USA > New York > The natural, statistical, and civil history of the state of New-York, v. 1 > Part 20
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Que gallon affords
Muriate of Soda
210.0 grains
Carbonate of Soda 18.0
Carbonate of Lime
115.0
Carbonate of Magnesia
0.5
Carbonate of Iron
.4.5
Total 348.0 grains.
. Carbonic acid gas 243 cubic inches.
7. President Spring is about thirty rods from the High Rock Spring in the same valley. The water breaks up through the fissures of a ledge of limestone. It is sparkling, and at the temperature of 51 degrees. The water is serviceable in urinary affections, and in diseases of the skin. Its constituents are simi- lar to some of the preceding.
S. Red Spring, so called from the carbonated iron obser- ed about it, is situated on the border of a marsh near the road, in a northerly direction from the President's Spring. Its temper- ature is 48 degrees. The water of this spring, like the others, contains the carbonates, and muriates and carbonic gas, but in different proportions. It is beneficial in ulcers and diseases of the skin.
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HISTORY OF THE ,
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.Taylor's Springs are in the same valley, about one mile in an easterly direction from the High Rock Spring. and are three in number. The soil, through which the water runs, is argil- laceous and sandy, combined with the usual deposites, iron ard lime. The water of these springs is clear and brilliant, and of the temperature of forty-eight degrees. The properties are similar to some of the preceding.
Ellis' Spring is about two miles southeasterly of the Con- gress. It is on the declivity of the valley through which the northern branch of Kayaderosseras creek runs. Lamellated slate forms the bed of the stream. The water is clear and of the temperature of forty-seven degrees. In its descent it de- posites iron and other matters.
The Ballston Springs.
These are two in number, and are situated in a small valley, seven miles southwesterly from those at Saratoga. A small stream runs through the valley, and enters the Kayaderosseras a little below the lower spring.
The first is near the centre of the village, and is sometimes called the Upper Spring. The water rises in a basin-it is clear and sparkling, and in à constant state of ebullition, occa- sioned by the escape of carbonic gas. Its temperature is fifty degrees of Fahrenheite. One gallon of the water, on analysis, yielded
Muriate of Soda 159 grains.
Carbonate of Soda 9
Carbonate of Lime 75.5
Carbonate of Magnesia 2.5
Carbonate of Iron 7.0
Total 253.0 grains.
Carbonic acid gas 210 cubic inches.
Low's Spring is about eighty rods further down the creek. Its temperature is fifty-two degrees. The water, in every other -respect, is like that of the upper spring. The water of this
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STATE OF NEW YORK.
spring formerly rose in the bottom of the creek which flows through the valley.
Que gallon of the water holds in solution
Muriate of Soda 142 grains
Carbonate of S da . 10
Carbonate of Lime . 64.5
Carbonate of Magnesia
1.5. .
Carbonate of Iron
6
Total 224.0 grains.
Carbonic acid gas 220 cubic inches.
The New Spring is situated in the same valley, a few rods above the upper. . This was formed by boring 237 feet, into maguesian limestone. The rock abounds with veins of iron pyrites. The quantity of water discharged in a minute, is seven pints. In colour and properties, it is like the preceding. The water rises in a tube 237 feet.
The Mineral Springs of Saratoga and Ballston, are situat- ed within the Sandy tract already noticed, as extending from the mountains on the north, to Kinderhook on the south, and on and near the borders of the transition, and secondary for- mations in this section of the State. All these springs, as far as they have been examined, appear, with very few exceptions, to possess the same qualities, differing only in the quantity of the substances common to all. From these facts, it has been . justly concluded, that they derive their essential properties from one store, and that the differences between them are occasion- ed by the different earths and matters over which they pass be- fore they emerge.
The number is not limited to such as we have noticed.
The waters are salutiferous in billious, despeptic, calculous and nephritic complaints ; ulcers, cutaneous eruptions, gout, chron cv, rheumatism, scrofula, dropsy, where the case is recent, paralysis, costiveness, &c. &c.
The Agoneaseah were acquainted with some of the medicinal virtues of the High Rocky Spring, particularly in rheumatic complaints, &c.
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HISTORY OF THE
See Dr. Steel's Analysis-Dr. Seaman's Dissertation on the mineral waters of Saratoga-Observations of Messrs. V'an Dervoort and Griscom -- Mead's Analysis-Experiments of Deun, published at Boston, in the N. E. Journal-A letter of Dr. David Hosack, dated June 1810, and published in the American and Medical Philosophical Register, &c. &c.
