Skey, — On the Mineral Waters of New Zealand. 



431 



transparent. A sliglit sediment had formed which mainly consisted of 

 gypsum in crystalline forms. Its specific gravity is 1-088 at 60° Fah., and 

 the total amount of dissolved matter present to the gallon is 13,638 grains, 

 which is made up as follows : — 



,, soda 



. , . . ±ViJV 



658 



,, potash 



275 



,, lime 



235 



,, magnesia 



60 



,, alumina 



80 



Chloride of alumina (sesqui) 



. . 1703 



Siliceous matter 



... 21 



Hydrochloric acid, free 



. . 9547 





13,688 



This is therefore shown to be a highly saline water, and charged with 

 free acid to such an extent as in all probability will render it useless for 

 medical purposes. 



A full description of the mode of occurrence of this water and the 

 geological structure of White Island have been given by Dr. Hector.* 



9. Acidulous Mineral Water. 

 The water of a small lake— Waimangeao — near Patauld, Mount Edge- 

 combe, is considered to be of a poisonous nature, owing to the fact that 

 birds frequently fall into it when attempting to fly across. 



The sample of it which I had was not sufficient to allow of its complete 

 analysis ; it was forwarded by Mr. J. C. Young on the 31st of December, 

 1873. 



Characters as follows — Clear and tasteless and of a weak acid reaction. 

 A red deposit had formed consisting of iron oxides, combined with organic 

 matter. The water separated from this deposit yielded 11*084 grains of 

 sohd matter per gallon, and it contained a large quantity of carbonic acid 

 besides to which its acidity is due. These solid matters had the following 

 composition approximately : — 



Organic matter . . . . . . . . 2'956 



Alkaline chlorides with carbonates and traces of sulphates . . 4-928 

 Sulphate of lime and magnesia . . . . . . '246 



Silica .. .. .. .. .. 2.954 



Iron oxides . . . . . . . . . . traces 



11-084 



* Trans, N.Z. Inst., m., 278. 



