142 THE MOUNTAIN. 



They have here a larger chain of distinctive features, and 

 more clearly pronounced qualities, although the other springs 

 possess the same chemical elements, differing only in quantity 

 and proportion. A critical estimate of the whole range 

 would show identity of character. Certain springs have, 

 however, by common consent, been distinguished for superior 

 qualities, and the Saratoga group is of that number. Of 

 the origin of these waters, various geological theories have 

 been suggested that scarcely concern us here, although the 

 problem is intensely interesting to geologists, and one of 

 paramount value in the final rendering of the natural 

 history of these objects. The minute geology of the 

 localities and surroundings decides the whole question; the 

 waters, even of deep and thermal origin, deriving their 

 mineral elements from the rock structures below the surface, 

 and through which they flow. The reports of the Saratoga 

 and Ballston springs exhibit almost perfect identity of chemi- 

 cal composition, and the superiority of the former, especially 

 of the celebrated " CONGRESS SPRING," is only based upon an 

 accidental character, or notoriety, whose shade of color is 

 extremely questionable. 



Of " Congress Spring," the analysis of Dana (Dr. Steel's 

 being nearly the same) gives the following substances in a 

 pint of the water : 



DANA. STEEL. 



Chloride of sodium, 54-30 grs. 



Hydriodate of soda, 0'44 



Carbonate of soda, 2 '00 



Bicarbonate of soda, 1-12 



Carbonate of magnesia, 4*00 



Bicarbonate of magnesia, ll'9t 



Carbonate of lime, 18 '00 



Carbonate of iron, 0'68 



Silica, trace, with iron, . 



Hydrobromate of potassa, trace, 



They also contain carbonic acid gas, nitrogen, and atmo- 

 spheric air. Temperature, 50, Steel; 51, Daubeny. 