Mineral Spring at New Lebanon.
This renowned spring is situated twenty-five miles east south- easterly from the city of Albany, on the declivity of the moun- tain which bounds the valley of Taconic on the east. The spring is nine or ten feet in diameter, and three or four deep. The quantity of water disct arged is sufficient for mills. It is trans- parent, and of the temperature of seventy-two degrees of Fa- renheite. Its temperature being, so near that of summer heat, renders it a delectable bath.
In winter, spring and autumn, when the temperature of the water surpasses that of the atmosphere, a small cloud of vapor is to be seen constantly hanging over the fountain. This cloud is much denser in very cold weather than at other times.
The water in the spring is in a never ceasing state of ebulli- tion, and discharges large quantities of gas. It is tasteless, in- odorous and soft, and deemed beneficial in internal obstruct- tions, salt rheums, and various other cutaneous affections.
Considerable numbers of persons repair to this spring, either for the benefit of their health, or amu-ement.
The situation is healthy, and the surrounding country beau- tiful and picturesque.
Sulphur Springs.
There is a spring in the town of Richfield, in the county of Otsego, seventy miles west of the city of Albany, and fifteen southeast of the town of Utica, whose waters are efficacious in scrofulas, eruptions, ulcers, and some other complaints. The water issues out of the ground on a gentle eminence, and in its
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225
STATE OF NEW-YORK.
way deposites a whitish sediment. It emits a strong smell, not unlike rotton eggs or bilge water, which may be perceived some rods. ' After being drank, it occasions a fullness at the stomach, accompanied with gentle eructations. It operates as a mild purgative, exciting a moderate appetite.
This spring may be classed with the sulphure ted hydrogen springs, so common in the vicinity of the Hudson, and in some other parts of the State, with this difference, that its waters are stronger.
Sulphur springs, or waters, charged with sulphuretted hydro- gen, issuing from glazed slate, are very abundant on both banks of the Hudson, from Fort Miller to the Highlands, or Mattea- wan mountains, a distance of about one hundred and thirty . miles. The same kind of springs also occur in the Mohawk country, where the common people call them Gun-powder Springs. 1
The springs at Green Bush, in the county of Rensellaer, are much more highly charged than any other within these limits. One of these springs is opposite to Albany, and the other about three miles south. There is also a similar one near the city of Troy.
In the town of Frankfort, in the county of Herkimer, about five miles east of Utica, there is one of these springs. It is by the road side, at the foot of the canal embankment. The wa- ter issues out plentifully, and imparts so much gas, that it may be perceived some rods. It deposites a whitish sediment.
Sulphur Spring in the town of Saratoga.
This spring is situated between two and three miles from Ellis' Spring, directly up the creek. The water rises perpendicularly from the earth, at the foot of a hill, in a stream sufficient to turn a mill. It is clear, and very strong, and may be per- ceived by its sulphurous odour several rods. Its taste is un- pleasant, slightly resembling bilge water. It deposites a brown sediment, which marks its passage to the creek, a distance of VOL. I.
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HISTORY OF THE
about one hundred yards. The temperature of the water is fifty degrees of Fahrenheite.
'The sediment which the water deposites, is composed of iron and lime, combined with a small quantity of white sand.
'The hill, from beneath which this spring issues, is composed of sand and clay, intermixed with a great variety of small stones.
Although this spring is called a sulphur spring, yet it is sup- posed that its waters contain none of that mineral.
The water contains muriate of soda, carbonate of lime, and carbonate of iron : besides these it contains some carbonic acid gas, and sulphuretted hydrogen.
Ste Dr. J. Steel's Analysis of the Saratoga and Ballston waters.
There is a sulphur spring at Ballston Spa, situated within seven yards of the lower spring, or Low's Spring. Its tempera- ture is fifty-two degrees. 'The waters are efficacious in cuta- neous diseases. 1
The following substances have, on analysis, been detected in one gallon of its waters :-
Muriate of Soda 64 grains.
Carbonate of Soda
6
Carbonate of Lime 30
· Carbonate of Iron
4
Total 104 grains.
Carbonic acid gas 144 cubic inches.
Sulphuretted hydrogen 7 cubic inches.
There is a suphuretted hydrogen spring in the town of Still- water, in the county of Saratoga, about one mile south of Snake Hill.
In the town of Pharsalia, in the county of Chenango, is a sulphuretted hydrogen spring, which is considerably used in eruptive humours of the skin, &c.
