Mineral Waters at Cheltenham. 1 7 



appears to be one of those choice and suitable spots that 

 are said to be particularly favourable to. the curative effects 

 of medicinal waters. The dryness and gradual elevation of 

 the land around this spot as it receded from the town, the 

 uncommon fertility of the soil, with its multifarious produc- 

 tions and romantic scenery which are equalled by few in 

 the kingdom, present a picture dear to the man of taste 

 as well as to the invalid. 



The upper stratum of the soil to a cons^iderablc distance 

 from the well is a sharp fine sand, and the heaviest rains 

 that fall here seldom prevent the exercises of walking or 

 riding for any length of time after they have ceased ; a cir- 

 cumstance certainly not unworthy of regard in a place fre- 

 quented by valetudinarians of leisure and opulence. 



The mild and genial breezes which constantly prevail 

 here, and which are doubtless owing to the disturbed equili- 

 brium of the air passing through the funnel-shaped and 

 craggy openings of the opposite hills, cause the atmosphere 

 of this spot to be considered equally salubrious with, and not 

 unlike, that v/hich prevails in the south of France. It is the 

 totality of these circumstances that has induced several per- 

 sons of distinction to fix their residence in this neighbour- 

 hood; and hence Camiraij, which was known not four years 

 ago as a mere pleasure meadow, is now covered with villas 

 and houses, that in point of taste and elegance may vie with 

 any modern buildings whatever. 



The country round these springs consists of fields of every 

 shape, mostly open and uninclosed, here and tliere inter- 

 spersed with gardens, orchards, and cottages. It produces 

 plenty of wood, both for timber and fuel. And as the 

 Cheltenham waters professedly sharpen the appetite, it may 

 perhaps be pleasant for visitors to know, that the rearing of 

 poultry of all kinds is carried on with particular assiduity 

 and success, and that the town is supplied with all kinds of 

 provisions of excellent quality, and on much more moderate 

 terms than in some places of resort, less fashionable, for 

 pleasure and health. 



The geological constitution of this part of Cheltenham 

 is alluvial land, composed on one side of the town of a tena- 



V'ol. 3 1 . No. 121. June 1 808. B cious 



