134 THE MOUNTAIN. 



It occurs then, that by these vast and perfect niters of 

 nature, all surface-washings of vegetable and other sub- 

 stances are effectually arrested in the process of percolation. 

 The greater number of the springs at this place- are of this 

 character, some being so pure that chemical tests show only 

 traces of any mineral substances whatever, or water as 

 nearly absolute as possible. There are, however, some 

 of the springs which are highly charged with chemical 

 elements; these come from the calcareous layers and py- 

 ritous shales associated with the lower group of coal- 

 seams. Some of these are gently aperient, more of them 

 tonic, from the intermingling of the salts which possess 

 those powers. The true mineral waters of this place, 

 which excel all others, are the chalybeates. This class 

 of waters is found, as we have seen, in the greatest perfec- 

 tion in the coal series. 



Of the individual springs which have received attention 

 at this new establishment, chartered by the Legislature of 

 Pennsylvania, in the name of the Alleghany Mountain 

 Health Institute, a few may be selected as the subject of 

 special notice. 



RHODODENDRON SPRING. 



This is a large, pure water spring, emerging in a con- 

 siderable volume from a group of crushed strata, which is 

 formed almost exclusively of silicious elements or sand. It 

 is the drain of an extensive bench of this rock, and the 

 spring is perhaps 1000 feet northeast of the large hotel. 

 The volume of water is never changed much during the 

 dryest season, and retains a mean temperature of 43 F. 

 The water of this spring is limpid and sweet, and as near 

 water in purity, or distilled water, as can occur naturally. 

 It is used for all domestic purposes, and its extremely low 

 temperature makes it a perfect luxury at the hottest seasons, 

 without ice. This spring is invaluable as an absolute or 

 nearly perfectly pure water. 



