llfJ SPRINGS, RIVERS, CANALS, LAKES, 



small caverns, where the steain issues out, the people often boil 

 their yams (inhames). Near these boiling fountains are several 

 mineral springs ; two, in particular, whose waters have a very strong 

 mineral quality, of an acid taste and bitter to the tongue. 



About half a mile to the westward, and close by the river side, 

 are several hot springs, which are used by sick people with great 

 success. Also on the side of a hill, west of St. Ann's church, are 

 many others, with three bathing houses, which are most commonly 

 used. These waters are very warm, though not boiling hot ; but at 

 the same place issue several streams of cold mineral water, by which 

 they are tempered, according to every one's liking. About a mile 

 south of this place, and over a low ridge of hills, lies a fine lake 

 about two leagues in circumference, and very deep, the water thick, 

 aud of a greenish colour. At the north end is a plain piece of 

 ground, where the sulphureous streams issue out in many places, 

 attended wiih a surprising blowing noise. The other springs im- 

 mediately form a considerable river, called Ribeira Quente, or hot 

 river, which runs a course about two or three leagues, through a 

 deep rent in the mountains, on each side of which are several places 

 where the smoke issues out. It discharges itself into the sea on the 

 soutli side, near which are some places where the water boils up at 

 some distance in the sea. 



Tiiis wonderful place had been little noticed till very lately ; so 

 little curiosity had the gentlemen of the island, that scarcely any of 

 them had seen it, till of late some persons afflicted with virulent 

 disorders, were persuaded to try its waters, and found immediate 

 relief from them. Since that time it has become more and more 

 frequented ; several persons who had lost the use of their limbs by 

 the dead palsy have been cured ; and also others who were troubled 

 with eruptions on their bodies. A clergyman, who was greatly 

 afflicted with the gout, tried the said waters, and was in a short 

 time perfectly cured, and has had no return of it since. Several 

 old gentlemen who were quite worn out with the said disorder, were 

 using the waters, and had received great benefit from them ; in 

 particular, an old gentleman about 60 years of age, who had been 

 tormented with the disorder more than 20 years, and often confined 

 to his bed for six months together; having used these waters about 

 thee weeks, had quite recovered the use of his limbs, and walked 

 about in great spirits. A friar also who had been troubled with 



