed from the bath, and, while warm, thrown upon a filter, and the insoluble mass well washed with hot recently distilled water, and then carefully re- moved from the filter into a glass basin, which was placed in a water bath, and its contents dried in a temperature of 212 deg. In this way the solid contents of the water were divided into two parts, soluble and uiDoluble.

Examinatioji of the soluble juirts. Two separate parcels of the soluble salts or filtered solutions, each obtained from forty-five cubic inches of the water, were subjected to tiic following examination :

Parcel 1st was placed in a glass basin and evaporated in a water bath to dryness, at a low temperature The rcmaiiiing crystallized mass was finely |)ulvcrize'l in a glass nrjrlar, and again

102 CONGRESS SPRING.

dried at a temperature of 160 deg. for several' hours. Over this dry saline residuum was poured a small quantity of alcohol, of the specific gravity of 0.815. After standing some time and being frequently agitated, the whole was thrown on a filter, and what remained on the paper, after be- ing well washed by repeated applications of small quantities of alcohol, was again dried and num- bered 1. The alcoholic solution was evaporated to dryness at a low temperature, and again digest- ed in a much smaller quantity of alcohol, of the same specific gravity as before. A few very mi- nute cubic crystals remained undissolved by this last portion of the alcohol. They consisted of the muriate of soda, which had been taken up by the larger portion of the alcohol used in the first washing of the saline mass. They were transfer- red to No. 1. The alcoholic solution w^as again evaporated and dried, and weighed while warm something more than 0,7 of a grain. This was dissolved in a cold solution of starch, in a small test tube, and a drop or two of dilute sulphuric acid added. The whole immediately assumed a deep purple tinge, which, on standing some time, was precipitated with the starch, giving to it the w^ell known characteristic blue color afforded by the presence of Iodine, A few bubbles of chlo- rine gas were passed into the mixture. The blue color faded immediately and disappeai-ed,

SOLID CONTENTS. 103

An equal quantity of this salt, obtained from the same quantity of the water and in the same way, was dissolved in a fluid drachm of pure wa- ter, to which a drop or two of the muriate of platina was added. No indications of potasli were manifested ; the solution remained scarcely alter- ed in its color, and no precipitate appeared..

Iodine may exist in a mineral water in the state of an iodic or h(/dr iodic acid, combined with either of the alkalies, potash or soda forming the iodate or hydriodate of the alkali with which they are united. The presence of potash is only indicated in the water by experimenting on large portions ; it is not satisfactorily indicated even in the residu- um of a gallon, and not at all in that obtained from forty-five cubic inches of the water, as has just been shown. It follows, therefore, that soda is the alkaline base which retains the acid in ques- tion, forming the iodate or hydriodate of soda.

It has already been shown that alcohol dissolves the whole of the substance which discovers the presence of iodine ; and as iodate of soda is not soluble in that menstruni, we are bound to infer that the salt in (juostion is the In/driodatc of soda.

The inconsidcrablcncss of this salt aftordcd by the above quantity of the water not admitting of

104 CONGRESS SPRING.

all the accuracy desirable in estimating the quan- tity of so important an article, recourse was had to another process ; the dry soluble salt^ obtained from two gallons, or 402 cubic inches of the wa- ter, was submitted to the action of alcohol with the same precaution as before related, and from this quantity was obtained a trifle over 7 grains. It exhibited all the characteristic properties of the hydriodate of soda already noticed, and in addi- tion afforded evidences of containing a trace of bromine and potash : substances, the character and properties of which will be ipvestigated in another paragraph. ,

These seven grains of the hydriodrate of soda, together with several other smaller parcels of the same salt obtained at different times from differ- ent quantities of the water, were together placed in a Florence flask and dissolved in an ounce or two of pure water ; the flask was placed over a spirit lamp, and as its contents became hot, a few drops of sulphuric acid were added to the solu- tion, when the well known purple fumes of iodine appeared very conspicuous at the neck of the flask, furnishing the niDst incontcstible evidence of the presence of that substance.

Having thus finished the investigation relating to the presence and quantify of iodine, the further

SOLID CONTENTS. 105

separation of the soluble salts was resumed. The mass numbered 1 of parcel I, which remained after the action of the alcohol, was dissolved in an ounce of pure water, and dilute acetic acid added in small quantities at a time as long as any effervescence was produced. Tlie whole was then dried at a low temperature, and again digested in alcohol of the same specific gravity as before ; it was filtered, and the filtered solution evaporated, and a quantity of acetate of soda procured. Tliis was subjected to a low red heat, in a platina capsule, tlie acetic acid was thus ex- pelled, and the sub-carbonate of soda remained, weighing 1.25 grains, equivalent to 1.75 grains of the bi-carbonatc ; in which state it probably enters into the composition of the water.

Tlie remaining saline substance was dissolved in a quantity of pure water, in a suitable precipi- tating glass, and to the clear solution was added a solution of the nitrate of silver ; it was added in small quantities at a time, as long as any tur- bidness was produced. It was then filtered, washed with ropcatwl portions of distilled water, and the precipitate carefully dried ; it allorded 182. 5 grains ol" chloride of silver, ccinivalent to 75 "rains of ilie chloride of sodium, or sea spJt.

106 COXGRESS SPRIXG.

In order to test the accuracy of the foregoing results, parcel II, which had been reserved for this purpose, was evaporated, its contents dried and digested in alcohol, with the same precau- tions as parcel I, and exactly the same quantity of hyrdiodate of soda obtained. The remaining salts were dissolved in two ounces of pure water, and a solution of muriate of barytes added in small portions, as long as any precipitate or dis- coloration was produced. The precipitate was now obtained on a filter, washed with pure water, and carefully dried ; It weighed 2.3 grains. It dissolved entire in dilute muriatic acid with effervescence, and was rendered insoluble in water by the addition of sulphuric acid. It was therefore the carbonate of barytes, the muriate of which had been decomposed ; the muriatic acid of the barytes had united to the soda, form- ing muriate of soda, while the carbonic acid of the soda had united to the divorced barytes, forming the insoluble salt, carbonate of barytes, 2.3 grains of which is equivalent to 1.25 grains of the sub-carbonate of soda, or 1.75 of the bi-car- bonatc, as near as weights and scales can be sup- posed to make it.

This result, corresponding so nearly with the other, might give to this mode of separating the carbonate of soda from the muriate the prefer-

SOLID CONTENTS. 107

ence, provided the carbonate of magnesia be present ; the muriate of barytes is not decom- posed by that substance, but will remain in solu- tion with the muriate of soda when the carbonate of soda is all decomposed. The magnesia may then be converted into a muriate by the addition of dilute muriatic acid, the whole dried, and the muriate of magnesia taken up by alcohol. This process was adopted in the present instance, but no muriate of magnesia was procured. It is to be presumed, therefore, that the carbonate of magnesia is not held ui solution with the soluble salts, at least not in sufficient quantity to be appreciated.

The discovery of iodine and bromine in some of the mineral springs of Europe led to the con- jecture that they might bo found to enter into the composition of the waters of ►Saratoga, and this conjecture v.-as strengthened by the knowledge (if their great efficacy in the cure of a variety of strumus aifectioiis, f r v.i)ic!i their known prop- erties did not very satisfactorily account.

Iodine was Hrst def^jctcd in th(}^o waters in the lull (jf 1.S28, and annouiircil in IStii), in the Amer- ican Journal of Science : and Afi". A. A. Hayes, of New-llaven, <.\<A<:cicd bromine and potasli,

108 CONGRESS SPRING.

and announced the discovery in the same Journal in July, 1830.

The spare quantity afforded by the water of the two last substances, makes it necessary to operate on a large portion in order to obtain de- cisive evidence of their presence. Mr. Hayes says that he obtained the knowledge of the fact from " a portion of the dry saline matter left after evaporating a large quantity of the water." It has already been shown that their existence in a gallon of the water is at least equivocal.

With a view to corroborate the result of the experiments already noticed, the saline residuum of four gallons, or 924 cubic inches of the water was procured, effused in distilled water, filtered, and the filtered solution evaporated by a slow process, until a large portion of the muriate of soda had crystallized ; the remaining liquor was treated with chlorine gas, and then agitated with a portion of pure sulphuric ether. On the addi- tion of chlorine the liquid assumed an orange yel- low color, which was all taken up by the ether, which then became of a hyacinth or reddish brown tint, arose to the surface, and formed a perfect line of distinction in the liquid contents of the glass ; the etherial solution was removed by means of a glass syringe, and a drop or two of a

SOLID CONTENTS. 100

solution of caustic potash added to it, it immedi- ately became colorless, and on suftering the solu- tion to evaporate in a low temperature, a few minute cubic crystals of the hydro-bromate of potash were deposited.

Another portion of the salts produced from four gallons of the water was obtained and pre- pared as above by concentrating the solution of the soluble salts, until nearly all the muriate of soda was crystallized. To the clear yellowish colored liquor which remained was added a few drops of the muriate of platina. It produced an immediate fine yellow colored precipitate, indica- ting the presence of a small quantity of potash.

These experiments fully establish the existence oihrominr in this water. It is in the state of the hydro-bromic acid united to potash, forming the hydro-bromate of potash ; its quantity, however, is extremely small, and can ordy be accurately determined by more extensive and labored ope- rations.

Examinalion of tite Tnsol able parts.

