T. S. Hunt on the Chemistry of Natural Waters. 177 
coal. See, on this point, the analyses by Vohl of peat, peat-moss, 
and the soluble matters set free during its decay. Ann, der 
Chem. und Pharm., cix, 185, cited in Rép. Chim. Appliquée, i, 289. 
Also Liebig, analysis of bog-water; Letlers on Modern Agricul- 
ture, p. 44; and, in the second part of this paper, the analysis of 
the waters of the Ottawa river. 
the same time, an important change is effected in the 
gaseous contents of the atmospheric waters. The oxygen 
which they hold in solution is absorbed by the decaying organic 
matter, and replaced by carbonic acid, while any nitrates or 
nitrites which may be present are by the same means reduced to 
the state of ammonia (Kuhlmann). By thus losing oxygen, and 
taking up a readily oxydizable organic matter, these waters be- 
come reducing instead of oxydizing media in their farther 
gress, 
§ 4. We have thus far considered the precipitated atmospherie 
Waters as remaining at the earth’s surface, but a great portion of 
thetn sooner or Jater in their course come upon permeable strata 
by which they are absorbed, and in their subterranean circula- 
tion undergo important changes. The effect of ordinary argil- 
ous strata destitute of neutral soluble salts may be first ex- 
amined, Between such sedimentary strata and the waters 
charged with organic and mineral matters from decaying vege- 
tation, there are important reactions. The composition of these 
waters is peculiar. ‘hey contain, relatively to the sodium, 
a large amount of potassium salts, besides notable quantities of 
silica and phosphates, in addition to the dissolved organic mat- 
ters and the earthy carbonates, and in some cases ammoniacal 
salts and nitrates or nitrites, The sulphuric acid and chlorine 
Billaceous sedime hey part with their potash, ammonia, sil- 
ea, and phosphoric acid and organic matter, which remain in 
ange, Se equivalent of lime or soda being given up for the 
ch arg Tt follows from these reactions that the surface-waters 
ged with the products of vegetable decay, after a been 
Sught in contact with argillaceous sediments, retain little else 
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