aaO A LOITELT VALLKT 



The soda water is f\illy as good as any raanufactured for especial use 

 and pparkJes and foams with equal effervescence. This t^pring, though at 

 present cool, is said to have been formerly quite the revoiB'!, Some tweu 

 ty years since, the heat was sufficient to cook flesh in an liulf hour's time, 

 if submerged in its waters. 



The Arapahos regard this phenomenon with awe, and venerate it as the 

 manifestation of the inunediate presence of the Great Spirit.. They call it 

 the Medicinp. Fountain, and seldom neglect to bestow their ;iifls upon il 

 whenever an opportunity is presented. 



These offerings generally consist of robes, blankets, arrows, bows, 

 ADives, beads, moccasins, &c., which they either throw into tlie wtter oi 

 nang upon the surrounding trees. Sometimes a whole villaifi.' will visit 

 the place for the purpose of paying their united regard to this sacred 

 fountain. 



The seccneiy of tlie vicinity is truly magnificent. A valley several 

 yards in width heads at the springs, overlooking which from tho west in 

 almost perpendicular ascent tower tlie lofty summits of Pike's Pc ik, pii-rcing 

 the clouds and revelling in eternal snow, at an altitude of 12,50'Jfeet 

 above the level of the sea. 



This valley opens eastward, and is walled in upon the right and left, at 

 Uio mountains' base, by a stretch of liigh table land, surmounted by oaks 

 and stately pines, with now and then an interval displaying a luxuriant 

 coating of grass. The soil is a reddish loam, and very rich. The trees 

 v7hich skirt the creek as it traces its way from the fountain are geneiully 

 free from under-brush, and show almost as much regularity of position as 

 L' planted by tho hand of art. A lusty growth of vegetation is sustained 

 ^mong them to their very trunks, which is g-aniished by wild flowers, tliat, 

 filuring the summer months, invest the whole scene with an enchantment 

 |.ecuhar to itself. 



The climate too is far milder in this than in adjoining regions, even of 

 S more southern latitude. 'Tis here " summer first unfolds her robes, and 

 isere the longest tarries." The grass, continuing green the entire winter, 

 ^re &8t feels the genial touch of spring. Snow seldom remains upon the 

 ^Tonnd to exceed a single day, even in the severest weather, while the 

 aeighboring hills and prairies present their wliite mantlings for weeks in 

 succession. 



As the creek emerges from tlie mountains, it increases in size by the ac- 

 c«s0ion of several tributaries, and the valley also expands to a width of 



eoverad & piece of wood ; and, though probably not a iair test, it vill afford •))• 

 reader •orae idea of its rainera! properties : 



Carbonate of limo 



Carbonate of raa^eeia 



8alp>iat« of lime 



Chloride of calcium 



Chloride of maffn^na 



aUes 



Vc<fl»tabie matter 

 iftndloM 



