Chapter IV: Part I (1)

The Analysis, History and Properties
OF THE
MINERAL SPRINGS.

* * * * *

THE Mineral Springs of Saratoga.

The region of Mineral Springs in Eastern New York consists of a long, shallow and crescent-shaped valley, extending northeast from Ballston, its western horn, to Quaker Springs, its eastern extremity. The entire valley abounds in mineral fountains of more or less merit, and in the central portion bubble up the Waters of Healing, which have given to SARATOGA its world-wide celebrity.

Professor CHANDLER, of the Columbia School of Mines, thus describes the

Geology of the County.

"Beginning with the uppermost, the rocks of Saratoga county
are:

1. The Hudson river and Utica shales and slates.

2. The Trenton limestone.

3. The calciferous sand rock, which is a silicious limestone.

4. The Potsdam sand stone; and

5. The Laurentian formation of gneiss and granite, of unknown
thickness.

"The northern half of the county is occupied by the elevated
ranges of Laurentian rocks; flanking these occur the Potsdam,
Calciferous and Trenton beds, which appear in succession in
parallel bands through the central part of the county. These
are covered in the southern half of the county by the Utica and
Hudson river slates and shales.

"The most remarkable feature is, however, the break, or
vertical fissure, which occurs in the Saratoga valley, which
you see indicated in the cut. Notice, especially, the fact that
the strata on one side of the fissure have been elevated above
their original position, so that the Potsdam sandstone on the
left meets the edges of the calciferous sand rock, and even the
Trenton limestone on the right. It is in the line of this
fissure, or _fault_, in the towns of Saratoga and Ballston that
the springs occur.

"The Laurentian rocks, consisting of highly crystalline gneiss,
granite and syenite, are almost impervious, while the overlying
Potsdam sandstone is very porous, and capable of holding large
quantities of water. In this rock the mineral springs of
Saratoga probably have their origin. The surface waters of the
Laurentian hills, flowing down over the exposed edges of the
Potsdam beds, penetrate the porous sandstones, become saturated
with mineral matter, partly derived, perhaps, from the
limestones above, and are forced to the surface at a lower
level, by hydrostatic pressure. The valley in which the springs
all occur indicates the line of a fault or fracture in the
rocky crust, the strata on the west side of which are hundreds
of feet above the corresponding strata on the east.

"The mineral waters probably underlie the southern half of the
entire county, many hundred feet below the surface; the
accident of the fault determining their appearance as springs
in the valley of Saratoga Springs, where, by virtue of the
greater elevation of their distant source, they reach the
surface through crevices in the rocks produced by the fracture.

"It is probable that water can be obtained anywhere in the
southern portion of the county by tapping the underlying
Potsdam sandstone. In these wells the water usually rises to
and above the surface. Down in the rocky reservoir the water
is charged with gases under great pressure. As the water is
forced to the surface, the pressure diminishes, and a portion
of gas escapes with effervescence. The spouting wells deliver,
therefore, enormous volumes of gas with the water, a perfect
suds of water, carbonic acid and carburetted hydrogen.

"The common origin of the springs is shown by the analysis: all
contain the same constituents in essentially the same order of
abundance; they differ in the degree of concentration merely.
Those from the deepest strata are the most concentrated. The
constituents to which the taste of the water and its most
immediate medicinal effects are due, are: Chloride of sodium,
bicarbonate of lime, bicarbonate of magnesia, bicarbonate of
soda and free carbonic acid. Other important, though less
speedily active, constituents are: Bicarbonate of iron,
bicarbonate of lithia, iodide of sodium and bromide of sodium."

The solvent power which holds all these solid substances in solution, and which contributes to their agreeable taste, is the carbonic acid gas with which the water is so freely charged. This free carbonic acid gas is probably formed by the decomposition of the carbonates which compose the rock. The water, impregnated with it, becomes a powerful solvent, and, passing through different strata, absorbs the various mineral substances which compose its solid constituents.

General Properties.

Writers upon mineral springs generally divide them into the following classes: Carbonated or acidulous, saline, chalybeate or iron, alkaline, sulphur or hepatic, bitter and thermal springs.

The Saratoga waters embrace nearly all of these except the last two; some of the springs being saline, some chalybeate, some sulphur, and nearly all carbonated; and in the list may be found cathartic, alterative, diuretic and tonic waters of varied shade and differing strength. The cathartic waters are the most numerous and the most extensively used. The curative agents prepared in the vast and mysterious laboratories of Nature are very complex in constitution and different in temperature, and on that account do not, like iron, opium, quinia, etc., exhibit single effects; they exercise rather, with rare exceptions, combined effects, and these are again modified by various modes of employment and the time and circumstances of their use.

The Discovery of the Springs.

All the older springs have been found in beds of blue marl, or clay rather, which cover the valley more or less throughout its whole extent. On digging into this clay to any considerable depth, we are pretty certain to find traces of mineral water. In some places, at the depth of six or eight feet, it has been discovered issuing from a fissure or seam in the underlying limestone, while at other places it seems to proceed from a thin stratum of quicksand which is found to alternate with the marl at distances of from ten to forty feet, below which bowlders of considerable size are found.

The spouting springs have been found by experimental boring. As this is the cheapest and more certain method, it is "the popular thing" at present, and the day may not be far distant when all Saratoga will be punched through with artesian wells reaching hundreds of feet, if not through to China, and thus an open market made for the Saratoga waters among "the Heathen Chinee."