About one mile south of Manlius Square, in the town of Manlius, Onondaga county, there is a sulphur spring. The water issues out from beneath calcareous rocks.
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227
STATE OF NEW-YORK.
Near Lay's Falls, in the town of Massena, and county of St. Lawrence, there is one of these sulphur springs, which is said to be beneficial in cutaneous affections. The water comes from beneath shistic rocks.
The Nitrogen Springs, at the town of Hosack, in the county of Rensellaer, six miles southwest of Bennington, in Vermont, are very interesting. They are three in number, and are si- tuated in a small field. The quantity of pure nitrogen gas which issues in the form of bubbles, is immense.' It does uot appear to be combined with the water, but to issue from the gravel beds beneath the water. The same kind of gas is also supposed to issue from the dry soil in their vicinity.
These springs are highly charged with muriate of lime.
See A. Eaton's Geo. Survey of Rensellaer county.
Burning Springs. -
These springs are found in considerable numbers, in the se- condary formation. We shall commence with that at the Os- quake, in the town of Stark, in the county of Herkimer.
This spring is situated in the upper part of the valley of the Osquake creek, about half a mile above the mills of the Messrs. Richard and Daniel Van Horne. It is on the north side of the creek, about midway between the creek and hill. The wa- ter rises from beneath the fissures of some rocks. It is toler- ably clear when put into a tumbler, and not unpleasant to the taste. The smell which it emits is very much like that of pu- trid fish. This smell is much more obvious on immersing the bands in the water. The water stains leaves and wood a dirty . black colour.
The water, as it issues out, disengages inflammable gas in such profusion, as to produce combustion, on holding a light- ed candle near its surface.
The combustion is the most sudden, and of the greatest du- ration, after long drouths, when the spring is very low. On such occasions it has been known to burn for hours, nay, days, with a single firing. The combustion is very much like that of
228
HISTORY OF THE
spirits. The flame is unsteady, and not dense, which is occa. sioned by the nature of the combustible matter. The water does not burn, nor does it become heated. Nothing burns but the inflammable gas, and this does not before it is disengag- ed and comes in contact with the atmospheric.
The combustion is greatly accelerated by covering the sur- face with au inverted tunnel, which forces the hydrogen gas to ascend through the orifice, where it is discharged in a small stream. The tunnel must be surrounded with earth, in order to confine the gas, and compel it to ascend through the oritice, otherwise but little will rise.
'I he rock formations appear to be blackish grey wacke slate, · sandstone, red oxide of iron, calcareous sandstone and secondary limestone. The wacke is the lowest, and the limestone upper- most. The three first are to be seen in and near the creek, in the neighbourhood of the mills.
There are several burning springs in the county of Ontario.
That in the town of Bristol, about eight miles southeast- erly of the village of Canandaigua, is in a ravine at the base of a small eminence. The water is pure, and emits so much in- flammable gas, that it ignites on the application of a lighted candle. The flame is unsteady. Combustion is more easily communicated, and is more active, and of longer continuance in drouths, than when the spring is raised. The stone, in the vicinity, is share. A small brook flows through the ravine.
The springs in Middlesex, in the county of Ontario, are si- tuated from one to two miles southwesterly from the hamlet of Rushville, along a tract nearly a mile in length, partly in the bottom of a little valley called Federal Hollow, and partly at an elevation of forty feet on the south side of the Hollow.
The springs in the town of Canandaigua, are situated on both sides of the lake of the same name, and within three miles of the village.
These springs, as well as those at Middlesex, emit much hy- drogen gas, which, when lighted with a candle, burns with a beautiful tlame.
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STATE OF NEW-YORK.
. There are four or five springs southeasterly from that at Bristol, in the same county.
There is also one in East Bloomfield, near a bed of gyp- sum, and another at the town of Richmond.
In the town of Wales, in the county of Erie, there is also an inflammable spring. It is near the eastern boundary of the county, not far from one of the branches of Buffalo creek.
One of the same kind of springs is in the county of Cha- tauque, in the town of Portland, on the borders of Lake Erie.
In Westmoreland, Oncida county, eleven miles west of Utica, there is another of these springs. There is likewise. one near the village of Vernon, in the same county.
There is reason to believe that coal is entombed in the earth in the vicinity of all these springs. Wigan's Well, in England, emits inflammable air, and burns on applying a lighted candle near the surface. Coal is known to abound in its vicinity .. Inflammable springs are frequently found near beds of coal in England and France.
Sulphur Springs.
