a 
Miscellanies. 183 
The large quantity of saline ingredients, both cathartic, (or what may 
become such,) and antacid—the iron,—the great proportion of redun- 
dant carbonic acid gas, and even the small quantities of iodine and bro- 
mine, give these waters a rare combination of powers ;—deobstruent, 
cathartic, diuretic, solvent and tonic, and their important effects on 
glandular complaints are now satisfactorily explained by the new 
ies whose existence has been happily discovered in the waters. 
Their effect is no doubt promoted by air, and exercise, by absti- 
nence from other drinks especially alcohol, and by the mental excite- 
ment, and the cheering hope which such visits usually inspire ; but 
still the properties of these springs. must forever (while the waters 
flow the same) remain intrinsically important. 
It is not necessary to advert, particularly, to the numerous springs 
which Dr. Steel has described in this valley of health, but it is 
proper to say that his cautions as to the use of the waters, are highly 
judicious and that they should be carefully read by every invalid, 
before he begins his course of drinking. Itis madness to drink these 
or any other waters, as many people do, unless they had the capacity . 
of the camel of the African desert, and expected, like that animal, 
to drink only at long intervals. 
_ Ut-Steel’s account of the springs of the sister village of Ballston 
8 candid, which is the more desirable, as some rivalry exists between 
the two Places ; we trust, however, that this rivalry will be hereafter 
only a friendly one; for both places are sufficiently attractive, on ac- 
Count of the abundance and excellence of their waters; there are vis- 
tors enough for both, and their enjoyments are increased by the so- 
cable calls that are made from the one place to the other. 
he mineral impregnation of the waters, in the two places, is sub- 
Stantially the same, differing only in the proportions. If the saline 
ingredients are in less quantity at Ballston than at Saratoga, there is a 
sreater predominance of iron, and the carbonic.acid gas being abun- 
‘nt, very delightful acidulous chalybeate waters are thus afforded. 
Saratoga and Ballston must be regarded as one grand system of springs, 
*pending upon the same general causes; and the variety that exists 
Cen the different springs is altogether desirable, and adds much 
to their utility. The repeated eruption of new springs, especially at 
lon, (either by accident-or in consequence of boring,) is an in- 
teresting geological circumstance, and the expulsion of the water in 
;°Plous jets, above the surface of the ground, and boiling with car- 
one acid as, evinces that there is much power condensed below, 
and renders it not improbable that the elevating agent is carbonic 