Mr. Jessie Button, to whom we are indebted for both the Glacier and the Geyser springs, seems best to understand the process of successfully boring artesian wells, having made these his special study and profession. Like Moses of old, he strikes, or taps, the rock and behold streams of water gush forth.

Are the Springs Natural?

Is a question that will probably seem absurd to those who are at all familiar with mineral springs or Saratoga waters. Nevertheless, it is a not unfrequent and amusing occurrence to hear remarks from strangers and greenies who have a preconceived notion that the springs are doctored, and that a mixture of salts, etc., is tipped in every night or early in the morning! Strange that the art should be limited to the village of Saratoga! The _incredulity_ of some people is the most ridiculous credulity known. Such wonders as the spouting springs, the "strongest" in Saratoga, come from so small an orifice in the ground, as to preclude the least possibility of adulteration. Besides, the manufactured article would be too costly to allow such immense quantities to flow away unused.

But to argue this question would be a _reductio ad absurdum_. _Nature is far better than the laboratory._ Artificial waters may simulate the natural in taste and appearance, but fall far short of their therapeutic effects.

The Commercial Value

Of the various springs differs as widely as does people's estimate of their individual merits. Spring water property is very expensive. It costs large sums of money to manage some of the springs. The old method of tubing, by sinking a curb, may cost several thousand dollars, and is uncertain then. Moreover, it is no small work to keep the springs in perfect repair, and in a clean and pure condition.

The artesian wells cost not far from $6 per foot for the boring, and are much less expensive.

Most of the springs are owned by stock companies, with a capital ranging from several hundred thousand to a million dollars. _On dit_ that the proprietors of the Geyser Spring were offered $175,000 for their fountain, and probably the Congress could not be purchased for quadruple that amount. It would not be a _very_ profitable bargain if some of the springs could be bought for a song, even, and yet there is not enough mineral water in all the springs now discovered in the Saratoga valley to supply New York alone, if artificial waters were to be abandoned. The only profit of the springs is in the sale of the water in bottles and barrels; and as the method of bottling requires great care, and is expensive, the per cent. of profit is not enormous. The use of mineral water, both as a beverage and for medicinal purposes, is increasing, and there may be "a good time coming," when these springs will bring wealth to the owner as they give health to the drinker.

The Medicinal Value of the Waters.

There is no doubt of their power to promote evacuations of effete accumulations from the kidneys, skin and bowels.

Dr. Draper, an eminent physician, in speaking of the springs, says: "They restore suppressed, and correct vitiated secretions, and so renovate health, and are also the means of introducing many medicines into the system in a state of minute subdivision, in which they exert a powerful alterative and curative action."

The value of mineral water has been shown in the treatment of obscure and chronic diseases. In many instances persons have been restored to health, or greatly relieved, by the use of mineral waters when all other remedies had proved of no avail.

The best known waters are now prescribed by the faculty in certain diseases with as much confidence as any preparation known to the apothecary. Indeed, no prescription is known equally beneficial to such differently made patients.

A large majority of those who resort to the springs for their health have tried other means of cure without relief.

It may also be considered a marked compliment to the medicinal properties of the waters, that the thousands who come here for pleasure merely, living fast and indulging in dissipation while here, return to their homes in better health--as they almost always do--than when they came.

Unlike certain other springs, whose wonderful properties and vaunted cures are found in pompous advertisements, the Saratoga waters have not made their celebrity by printer's ink. Their reputation has depended upon their own intrinsic merits, and steadily and surely has their renown advanced.

To repeat all the disorders which they have been known to benefit, would be very nearly to copy the sad list of ailments to which our creaky frames are subject.

In short, spring water is good for the stomach, good for the skin, good for ladies of all possible ages, and for all sorts and conditions of men.

Individual Characteristics.

In stating the special properties of the individual springs, we have conscientiously endeavored to make this work as reliable and accurate as possible. Those who are familiar with the reputation and claims of some of the several springs in past years will notice many changes, but it is believed that the information herein given is on the best authority, and brought down to the latest date.

_The Analyses of the Saratoga Waters,
by C.F. Chandler, Ph.D., of the Columbia School of Mines._

---------------------------+---------+---------+---------+---------+--------
Compounds as they exist | Star | High | Seltzer | Pavilion| United
in Solution in the Waters. | Spring. | Rock | Spring. | Spring.| States
| | Spring. | | | Spring.
---------------------------+---------+---------+---------+---------+--------
Chloride of sodium | 398.361 | 390.127 | 134.291 | 459.903 | 141.872
Chloride of potassium | 9.695 | 8.974 | 1.335 | 7.660 | 8.624
Bromide of sodium | 0.571 | 0.731 | 0.630 | 0.987 | 0.844
Iodide of sodium | 0.126 | 0.086 | 0.031 | 0.071 | 0.047
Fluoride of calcium | Trace. | Trace. | Trace. | Trace. | Trace.
Bicarbonate of lithia | 1.586 | 1.967 | 0.899 | 9.486 | 4.847
Bicarbonate of soda | 12.662 | 34.888 | 29.428 | 3.764 | 4.666
Bicarbonate of magnesia | 61.912 | 54.924 | 40.339 | 76.267 | 72.883
Bicarbonate of lime | 124.459 | 131.739 | 89.869 | 120.169 | 93.119
Bicarbonate of strontia | Trace. | Trace. | Trace. | Trace. | 0.018
Bicarbonate of baryta | 0.096 | 0.494 | Trace. | 0.875 | 0.909
Bicarbonate of iron | 1.213 | 1.478 | 1.703 | 2.570 | 0.714
Sulphate of potassa | 5.400 | 1.608 | 0.557 | 2.032 | Trace.
Phosphate of soda | Trace. | Trace. | Trace. | 0.007 | 0.016
Biborate of soda | Trace. | Trace. | Trace. | Trace. | Trace.
Alumina | Trace. | 1.223 | 0.374 | 0.329 | 0.094
Silica | 1.283 | 2.260 | 2.561 | 3.155 | 3.184
Organic Matter | Trace. | Trace. | Trace. Trace. | Trace.
---------------------------+---------+---------+---------+---------+--------
Total per | | | | |
U.S. gallon, 231 cu. in.| 617.367 | 630.500 | 302.017 | 687.275 | 331.837
---------------------------+---------+---------+---------+---------+--------
Carbonate acid gas | 407.650 | 409.458 | 324.080 | 332.458 | 245.734
Density | 1.0091 | 1.0092 | 1.0034 | 1.0095 | 1.0035
Temperature | 52°F. | 52°F. | 50°F. | ... | ...

