994 INFLUENCE OF THE FOREST ON SPRINGS. 
the water-wheels, because those of the old construction are no 
longer able to drive the machinery, and at last to introduce a 
steam-engine to prevent the stoppage of the works for want of 
water. 
“When the factory of St. Ursanne was established, the 
river that furnished its power was abundant, and had, from 
time immemorial, sufficed for the machinery of a previous 
factory. Afterwards, the woods near its sources were cut. 
The supply of water fell off in consequence, the factory 
wanted water for half the year, and was at last obliged to stop 
altogether. 
“ The spring of Combefoulat, in the commune of Seleate, was 
well known as one of the best in the country; it was remark- 
ably abundant, and sufficient, in the severest droughts, to 
supply all the fountains of the town; but as soon as consider- 
able forests were felled in Combe-de-pré Martin and in the 
valley of Combefoulat, the famous. spring, which lies below 
these woods, has become a mere thread of water, and disappears 
altogether in times of drought. 
“The spring of Varieux, which formerly supplied the castle 
of Pruntrut, lost more than half its water after the clearing of 
Varieux and Rougeoles. These woods have been replanted, 
the young trees are growing well, and, with the woods, the 
waters of the spring are increasing. 
“The Dog Spring between Pruntrut and Bressancourt has 
entirely vanished since the surrounding forest-grounds were 
brought under cultivation. , 
“The Wolf Spring, in the commune of Soubey, furnishes a 
remarkable example of the influence of the woods upon foun- 
tains. A few years ago this spring did not exist. At the place 
where it now rises, a small thread of water was observed after 
very long rains, but the stream disappeared with the rain. The 
spot is in the middle of a very steep pasture inclining to the 
south. Eighty years ago, the owner of the land, perceiving 
that young firs were shooting up in the upper part of it, de- 
termined to let them grow, and they soon formed a flourishing 