Having thus sci)arated and determined the quantities ot" the various ingrcchents soluble in pure water, the saline mass remaining on the li!-

K

110 CONGRESS SPRING.

ter, after the action of that fluid, was next sub- mitted to examination.

The whole quantity of this substance obtained from 45 cubic inches of the water was placed in a Florence flask, and dilute nitric acid poured over it as long as any effervescence was pro- duced ; the acid was then added in slight excess, and the flask placed over a spirit lamp, and its contents suffered to boil for half an hour ; it was then removed from the stand, and when cold, a minute quantity of a grayish white powder was observed in the bottom of the flask, which re- mained undissolved by the operation of the dilute acid ; this was separated from the clear solution on a filter, and after being well washed, with dis- tilled water, was dried at a low red heat in a platina crucible. It produced a whitish colored powder, of a rough dry feeling when rubbed be- tween the fingers, and when fused with a little carbonate of soda produced a greenish colored glass. It was therefore pure silix. It weighed as nearly as could be ascertained 0.25 grains.

The filtered solution was then placed in a pre- cipitating glass, and a small quantity of a solution of pure ammonia added ; it produced a brownish coloured cloud in the clear solution, which, after adding a sufficient quantity of the ammonia, sub-

SOLID CONTENTS. Ill

sided to the bottom of the flask m the form of a brown sediment. This Nvas removed by filtering, and, being well washed, was dried and brought to a red heat in a platina crucible, and was then again dissolved in dilute nitric acid, and again pre- cipitated by ammonia, filtered, and the filtered so- lution added to that of the previous process. What remained on the filter was dried again at a red heat, and was the pure red or per-oxide of iron, and weighed about 0.75 of a grain. The quantity, however, of this, as well as that of the silix, will, for the sake of greater accuracy, be de- termined from a larger portion of the w ater.

After thus separating the silix and iron, the re- maining solution, consisting of the nitrate of lime and magrfcsia, was transferred to a porcelain evap- orating Ijasin, and suftercd to evaporate over a moderate heat until crystals began to appear. The nitrate was then converted into a sulphate, by adding dilute sulphuric acid in excess, and evaporating the new compound nearly to dryness. The residuum was then transferred to a platina crucible, and gradually brought to a low red heat. ^Vhat remained consisteil purely of sulphate of lime and magnesia, and weighed, while warm, 41.;") grains. To separate these two sahs, a sat- urated sfjiution of sulphate of lime in distilled wa- ter was used ; it dissolved tiic sulphate of magnc-

112 CONGRESS SPRING.

sia, which was filtered from the remaining insolu- ble sulphate of lime, and this last was again dried at-a low red heat, and weighed while warm 24 grains, equivalent to 19.11 grains of the carbonate of lime.

The sulphate of lime in solution with the sul- phate of magnesia was separated by the oxalate of ammonia, carefully added, the solution filtered, evaporated, and the residual salt brought to a red heat, and weighed while warm exactly 17.5 grains. It was the sulphate of magnesia, equiva- lent to 12.25 grains of the carbonate of magnesia, or 18.66 grains of the bi-carbonate.

To determine with more precision the actual quantity of iron, one gallon of the water was evap- orated, and the insoluble part of its residiuum ob- tained by filtering, dissolved in dilute nitric acid, and boiled for the space of half an hour in a Flor- ence flask. The silix which remained undissol- ved by the acid in the flask was separated, and. after being subjected to a red heat, weighed while warm 1.5 grains. The iron was then precipita- ted by the addition of a solution of pure ammonia, as before described, dried at a red heat, and then re-dissolved in dilute nitric acid, to free it from any impurities which might have been precipita- ted along with it by the action of the caustic am- m.onia in the first operation. It was again pre-

SOLID CONTENTS. 113

cipitated in the same way, dried at a red heat in a platina crucible, and weighed while warm 3.5 grains. It was the red, or per-oxide of iron, equivalent to 5.075 grains of the carbonate of iron.

RECAPITULATION.

From the foregoing experiments and deductions, one gallon, or 231 cubic inches, of the water of the Congress Spring contains the following sub- stances, viz.

Chloride of Sodium, (sea salt) 385.0 Ilydriodate of Soda, 3.5

Bi-carbonate of Soda, 8.982

Bi-carbonate of Magnesia, 95.788

Carbonate of Lime, 98.098

Carbonate of Iron, 5.075

Sihx, 1.5

Ilydro-bromatc of Potash, a trace

597.9 43 grs. Carbonic acid gas, 311

Atmospheric air, 7

Gaseous contents, 318 cubic inches.

V\'atcr. at the usual temperature and pressure of the atmosphere, can only dissolve its own bulk

114 COXGRESS SPRrKG.

of carbonic acid. As this water contains near!}- one third more than that quantity, it becomes. a subject of some interest to ascertain by what means it acquires so large a proportion of this gas.

It is well known that the sub-carbonates of soda and magnesia, when dissolved in water saturated with carbonic acid, receive an additional portion of the acid, and become bi-earbonates. These bi-carbonates are how^ever decomposed by the application of heat, and at the temperatui'e of boil- ing water, or 212'^, they part with the additional portion of the acid, and become again sub-carbo- nates, in which state these salts are obtained from the water after boiling. The quantity of carbonic acid given off in this way by the bi-carbonates of soda and magnesia passing into sub-carbonates, will account very satisfactorily for the quantity obtained from the water over and above its bulk.

It will be observed that the quantity of carbon- ic acid obtained from one gallon exceeds its bulk by 80 cubic inches, which, allowing 100 cubic inches to weigh 4G.57 grains, will amoujit to 37.25 grains ; and the additional portion of carbonic acid taken up by the quantity of soda and magnesia found in the water, in order to constitute the bi- carbonates, will amount to about 35.5 gz*ains. a

REMARKS. 115

correspondence sufficiently accurate to justify the position here taken.

This water has been repeatedly analyzed by a number of" professed chemists ; but the results of their examinations have been so discordant as to aftbrd but little confidence in their correctness. These results, however, do not differ so much in the variety of the articles produced, as in the quan- tities of those acknowledged to be present. Much of this dilTerence may be imputed to the various methods adopted to separate the constituent prop- erties, and to the different states in which these properties are produced; some of them being in a state of crystallization containing a large por- tion of water, while the same article is obtained under ajiothcr process in a perfectly dry state, producing an essential difference in the apparent quantity. But the greatest cause of the discord- ant results is the transportation of the water from the spring. It is usually bottled, perhaps imper- fectly corked, transf)ortcd to a considerable dis- tance, and then sufl'ered to stand m a quiescent state, subjected to a variety of temperature, until the conv(.'i)i(.nce of the clu.'inist affords an oportu- nity fjrits (;xaininati()n. In this way it must ne- cessarily |)art with a lai'go share of its carbonic acid and the substances held in solution by it are of course [)recipituled. Ilence no iron, or but

116 CONGRESS SPRING.

equivocal traces of it, are obtained from the wa- ter thus procured ; while at the fountain, its pres- ence is clearly demonstrated by the most simple experiments : indeed, the mere deposit from the water, as it passes from the spring, affords incon- testible evidence of its presence. It is therefore abundantly evident, that in order to obtain any thing like an accurate knowledge of the proper- ties and proportions of the various salts which en- ter into the composition of this water, the analysis should be conducted on the spot.

The late Professor Dana suggested the idea, that some of the substances obtained from the water by analysis might be the product of the operation, and not an original ingredient ; and added, that " carbonate of soda and muriate of magnesia might exist in solution together in this dilute state, without their mutual affinities being exerted ; but when the solution was concentrated, carbonate of magnesia and muriate of soda would be formed ;" and he therefore inferred, that in- stead of the muriate of soda and carbonate of mag- nesia, as procured from a quantity of tliis water, the basis of these two salts actually existed in the water in the state of the muriate of magnesia and carbonate of soda.

fi£M\RKS. 117

This subject has been subsequently investigated by Dr. Murray. He alleges, from numerous ex- periments, that from evaporating the solvent, he procured salts different from those known to be in the solution. This induced him to call in ques- tion the usual modes of analysis ; and he proposed another method of determining the state of com- bination of the ingredients obtained from mineral waters, founded upon the principle that the force of affinity is much influenced by the operation of external circumstances ; and that when these occur, compounds may be formed different from those which owe their origin to the pure force of affinity. Professor Brando, however, of the royai institution of London, will not admit the existence of incompatible salts to the extent which Dr. Murray's principle requires.

Be this as it may, facts do not wari'ant the be- lief that the operation of the princ!j)ic, if establish- ed, is exerted in the formation of any of the salts contained in this water. If a part of the muriatic acid, which goes to form the muriate of soda in the concentrated solution, is really united to the magnesia or lime while in a more dilute state, it follows of cours(!, tiiat the (juantity of the carbo- nate of soda at the same time mu^^^t be considera- bly incrcas(xl ; but this docs not aj)pear to be the fact. The application of appropriate tests to the

118 CONGRESS SPRING.

water fresh from the spring, indicate but faintly the presence of a carbonated alkali ; but as the water is concentrated, the existence of this article becomes more and more apparent ; whereas, di- rectly the reverse of this would be the case, if the suggestion of Professor Dana was correct. It is therefore more than probable that the substances obtained are actually those which enter into the composition of the water, and constitute its active medicinal properties.

