Other non-metallic Minerals ; either useful or ornamental. 49 



Mineral Waters. 



No mineral springs of much notoriety are found in the state, al- 

 though chalybeate springs are very common, and are useful in 

 cutaneous and some other complaints. Nearly all these springs 

 rise in low ground containing bog ore. The Hopkinton spring is 

 of this description, and is probably more resorted to than any 

 other in the state. This contains, among other ingredients, car- 

 bonic acid and carbonate of lime and iron. The spring in Brook- 

 field is similarly situated, and contains some magnesia and soda, as 

 well as iron. It is a place of some resort.- A mineral spring exists 

 in Shutesbnry, abounding in muriate of lime, and it is somewhat visi- 

 ted. Chalybeate springs exist in South Hadley, Deerfield, and in- 

 deed, in almost every town in the state. In Mendon I was shown a 

 mineral well, in the waters of which, chemical tests indicate muriate of 

 lime and carbonic acid in a free state. No use was made of the wa- 

 ter, except as a substitute for yeast. 



In Williamstown is a tepid spring very much resembling that in 

 New Lebanon, N. Y. Bubbles of gas are constantly escaping, 

 which, according to Prof. Dewey, are atmospheric air, and not sim- 

 ply nitrogen, which is common in such springs. The spring fur- 

 nishes a convenient place for a bathing establishment; and though the sa- 

 line ingredients are in small quantity, the water is useful in several cuta- 

 neous disorders. In Adams, Pittsfield, and Great Barrington, are 

 springs useful for the same complaints. In Hinsdale is a spring from 

 which issues sulphuretted hydrogen ; and from the decomposition of 

 this gas, a deposit of sulphur is made upon the earth around. 



Other non-metallic lAinerals ; either useful or ornamental. 



It may be well in this place, perhaps, to notice briefly a few other 

 mineral substances in the state, such as are employed in Europe for 

 useful or ornamental purposes. In this country the demand for them 

 is yet comparatively small, and we have few artists devoted to their 

 preparation ; so that no demand exists for these minerals, as is the 

 case also with our porphyries. 



In Hatfield, is an immense quantity of the sulphate of barytes, of a 

 superior quality. Within a few years, a patent has been taken out in 

 England, for the use of this substance as a paint, to be employed in 

 those situations where lead paint is liable to be acted upon by moist- 

 ure, acids and other chemical agents. In such cases this barytic 



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