PARRY — PHYSIOGRAPHY OF ROCKY MTS. 277 



sending up a shower of glittering spray, and, passing through 

 an arched cave, it reaches the waters of Grand River by a 

 subterranean passage. The temperature of the water, at its 

 several issues, is 112° F., and at the point where it falls into 

 the basin 110° F. A smaller spring, less exposed to the ex- 

 ternal air, shows a temperature as high as 115° F. The water 

 is clear, has an agreeable softness to the touch, and a distinct 

 saline odor. Along the course of its several streams floats a 

 slimy growth of feathery Confervce, exhibiting a great va- 

 riety of colors, including pure white, red, green, and blue. 

 Animal life is also exhibited in these tepid waters, in a small 

 molusk, of the genus Lymnma. The sulphurous odor is not 

 very perceptible, and to the taste, though disagreeably tepid, 

 there is sufficient sparkle to render it not unpleasant. 



The bathing arrangements are of the most primitive char- 

 acter. You stand under the falling stream as you are able to 

 bear it, and allow it to fall with a dash on different parts of 

 your body, till its diffusive warmth penetrates your system. 

 The first impression is that of scalding, and you naturally 

 spring away with a scream ; by repeated trials, however, it 

 becomes first supportable, and then delightfully agreeable. 

 When not too long indulged in, its effects are both refreshing 

 and soothing; but a prolonged stay is apt to beget lassitude. 

 If a sweating process is desired, you wrap yourself up in a 

 saturated blanket, and lie down in an adjoining cave, which 

 keeps a uniform temperature of about 90° F. ; here perspira- 

 tion starts from every pore, till you are glad to emerge, and 

 submit to the finishing process of brisk rubbing. There is 

 no doubt that these springs possess valuable medical proper- 

 ties, which will be in due time appreciated : they are even 

 now resorted to with benefit in cases of rheumatism, cutane- 

 ous eruptions, and other general disorders of the system aris- 

 ing from exposure, sedentary confinement, or intemperance. 

 Doubtless no little of the benefits thus derived are due to the 

 necessary exposure to out-door life, the excitement of travel, 

 and changes of scene, as well as the too often neglected means 

 of personal cleanliness; but hereafter, when experience and 

 investigation shall have determined the actual value of these 

 waters as a medical agent, this as well as the agreeable acces- 

 sories connected with romantic scenery, clear atmosphere, 

 and the various active amusements of hunting and fishing, 

 will render this a place of fashionable resort. 



The character of the geological formation, as exhibited 

 through this entire section of Middle Park, furnishes a satis- 

 factory explanation of the phenomena exhibited in these hot 

 springs, of which many others will doubtless be discovered in 

 different parts of this section of country. The numerous 

 canons of Grand River bring to view a great variety of geo- 

 logical sections, showing both granitic protrusions and highly 



