168 BPPE0T8 OP PORE8T8 ON SPRINGS. 



Valley, the Some fui-nlshed a regular and sufficient supply of water 

 for the ironworks of Unterwyl, which was almost unaffected by 

 drought or by heavy rains. The Some has now became a torrent, 

 every shower occasions a flood, and after a few days of fine weather 

 the current falls so low that it has been necessary to change the 

 water-wheels, because those of the old construction are no longer 

 able to drive the machinery, and at last to introduce a steam-engine 

 to prevent the stopage of the works for want of water. 



" When the factory of St. Ursanne was established, the river that 

 furnished its power was abundant, and had, from time immemorial 

 sufficed for the machinery of a previous factory. Afterwards, the 

 woods near its sources were cut. The supply of water fell off in con- 

 sequence, the factory wanted water for half the year, and was at last 

 obliged to stop altogether. 



" The spring of Combefoulat, in the commune of Seleate, was well 

 known as one of the best in the country ; it was remarkably abuudant, 

 and si-iffiuient, in the severest draughts, to supply all the fountains of 

 the town ; but since considerable forests were felled in Combe-de- 

 pr6 Martin and in the valley of Combefoulat, the famous spring, 

 which lies below these woods, has become a mere thread of water, and 

 disappears altogether in times of drought. 



" The spring of Varieux, which formerly supplied the castle of 

 Pruntrut, lost more than half its water after the clearing of Varieux 

 and Rougeols. These woods have been replanted, the young trees . 

 are growing well, and, with the woods, the waters of the spring are 

 increasing. 



" The Dog Spring between Pruntrut and Bressancourt has entirely 

 vanished since the surrounded forest-grounds were brought under 

 cultivation. 



" The Wolf Spring, in the Commune of Soubey, furnishes a remark- 

 able example of the influence of the woods upon fountains. A. few 

 years ago this spring did not exist. At the place where it now rises, 

 a small thread of water wa? observed after very long rains, but the 

 stream disappeared with the rain. The spot is in the middle of a 

 very steep pasture inclining to the south. Eighty years ago the 

 owner of the land, perceiving that young firs were shooting up in the 

 upper part of it, determined to let them grow, and they soon formed 

 a flourishing grove. As soon as they were well grown, a fine spring 

 appeared in place of the occasional rill, and furnished abundant 

 water in the longest droughts. For forty or fifty years this spring 

 was considered the best in the Clos du Doubs. A few years since, 