MEDICAL HISTORY.

The medicinal qualities of this spring have ac- quired for it a reputation abroad to which no oth- er fountain in the United States has yet attained ; and it is highly probable, from the active ingredi- ents which enter into its composition, that it will continue to retain an ascendancy which has been so liberally and so justly conferred upon it. Such are its rare and peculiar properties, that while it operates as an active and efficient medicine, it possesses the properties of an agreeable and de- lightful beverage ; and it is daily sought after and drank by all classes of people, for no other pur- pose than simply to gratify the palate or to allay the thirst. And although in this way it is fre- quently taken in sufficient quantities to produce its most active effects upon the bowels, it is sel-

MEDICAL HISTORY. 119

dom, if ever, known to be attended with any un- pleasant consequences, but is always considered by those who thus use it as invigorating and healthy.

From one to three pints of the water, taken in the morning before eating, usually operates freely as a catiiartic, and at the same time has a most powerful effect in increasing the ordinary secre- tions of the kidneys ; but its operation, like that of all other medicines, is much influenced by the condition of the stomach and bowels at the time of receiving it, as well as by the state of the sys- tem generally. It therefore frequently happens that a nuich larger quantity seems to be required, in order to produce its characteristic effect upon the bowels ; and invalids have been known to drink twenty, thirty and even forty tumblers full of it in a morning witliout much apparent incon- venience. It requires, however, but a slight ac- fiuaintance with the properties of tiic water, to satisfy any rational mind, that such a procedure is highly improper and even dangerous. Quantities so immoderate can never be usefid to persons who are eitlipr infirm or in health ; and there are numerous instanrcs in which tlu;y have produced conseciuences of a very alarming character.

It is a catiiartic. possessing evidently interesting and important qualities, and as such it is recom-

120 CONGRESS SPRING.

mended and used in all those chronic diseases where cathartics and gentle aperients are indica- ted ; and such are its peculiar effects, when judi- ciously administered, that it may be persevered in for almost any length of time, and a daily increas- ed evacuation from the bowels produced without debilitating the alimentary canal, or in any way impairing the digestive powers of the stomach ; but on the contrary, the spirits, appetite and gen- eral health will be improved and invigorated.

It is obvious that the mode and management of taking the water must depend altogether upon the nature of the case for which it is administered, and the consequent kind of effect desired to be produced from it. As it is directed simply for its cathartic or aperient properties, it is in almost all cases important that its operation should be speedily and promptly effected. The quantity re- quired to produce the effect desired must be varied with different persons ; and even the same per- sons at different times, and under different cir- cumstances, will require different portions. It is therefore impossible to fix upon any certain quan- tity that will apply in all cases : much must be left to the judgment and discretion of the invalid himself. In ordinary cases, tlirce pints taken on an empty stomach, an hour or two before eating, and followed by a proper share of exercise, will

MEDICAL HISTORY. 121

be found amply sufficient for all the purposes re- quired. Should this quantity however be found inadequate to the effect, it will be better to relin- quish the use of it altogether for the day, than to attempt to produce a different result by additional potations of the water. On the following morn- ing the quantity may be increased to another pint ; and should there be fears of the inadequacy of this quantity from extreme constipation of the bowels or other causes, a tea-spoonful or two of epsom salts may be added to the first tumbler. This will insure a competent operation, and the invalid will soon be enabled by his experience to determine the quantity which his case requires.

In cases where the stomach and bowels have been for a long time subjected to the effect of morbid excitement, and the whole system ener- vated by the deranged functions of the assimilat- ing organs, the quantity here recommended will be altogether inadmissible. The effects of disten- tion, and the abstraction of temperature conse- quent upon admitting so large a quantity of cold water into a stomach thus enfeebK-d, can scarcely lail of being highly detrimental. Reliance there- fore must not be placed upon the water in these i-ases, to move the bowels ; it can only be used as an auxiliary to that purpose, and should always be associated with some other cathartic medicine I.

122 CONGRESS SPRING.

suited to. the particular case. A little magnesia, magnesia and rhubarb or a laxative pill may be taken over night, and a tea-spoon or two of the sulphate of potass or magnesia, combined with a glass or two of the water in the morning, is usually advised.

The proper time for drinking the water of this spring is unquestionably in the morning — an hour or two before breakfast ; indeed, as a general rule it should not be meddled with at any other period of the day ; and it would be much better for those whose complaints rendei them fit sub- jects for its administration, if the fountain should be locked up and no one suffered to apj)roach it after the hour of nine or ten in the morning.

Nothing can be more absurd than the ridicu- lous practice of taking large potations of this water at all hours of the day, and particularly, immedi- ately after meals. Tiie impropriety of evacu- ating the contents of tlie stomach and bowels be- fore the assimilating powers of digestion have accomplished their labors, must be obvious to every one. It should therefore only be taken in the morning before eating, when its operation will be exerted in removing the fetid remnants of an impaired digestion, and evacuating the sordid and irritating accumulations induced by an en-

MEDICAL mSTORY. 123

feebled state of the intestinal canal. When this effect is produced, the water has accomplished all that can reasonably be expected from its use ; and the digestive organs being freed from their offensive feculent burthen, are left in a condition to act with better effect on the subsequent ali- ment which may be presented to them.

The invalid, whose health and strength will admit of it, should always rise as early as six o'clock at farthest, and when tlie weather is suit- able, repair to the spring, and take the water at the fountain head. The exercise necessarily connected with this mode of drinking the water, together with the invigorating effect of a whole- some atmosphere and amusing company, add much to its efficacy as a medicine.

The manner of drinking the water at the foun- tain requires but little attention. It is dipped from the spring in half pint tumblers, one of \vhich constitutes a very suitable quantity for a single draught. As it is intended to move the bowels, it is necessary that these draughts should be repeated in as quick succession as the condi- tion of the stomach will permit. As soon as the Bcnsc of fulness occasioned by the first tumbler has passed off, another may be taken, and so on until the quantity necessary to move the boweljj

i2t CONGRESS SPRmC.

has all been drank. This is usually accomplisli- ed in the course of half an hour, without materi- ally disturbing the tranquility of the stomach, and its effect is seldom delayed beyond the limits of an hour. Should this be the case, however,, and no operation effected before the period of breakfast arrives, a cup of coffee or tea, connect- ed with a light repast and suitable exercise, wil^ seldom fail of producing a speedy termination to the delay.

The low temperature of the water, in some cases, forms a serious objection to its being drank to the extent that is required. This may be rem- edied in some measure by securing the water in well corked bottles, and suffering them to stand in the room over night. In this situation the temperature of the water is elevated to that of the atmosphere of the room, and may be drank with less danger of producing chills. When these do succeed, after the above precaution, re- course is sometimes had to plunging the bottle into warm water a few times before removing the cork. This will unquestionably remedy the evil ; but the water will be more apt to produce nausea and other unpleasant disturbances of the stomach, not less injurious to the good effect to. be expected from its use than that of cliills...

^ MEDICAL HISTOKY. 125

It should always be remembered,. that by ele- vating the temperature of the water to any ex- tent, the escape of its carbonic acid becomes abundant, and it is thereby deprived of one of its most important ingredients, the loss of which renders it extremely insipid, and its cflocts are by no means so pleasant or useful.

The properly of this fountain has, within a few years, passed into the hands of Doct. John Clarke, who is now the sole proprietor and own- er of it. This gentleman has made it an object of his special care and attention, and it is to his liberality that the public are indebted for the convenient and cleanly manner in v^'hich the wa- ter is presented to them at the well, and for the improvements that have been made and are still making in its immediate vicinity, lie is likewise entitled to great credit for the care and attention Nvhich he bestows in putting up the water and preparing it for transportation. lie is now the only person through whom it can be procurcci ;* and such has been the success of his exertions, and the public estimation of its value, that it has

♦ Dr. Cbr';c has reserved to himself the exclusive right of bottl.i? aiul vciidini^ the v\;itcr, nnd the [luhlic may rely up- on rccf ivi:ijT it fiom him in as pcfftct u state Pa it ij capable of retairu;)!' wlieri bof.kcl.

126 CONGRESS SPRING.. ,

been introduced into almost every part of the world. There is scarcely a town in the United States of any magnitude that is not supplied with it, nor a vessel destined to any distant port that does not enumerate the Congress loater in the list of her sea stores or her freight.

The water loses much of its pungency and agreeable flavor from being bottled, and its iron is entirely deposited. It however retains its aperient properties in tolerable perfection, and if properly secured and kept in a quiescent state and even temperature, may be preserved to any length of time.

The practice of putting the water into wooden casks, earthen jugs, or tin canisters, for the pur- pose of transportation, as is sometimes done, is but little better than placing it in open vessels. It soon loses its vivifying gas, and becomes ex- tremely insipid and offensive. It can only be properly secured and preserved in strong glass bottles, Vv'ell corked, and the corks fastened by wiring.

From the known and acknowledged efficacy of the water as a medicine, it was inferred that its saline deposits might answer a valuable pur- pose in cases where the water could not be pro-

MEDICAL HISTORY. 127

cured, and at one time considerable quantities were manufactured for sale, by evaporation ; but the imperfect solubility of these salts renders them not only disagreeable, but frequently irri- tating and offensive to the stomach, and the pres- ent proprietor of the spring has very properly prohibited their further manufacture.