---------------------------+---------+---------+---------+--------
Compounds as they exist | Hathorn | Crystal |Congress | Geyser
in Solution in the Waters. | Spring. | Spring. | Spring. |spouting
(Continued) | | | | well.
---------------------------+---------+---------+---------+--------
Chloride of sodium | 509.968 | 328.468 | 400.444 | 562.080
Chloride of potassium | 9.597 | 8.327 | 8.049 | 42.634
Bromide of sodium | 1.534 | 0.414 | 8.559 | 2.212
Iodide of sodium | 0.198 | 0.066 | 0.138 | 0.248
Fluoride of calcium | Trace. | Trace. | Trace. | Trace.
Bicarbonate of lithia | 11.447 | 4.326 | 4.761 | 7.004
Bicarbonate of soda | 4.288 | 10.064 | 10.775 | 71.232
Bicarbonate of magnesia | 176.463 | 75.161 | 121.757 | 149.343
Bicarbonate of lime | 170.646 | 101.881 | 143.339 | 170.392
Bicarbonate of strontia | Trace. | Trace. | Trace. | 0.425
Bicarbonate of baryta | 1.737 | 0.726 | 0.928 | 2.014
Bicarbonate of iron | 1.128 | 2.038 | 0.340 | 0.979
Sulphate of potassa | Trace. | 2.158 | 0.889 | 0.318
Phosphate of soda | 0.006 | 0.009 | 0.016 | Trace.
Biborate of soda | Trace. | Trace. | Trace. | Trace.
Alumina | 0.131 | 0.305 | Trace. | Trace.
Silica | 1.260 | 3.213 | 0.840 | 0.665
Organic Matter | Trace. | Trace. | Trace. | Trace.
---------------------------+---------+---------+---------+--------
Total per | | | |
U.S. gallon, 231 cu. in.| 888.403 | 537.155 | 700.895 | 991.546
---------------------------+---------+---------+---------+--------
Carbonate acid gas | 375.747 | 317.452 | 392.289 | 454.082
Density | 1.0115 | 1.0060 | 1.096 | 1.0120
Temperature | ... | 50°F. | 52°F. | 46°F.

-----------------------+---------+---------+---------+---------+--------
Bases and Acids as | Star | High | Seltzer | Pavilion| United
actually found in the | Spring. | Rock | Spring. | Spring. | States
Analysis uncombined | | Spring. | | | Spring.
-----------------------+---------+---------+---------+---------+--------
Potassium | 7.496 | 5.419 | 0.949 | 4.931 | 4.515
Sodium | 160.239 | 163.216 | 61.003 | 182.084 | 57.259
Lithium | 0.163 | 0.202 | 0.093 | 0.976 | 0.499
Lime | 43.024 | 45.540 | 31.066 | 41.540 | 32.189
Strontia | Trace. | Trace. | Trace. | Trace. | 0.009
Baryta | 0.056 | 0.292 | Trace. | 0.517 | 0.537
Magnesia | 16.992 | 15.048 | 11.051 | 20.895 | 19.968
Protoiyde of iron | 0.491 | 0.598 | 0.689 | 1.040 | 0.289
Alumina | Trace. | 1.223 | 0.374 | 0.329 | 0.094
Chlorine | 246.357 | 241.017 | 82.128 | 282.723 | 90.201
Bromine | 0.443 | 0.568 | 0.489 | 0.767 | 0.656
Iodine | 0.106 | 0.072 | 0.026 | 0.060 | 0.039
Fluorine | Trace. | Trace. | Trace. | Trace. | Trace.
Sulphuric acid | 2.483 | 0.739 | 0.256 | 0.934 | Trace.
Phosphoric acid | Trace. | Trace. | Trace. | 0.004 | 0.008
Boracic acid | Trace. | Trace. | Trace. | Trace. | Trace.
Carbonic acid in | | | | |
carbonates | 56.606 | 62.555 | 44.984 | 60.461 | 50.380
Carbonic acid for | | | | |
bicarbonates | 56.606 | 62.555 | 44.984 | 60.461 | 50.380
Silica | 1.283 | 2.260 | 2.561 | 3.155 | 3.184
Organic matter | Trace. | Trace. | Trace. | Trace. | Trace.
Water in bicarbonates | 23.160 | 25.591 | 18.405 | 24.736 | 20.613
Oxygen in KO (SO_{3}). | 0.496 | 0.148 | 0.051 | 0.187 | ...
Oxygen in LiO | | | | |
(HO_{2} CO_{2})| 0.187 | 0.232 | 0.105 | 1.116 | 0.570
Oxygen in NaO | | | | |
(HO_{2} CO_{2}) | 1.206 | 3.323 | 2.803 | 0.358 | 0.444
Oxygen in 2 NaO | | | | |
(HO, PO_{5})| ... | ... | ... | 0.001 | 0.002
+---------+---------+---------+---------+--------
Total per U.S. gallon, | | | | |
231 cu. in.| 617.367 | 630.500 | 302.007 | 687.275 | 331.837
+---------+---------+---------+---------+--------
Total residue by | | | | |
evaporation| 537.600 | 542.350 | 238.970 | 602.080 | 260.840

