No. 200.] 
66 
The occurrence of sulphuric acid in nature, in any thing like the pure 
form which it here possesses, is of great interest, only a few localities, 
and these rather doubtful, being hitherto known. An earth, somewhat 
similar to that found in Byron, is said to exist in great quantities at a 
village called Daulakie, in the south of Persia, between three and four 
days journey from Bushire, on the Persian gulf. The natives employ 
it as a substitute for lemons and limes, in making their sherbets, of 
which considerable quantities are drank, they being prohibited the use 
of wine. On analysis the acid was found to be the sulphuric, and this 
was united to iron; the solution in boiling water, when evaporated, 
yielding crystals which seemed to be the acid sulphate of that metal.* 
Ontario Springs. — There is a locality somewhat similar to that in 
Byron, at Clifton springs, in the town of Phelps, twelve miles north- 
west of Geneva, in the county of Ontario. The acid may be extracted 
from the water, while the moss and other vegetables over which it pas- 
ses become at length incrusted with sulphur. This locality was noticed 
at a very early period, by one whose name is identified with the history 
of the physical sciences in this country, and whose great acquirements 
gave him a conspicuous place among his cotemporaries. " Here," says 
he, " are several springs which discharge their waters and give rise to calca- 
reous, as well as sulphureous deposits, which collect on iha stones and 
other bodies wherever the current is gentle or approaches to stagnation. 
The water as it issues from the springs is perfectly transparent, but it 
soon becomes opaque and of a yellowish colour. At a short distance 
from this, are other sulphureous oozings, and the sulphur has gathered 
until a sort of marsh of perhaps ten rods in diameter has been formed."! 
At the outlet of Canandaigua lake several sulphuretted springs flow 
from the limestone formation, and some of which are resorted to for 
medicinal purposes. The depositions of sulphur are extensive, and are 
observable on the plants and rocks of the vicinity. 
^%on Springs. — Some of the most interesting and valuable sulphur 
springs, which this State possesses, are found in Livingston county. Those 
situated near the village of West-Avon are particularly deserving of 
notice. Three springs have already been discovered here, and as their 
chemical composition does not materially differ, it is probable that they 
exert similar effects on the animal economy. 
"Philosophical Magazine for 1824. 
t See Dr. Samuel L. Mitchill's " Tour to Niagara," published in the Medical Repository, 
XIV. 412. 
f Assem. No. 200.J 9 
