Part 4 (1/2)

It was discovered in Sept. 1871, and is the most remarkable fountain in the world. It discharges from four to eight gallons per minute, spouting through a quarter inch nozzle to a height of fifty-two feet, or through a half inch nozzle forty feet, pouring forth a perfect suds of water and gas.

History.

In the spring of 1870, Mr. Jesse b.u.t.ton, having been employed to sink the Geyser well, was so successful that he was induced to bore for another spring on land owned by D. Gibbs, Esq., in this locality.

Mineral water was found at no great depth, but in no considerable quant.i.ty. The well was sunk 220 feet in the slate rock, reaching the magnesian limestone. At this point the mineral water could be made to spout for a few moments, occasionally, by agitating it with a sand-pump. The stream, however, was quite small, and as Mr. b.u.t.ton was called elsewhere, the project was temporarily abandoned. In Sept., 1871, boring was resumed. The diameter of the well which had been sank was four and three-fourths inches. It was made an inch larger, tapering toward the bottom, and the well was continued through the magnesian limestone to the Trenton limestone, making a total depth of 300 feet. Having reached this point the water spouted forth with great force. The well was at once carefully tubed.

Properties.

The water is very concentrated, and small doses are all that is required. It will bear dilution with fresh water much better then milk. It seems to have not only strong cathartic properties, but a special action upon the kidneys and liver. For medicinal purposes it promises to equal any in Saratoga.

As an object of curiosity and interest, the Glacier Spring is unequaled in Saratoga, and it will doubtless speedily become a popular resort.

HAMILTON SPRING.

On Spring street, corner of Putnam, in the rear of Congress Hall, and a short distance from Hathorn Spring. Its princ.i.p.al action is _diuretic_ and, in large doses, cathartic. The mineral ingredients are the same as those of the other springs, but, owing to the peculiar combination, the medicinal effects are widely different. It has been found of great service in kidney complaints. From one to three gla.s.ses during the day is the usual dose. It should be used under the prescription of a physician, and warm drinks should not be taken immediately after. Persons suffering from ”a cold” should not drink this water. It is not bottled.

THE HATHORN SPRING

Is situated immediately north of Congress Hall, on Spring street. H.H.

Hathorn, proprietor.

History.

The spring was discovered in 1868 by workmen engaged in excavating for the foundations of a brick building for Congress Hall ball-room. At the time of discovery its waters contained more mineral substances than any other spring at Saratoga. During the past winter a defect in the tubing has led the proprietors to retube it very carefully and at great expense. At the recent retubing two streams were found and carefully tubed, one of which discharges sixty gallons per minute.

Properties.

It is a powerful _cathartic_. Since its discovery it has achieved a wonderful popularity and a high reputation in all sections of the country. In nearly all cases when a powerful cathartic is needed its effects are excellent, benefiting those on whom the milder waters produce little effect.

Persons whose alimentary organs are very sensitive, or in an inflammatory condition, should not imbibe large quant.i.ties.

There is an unusual amount of lithia in the water, which increases its medicinal value.

THE HIGH ROCK SPRING

Is located on Willow walk, between the Seltzer and the Star Springs.

[Ill.u.s.tration: HIGH ROCK SPRING.]

The High Rock is the oldest in point of discovery of the Saratoga springs. As early as 1767, Sir Wm. Johnson was brought to it on a litter by his Indian friends. It is noted for the most remarkable natural curiosity of the vicinity, certainly. The following interesting description of this rock is by Prof. Chandler: ”The spring rises in a little mound of stone, three or four feet high, which appears like a miniature volcano, except that sparkling water instead of melted lava flows from its little crater. When Sir William Johnson visited the spring, and in fact until quite recently, the water did not overflow the mound, but came to within a few inches of the summit; some other hidden outlet permitting its escape. The Indians had a tradition, however, which was undoubtedly true, that the water formerly flowed over the rim of the opening. A few years ago (1866) the property changed hands, and the new owners, convinced that by stopping the lateral outlet they could cause the water to issue again from the mouth of the rock, employed a number of men to undermine the mound, and with a powerful hoisting derrick to lift it off and set it one side, that the spring might be explored.