-----------------------+---------+---------+---------+--------
Bases and Acids as | Hathorn | Crystal | Congress| Geyser
actually found in the | Spring. | Spring. | Spring. |spouting
Analysis uncombined | | | | well.
(Continued) | | | |
-----------------------+---------+---------+---------+--------
Potassium | 5.024 | 5.326 | 4.611 | 13.039
Sodium | 102.058 | 132.006 | 162.324 | 251.031
Lithium | 1.179 | 0.445 | 0.490 | 0.720
Lime | 58.989 | 35.218 | 49.569 | 58.901
Strontia | Trace. | Trace. | Trace. | 0.211
Baryta | 1.026 | 0.429 | 0.549 | 1.190
Magnesia | 48.346 | 20.592 | 33.358 | 40.915
Protoiyde of iron | 0.456 | 0.824 | 0.137 | 0.396
Alumina | 0.131 | 0.305 | Trace. | Trace
Chlorine | 214.037 | 203.292 | 246.834 | 352.825
Bromine | 1.188 | 0.322 | 6.645 | 1.718
Iodine | 0.166 | 0.055 | 0.117 | 0.208
Fluorine | Trace. | Trace. | Trace. | Trace
Sulphuric acid | Trace. | 0.992 | 0.409 | 0.146
Phosphoric acid | 0.003 | 0.004 | 0.008 | Trace
Boracic acid | Trace. | Trace. | Trace. | Trace
Carbonic acid in | | | |
carbonates | 04.928 | 54.984 | 80.249 | 112.880
Carbonic acid for | | | |
bicarbonates | 04.928 | 54.984 | 80.249 | 112.880
Silica | 1.260 | 3.213 | 0.840 | 0.665
Organic matter | Trace. | Trace. | Trace. | Trace
Water in bicarbonates | 42.929 | 22.496 | 33.828 | 46.183
Oxygen in KO (SO_{3}) | ... | 0.199 | 0.082 | 0.029
Oxygen in LiO | | | |
(HO_{2} CO_{2})| 1.347 | 0.509 | 0.560 | 0.824
Oxygen in NaO | | | |
(HO_{2} CO_{2}) | 0.408 | 0.959 | 1.024 | 6.785
Oxygen in 2 NaO | | | |
(HO, PO_{5})| 0.001 | ... | .002 | ...
+---------+---------+---------+--------
Total per U.S. gallon, | | | |
231 cu. in.| 688.403 | 537.155 | 700.895 | 991.546
+---------+---------+---------+--------
Total residue by | | | |
evaporation| 540.550 | 439.670 | 588.818 | 832.483

WATERS OF SARATOGA COUNTY, N.Y.

_Table showing the total quantities of mineral matter left by
evaporation, and of some of the more important constituents._

--------------------------------------------------------------------------
| Total solids
| as left by
| evaporation.
| | Chlorides of
| | sodium and
| | potassium.
| | | All other solids
| | | left by evaporation;
| | | carbonates of lime,
| | | magnesia, etc.
| | | | Bicarbonate
| | | | of lime (CaO,
| | | | HO, 2CO_{2}).
| | | | | Bicarbonate of
| | | | | magnesia (MgO,
| | | | | HO, 2CO_{2}).
| | | | | | Bicarbonate
| | | | | | of iron
| | | | | | (FeO, HO,
SPRING. | | | | | \ 2CO_{2}).
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
Geyser Spouting | | | | | |
well | 832.48 | 586.71 | 245.77 | 170.39 | 149.34 | 0.98
Hathorn spring | 740.55 | 519.55 | 221.00 | 170.65 | 176.46 | 1.13
Hamilton spring | 611.71 | 411.00 | 200.71 | 144.84 | 104.80 | 1.80
Congress spring | 588.82 | 408.49 | 180.33 | 143.40 | 121.76 | 0.34
High Rock spring | 542.35 | 399.10 | 143.25 | 131.74 | 54.92 | 1.48
Washington spring | 353.23 | 215.00 | 138.23 | 110.23 | 40.56 | 2.40
Excelsior spring | 611.05 | 473.00 | 138.05 | 90.38 | 72.27 | 2.84
Pavilion spring | 602.08 | 467.56 | 134.51 | 120.17 | 76.73 | 2.57
Putnam spring | 354.79 | 220.50 | 134.27 | 110.72 | 60.01 | 3.97
Columbian spring | 353.08 | 219.00 | 134.08 | 104.89 | 78.05 | 3.26
Star spring | 537.60 | 408.05 | 129.55 | 124.46 | 61.91 | 1.21
Crystal spring | 459.67 | 336.79 | 122.88 | 101.88 | 75.16 | 2.04
Eureka spring | 280.16 | 171.00 | 119.16 | 94.02 | 63.75 | 3.36
United States | | | | | |
spring | 260.84 | 150.49 | 110.35 | 93.12 | 72.88 | 0.71
Empire spring | 460.32 | 355.16 | 105.16 | 113.54 | 48.10 | 1.34
Seltzer spring | 238.97 | 135.62 | 103.35 | 89.87 | 40.34 | 1.70
Red spring | 155.53 | 73.50 | 82.03 | 79.80 | 27.84 | 2.51
Village spring, | | | | | |
Ballston | 153.09 | 75.00 | 78.09 | 65.08 | 21.59 | 2.00
---------------------------------------------------------------------

