MALAYAN PENINSULA. 155 



them to his inevitable destruction. He would faint instantly from the 

 heat and sink. Although the wells on the plains were all nearly dry at the 

 period when this fountain was visited,* yet it discharged twenty gallons 

 on the least computation in a minute — and towards the east side. The 

 leaves and branches which had fallen near were incrusted with a calca- 

 reous deposit — ^and the bottom of the rivulet was covered with a flaky 

 calcareous substance. No specimen could be obtained of the rock, as it 

 lies far below the surface. But from the greenish hue, perceived in it, 

 we may suppose it to partake of the nature of the specimens brought from 

 Lankyen hot spring in Tavoy. I drank some of the water, and was not 

 afterwards sensible of any peculiar effect from it. Upon subsequently 

 examining it with the obliging assistance of a Medical gentleman^ at 

 Martaban, it was found to be a chalybeate, and to contain lime in com- 

 bination with some other earth or earths. The tests are enumerated be- 

 low. This fountain lies on the route to Siam, and from many cocoanut 

 trees scattered about, it is evident, that though now a jungle,| the plain 

 once supported a numerous population. Near Ye, on the sea shore, there 

 is a pond to which the JBurmans ascribe marvellous virtues. It is said to 

 grow quite red occasionally. Probably iron ores are abundant there. 



Betwixt 



* I was favored on this occasion with the company of Lieutenant George, M. N. I., and 

 Ml'. Adams, of the Marine Service, 

 t Mr. Brown, A. S., M. N. I. 



I 1st. Tincture of catechu precipitates a dark brown substance — hence the presence of iron 

 is inferred. 



2d. It does not blacken paper, dipped in a solution of lead. 



3d. No precipitate is caused by dropping into the water a solution of nitrate of silver. 

 4th. When mixed with a solution of turmeric, (in equal proportions,) no sensible change of 

 colour is induced. 



5th. When mixed with an equal quantity of lime water, a light, while precipitate, is formed, 

 which does not effervesce witii muriatic acid. 



6th. The concretion found on the leaves and common pebbles effervesces strongly with rau- 

 riatic'acid, indicating the presence of lime in the water. 



