THE AM ERIC AX XATURALIST. [Vol. XXXVI IK 



vicinity of the Soufriere — hence we may hope that here also 

 they may cease in due time. No great deposits of pure sulphur 

 have been found either here or in Guadeloupe. Everywhere the 

 sulphur appears to be in a state of combination. 



Moreover it should be observed that the presence of sulphu- 

 retted hydrogen in the atmosphere in all those localities where 

 there are thermal sulphur waters is not regarded as unhealthy ; 

 the waters of Vernet and of Cauterets give out these exhala- 

 tions and they are believed salutary for people with pulmonary 

 trouble, therefore we may hope that the Precheur district, already 

 renowned for its therapeutic qualities in the treatment of these 

 diseases, may acquire a new title to fame in the eyes of such 

 invalids. 



But the most remarkable result of our excursions and the 

 most interesting is the information about the place formerly 

 called La Soufriere. There in a very small area four springs of 

 different temperature occur close together, of which three are 

 sulphurous at temperatures of 90°, 70°, and 46°. The other is 

 cold with a temperature of 22.5° and while not being very good 

 to drink is not the less potable. The hot springs contain free 

 sulphuric acid (acide sulphydrique) which volatilizes in conse- 

 quence of the heat and leaves a residue on evaporation weighing 

 two drachms for each meter of water ; this residue of soluble 

 salts contains sulphuric acid and hydochloric acid combined with 

 soda, potash, magnesia, lime and iron as well as a small quantity 

 of silica. 



It is to be hoped that at some time when calm shall have been 

 re-established at the seat of eruption, and in the minds of the 

 inhabitants, that some bold speculator will turn to our advantage 

 that which has given us such a fright and will build an establish- 

 ment of thermal waters in the midst of these places now so des- 

 olate. These waters could be conducted to a reservoir so dis- 

 posed, that their high temperature might be reduced without the 

 loss of their beneficial properties. 



Sumnung uj) the volcano La Montagne Pelee, it appears to be 

 merely <»nc more interesting curio-sity added to the natural his- 

 tory ot Martinique — a curiosity that foreigners will wish to visit 

 and which with fitting industry on the part of the natives may 