Individuals have their preferences, and opinions may differ in regard to the relative value of the springs, particularly when parties are interested in them. We have no interest in one more than in all, and have brought to our task, we believe, no partiality. The manuscript has been submitted to leading physicians of Saratoga before publication, and is approved by them. The arrangement is alphabetical.

CONGRESS SPRING.

In Congress Park, opposite Grand Central Hotel. Congress and Empire Spring Company are the proprietors. The New York office is at 94 Chambers street.

History.

Congress Spring was discovered in 1792, by a party of three gentlemen, who were out upon a hunting excursion. Among the party was John Taylor Gilman, an ex-member of Congress from New Hampshire. Probably in that day, office conferred more honor than at the present time, and as a compliment to so distinguished a person, the spring was then and there christened the Congress. The attention of the hunters was attracted to the spot by the foot-prints of large numbers of deer, the first patrons, it seems, of the sparkling water. Although more especially esteemed by pretty dears of a different character at the present day, the liquid-eyed fawn, who grace Congress Park, are among those who take their daily rations. At the time of discovery, the low ground about the spring was a mere swamp, and the country in the immediate vicinity a wilderness. The mineral water issued in a small stream from an aperture in the side of the rock, which formed the margin of a small brook, and was caught by pressing a glass to the side of the rock. The flow of water was only about one quart per minute.

From the date of its discovery to the present time this celebrated spring has been the center of attraction at Saratoga. Its name has become a household word through out the land, and the whole civilized world are its customers.

At one time Mr. Putnam had three large potash kettles evaporating the water. The salts thus precipitated were sold in small packages to the amount of several hundred dollars. It was not long, however, before it was discovered that _Congress water_ was not obtained by re-dissolving the salts, as might have been expected if the nature of the water had been considered.

About the year 1820, Dr. John Clarke, the proprietor of the first soda fountain opened in this country, purchased the Congress Spring property. By him the water was first bottled for transportation and sale, and to him the village is indebted for much of its beauty and attractiveness.

The simple and tasteful Doric colonnade over the Congress, and the pretty Grecian dome over the Columbian were erected by him. Dr. Clarke realized a handsome income from the sale of the water. He died in 1846, but the property continued in the hands of his heirs, under the firm name of Clarke & White, until 1865, when it was purchased by an incorporated company, under the title of "Congress and Empire Spring Company." The capital is $1,000,000, and the company is composed of a large number of individual stockholders. The present proprietors of Congress Spring have contributed not a little to the beauty and attractiveness of this favorite watering place.

Properties.

When taken before breakfast the water is a very pleasant and effective cathartic. Drank in moderate quantities throughout the day, it is a delightful, wholesome beverage, its effects being alterative and slightly tonic. It is successfully used in affections of the liver and kidneys; and for chronic constipation, dyspepsia and gout it is highly valued. It has been employed in cases of renal calculi with decidedly beneficial results.

Crowds gather round the fountain in the early summer morning to win appetite for breakfast and life for the pleasures of the day. Old and young, sick and well, everybody, drinks, for the Congress fountain is as much the morning exchange as the ball-room is the resort of the evening.

Prof. G.F. Chandler, the leading chemist in America, says: "The peculiar excellence of the far-famed Congress spring is due to the fact that it contains very much less iron than any other spring, and that it contains, in the most desirable proportions, those substances which produce its agreeable flavor and satisfactory medicinal effects; neither holding them in excess, nor lacking in anything that is desirable in this class of waters."

In submitting a new analysis (which appears elsewhere) Prof. Chandler writes,--"A comparison of this with the analysis made by Dr. John H. Steel in 1832, proves that Congress water still retains its original strength, and all the virtues which established its well merited reputation." Higher authority there is none.

Bottling the Water.

It should be remembered that the water of this spring is sold in _bottles only_. What purports to be Congress water for sale on draught in various places throughout the country is not genuine. The artificial preparations thus imposed upon the public may have a certain resemblance in taste and appearance, but are frequently worse than worthless for medicinal purposes.

COLUMBIAN SPRING.

In Congress Park, under the Grecian Dome, near the Congress spring, Congress and Empire Spring Co., proprietors.

History and Peculiarities.

This spring was opened in 1806 by Gideon Putnam. The water issues from the natural rock about seven feet below the surface of the ground, and is protected by heavy wooden tubing. It is the most popular spring among the residents of Saratoga. The escaping bubbles of free carbonic acid gas give to the fountain a boiling motion. Large quantities of the gas can easily be collected at the mouth of the spring at any time.

Properties.

It is a fine chalybeate or iron water, possessing strong tonic properties. It also has a diuretic action and is extensively used for that purpose. The water is recommended to be drank in small quantities frequently during the day, generally _preceded_ by the use of the cathartic waters taken before breakfast.

Only from one-half to one glass should be taken at a time. When taken in large quantities or before breakfast its effects might remind one of that great race in northern and central Europe,--the Teutonic (_too_ tonic). A peculiar headache would certainly be experienced.

