432 T'ransactions.— Chemistry. . 
From this analysis, ete., it appears the water itself is innocuous as a 
beverage, but is heavily charged with a gas which is poisonous when 
inhaled, and which, as it escapes, poisons the air above, hence the effect of 
this air on birds immersed in it. 
` 10. Mineral Waters of the Rotorua District. 
A very interesting series of waters has now to be described. They 
were obtained from the famous geysers and hot water springs of Rotorua by 
Captain Mair, at the suggestion of His Excellency the Marquis of Normanby, 
and are reported on in the ** New Zealand -Gazette ” of the 3rd May last. 
These waters are fifteen in number, and, as will be seen, while they are 
generally characterized by the highly silicéóus nature of their saline matter, 
they divide as to their medicinal qualities into two classes. 
In the following account of the results obtained, I copy the temperature 
of the several springs to which they refer, as also the physical description of 
these springs, from the notes of Major Mair, which were attached to the 
schedule forwarded with the water. 
The quantitative results are stated in grains per gallon. . 
No. (1)—Is the water from Te Tarata, or the spring which forms the 
great white terrace of Rotomahana. This is a true geyser, having a large 
crater-shaped basin 90 feet in diameter, the lip of which is about 70 feet 
above the level of the lake. 
This basin is emptied by an explosive effort, which throws the water to 
a height of 40 feet, emptying the basin, which again fills up rapidly. The 
water triekles over the ledges of the terrace, depositing fresh layers of 
siliceous sinter as it cools in its progress to the lake. The water in the 
basin has a deep azure blue colour, and a temperature of 210° Fah. 
As received at the laboratory, it was faintly turbid, but without any 
deposit, colourless, and having an alkaline reaction. 
Analysis. 
Silicate of soda i. E e vx c» BOS 
Mono-silicate of lime .. £a n os es 1:62 
E i esia i = A es -53 
es ee e ee Ke "51 
Sulphate of potash ve "P v» ve ve — 
v 8 ve “ i 7:84 
Chloride of onde T ac si e oa 2°87 
- sodium Ex 23 m vs pe Orul 
alisat ilaia = ee -é s .. traces 
-Bithia s 
x: All but soda are mono-silicates, the little excess of silica, 7°66, is ineluded in the 
