«90 THE SPRINGS OF SOUTHERN NEVADA. 



state lias a temperature of 117.8° Fahr., and at irregular intervals boils 

 and emits steam. The third, forming the apex of the triangle and lying 

 aiinety feet north, has a temperature of 116.5° Fahr. 



Still further north are two more salt springs, situated also in an east 

 and west line, only four feet apart; the westerly one, as before, having 

 the lowest temperature, being 79° Fahr., while the other has a temperature 

 of 117° Fahr. Another spring, about one-fourth of a mile north of the 

 others, was constantly 'boiling and emitting steam. A gurgling noise could 

 be beard in several places near the main opening, under the tufaceous crust 

 ■of calcareous matter dejsosited by its waters. In approaching this spring 

 the greatest caution had to be exercised to avoid breaking through the 

 crust of tufa which bridged and in part, concealed the seething waters, 

 which could be seen through the many perforations in this treacherous en- 

 velope. Every step in advance was carefully treated by striking the tufa 

 with a mining hammer, to see if it would bear the weight of a man. Thus, 

 hj slow degrees one or two members of the party suceeeded, without acci- 

 dent, in reaching the main opening, which was about five feet in diameter, 

 liegard for personal safety, however, soon overcame scientific curiosity, 

 and the retreat was accomplished by separate routes in the same cautious 

 manner, to avoid getting too much w^eight upon any one place. The waters 

 ^wexe found to be impregnated with soda, lime and borax. 



-Sit tlie immediate vicinity of the hot springs were found numerous con- 

 cretions, either on the surface or slightly imbedded. These had generally 

 a prolate spheroidal form, although many eccentric shapes were seen. 

 About half a mile out in the salt marsh was a remarkable spring, nearly 

 twenty feet iu diameter. The water rose, to the height of several inches 

 above the general surface, and was retained by a ring of earth elevated a 

 foot above the terrain and thicklj^ set vv^ith tules.^ a kind of rush, whose ver- 

 dancy contrasted strangely with the sombre gray around, and gave tO' it the 

 appearance of- a miniature oasis. The water was quite clear and nearly 

 fresh ; this latter property was probably only appai-ent from the contrast, 

 after imbibing the more brackish water of the other springs ; its interior 

 cylindrical walls extended to a depth of about five feet, below and under 

 which, as far as could be reached by a pole, nothing like earth could be felt. 

 There appeared to be a subterranean lake beneath the salt marsh, of which 

 this spring was the only visible portion. As to its depth we had no means 

 of determining it; the temperature was 69° Fahr. The circumjacent earth 

 was a mere superficial crust, five or six inches thick, which was springy 

 beneath our tread, aud breaking through which one sank into the viscous 

 mud. In walking over this area the ground constantly jarred and trembled, 

 thus indicating the elasticity of the indurated envelope. Even on the road 

 near our camp, west of the marsh, when animals traveled over it, a dull, 

 hollow sound was heard, bearing out the hypothesis of the existence of a 

 subterranean cavity. The plain is crossed in two or thi-ee places by roads 

 and trails ; and should animals get off these, they break through and often 