The proper use of this water is found to strengthen the tone of the stomach and to increase the red particles of the blood which, according to Liebeg, perform an important part in respiration. It has been proved by actual experiments that the number of red particles of the blood may be _doubled_ by the use of preparations of iron.

Though containing but 3.26 grains of iron in one gallon of water--Prof. Chandler's analysis--it is an evident and remarkable fact that the water thus weakly impregnated has a most perceptible iron taste in every drop. Is it much to be wondered at, then, that a mineral which has so extensive a power of affecting the palate, should possess equally extensive influence over the whole system? Many minerals in a dilute state of solution may pass easily through the absorbents, while in a more concentrated state they may be excluded. Carbonic acid gas, for instance, when diluted is readily inhaled, but when concentrated acts in a peculiar manner upon the wind-pipe so as to prevent its admission. So the happy medicinal effects of these iron waters seem to consist--to some extent--in the minute division of the mineral properties so that they are readily taken into the system.

THE CRYSTAL SPRING

Is under the southern extremity of the new hotel. The proprietors have named it the Crystal Spring from the crystalline appearance of the water, which does not rise to the surface, but is pumped up from a depth of several feet. It was discovered in 1870 by experimental excavation. The characteristic, and to many disagreeable odor of sulphuretted hydrogen, is readily perceived. Sulphur veins, or iron pyrites, are found in all sections of this valley; one of the most provoking problems of the owners of the springs being to keep their fountains from a sulphur taint, the quantity and quality of which is not considered beneficial, while it injures the sale of the bottled water.

The Crystal Spring is somewhat alterative in its therapeutic effects.

THE ELLIS SPRING

Is near the railroad, between the Glacier and Geyser Springs. It has been known for a long time. The water flows through the _slate rock_, and, unlike any other spring at Saratoga, issues in a horizontal direction from the side of the hill. It is a very fine chalybeate, but is not bottled.

EMPIRE SPRING,

Situated on Spring avenue, at the head of Circular street, and near the base of a high limestone bluff, in the northerly part of the village, a few rods above the Star Spring, and about three-fourths of a mile from the Congress. Owned by the Congress and Empire Spring Company. O.H. Cromwell, Superintendent.

History.

Mineral water was known to trickle down the bank at this point ever since the land was cleared of its primitive shrubs. It was not till the year 1846 that the fountain was taken in charge. The tubing is eleven feet, and fits closely to the rock. Messrs. Weston and Co., the early proprietors, made extensive improvements in the grounds surrounding, planting shade trees, etc., and during the past year the opening of Spring avenue has rendered the place more attractive.

Properties.

The water of this spring has a general resemblance to that of the Congress. In the cathartic effects of the two waters the difference is scarcely appreciable, although from the presence of a larger quantity of magnesia in the Congress, its operation is perhaps somewhat more pungent. The Empire is highly esteemed for the treatment of obscure and chronic diseases requiring alterative and diuretic remedies. It is also recommended as a preventive or remedy for the diseases natural to warm climates, especially intermittent, gastric and bilious fevers, dysenteries and disorders of the liver. The directions for using are the same as for the Congress.

EUREKA MINERAL SPRING

Is situated on Lake avenue, and on Spring avenue, about a mile east of Broadway, and a few rods beyond the Excelsior Spring. Eureka Spring Company, proprietors. A.R. Dyett, Esq., President.

The location of the spring is in the midst of very romantic and picturesque scenery, embracing a beautiful park of some twenty-five acres. Since the water was analyzed the fountain has been retubed, and its quality improved. It is serviceable in dyspepsia and all diseases and affections of the liver and kidneys, and is classed among saline and cathartic waters.

It resembles in taste and appearance the other Saratoga waters. The New York office of the Eureka Spring Company, for the sale of their bottled water, is at No. 7 Hudson R.R.R. Depot, Varick street. Mr Benj. J. Levy is the agent.

Within a few steps of the Eureka, and belonging to the same company, is the White Sulphur Spring and bathing-house. The water of the White Sulphur Spring is an hepatic water of an excellent character, possessing, as the company claim every essential element to render it equal for internal use to the best White Sulphur waters in this State, and far superior to most of them. The company have erected a commodious bath-house, containing fifty bath-rooms, with every convenience for warm and cold baths, at a moderate price.

Frequent omnibuses convey passengers to and from these springs for 25 cents, passing the principal hotels.

THE EXCELSIOR SPRING

Is found in a beautiful valley, and amid most romantic scenery, about a mile east of the town hall. The principal entrance to this spring is on Lake avenue, about half a mile east of Circular street. Another route is via Spring avenue, by which we pass a majority of the other springs, and also the Loughberry water-works which supply the village of Saratoga Springs with water from the Excelsior Lake by the celebrated Holly system. Just before us, as we reach a point where the avenue turns towards the Excelsior, is the fine summer hotel known as the Mansion House, and the pretty cottage residence of Mr. Henry Lawrence.

History.

The Excelsior Spring has been appreciated for its valuable qualities by some of the oldest visitors of Saratoga for more than half a century. The water, however, was not generally known to the public until in 1859, when Mr. H.H. Lawrence, the former owner, and father of the present proprietors, retubed the spring at a considerable expense, having excavated it to a depth of fifty-six feet, eleven of which are in the solid rock. By this improvement the water flows with all its properties undeteriorated, retaining from source to outlet its original purity and strength. Since then, the present proprietors, under the firm of A.R. Lawrence & Co., by a new and improved method of bottling and barreling the Excelsior water under its own hydrostatic pressure, have given it an increased reputation and it is rapidly attaining a wide-spread popularity.

