\ 



236 Miscellaneous JSotices in Mineralogy, Ueology, &fc. 



the throat is produced by a free use of the spring. Iron is 

 evidently the chief mineral ingredient of this water, but I 

 was destitute of tests for satisfactory examination. A yellow 

 deposit is observable in vessels containing standing water 

 from this spring, and less effect is produced upon the water 

 by astringent extracts. A patient afflicted by the rheuma- 

 tism, attended by much debility has been greatly relieved 

 by a free use of the spring for a few days, and a complete 

 cure is anticipated. 



Mount Prospect, above mentioned, is a rocky, wood clad, 

 elevated ridge, of two miles extent. From its summit an 

 interesting and diversified view is presented of villages, and 

 lakes, and of a well cultivated, healthy country. Sienite, 

 rendered porphyritic by crystals of feldspar, is the predomi- 

 nant rock of the mountain ; it presents ledges of considera- 

 ble height and extent. Beds of sulphuret of iron are ob- 

 served on both sides of the mountain, sometimes exhibiting 

 a white efflorescence. Native sulphate of iron has been col- 

 lected on this mountain, and used in dying by the adjacent 

 inhabitants. The spring is already much resorted to, and 

 has excited considerable interest. 



Postscript. 



In an additional letter from Mr. Pierce, dated March 20, 

 1821, we are informed that the above mentioned "mineral 

 spring has attained considerable reputation, and effected 

 cures of obstinate rheumatic complaints, that have resisted 

 ordinary remedies : its water has been sent for weekly from 

 Hartford, and has been considered equal to that of the 

 Stafford spring." 



1 3. Chalybeate Spring at Catskill — Marl and Tvfa, at the 

 same place. 



Extract of a letter to the Editor from James Pierce, Esq. 

 dated Litchfield, March 20, 1821. 



I discovered at Catskill last fall, a copious, never failing 

 chalybeate spring, within half a mile of that village, as rich 

 in iron as any water in America. With an extract from 

 gall nuts or oak bark, it makes a tolerable writing ink. 