In the town of Phelps, in the county of Ontario, about eleven miles northwest of Geneva, are situated the famous springs of Clifton.
They are on the side of a hill composed of limestone. The principal springs are three in number, and collectively discharge a very considerable quantity of water.
The water, when it emerges, is clear, but soon becomes dark, and of a yellowish hue. This hue appears as the water de- scends the declivity, and becomes more apparent as it traverses the valley at the foot of the hill. The yellow hue is occasioned by the calcarcous and sulphurous matters which the water holds in suspension and solution. This is proved by the depo- sites along the rocky bottom over which it flows ; and by the vapor which it yields, sticks, leaves, plants, and even the loose stone lying in the bed of the stream are, in many instances, incrusted with the sulphurous and calcareous matters.
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HISTORY OF THE
The vapor which is emitted at the issues, and for some dis- · tance, rises to a considerable height, and spreads on all sides, so that it can be. smelt for many rods. The odour is that of hydrogen gas, holding sulphur in solution.
The water, notwithstanding the sulphurous and calcareous matters which it holds in solution and suspension, is friendly to animal and vegetable life-men drink the water-plants grow and thrive on its borders, and even within the stream. In the case of men it produces a little nausea, which seems to arise rather from the sulphur smell than from any thing else.
Besides the deposites already mentioned, there are likewise considerable depositions of calcareous carbonate, in places where the stream is gentle. 1.
Both the calcareous and sulphurous matters appear to be in a state of solution, as well as of suspension. In the former case, this is manifested by the vapor emitted. and in the latter by the deposites found along, and in the bed of the stream.
Some suppose that the sulphur deposited and emitted in the form of gas, originates from the decomposition of animal re- licks, entombed in the limestone rocks.
Within a-quarter of a mile there are other springs of the same kind. These are situated on the side of a hill, but the quantity of water discharged is very inconsiderable, so much so, that it is unable to carry off the calcareous and sulphurous matters : hence they are left on the spot, where they have form- ed beds, or more properly speaking, sloughs, which cover an extent of eleven or twelve rods in diameter. Iu these sloughs we find, in addition to the calcareous and sulphurous matters, mud, sticks, leaves, and other materials that chance may have thrown into them.
The matters thus accumulated in time might be taken up and carried away in loads.
The rock stratum, where the waters issue out, is filled with the remains of testaceous animals, and marine exuviae, many of which cannot be referred to any of the now known or living species.
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STATE OF NEW-YORK. 231
It is supposed that the inflammable air and sulphur with which these waters are charged, are produced by the decompo- sition of animal matter, enveloped in the limestone rocks from whence they issue. For more particulars relative to this inter- resting subject, we must refer the reader to the Medical Reposi- toni, vol. 12, pages 69, 70, (Munroe.)
The sulphur spring, northwest of Geneva, in Ontario coun- ty. is large enough for a mill." The water rises out of the ground in two places-adjoining thereto are two large bogs composed of sulphur and other matters left by the waters-these bogs are so very spongy, that a stick may be thrust into them six or seven feet. The sulphurous odour emitted is so strong and copious, that it may be smelled a mile at times.
In the north part of the county of Brutus, in Cayuga county, there is a spring possessing some mineral virtues. It is situated in a swamp, three-quarters of a mile south of Seneca river, a- quarter of a mile northeast of Weed's Basin, and about forty rods north of the Erie canal, on the lauds of a Mr. Raynor. That part of the swamp, in the vicinity of the spring, is wet and miry, and covered with black ash, and other timber, peculiar to such situations.
The water rises near the centre of a small swell, whose alti- tude is about five feet, and flows off in considerable quantity. The swell slopes off on all sides, and may be fifteen rods in cir- cuit. It has been made, as is manifest from the alluvial rocks found in it, by the depositions of the water. 'These rocks have somewhat the appearance of iron rust. The water stains wood, and other things over which it flows, a rusty colour. The wa- ter contains carbonate of lime, iron, &c.
Oil Springs. 1
Mineral Oil-Under this head or term, are comprehended two substances, Naphtha and Petroleum, both of which are liquid, highly inflammable, and lighter than water.
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232
HISTORY OF THE
The most copious springs of Naphtha known, are on the coast of the Caspian Sea, in the peninsula of Apcheron. The surrounding country is calcareous, and the soil which affords the Naphtha, is sandy and marly. Naphtha, used for medicine, is prepared by distillation.
