290 Expedition to the 



augmentation of the thermal rocks, which are constantly 

 forming about the springs, has changed the position, and 

 perhaps increased the number of the orifices. 



These springs were visited by Hunter and Dunbar in 1804, 

 and the information communicated by them, as well as much 

 derived from other sources, together with an analysis of the 

 waters, has been placed before the public by Dr. Mitchell.* 

 They have been subsequently examined by Major Long, in 

 1818, from whose notes we derive the greater part of the 

 information we have to communicate respecting them. They 

 are about seventy in number, and rise at the bottom, and 

 along one side of a narrow ravine, separating two conside- 

 rable hills of clay slate. A small creek enters the ravine 

 from the north by two branches, one from the northwest, 

 and the other from the northeast, flowing after their union, 

 nearly due south, and blending with the water of the springs, 

 increasing rapidly in size, and acquiring so high a tempe- 

 rature, that at the time of our visit the hand could not be 

 borne immersed in it. After traversing from north to south, 

 the narrow valley containing the springs, this creek meanders 

 away to the southeast, and enters the Washita at the dis- 

 tance of eight or ten miles. All the springs are within six 

 hundred yards below the junction of the two brooks, and 

 all except one, on the east side of the creek. 



We subjoin some particulars observed by Major Long at 

 the time of his visit in 1818.f During the winter, the steam 

 which rises from the springs is condensed to a white vapour, 

 which is often visible at a great distance. 



The water is limpid and colourless, and destitute, when 

 cooled of either taste or smell, and according to the analysis 

 of Dr. Mitchell purer than ordinary spring water. It how- 



* See the New York iVTedical Repository. 



f On the first of January, 1818, the thermometer in the air, at sunrise, 

 stood at 24o, at 2. P. M., 49°, at sunset, 41°. 



Immersed in the water of the creek, below the Springs, at 61°, above 

 46». 



