150 THE PASSENGER PIGEON IN PENNSYLVANIA 



troleum, which is so thick and adhesive tliat- it does 

 not fall off, but is removed by scraping the instru- 

 ment on the lip of the trough or pot. It has then a 

 very foul appearance like very dirty tar or molasses; 

 but it is purified by heating and straining it while hot 

 through flannel or other woolen stuff. It is used by 

 the people of the vicinity for sprains and rheumatism 

 and for sores on their horses, it being in both cases rub- 

 bed upon the part. It is not monopolized by anyone, 

 but is carried away freely by all who care to collect it, 

 and for this purpose the spring is frequently visited. 

 I could not ascertain how much is annually obtained ; 

 but the quantity is considerable. It is said to rise more 

 abundantly in hot weather than in cold. Gas is con- 

 stantly escaping through the water, and appears in bub- 

 bles upon its surface." 



The Indians have used crude oil for several cen- 

 turies and proudly led Joseph d'Allion over the hills to 

 show him their wonderful treasure. In 1748, Peter 

 Kalm, a Finnish naturalist, was at the oil springs along 

 Oil Creek, in Venango County, Pennsylvania, and in- 

 dicated them upon the map that was subsequently pub- 

 lished. French soldiers and officers were led to them 

 also, as a letter from Lieutenant Joumonville, 1750, 

 shows, explaining the impressive ceremony in that wild 

 forest, as only a Frenchman could, translated as fol- 

 lows : 



''I would desire to assure you that this is a most 

 delightful land. Some of the most astonishing natu- 

 ral wonders have been discovered by our people. While 