Petroleum is found in many countries, principally in those producing coal. It is rather thicker than common tar, bas a strong disagreeable odour, and is of a blackish or reddish brown colour. It is found in the greatest abundance in the Birman, Turkish, and Persian Empires, in Asia. See Philips' Geology, Edinburgh Encyclopædin, &c.
Petroleum occurs in the States of New-York and Ohio, and various other parts of the two Americas.
. In this State and Ohio the springs are improperly called oil springs.
In the western part of this State, and particularly in the county of Cattaraugus, there is one of these springs affording Petroleum, which is sold under the denomination of Seneca oil. It is found floating on the surface of the water, from whence it is collected. It is employed internally and externally, and is found very efficacious in certain diseases, more especially of the stomach, intestines, kidneys, skin, joints, &c.
Springs of Petroleum are also found a few miles sontheaster- ly from the mouth of Eighteen Mile creek, of Lake Erie. They are in the southern part of Erie county. They are situat- ed in the bituminous slate rock which supports the soil of this tract of country. The bituminous slate along the shore of the lake, a few miles northwest and west of these springs, burns when ignited.
The oil collected from that at Cattaraugus, is very pure, and used without distillation, or any previous preparation.
This spring is on the north fork of Olean creek, eleven or twelve miles north of Hamilton, on the Alleghany river.
It is not improbable there are deposites of coal in its vicinity. The Petroleum springs of England, Scotland, France, Italy, Germany, &c. are all, we believe, without exception, either with- in or neighbouring to the coal formations. An examination of
233
STATE OF NEW-YORK.
the rock formation, bordering this spring, might perhaps lead to the discovery of this highly important mineral which has hitherto been sought for in vain in this State.
'T'he existence of bitumen, in the secondary slate, at the out- lets of Canesus and Honeyoe lakes, and at the fork of Genesee river, although not positive, is yet presumptive evidence of coal deposites.
Clove spring, in the vale of Clove, in the town of Beekman, and county of Dutchess, is about forty yards in circumference, and affords water enough for a grist-mill. Clove-kill, a branch of Fishkill, issues from it. This spring is remarkable for nothing but its size, and the volume of water which it discharges.
The vale of Clove is six miles long, and from one to two broad, and bounded by mountains.
Big spring, in the town of Caledonia, in the county of Livings- ton, discharges water enough, in the driest seasons, for mills. The water rises from beneath the fissures of calcareous rocks. This spring derived its name from the large quantity of water which it emits.
Deep spring, situated in Manlius, county of Onondaga, a little west of Chitteningo creek, is so called from the depth of its water. The water which it discharges is copious-limestone . underlays the country hereabouts.
Cold spring is remarkable on account of the coldness and . volume of its water. It is situated in the town of Concord, in the southeastern part of Erie county.
Canoga spring, in the town of Fayette, and county of Seneca, emits water sufficient for mills. Canoga creek, a beautiful rivulet, has its origin in this spring. Mills have been erected a little below the spring. The rocks around this spring are lime- stone. Canoga falls into Seneca outlet, after a short course.
Salt Springs, or Brine Springs.
Salt or Brine Springs are of frequent occurrence in the west-
. ern part of the State. They seem to occupy a narrow strip of . country, extending from Vernon, in the county of Oneida, west- VOL. 1. 30
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HISTORY OF THE
wardly to Niagara river, a distance of rather more than one hundred and eighty miles. The Erie canal runs a great way either through this strip or a little south of it. The gypsum beds, between Oneida creek and the Montezuma marshes, are situated on or near the south side of it-so are those along the ourlets of Seneca and Canandaigua lakes ; and likewise those found west of Genesee river. The strip is wholly within the secondary formation. All the springs hitherto discovered, are north of the great limestone formation, stretching from Coey- mans, in the county of Albany, westerly into Upper Canada, and north, or among the gypseous beds, some few instances excepted. The limestone, with very few exceptions, exhibits a much more elevated surface than the gypsum. Red sandstone, belonging to the class of secondary rocks, underlays the strip of country containing the springs.
The following appears to be the disposition of the rock for- mations .- First, red sandstone underlaying in general the whole strip :- Second, grey band, resting very often on the latter :--- Third,, ferruginous slate :- Fourth, ferruginous sandstone :- Fifth, limestone lying usually south of the strip, but on the pre- ceding rocks. The gypsum, and water limestone, and some other rocks, are in beds and patches, lying upon the limestone or some of the others. It is doubtful whether any of the rock formations enumerated, extends uninterruptedly through, except the sandstone and limestone.
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