Influenced by the popular character of the water, individuals have been induced to attempt an artificial composition of it, and, under the im- posing names of " Congress Water" and " Sara- toga Powders," articles have been presented to the public which, although they possess aperient qualities, m reality bear no resemblance, either in their effects or their properties, to the mineral water, the name of which they have assumed. They may move the bowels, it is true, but in this they do not appear to possess any superiority over the common Scidlitz powder, which is now in every body's hands, and which, as a laxative medicine, in all ordinary cases, is undoubtedly to be preferred.

COLUMBIAiV SPRING.

This fountain is situated on the south side of the brook, about eight rods directly southwest from the Congress. . It discovers itself at the foot of a steep bank, consisting of loose sand and yellow loam.

The water being confined by a wooden curb, rises a few inches above the surface of the sur- rounding earth, and escapes through a small hole in the side of the curb, made for the purpose.

The well is sunk in the earth about six feet, and such is the supply of water, that it is difficult to remove it as fast as it accumulates, even with a bucket.

The surface of the water, when viewed in the fountain, does not present the simmering appear- ance so conspicuous in the Congress ; but the gas breaks up through it in much larger bubbles, at irregular intervals, giving to the water the re- semblance of a more violent ebulition.

The surface of tbe earth over which the water escapes, and the inside of the troughs which con-

COLUMBIAJ< SPRIXO, 120

duct it away, as well as the inside of the curb, arc covered with a thick ferruginous crust of a deep brown color.

ITic water itself is quite limpid, and when drank, betrays a strong chalybeate taste, and a pungency indicative of the presence of a large portion of carbonic acid. In its physical prop- erties generally, tbis water resembles the Con- gress in all respects, excepting its saline inipreg- natiop, which is evidently much less.

Its temperature at the bottom of tlic well U uniformly at 50 deg., and its specific gravity at the temperature of GO deg. The barometer, standing at 29. .3 inches, is 1007.3, pure water be- ing 1000.

The application of chemical tests to the water of this fountain indicates nothin"; to distinfruish it from tliat of the Congress, the same ingredients being dearly distinguished in both. They diflbr, however, in tlic quantities of the articles which they resj)ectively hold in solution, as is shown by the s[)ecific gravity of tiie two, as well as by the greater or less eflect produce-d by the application of re-agents. Indeed, in this respect there is a very perceptible diflcrence indicated i)y the taste alone.

130 COLIMBIAN SPRIWO.

By pursuing a process similar to that related in tlie analj'sis of the Congress water, one gallon^ or 231 cubic inches of this water, yielded the fol- lowing ingredients, viz.

Chloride of Sodium,	2G7.
Bi-carbonate of Soda,	15.4
Bi-carbonate of Magnesia,	46.71
Ilydrodate of Soda,	2.50
Carbonate of Lime,	08.
Carbonate of Iron,	5.58
Silix,	2.05
llydro-bromate of Potash,	scarcc-
ly a trace. Solid contents in a gallon.
407.3 gr.
Carbonic acid gas,	272.00
Atmospheric air,	4.5

Gaseous contents in a gallon, 270.50 inch.

This spring has been materially improved, by clearing out the well and securing it against the iiifrusion of fresh water, by means of a tight curb inserted to its bottom.

The water seldom oj^cratcs as a cathartic, un- less when taken in large quantities, or used by persons whose stomachs are extremely irritable,

WASHINGTON SPRING. 131

Its most obvious effects, when taken in proper doses, are diuretic, at the same time operating on the secretions and excretions generally. It like- wise manifests the powers of a mild and pleasant stimulant ; and from the large proportion of iron which enters into its composition, it occupies a distinguished rank among the tonic waters which the place affords.

MM*iiIi:VGTOX SPROG.

PuusnxG a southwest direction from the Co- lumbian Spring about fifty rods, wc come to the ^Vasliiiigton Si)ring, situated by the side of a rill of very pure water, which has its origin from the !)anks of sand at no great distance. The foun- tain is situated on ground considerably elevated abuve any of the others. It makes i;s aj)pear- anfi; at the surface through a bed of argillaceous marl of a deep blue color. The wal r, neverthe- less, is rcniark;ibly liiiij)id, and has been recently much improved, in all its sensible properties, by sinking the well to a much greater de])th, anil securii g it by a tight wooden curb.

It is a sparkling acidulous water. Its temper- ature is 50 deg. and its specilic gravity, at the

132 WASHINGTON SPRING.

temperature of 60 deg. under the ordinary pres- sure of the atmosphere, is 1007.8, and one gallon of it affords the following articles, viz.

Chloride of Sodium, grs. 281.5

Bi-carbonate of Soda, 16.5

Bi-carbonate of Magnesia, 40.92

Carbonate of Lime, 92.6

Carbonate of Iron, 3.25

Silix, 1.5

Hydriodate of Soda, 2.75

Solid contents in a gallon, grs. 439.02

Carbonic acid gas, 262.5

Atmospheric air, 6.8

Gaseous contents in a gallon, 269.3 inch.

This fountain was resorted to formerly, on ac- count of its retired situation, (it being then in a forest,) for the purpose of bathing ulcerated limbs and eruptive diseases of the body, for the cure of which it became quite distinguished. From this hint a large and commodious bath-house has been erected close to the spring, called the Washington Bath, which is supplied with mineral water from this spring. It has likewise the ad- vantage of the very pure stream of fresh water

WASmNGTON SPKLNG. 133

"which passes immediately under the building, for the purpose or ordinary bathing.

Near to this spring there has been erected a small fish-pond, which is abundantly supplied with pure water from the neighboring sand banks. With this pond is enclosed about an acre of ground, a part of which is tastefully laid out into walks ; and on the margin of the little pool is es- tablished a bowling alley and billiard table, the w^hole of which is screened and shaded by the native pine and other forest trees, forming a very pleasant and quiet spot for retirement or recrea- tion.

This foimtain, together with the Columbian, constitute all the mineral waters that have come into notice in this direction from the Congress. All the other fountains at this place are situated along the course of the valley, in a north-east direction.

M

HAITIIIiTON SPRING.

This spring is situated in the low ground about 30 rods from the Congress, in a north-east direc- tion, immediately in tlie rear of Congress Hall. It was discovered and named after the late Ge- neral Hamilton by Mr. Gideon Putnam, one of the , early settlers of the place, not long after the dis- covery of the Congress Spring. It was cleared out to the depth of only a few feet, and the water secured by a small wooden curb. In this situa- tion it remained for a number of years, its waters being devoted mostly to the supply of a bathing establishment erected in its immediate vicinity. After the decease of Mr.' Putnam, the property passed into other hands, and the well has since been sunk to a much greater depth, and more effectually secured against the intrusion of foreign substances, by which means the water has been materially improved.

The surface of the water within the curb is con- stantly agitated by the escape of large quantities

HAMILTON SPREVG. 135

of gas ; and as the water passes off, it leaves on the surface of the earth an abundant deposit of a brownish colour, evidently ferruginous and calca- reous.

The water, when first taken from the spring, is remarkably clear and sparkling ; but, on standing exposed to the atmosphere, soon becomes turbid. It is saline and acidulous to the taste, and when taken to the quantity of five or six half pints, is usually cathartic and diuretic.

The temperature of the bottom of the well is uniformly at 50 deg. and its specific gravity at the temperature of 60 deg. and under a pressure of the atmosphere, indicated by the mercuiy in the barometer standing at thii'ty inches, is 1008.5, pure water being 1000.

The indications affci^ded by the application of tests correspond with those already noticed in the examination of the Congress water ; and by pur- suing a process similar to that adopted in the analy- sis of that water, the following ingredients were obtained from one gallon, viz.

grs. Chloride of Sodium, 297.3

Ilvdriodate of Soda, 3.

136 HAMILTON SPRING.

Bi-carbon?ite of Soda, 27.036

. Bi-carbonate of Magnesia, 35.2

Carbonate of Lime, 92.4

Carbonate of Iron, " 5.39 Hydro-bromate of Potash, a

trace.

Solid contents in one gallon, 4G0.326 grs.

Carbonic acid gas, 316

Atmospheric air, 4

Gaseous contents in a gallon, 320 inches.

This water ranks first among the springs as a diuretic, and it has long been celebrated for its good effects in gi'avelly and calculous affections. It is second only to the Congress in its saline im- pregnation, and is frequently used as a substitute for the water of the latter spring in all those ca- ses where the irritable state of the stomach ren- ders the more drastic cfiects of that water inad- missible.

In scrofula, and indeed all other indolent swel- lings of the glands, the water of this spring, to- gether with that of the Columbian, will unques- tionably take the preference ; for. although they do not contain quite so large a proportion of the

HAMILTON SPRING. 137

iodine as is found in the Congress water, they contain a much less quantity of other active sa- line ingredients, which render them less liafele to affect the bowels, and their effects upon the sys- tem generally are thereby rendered more cer- tain.

It is, without doubt, owing to the iodine which these waters contain, that they have become so famous in the cure of strumous affections ; and the water which contains the greatest abundance of this article, and is least encumbered with those substances that may tend to retard or prevent its effects upon the system, should unquestionably be directed as the most applicable in these com- plaints.