Properties.

The water of this spring is a pleasant _cathartic_, and has also alterative and tonic properties, and is moreover a very delightful beverage. Two or three glasses in the morning is the dose as a cathartic. As an alterative and diuretic, it should be taken in small quantities during the day. We have seen stronger commendations of this water from the highest medical authority than of any other.

Exportation of the Water.

After a refreshing draught from this sparkling and delicious fountain, let us not fail to examine the proprietors' peculiar and very perfect method of bottling and barreling the Excelsior water by its own hydrostatic pressure. Since last season a handsome brick bottling-house has replaced the ancient wooden structure. Entering this bottling-house we find our way to a capacious and well-lighted cellar, in which we discover a perpendicular opening some ten feet in diameter; this proves to be a circular brick vault, in whose depths the process of filling is performed. Twelve feet below the surface of the spring a block tin tube conveys the water into reservoirs placed at the bottom of this vault. These reservoirs are strong oak barrels, lined with pure block tin in such a manner as to be perfectly gas-tight, and furnished with two tubes, one quite short and the other extending from the top to the bottom of the reservoir. Then, by filling the reservoirs through the long tube by hydrostatic pressure, the air is excluded, while the gas is not allowed to escape. When sold on draught, it is necessary simply to connect the long tube with the draught tube, and the short tube with an air pump, when the water can be forced out by the pressure of the air, and will flow forth sparkling and delicious as at the spring, without being re-charged with gas.

Having concluded our investigation, and tarried to notice the MINNEHAHA, UNION, and other springs which bubble up in this immediate vicinity, we have now the choice of continuing along the banks of a winding stream to the Eureka and White Sulphur Springs, or of returning by the way of Lake avenue. But should we prefer the healthful exercise of walking, we may dismiss our carriage and stroll into those magnificent woods that border the hill and valley for half a mile between Excelsior Spring and the village. Through them there is a wide and shady path, well known to visitors who love the picturesque, and along its winding way is found the shortest walk to the center of the village.

The beauty of this region would seem to indicate it as the proper site for the future Central Park of Saratoga.

THE GEYSER SPOUTING SPRING

Is about a mile and a half below the village, on the Ballston road, and near the railroad. Business address, "Geyser Spring."

History.

This wonderful mineral fountain was discovered in February. 1870. There had been indications of mineral water in this neighborhood, which had been noticed for a long time. The building which is now used as a bottling-house, and beneath which the spring was found, was used as a bolt factory. The proprietors, Messrs. Vail and Seavy, determined to bore for a spring. They were successful, and when they had reached a point 140 feet below the surface rock, they struck the mineral vein. The water immediately burst forth with vehemence, and the marvelous phenomenon of a spouting spring was established.

The orifice bored in the rock is five and a half inches in diameter and 140 feet deep. The tubing is a block tin pipe, encased with iron, eighty-five feet in length and two inches in diameter. The diameter of the orifice of the tube is three-eighths of an inch. The tube is firmly secured at the bottom, and "seed bags" are filled in around it, so that all the water and gas is compelled to enter the tube, thereby preventing the possibility of adulteration. The fact that the spring is located 140 feet beneath the solid rock renders it free from all impurities of surface waters.

Peculiarities.

The water is thrown up by the action of its own carbonic acid gas, with great force, producing a fountain jet very attractive in appearance. The height of the fountain is twenty-five feet. A portion of the stream is allowed to flow through a hollow globe of glass, and large bubbles of gas of a bright pearl color rising in rapid succession through the water, form a beautiful addition to the attractiveness of the fountain. The curious will find an opportunity to obtain a sniff of pure gas at a wooden tube, near the bottling room, where water is drawn for bottling.

It is noticeable that when a portion of the stream is allowed to flow through another tube to the bottling-room, the fountain spouts to an unusual height.

Properties.

The water, as shown by the analysis, is a powerful _cathartic_, and contains a larger amount of valuable medicinal properties than any other spring at Saratoga. The dose is from one to two glasses. The temperature of the spring is 46 deg. Fahr., being only 14 deg. from the freezing point. As the water is drawn from the fountain it foams like soda water, from the great abundance of carbonic acid gas, which gives to the water its agreeable taste.

During the two years since its discovery the water has been introduced all over the Union, and is now to be obtained in the principal cities of America and Europe.

A beautiful ravine, cascade and lake, and a sulphur spring also are in the immediate vicinity south of the spring. Seats are provided and the pleasure seeker will find a few hours in this locality a delightful recreation. The Geyser Spring is one of the chief attractions of Saratoga, and no visitor should fail to see it and taste its sparkling water.

THE GLACIER SPOUTING SPRING,

"Sparkling, rippling, and dancing about,
Freighted with health and brilliant with light,
Soothing the ear and entrancing the sight."

May be found in a little valley east of the railroad and directly opposite the Geyser Spring, about a mile south of the village. Button & Gibbs, proprietors.

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 Button, 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 quantity. 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. Button 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 principal 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 glasses 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 quantities.

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.

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.

"If you will examine the cut which presents a vertical section of the spring, you will be able to follow me as I tell you what they found.

