28G AGRICULTURAL REPORT. [1601 



clays. It is chiefly in those portions of it, in which the upper part 

 of the hills is formed by sand strata (of the Orange Sand age; that 

 we may expect to find them. Ridges of this character, as has been 

 mentioned (1588), are not uncommonly interspersed with those 

 which consist entirely of Flatwoods clay ; and hence it is that 

 the hilly region referred to is not quite as poorly watered as might 

 be supposed. It is true, however, that on account of the limited 

 extent of the sand deposits from which they flow, these springs are 

 more liable to give out during the dry season, than is trie case 

 further westward, in the regular Orange Sand Pine Hills (1630). 



So long as these springs are shed by the impervious clay strata, their water 

 is generally freestone, and without any offensive taste. Not so, however, in 

 the v;ells which, in districts where sand forms any considerable part of the hills, 

 may be obtained at moderate depths. In these cases, water is usually struck 

 immediately above the clay strata in question (known as "black dirt" through- 

 out the region of their occurrence) and basins for the accumulation of the water 

 are dug in them. Thus it has time to extract all the soluble matter, that may 

 be within reach, and among these, salts of magnesia, lime and soda as well as 

 bituminous substances which impart to it a disagreeable taste, and sometimes 

 even a sensible color. Not unfrequently, also, the water becomes impregnated 

 with sulphur (sulphuretted hydrogen) ; and thus a great variety of mineral 

 waters results, which numerous persons are disposed to consider so much the 

 more " healthy ", the more obnoxious their taste and smell happen to be. 



601. It cannot be too strongly urged upon the inhabitants of 

 these regions [as well as those of a more southerly portion of the 

 State where a similar condition of things exists, (1756)] that the 

 habitual use of mineral water proper, of any kind, is no more 

 rational than would be the habitual use of any other medicine, 

 with persons in a normal state of health. It is often said, that 

 mineral waters are " nature's own remedy " ; which may be true 

 enough, provided there is something to be remedied. The Epsom 

 Salt, Glaubers Salt, Gypsum, etc., contained in these waters, are 

 no less purgative, debilitating and therefore injurious to persons in 

 good health, than the same articles are when derived from the 

 druggist's vials. 



There can be no doubt, that in miasmatic districts, where injurious influences 

 are continually at work, these may be counteracted, to some extent, by the 

 habitual use of preventives ; and the weak chalybeates whi.h are so numerous 

 all over the State, have in many instances proved a decided benefit to the health 

 of the population using them, as a preventive of fever and ague. But while 

 this may be true to some extent of pure chalybeates, and while, moreover, it is 

 universally acknowledged that water entirely free from mineral ingredients is 

 far from being the most healthy ; yet there can be no doubt that the habitual use 

 of magnesian waters is highly injurious to most constitutions, undermining 

 them slowly but surely ; especially so in climates prone to the occurrence of the 

 fever and ague. It is very frequently the case, that families moving to residen- 

 ces where such mineral waters occur find their health decidedly benefitted by 

 their use, during the first year. Hence the conclusion is drawn that their 

 mineral spring or well is " mighty healthy water", and its use is continued. 

 The second year, cheeks begin to pale and an occasional chill-occurs, which in 

 its turn is treated with increased potations of the " healthy water ". After the 

 lapse of the third, and sometimes the fourth year, "tallow face" and "ague 

 cake " prevail all around ; and the place is perhaps sold at a sacrifice, under the 