The Hamilton bath-house is erected close to this spring, and is supplied by it with water for its mineral baths, which are situated in secure and well furnished apartments, prepared either for shower bathing or immersing the body in the water, which may always, during the season, be procured cither warm or cold. Fresh water baths arc also furnisiicd here for those who pre- fer them, and which should always be preferred in cases where the bath is used simply as a

M*

188 HAMILTON SPRING.

jsource of cleanliness. The rooms are sufficiently spacious and well ventilated, and the whole es- tablishment is cleanly and well conducted.*

* About twenty rods north of the Hamilton, is the PniXAM's Congress, (deriving its name from the discoverer and owner.) A mineral spring flowed from the same locality for several years, but without attracting any particular notice ; and the present spring has been obtained by sinking a tube to a con- siderable depth. It is a valuable fountain, and held in high re- pute by many who have experienced the benign effects of its healing properties. Had the life of Doct. Steel, the author of this volume, been prolonged, the spring in question would un- doubtedly have been analyzed and a description of its medical properties given. But his death has not only deprived the public of this, but also of a publication of other useful matter connected with a history of the Springs and their uses as a medicine. With- out pretending, therefore, to give even a sketch of the ingredi- entsofthis fountain, which are doubtless similar to those of the other springs in its vicinity, we will merely remark that it is probably second only to the old Congress in its medical qualities. There is also connected with it a first rate bathing establishment. Publhhir.

FtAT ROCK SPRI.TO.

FoLLo\\TNG the course of the valley in a north- east direction from the Hamilton, about eigh- ty rods, we come to the Flat Rock Spring. It is situated directly in the rear of the Pavilion, on the verge of the marsh, at the foot of a steep bank which terminates the west side of the valley, through which a small brook passes. This bank is composed of argillaceous earth and sand, and is elevated about forty feet above the level of the brook.

The earth for ^ome rods around this spring was formerly encrusted by a thick bed of calcarcoies tufa, which long exposure to the air had harden- ed into a pretty solid rock ; and from this circum- stance the spring received its name. This rock was neither more nor less than the usual sedi- ment deposited by the water, combined with sand, leaves, sticks, &c. for which it was indebted to the wind and rain ; and is no more than what happens about any of tlie fountains where the water does not find a ready egress, or is suflcrcd to stagnate in their immediate vicinity. The pro- gress of improvement has, however, at this time nearly obliterated this natural platform, and the

140 FLAT ROCK SPRING.

spot is now occupied by a tasteful little Chinese temple.

The well has been sunk to the depth of about fifteen feet, and a square tube made of plank in- serted to its bottom. Through this the water ri- ses to the surface of the earth and runs off in a small stream, depositing a copious sediment of a dark brown colour, along the whole extent of its course to the brook, which passes some rods dis- tant.

The appearance and taste of this water very much resemble that of the Columbian, and the analysis, conducted upon the same principle, con- firms the similarity.

Its temperature is 48 dcg. and its specific grav- ity at the temperature of CO deg. the barometer standing at 29.5 inches, is 1006.9, pure water be- ing 1000.

One gallon afforded tlie following articles, viz.

Chloride of Sodium, 148.866

Carbonate of Lime, 60.573

Bi-carbonate of ^Magnesia, 42.7

Bi-carbonatc of ^oda. 20.79

FLAT ROCK SPRING. 141

Carbonate of Iron, 5.39

Hydriodate of Soda, 1.33

Ilydro-bromate of Potash a trace in four gallons.

Silix & Aluniine a minute quantity.

Solid contents in one gallon, 279.G49 grs.

Carbonic acid gas, 287,5 cub. inch.

Atmospheric air, G.5

Gaseous contents in a gallon, 294.0 cub. inch.

This water is used in all cases for which the Columbian is recommended. It has generally been considered one of the best chalybeate springs which the place affords, and on tliat account has been the most frequented. It is not improbable that there are cases in which this water will an- swer a Ixitter purpose as a tonic medicine than the Columbian, from the circumstance of its con- taining a greater quantity of carbonic acid, a less quantity of the saline principle, and at the same time containing an equal portion of the tonic prop- erties.*

* A few rods fartlicr north is the IVIon-rof. Smixfi, the analy- sis of which, for tlic reason a«=igiiLil in the note at |)a(:;c 13^, was not prtparf;<l for this vohiiiK-. It in a valiiahlu fountain, somewhat sinnlar in its character to the Wasliington, Ilainil-

HIGH BOCK SPRING.

Pursuing the course of the valley about eigh- ty rods further in a northerly direction, we come to the High Rock Spring ; it is situated near the base of a ledge of calcareous rocks which at this place mark the westerly side of the valley.

The rock which gives the name to this spring, and surrounds and encloses the fountain, is of a conical shape, and apparently rests on the surface of the marl, or is but slightly connected with it. It narrows rapidly as it rises from the earth, and terminates in a rounded top, in the centre of which is a circular opening, w4iich leads to the in- terior cavity. This opening gradually widens as the rock enlarges, leaving its walls nearly of an equal thickness throughout. In this cavity the water rises some feet above the surface of the surrounding earth, and is there seen constantly agitated by the incessant escape of carbonic acid

ton, Flat Rock and High Rock, and has a deserved reputation for its medicinal qualities. Tiicro is also connected with it a commodious and cleanly hathing cstahlishment, which is sup- plied by this fountain with mineral water, and by a very pure spring from an adjoining bank with fresh water. PucLisuEn.

illOn ROCK SPRING. 143

gas, for which the vacancy above the water forms a capacious and secure reservoir, where the curi- ous may at any time make the experiment of its deleterious eflects on animal life.

This rock very justly claims a conspicuous place among the interesting natural curiosities which our countiy affords. The venerable Dr. Seaman in noticing this singular production ob- serves : " The more we reflect upon it, the more we must be convinced of the important place this rock ought to hold among the wonderful works of nature. Had it stood upon the borders of the Logo cV Agnano, the noted Grotto del Cani, which burdens almost every book which treats upon the carbonic acid gas, since the peculiar properties of the air have been known, would never have been heard of beyond the environs of Naples, while this fountain, in its place, would have been deservedly celebrated in story, and spread upon canvass, to the admiration of the world, as one of its greatest curiosities.''

The following dimensions of this singular pro- duction of nature were taken from actual meas- urement :

Perpendicular height, four feet. Circumference at the base, twenty-six feet eight inches.

144 HIGH ROCK SPRING.

Length of a line dz-awn over the top, from north to south, eleven feet seven inches.

Length of the same from east to west, ten feet nine inches.

From the top of the rock to the surface of the water, ordinarily, two feet four inches.

Depth of water in the cavity of the rock, usu- ally, seven feet eight inches.

The opening at the top is nearly circular, and measures ten inches across.

This rock belongs to that species of limestone termed calcareous tufa, being evidently the pro duct of the water. It is composed of the carbo- nate of lime, magnesia, and the oxide of iron, to- gether with a proportion of sand and clay. It likewise exhibits, when broken, the impressions of leaves and twigs of trees. It is somewhat undu- lated on its surface, and about the top compact and indurated, while near its base it is of a more spongy and friable character, but every where sufficiently compact to render it impervious to water.

That the water at some former period issued from the cavity and descended upon the sides of the rock, will scarcely admit of a doubt ; but the precise manner in which the rock was formed, or the time when the water used to flow upon its

HIGH HOCK SPIliNG. H5

sm-face, is not quite so obvious. The most prob- able conjecture is, that the basis of this mass was commenced beneath the surface of tlie earth ; that the water, thus confmed within the limits of its own sediment, continued to rise, and as it escaped over the sides of its prison, constantly added to tlie dimensions of its walls. In this manner it would continue to rise until the column of water in the rock balanced the power that forced it up, in v.hich case it would become stationary ; and it i.1 but just to infer, that in process of time, the pow- er so propelling the water might be diminished in its force, when the v.ater in the spring wov-Id of course sink in exact proportion to the loss of tiiat power.

There was an opini-'n prevailing amcng the ear- ly settlers, that the rjc'; had been fractured 'jy the fall of a tree, and to lliis accident they in^pu- ted the failure of the water to run over its top, I.>eheving that it escaped through a fissure, which, although invisible, they still imagined must exist. Tliis conjecture, hov/cver, docs not appear to have been well founded. The spring was visited as early as 17()7, and no appearance to justify such an opinion then presented itself, although the water did not at that time reach the top of the rock by several inches.

146 HIGH ROCK SPRING.

• Loran Tarbel, an aged chief of the St. Regis tribe of Indians, told the present Chancellor Wal- worth, that he visited this spring while a boy ; and that he was told by the Indians that the wa- ter once ran over the top, buj, owing, as they supposed, to some of their women bathing in it when they ought not to have done so, the water sunk back into the rock and never showed itself again at the top.

The conspicuous appearance which this rock makes, must have introduced it to the notice of the natives at a veiy early period ; and although it was probably known and visited by individuals whose business called them to the woods, it does not appear to have attracted much attention from the white population of the country until about the year 1767, when it was first visited by Sir William Johnson. From this period, " the spring" came more rapidly into notice, and for some years this was the only one to which much consequence was attached.

The extravagant stories told by the first set- tlers of the astonishing effects of this water in the cure of almost every species of disease, are still remembered and repeated by their too credulous descendants. This, in conjunction with the sin- gular and mysterious character of the rock, con-

HIGH ROCK SPRING. 147

tinue to attach an importance to the waters, in the eyes of the vulgar, at which no other fountain will ever arrive.

