- 
84 RESOURCES OF CALIFORNIA. 
§ 56. Geysers—The Geysers, in the northern part of Sono- 
ma county, are among the wonders of the state. They are in 
a deep and steep ravine, amid a district filled with the marks 
of violent volcanic action. Down the western slope of the 
mountains which separate Clear Lake from the basin of Rus- 
sian River, runs a stream called the Pluton River; and near 
this are the Geysers, a multitude of springs, boiling with heat, 
and emitting large quantities of steam, with a hissing, roaring, 
and sputtering noise. Near them are many tepid and cold 
springs, which add to the wonderful character of the place. 
Hot and cold springs, quiet and boiling springs, are found 
within a few feet of each other. And then the waters differ 
as much in taste, odor, and color, as in temperature and action. 
One is almost as fetid at times as rotten eggs; another has 
black water, resembling ink; a third is called the ‘‘ Kye-water 
Spring,” and its waters are reputed to be excellent for curing 
sore eyes and cutaneous diseases; and the waters of others 
are strongly purgative. The ground in the ravine is in places 
deeply covered with the minerals deposited by the springs: 
among these, sulphur, sulphate of magnesia (Epsom salts), sul- 
phate of aluminum (alum), and various salts of iron, predomi- 
nate. 
The chief feature of the Geysers is called “'The Steampipe,” 
an orifice about eight inches in diameter, in the hill-side, from 
which rises a large volume of steam to a height varying from 
fifty to two hundred feet. The steam roars continuously, 
sometimes bursting out in puffs louder than that made by the 
general-escape pipe. It deposits flowers of sulphur on the 
objects which come within its range. 
“The Devil’s Punch-Bowl,” called also “The Witches’ Caul- 
dron,” is in a large hole, six feet across, in the hill-side. The 
liquid in the bowl is black and thick, and is always in commo- 
tion with the heat, and the vapor from it deposits black flow- 
ers of sulphur on the rocks around. 
The sides of the cafion are bare, and smoking with heat. 
The Geysers are a favorite place of resort for pleasure-seekers 
