48 Geology of Massachusetts. 
well as iron. It is a place of some resort. A mineral spring exists 
in Shutesbury, abounding in muriate of lime, and it is somewhat visi- 
ted. Chalybeate springs exist in South Hadley, Deerfield, and in- 
deed, in almost every town in the state. In Mendon I was shown a 
mineral well, in the waters of which, chemical tests indicate muriate of 
lime and carbonic acid ina free state. No use was made of the 
water, except as a substitute for yeast. 
In Williamstown is a tepid spring very much resembling that in 
New Lebanon, N. Y. Bubbles of gas are constantly escaping, 
which, according to Prof. Dewey, are atmospheric air, and not sim- 
ply nitrogen, which is common in such springs. This spring furnishes 
a convenient place for a bathing establishment ; and though the saline 
ingredients are in small quantity, the water is useful in several cuta- 
neous disorders. In Adams, Pittsfield, and Great Barrington, are 
springs useful for the same complaints. In Hinsdale is a spring from 
which issues sulphuretted hydrogen ; and from the decomposition of 
this gas, a deposit of sulphur is made upon the earth around. 
Other non-metallic Minerals ; either useful or ornamental. 
It may be well in this place, perhaps, to notice briefly a few other 
mineral substances in the state, such as are employed in Europe for 
useful or ornamental purposes. In this country the demand for them 
is yet comparatively small, and we have few artists devoted to their 
preparation ; so that no demand exists for these minerals, as is the 
case also with our porphyries. 
In Hatfield, is an immense quantity of the sulphate of barytes, of 4 
superior quality. Within a few years, a patent has been taken out im 
England, for the use of this substance, as a paint, to be employed in 
those situations where lead paint is liable to be acted upon by moist- 
ure, acids and other chemical agents. Jn such cases, this baryti¢ 
paint is excellent. I have been in the habit, for several years, of hav- 
ing various articles in the laboratory, such as the pneumatic cistern, 
gazometer, &c. covered with it; and it answers a good purpose, al- 
though I have prepared it, not according to the patent, but simply by 
grinding it ina plaster mill and mixing it with oil. The greatest de- 
fect in this paint, seems to be, that it has less body than lead, although 
I doubt not that a remedy may be found for this difficulty. When 
barytes is thoroughly pulverized, and mixed with boiled linseed 
oil and lampblack, it is superior to any thing I have ever seen, for 
labeling glass bottles, &c. in a laboratory, and indeed for any situa- 
tion exposed to active chemical agents. 