The temperature at the bottom of the well is 48 deg., and its specific gravity at an atmospheric pressure, indicated by the barometer standing at 29.5 inches, is 1000,85, pure water being 1000.

One gallon of the water afforded the following ingredients, viz.

Chloride of Sodium,	189.10
Bi-carbonate of Magnesia,	61.592
Bi-carbonate of Soda,	17.538
Hydriodatc of Soda,	2.5
Carbonate of Lime,	69.29
Carbonate of Iron,	5.58
Silix and Alumine, a small quantity,
Ilydro-bromatc of Potash, a trace in
four gallons of the water. Solid contents in a gallon.
345.68 grs,

Carbonic acid gas, 304

Atmospheric air, 5

Oaseous contents in a gallon, 309 cub. inch.

148 UIGn ROCK SPRING.

Since the discovciy of the Congress Spring and the extensive improvements that have been made in that vicinity, the water of this fountain, as well as that of several others situated in its immediate neighborhood, have rather sunk into disuse, and the old village, as this part of the town is now termed, evidently discovers a cor- respondent desertion ; but whatever may be the destiny of the place or the credit of the water, no means should be spared to protect and secure the rock. It has alread}^ suffered considerably from the depredations of unprincipled specimen gatherers, and it will be finally ruined, unless some more effectual method be- adopted to pre- vent it.

PRESIDEIVT SPRUVO.

About thirty rods, in a northeastern direction from the High Rock, in the same valley, is situa- ted the President Spring. The earth was re- moved to the depth of about four feet, when the spring was discovered bubbling up through the fissures in a stratum of lime rock, furnishing an ample supply of water in the wooden curb which was designed to protect and secure it. Within a few years this spring, like most of the others, has undergone considerable improvement by being more effectually secured against the intrusion of fresh water ; since which period the temperature and specific gravity have become the same as that of the High Rock, and the analysis affords the same results. It is therefore probable that these two waters have their origin from the same source ; for they arc indeed the same water.

RED SPRIIfG.

This spring is situated close to the public high- way, about sixty or seventy rods in a northeast- ern direction from the President. Large quanti- ties of ferruginous deposits are found about it, and the water, when agitated, has numerous par- ticles of fine sand stained with this substance floating about in it, which gives the water a red appearance, from which circumstance it receives its name.

Popular opinion has given much credit to the water of this fountain for its beneficial effects when applied to ill-conditioned ulcers and affec- tions of the skin. The water, however, docs not appear to possess any qualities to distinguish it from those which have ah'eady been described. Its saline impregnation is much less than any of the other springs, and its gaseous contents arc still more deficient when compai'ed with those of the other fountains.

TE3r SPRINGS.

Pursuing the course of the same valley, about one mile from tUc High Rock in aii eastern di- rection, ^Ve come to the Ten Springs, so called from the circumstance of there being that number located near together. These springs were dis- covered about the year 1814, on land that then belonged to jNIessrs. John and Ziba Taylor, and considerable pains were taken at the time to bring them into notice. Several of them were opened and secured by placing in them wooden boxes to keep out the fresh water, and a small batliing hoasc was erected close to them. They never, however, acfjiuircd much celebrity, and the prop- erty having [)asscd into otiicr liands, but little at- tention is now paid to them ; and it is probable, from their proximity to those so distinguished, that they will never rise into much consequence.

These springs are situated, like most of the oth- ers tliat iiavc already been described, in a soil composed of argillaceous earth and sand, com- bined with the usual deposits, (iron and lime ;) and they likewise contain the same constituent properties, ditlcring only in the (juantities of the articles which they respectively hold in solution.

152 TEN SPRINGS.

Some of them are considerably saline, and being saturated with cai'bonic acid gas, they constitute a very pleasant beverage, and are much used by those w^ho reside near by, both as a common drink and as a medicine.

EI.I.IS' SPUIXC.

About two miles from the Congress spring, in a southwest direction, on land belonging to the heirs of the late Robert Ellis, is another mineral fouutain wliicli deserves notice. It is situated at the fool and on tlie westerly side of a high em- bankment of the Saratoga and Schenectady rail road, thro'vn across a ravine through which Ellis' creek, a principal branch of the Kayaderosscras, passes, at a deplh of about 50 feet from the sur- face of tlie iurrounding country. The side of tliis ravine ha\ir.g been denuded for the pur- pose of erecting mil!.>, furnisliesa favorable oppor- tunity for inspecting its structure ; the arrange- ment of which is as follows :

A mixture of clay and gravel, 2 feet.

Coarse gravel and sand, with a great vari- ety of small stones, generally smooth, 4

At the bottom of this stratum issues a spring of very pure water, which is never dry, and retains a temperature of 50 deg.

Coarse gravel, sand and clay, with paving stones, 20

Per-oxide of iron, combined with sand and clav, 2

154 ELLIS SPRING,

Clay and coarse gravel, 4 feet.

Lamellated slate, soft and crumbly, 3

Coarse gravel and clay, 4

Lamellated slate to the bed of the rock, 10

These strata are all placed nearly in a horizon- tal position, and are well defined.

The valley in which the mineral fountain dis- covers itself is of a semi-circular form, including the area of an acre.

Differing from all others of the kind, tliis water issues from the bank in a horizontal direction. It betrays its character the moment it approaches the surface, by its sparkling appearance, and the deposit of its iron, which stains the walls of the little rill, as it trickles down the declivity to the marsh, a few k^i below, where it has formed a compact rocky substance, resembling in all re- .spects, the tufa before described.

The water is remarkably clear ; its taste is acidulous and chalybeate, and its temperature is 48 deg. It affords 316 grains of solid contents to a gallon, which contents consist of marine salt, carbonate of soda, lime, magnesia and iron ; the last of which it affords in as great abundance as any of the mineral waters either at Saratoga or

ELLIS' SPRING. 155

Ballston. Ii is indeed a very excellent chalybe- ate water ; and as such it is in high estimation, although, in consequence of its remote situation, it IS but seldom resorted to.

QUAIOUI SPRir^IGS.

In adciticn to the springs already nciiccd, (here v.1'2 Ecvcra! others which belong to the same clo.ss, E'ltuated in the town of Saratoga, about ten miles ill a f-outhcr.^t direction from the Congress Spring; t'loy are ca^cd the Quaker Sprii:!g.;.

T!:cse ::prin;;3 inahe their appearance throngh ■X bed of a^iilaccoLis marl, at the: boitom of a deep vr.IIoy, surrounded by gray-wacke and ar- giiIaceo':s folate. They contain lime, magnesia and iron, hold in solution by the carbonic acid, ii::d like the oth:r3, they likcv/isc contain a por- tio:i cf common salt and soda. Tlioir gaseous ccn'onty sro vrry ^mall in comparison witii <ho30 already described ; their miireral impregna- tion is !:ot r;Oiii?ient to en'ide them to much attcnf:iGr, arc; d^cy are of course Lai little res:'i1- ed to.

BALLSTON SPA.

The village of Ballston Spa is situated about seven miles in a southwest direction from the vil- lage of Saratoga Springs, in the soutlieast part of tiie town of Milton, and but a few rods from the ngnh line of the town of Ballston. The great resort to this place, on account of its mineral wa- ters has made it, like those of Saratoga, a place of much notoriety.

The mineral springs are situated in a marsii at the bottom of a deep valley, through which one of the principal branches of the Kayaderosseras <.reek passes. They were discovered during tiie iurvey and partition of the patent of Kayaderos- seras in 17G9 ; and about the same time the Rev. EHphalet Ball, from Bedford, Westchester coun- ty, with a number of his congregation, settled r.bout two miles and a half from tiie Springs in a southerly direction, on a tract of land which was hct apart and sold to defray the expenses of the company in surveying the patent ; and wiiicii, from that time, has been distinguished by ll^o name of Bal!s;ton.

158 BALLSTON SPA.

In 1772, one Peter Ferris purchased and settled on a hundred acre lot, the second west from the Springs ; and about the same time Benajah Doug- lass, who had resided some time previous near Lebanon Springs, (which at that ..lime had be- come a place of some resort,) entertaining the belief that the springs at Ballston might become a watering place of some consequence, purchased a, lot of one hundred acres adjacent to and di- rectly west of the then principal spring, near which he erected a small log house for the ac- commodation of visitants. Encouraged by the success of this small beginning, Mr. Douglass, a few years after, was induced to build a small frame house across the creek, on the flat oppo- site the spring. At this period the waters had acquired a reputation of considerable notoriety, and they began to be resorted to by the inhabi- tants of the surroundii]g country, particularly from the city of Albany and the settlements along the valley of the Mohawk. Many came with their waggons, bringing their own provisions and forage, and staying several days, substituting the waggon for a boarding house. After the com- mencement of the war of the revolution, the set- tlement of the country was suspended, and very little improvement was made at these springs until after the treaty of peace was concluded.

BALLSTON SPA. 159

In 1791, Mr. Douglass erected a large building for the accommodation of visitants, . the same which now constitutes the front of the excellent and well known establishment formerly kept by Mr. Aldridge. In 1792, Nicholas Low, Esq. of the city of New- York, the then proprietor of the lot on which the springs were situated, erect- ed a large and commodious house close to the spring, which was kept for many years as a board- ing house, and sustained a high reputation, well known as McMaster's boarding house. Dur- ing the ensuing ten years, these establishments were much enlarged and improved, and several others were erected, and the springs now became the resort of great numbers of invalids, and also of the wealthy and fashionable.