"Just below the mound were found four logs, two of which rested upon the other, two at right angles, forming a curb. Under the logs were bundles of twigs resting upon the dark-brown or black soil of a previous swamp. Evidently some ancient seekers after health had found the spring in the swamp, and to make it more convenient to secure the water had piled brush around it, and then laid down the logs as a curb. But you inquire, how came the rock, which weighed several tons, above the logs? The rock was formed by the water. It is composed of tufa, carbonate of lime, and was formed in the same manner as stalactites and stalagmites are formed. As the water flowed over the logs, the evaporation of a portion of the carbonic acid gas caused the separation of an equivalent quantity of insoluble carbonate of lime, which, layer by layer, built up the mound. A fragment of the rock which I possess contains leaves, twigs, hazel nuts, and snail shells, which, falling from time to time upon it, were incrusted and finally imprisoned in the stony mass.

Analysis of a Fragment of the Rock

Carbonate of lime 95.17
Carbonate of magnesia 2.49
Sesquioxide of iron 0.07
Alumina 0.22
Sand and clay 0.09
Organic matter 1.11
Moisture 0.39
Undetermined 0.46
------
100.00

"Below the rocks the workmen followed the spring through four feet of tufa and muck. Then they came to a layer of solid tufa two feet thick, then one foot of muck in which they found another log. Below this were three feet of tufa, and there seventeen feet below the apex of the mound they found the embers and charcoal of an ancient fire. By whom and when could the fire have been built? The Indian tradition went back only to the time when the water overflowed the rock. How many centuries may have elapsed since even the logs were placed in their position? A grave philosopher of the famous watering-place, remembering that botanists determine the age of trees by counting the rings on the section of the stems and noticing the layers in the tufa rock, polished a portion of the surface, and counted eighty-one layers to the inch. He forthwith made the following calculation:

High Rock, 4 feet 80 lines to the inch 3,840 years
Muck and tufa, 7 feet low estimate 400 "
Tufa, 2 feet 25 lines to the inch 600 "
Muck, 1 foot 130 "
Tufa, 3 feet 900 "
-----
Time since the fire was built 5,870 "

"As I have seen half an inch of tufa formed in two years on a brick which received the overflow from a spout of water containing only twenty grams of carbonate of lime in a gallon, I am inclined to think our antiquarian's estimates are not entirely reliable."[A]

The rock has been replaced over the spring, and the water now flows over it. A very beautiful and expensive colonnade has been built over the rock by the "High Rock Congress Spring Company." This company was formed in 1866, and was inaugurated under favorable auspices and with brilliant prospects of success. But though _founded on a rock_, it was not successful in withstanding the storms. Whether the rock was too slippery, or the Spring rains too severe, or what was the slip-up, or rather slip-down, we do not presume to say, but the company failed, and the spring was sold at auction during the present month for $16,000.

Those who invested their dollars in it sank them in a _well_, and unlike "bread cast upon the waters," they do not seem to return again.

A new company has been organized, and under their direction the spring is being retubed. With honest and careful management it ought to be profitable to the owners and conducive to the health of the public.

FOOTNOTE:

[A] A lecture on Water by C.H. Chandler, Ph.D., delivered at the American Institute.

PAVILION SPRING.

A few steps from Broadway, in a somewhat secluded valley, though in the very centre of Saratoga and directly at the head of Spring avenue (now being completed), bubble up the clear and sparkling water of the Pavilion Spring.

The pleasure seeker strolling up Broadway is directed by a modest sign down Lake avenue to "Pavilion Spring and Park." A few steps, less than half a block, brings him to the handsome arched gateway of this very pretty park in which one can pass the time as pleasantly as could be wished. The colonnade over the spring is one of the most elegant of its class. It was erected in 1869, at a cost of over $6,000, and is a fine ornament to the park. The United States Spring is under the same colonnade. Our cut is a very faithful likeness of the grounds.

History.

The spring was originally owned by the Walton family. Though long known, its situation was such, being in the midst of a deep morass, that the owners took no steps towards tubing it. In 1839 it passed into the hands of Mr. Daniel McLaren, who tubed it at a heavy expense and trouble by sinking a crib twenty-two feet square to a depth of forty feet. A tube was constructed in the form of a boot, and to render the ground dry and firm around it several tons of iron filings from Troy were packed around.

When the work was finished, the water was bottled to some extent and was a favorite drink with many of the citizens. It was then esteemed as a tonic spring. In 1868 it was retubed and the tube extended down ten feet further to the sandstone rock. Clay was used for the packing, and the water has since been of a finer flavor and of cathartic properties. At this time the spring became the property of the Pavilion and United States Spring Co., composed of enterprising business men, under whose management the grounds have been rendered quite attractive and the water is becoming celebrated as one of the leading cathartic springs of far-famed Saratoga.

Properties.

There is a liveliness and pungency to this water which makes it a pleasant beverage. An abundance of gas, so much desired in a mineral spring, is so intimately associated with the water, and is so well "fixed" as to hold the medicinal constituents in a clear and permanent solution. The property of the water is cathartic, affecting more or less, however, all the secretions. It is of special service in dyspepsia, biliousness, rheumatism, etc. A half a glass to a glass, drank after hearty meals, will relieve at once the distress from which so many suffer. Medical men recommend the water also for kidney disease.

While stronger than the milder waters which require so large potions to be effective, it is not characterized by the harshness and irritating power of some of the more recently discovered springs. It seems to us a sort of golden mean between the two extremes.

The water bottles nicely, and is sent to every part of the Union. It is also sold on draught. Persons becoming attached to it while at Saratoga, can thus easily obtain it at any time in a manner only equaled by that dipped from the spring. The sale of this, as well as of nearly all mineral waters, is conducted almost exclusively by druggists.