MINERAL SPRINGS. 



The term mineral is usually applied to those waters which issue from the earth in the form 

 of springs, and differ from ordinary water in containing a larger proportion of saline ingredients, 

 and in giving out certain gaseous bodies in greater or less quantity. Waters of this descrip- 

 tion are much more numerous in this State than was formerly supposed ; and, with few ex- 

 ceptions, we have within our limits examples of all the different varieties which have hereto- 

 fore been described. Some of these are of acknowledged importance, as the brine or salt 

 springs, which are here of frequent occurrence ; others, as the carbonated and sulphuretted 

 springs, are' highly esteemed for their medicinal properties, and have become places of great 

 resort, and sources of wealth to their proprietors. 



In the account which I am about to give of our mineral springs, I shall not confine myself 

 to the results of my own observations and analyses, but shall freely avail myself of such works 

 and papers as have been published concerning them. 



I shall adopt the following as the most convenient classification, viz : 



1. Brine Springs, or Salines. Those which contain large proportions of common salt as 

 their principal ingredient. 



2. Gas or Carhuretted Hydrogen Springs. Those which evolve carburetted hydrogen 

 gas, either pure or mixed with other gases. 



3. Nitrogen Springs. Those which evolve nitrogen gas in considerable quantity. 



4. Carbonated or Acidulous Springs. Those which give out carbonic acid in sufficient 

 quantity to give a sparkling character to the water. Under this head are included also those 

 springs which are usually termed chalybeate. 



5. Sulphuretted or Sulphureous Springs. Those which evolve sulphuretted hydrogen gas. 



6. Petrifying Springs, with a notice of their products. 



BRINE SPRINGS, OR SALINES. 



Geographical view. Brine or salt springs, the waters of which contain a large proportion 

 of common salt, and are not charged-with a sufficient amount of carbonic acid to entitle them 

 to a place in the class of acidulous or carbonated springs, are of frequent occurrence in the 

 western parts of the State. They have not hitherto been found east of Saltspringville, on or 

 near the line between the Counties of Otsego and Fulton, about fourteen miles from Coo- 

 perstown. The springs at this locality, like many others to be hereafter noticed, although 

 containing a very small proportion of salt, formerly afforded supplies of this important article 