In 1803, Mr. Low erected that splendid estab- lishment so universally known and admired, the 8an.s Souci Hotel, and in the spring of 1804 it was furnished and opened for the accommoda- tion of visitants.

In 1S07, the legislature of the state passed an act incorporating the settlement at tlic springs, embracing one mile s(iuare, by the name of the ^'illage of Ballston Spa.

160 BATLSTOIf SPA.

About this time several springs were discover- ed in the vicinity of those already known, differ- ing but little in their general character, with the exception of the Sulphur water, a few feet from the spring called Low's Well, and known as one of those called the Sans Souci Springs.

During the latter part of the summer of 1817, continued rains had so swollen the small stream which passes through the village, that it burst over its usual bounds, and in some places formed for itself an entire new channel. On the subsi- ding of the flood, a new spring was discovered, exhibiting an appearance which, connected with its medicinal properties, gave for a time much additional celebrity to the place. It was situa- ted some rods below what was called the Public Well, and in what was, during the freshet, the bed of the stream. It issued from a circular opening of several feet in diameter, affording an immense quantity of water, attended with all the characteristics of a strong mineral impregnation.

With a view to prevent the connection of the water with the stratum of clay through which it passed up to the surface, and hkewise to prevent the intrusion of fresh water, a tube was ingeni- ously constructed and forced into the aperture from whence the water arose, to the depth of

BALLSTON SPA. 161

nearly thirty feet. In this tube the water arose about five feet above the level of the brook, and was then suffered to fall over its sides, producing in some measure the effect of a jet d'cau, while the surface of the spring was brought nearly to a level with the eye, furnishing a fine opportunity for inspecting its sparkling properties to the greatest advantage. Close to the side of this tube another was inserted, not however to so great a depth, through which the water arose somewhat above the surface of the earth, and was then suffered to escape.

It was not a little singular that the waters of these two wells, apparcnily issuing from the same source, should have contained difi'erent por- tions of the muriate of soda, while they very nearly corresponded in all the other articles which they contained.

The water wiiich flowed from these tubes, combined with that which came up in the aper- ture around them, ran off in a stream at the rate of more than a barrel a minute. It commenced the deposit of its chalybeate and calcareous prop- erties the moment it came in contact with the atmosphere, and the quantity given off by so large a bulk of water continued to mark its pas- o»

162 BALLSTON SPA.

sage along the brook into which it passed for the distance of more than a mile.

This singular fountain continued about two years, the wonder and admiration of all who saw it and drank of its waters. At length, however, the abundant carbonic acid seemed to be ex- hausted, or to have taken some other course, and all attempts to reclaim it have as yet proved fruitless. The water still continues to flow in abundance, but retaining little or none of its min- eral properties excepting its iron, which it still continues to hold in solution in considerable quan- tities. This was called the Washington Sp7-ing.

Not long after the first appearance of the last mentioned spring, it was thought by many that the old spring or public well on the flat had suf- fered a deterioration, there being evidently a much less evolution of uncombined gas than usu- al, and it is not improbable that the immense quantity of gas discharged at the place referred to might have operated to produce the apparent diminution at the old spring ; the failure, howev- er, has been by some attributed to other causes. A desire to improve the condition and appear- ance of the well, about the same time, induced an officious interference with its situation, which better reflection and more experience would pro-

BALL6TON SPA. 163

bably have caused to be omitted. These facts are recorded merely as a matter of historj'-, leav- ing the inferences to be confirmed or otherwise by future events. The water of the old spring, although it has suffered some in the pubhc esti- mation, and is certainly not quite so palatable as formerly, is still an excellent tonic, sitting more easy and light on the stomachs of many than the waters of some of the other springs, which are more highly charged with the carbonic acid gas, which has the effect sometimes to produce dis- tention of the stomach, and consequent vertigo and pain in the head.

In the year 1822, on removing an old floor and other rubbish under a building attached to the bathing house, a spring was discovered, or rather reclaimed, (for its existence had been known many years before,) apparently more saline than any which the place afforded ; it now constitutes one of those called the Sans Souci Springs, and is situated about equi-distant from the one origi- nally called L(ni)\s Well and the Sulphur Spring. It is now the spring mostly resorted to, particu- larly by those who take the water as a beverage, or who desire its cathartic cH'cct.

In the spring of 1827, an effort was made by a number of enterprising individuals to ex{)lore,

164 BALLSTON SPA.

by boring, the interior of the slate formation, with a view to obtain a further supply of mineral water at this place. To etfect the object, a ma- chine, invented for the purpose by Mr. Disbrow of New-Jersey, was procured, and operations were commenced on the flat nearly opposite to Aldridge's boarding house. The boring was be- gun in the bottom of a pubhc w^ell that had been previously sunk to the depth of fourteen feet, eight of which were in the rock. At the depth of about eighty feet a vein of mineral water was discovered ; a tube was fitted to the hole in the rock of sufficient length to extend a little above the surface of the earth, and the water immedi- ately rose to the top of this tube and escaped in a copious stream, affording an ample supply of a lively acidulous water. The excavation, how- ever, was continued to the depth of one hundred and thirty-seven feet, but without any considera- ble addition to the water, either in quantity or quality, except a slight sulphurous impregnation. This spring has been named the New Washing- ton Fountain.

Not long after the completion and establishment of this fountain, a most singular incident occurred that is thought worthy to be recorded. It explod- ed, with a loud noise and with such force as to tiirow the whole column of water contained in

BALLSTOX SPA. 165

tlic well many feet into the air, leaving a distinct sulphurous odour, which continued for some ntin- utes diffused in the surrounding atmosphere. The spring for a short time appeared entirely empty ; but it soon filled again and resumed its original appearauce, and has ever since continued to flow from a basin, which is now fixed to the top of the fountain. It is somewhat singular, that since tlie explosion, the sulphurous impregnation of the water of this spring has nearly or quite dis- appeared.

During the succeeding winter a similar experi- ment of boring was made, with nearly similar re- sults, in a place called The Park, a little west from the Sans Souci and directly in the rear of the Village Hotel. The rock was stiiick at the depth of about thirty feet, through a bed of dark blue ar- gillaceous marl. At about the same depth in the rock as in the former instance, a vein of mineral water was met with, very nmch resembling that of the last described fountain. The boring, how- ever, was continued to the depth of two hundred and seventy feet, being about two hundred and forty feet in the argillaceous or transition slate, which at this place forms the bottom of the val- ley in which all the above described springs are situated.

106 BALLSTON SPA.

From the aperture thus formed, the water of this fountain now flows in great abundance, rising several feet above the surface of the earth, and presenting a beautiful Uttle pool, which is tasteful- ly displayed in a small basin secured to the top of the tube which conducts the water to the surface. It is an acidulous chalybeate of the first order, and must be regarded as an interesting and important acquisition to the place. It has received the dis- tinctive appellation of the Park Spring.

These waters evidently belong to the same class with those already described at Saratoga^ and if they do not contain quite so large a proportion of the saline properties as some of the fountains at the latter place, which is very manifest both from the taste and the effects, they are unquestionably entitled to rank among the best acidulous cha- lybeate waters which this or any other country affords.

In order to examine these watei's analytically, a quantity from each spring was secured at the fountain in well stopped bottles, conveyed to the place of examination, and immediately submitted to the operation of tests. The whole of the exper- iments, both to determine the properties and to separate the different ingredients, were conduct- ed in the same manner and upon the same princi-

BALLSTON SPA. 1G7

pies as previously detailed in the examination of the Congress water ; and the indications being in all respects the same, there occurring no percep- tible difference other than what would naturally be supposed to result from the greater or less quantity of the various articles held in solution by each, it is not deemed necessary to recapitu- late the dry details of these experiments in this place.

A quantity of the gas was procured from the water of each fountain, and submitted to the pro- cess of examination in the same manner as here- tofore related at page 95. It was found, like that procured from the water at Saratoga Springs, to consist of pure carbonic acid, with an admixture of a small quantity of atmospheric air.

From repeated experiments on the water pro- cured from the several springs at this place, there can be no doubt that they all contain considerable more than their bulk of carbonic acid gas ; but not having the necessary materials for making the examinations on the sf)Ot, and the certainty that the water parts with a considerable portion of the gas from being bottled, however carefully it may be done, no attempt was made to estimate with accuracy the amount of its gaseous pro- duct.

iG8 BALLSTON SPA.

With these general remarks on the history, properties and character of the mineral waters at Ballston Spa, I shall now proceed to a particular examination of some of the principal fountains, or such as have from their medical properties ac- quired the most celebrity.

SAi^S SOICI SPRI]VG.

Tins spring is situated immediately in the rear of the Sans Sonci, and is more familiarly known by the name of '" Jack's Spring." Its history has been already related in the general remarks. Its water is sparkling aiid acidulous, and its taste high- ly chalybeate and somewhat saline.

The water from which the following analysis was made was procured from the spring in the fore {)art of the month of February, 1830, and during the winter following, 1831, the examina- tion was repeated on different quantities of the water, with results perfectly corresponding. The processes adopted for determining and separating the various ingredients were the same in all re- s[)ccts as those detailed in the examination of the Congress water, a repetition of which is altogeth- er unnecessary.

The temperature of the water at the bottom of the well, at a time wiien the thermometer stood iu tiic open air at 20 dcg. alcove zero, was 50 (leg. and its sp<;citic gravity at the temperature of 00 dfg. was 1005.7, jnue water being 1000.

170 SANS SOUCI SPRING.

One gallon, or 231 cubic inches, of the water from this spring contains the following substan- ces, viz.

Chloride of Sodium,	143.733
Bi-carbonate of Soda,	12.66
Bi-carbonate of Magnesia,	39.1
Carbonate of Lime,	43.407
Carbonate of Iron,	5.95
Ilydriodate of Soda,	1.3
Sihx,	1.
Solid contents in a oallon.	247.15 trrs,

I have omitted to mention the presence of the hydro-hromatc of potash in the above enumeration of the ingredients, because that substance is not satisfactorily indicated in one gallon of the water, as is the case M'ith the same article in some of the springs at Saratoga ; but 1 liavc no doubt, that by concentrating a nuich larger portion of the wa- ter, its presence might have been demonstrated. This substance, together with that of the lujdrio- date of soda, seems in some way connected with the marine salt, the quantity being increased or diminished according as that salt is afforded in a greater or less abundance. The hydriodate of soda appears to be in the proportion of about one to a hundred of the chloride of sodium, wliilc

BALLSTON SPA. 171

the proportion of the hydro-bromate of potasli is much less, and is scarcely to be detected in those waters that contain the greatest quantity of the marine salt ; and in those which contain a much less quantity, it can only be demonstrated by con- cenlratinff several gallons of the water.

tOTT'S SPRING.

This spring is situated near to the one just de- scribed, and its appearance and sensible proper- ties are certainly not very dissimilar to it. Its specific gravity and its temperature, at the time I examined them, were the same ; and as the appli- cation of re-agents indicated no essential differ- ence in their constituent properties, they may with great propriety be presumed to be the same, or very nearly the same water.

PARK SPRIXG.

This fountain is situated in the immediate neigliborhood of the two last described springs, in the rear of the Village Hotel. Its situation and history have already been described. The spe- cific gravity is considerably less than that of either of the other two springs, and from the analysis, it aflbrds a much less quantity of all the saline substances excepting the iron, with which this water is undoubtedly saturated. From one gallon I obtained 4.5 grains of the pure oxide of iron, equivalent "to 6| grains of the carbonate of iron, (a tjuantity unexampled in any of the other springs ;) and the water not holding so large a (juantity of the saline ingredients in solution, it constitutes one of the purest and best simple aci- dulous cliahjhcatc Maters which can any where be found ; and in all cases where simple chaly- bcates alone are recommended, this water should undoubtedly have the preference.

THE PUBI.IC WEM..

This spring is situated near the centre of the village, on the flat ground nearly opposite to Aldridge's late boarding house. It was formerly the most distinguished of any which the place afforded, and it was ornamented and secured with a handsome iron paling and marble floor ; but un- der an apprehension that the spring had suffered in its properties from the great pressure occa- sioned by these heavy stones, they have been re- moved without benefitting the water, and certain- ly without adding any thing to the beauty of the place.

Notwithstanding that this spring has, within a few years, suffered considerably in the estimation of the public, it is still much used, and is undoubt- edly an excellent chalybeate water.

It has been generally asserted that " Sir Wil- liam Johnson, in conveying the land at this place to individuals, reserved this spring for the benev- olent purpose of serving the public." Where this story came from originally is not easy to tell ; it is certain that Sir William never owned any land in the vicinity of either of the springs. The

BALLSTON SPA. 175

title under which the lands at this place are held was obtained from the representatives of May Bickley, one of the original patentees, over which Sir William never had even the control of an agency.

THE NEW WASHIWGTOIV SPRING.

This spring, like that last noticed, is situated in the street, a few rods distant, in a southerly direction.

The water submitted to an examination was procured from the fountain in the month of Feb- ruary, 1831, and different portions of it were carefully examined under the same rules and reg- ulations as already described. Its specific gravi- ty is 1004.6, pure water being 1000, and its tem- perature 51 deg. ; and one gallon contains the following articles, viz.

Chloride of Sodium,	89.83
Bi-carbonate of Soda,	18.057
Bi-carbonate of Magnesia,	42.042
Carbonate of Lime,	41.51
Hydriodate of Soda,	0.7
Carbonate of Iron,	3.71
Sihx and Alumine,	1.25
Solid contents in a gallon.	gr. 197.099

This well when it was first opened emitted a perceptible quantity of sulphuretted hydrogen, but

BALLSTON SPA. 177

it has now nearly or quite disappeared, particu- larly since the memorable event of its eruption, as before noticed. The gas, which it now emits in great abundance, is purely carbonic acid, pro- bably combined with a small quantity of atmos- pheric air.

All these waters, if drank in large quantities, or taken by persons whose stomachs are rather irritable, operate as an aperient, and at the same time have a powerful effect as a diuretic, and are of eminent service in all those chronic affections where chalvbeate medicines are indicated.

SUtPIIflREOUS WATERS.

Besides the acidulous saline chalybeate waters so bountifully bestowed on tliis county, there are several other mineral fountains of a different character ; I allude to those springs which be- long to the class termed sulphureous waters. There are several of this class which occur in the vicinity of the argillaceous slate formation, and they very probably ow^e their origin to the decomposition of the iron pyrites, or sulphuret of iron which abounds in this rock.

By far the most interesting and important spring belonging to this class is situated on the east border of Saratoga Lake, on a farm belong- ing to a Mr. Abel, about one mile south of Snake Hill, at the bottom of a deep ravine, which opens to the lake, and discloses a fine view of that beautiful sheet of water. The well is situated but a few yards from the beach ; the water rises up through a bed of argillaceous marl, and diffu- ses its sulphureous odour in the atmosphere to some distance around.

The water is very limpid when first dipped, but on standing some time it deposits a small

SULPHURBOUS WATERS. 179

quantity of argillaceous earth, which when thrown on ignited coals, exhibits evidences of sulphur. This sediment is likewise deposited around the spring and along the course of its current.

It has a strong siflphureous and foeted smell, nearly resembling that of bilge water, and it pos- sesses an offensive nauseous taste ; it however becomes more palatable after drinking it a few times.

Strips of litmus paper plunged into this water fresh from the spring are slightly reddened by it, but the paper resumes its blue color on drying.

Characters traced on paper with a solution of the acetate of lead, when plunged into water fresh from the spring, become nearly black, and they are made legible on suspending the paper a fuw minutes over the fountain.

Polished silver is immediately tarnished by im- mersing it in the water, and silver watches worn in the pockets of those who are in the daily use of it are said to be blackened by it.

The usual tests do not indicate the presence of any metalic substance in this water, nor arc there any indications of hmc, magnesia or manno

180 SULPHUREOUS WATERS.

salt ; the constituent properties are purely sul- phuretted hydrogen, together with a small quan- tity of alumine, which is diffused in it, but not in a sufficient quantity to render it turbid.

Its temperature is 48 deg. and its specific gravity is but very little above that of pure water.

Doctors Armstrong and Johnson have given a new impulse to the use of sulphureous wa- ters in the cure of visceral congestions and chronic affections of the digestive oi'gans ; and it is highly probable that a free internal use of the water of this spring, connected with some mild laxative medicine, will be found highly servicea- ble in a great variety of those afflictive complaints.

Baths might easily be constructed here, and the water conducted directly into them from the fountain, which produces a sufficient quantity for a constant supply. Bathing in waters of this de- scription has long been celebrated for its efficacy in the cure of a great variety of eruptive and other diseases of the skin ; and it is highly pro- bable that this spring will ultimately become an important appendage to the distinguished waters of Saratoga and Ballston, from either of which it is but a few miles distant, and the ride includes

SULPHUREOUS WATEIIS. 181

all the variety of scenery presented by the lake and it environs.

In the valley of one of the branches of the Kayaderosseras creek, about two miles westerly from the village of Saratoga Springs, is another strongly scented sulphureous spring ; it rises per- pendicularly from the earth in a stream sufficient to turn a mill, at the bottom of a steep bank, composed of sand, clay and coarse gravel.

The approach to this spring is discovered at the distance of some yards, by the sulphureous odour with which it impregnates the atmosphere. The water is clear, and but triflingly agitated by the escape of gas ; its taste is unpleasant, not un- like the washings of a rusty gun barrel. It de- posits a brown sediment, which marks its passage to tiic creek, a distance of one hundred yards.

Its temperature is 50 dcg. while that of a foun- tain of pure water which issues from the same bank in a horizontal direction, and within ten feet of it, is at 10 dcg.

In addition to the sulphuretted hydrogen which

this water aflbrds, it contains a small proportion

of carbonic acid gas, and is slightly impregnated

with marine salt, iron and lime. It is highly ex-

Q

182 SULPHLREOUS WATERS.

tolled for its efficacy in the cure of eruptive dis- eases, for which it is used, both internally and externally ; but owing to its remote situation, and the want of proper accommodations, it is but lit- tle resorted to at present.

At Ballston Spa, situated within a few feet of the Sans Souci fountain, there is a spring which has received the