BEC T PR0CATING SPRTNGSe, 
m 
extraordinary attainments. A spring rises on the side of a 
mountain, and runs along a rocky hannel into an artificial 
basin placeu in a summer house, where it is for some time de- 
tained, and then falls into the Larian Lake. This fountain pos- 
sesses a surprising property, for it flows and ebbs thrice a day, 
observing a stated law of increase and decrease. This singular 
circumstance may be observed wi h ease, and is calculated to 
amuse the spectator. You may sit in the apartment, make a 
slight repast, and drink of the water of the fountain, which is 
deliciously cool. In the mean time, the reciprocating motion It recipfo- 
of the spring proceeds equally, and in a manner which is easily cated -slowly 
. , , . , 'by a rise and 
ascertained by placing a ring, or any other small object upon a fall. 
dry part of the basin The water will rise gradually to the 
mark, and afterwards cover it. The fountain will at length sub- 
side, so as to leave the object dry, and will be afterwards seen 
to retire slowly. If you prolong your stay, these alternate mo- 
tions will be repeated two or three times. Is this singular ap- 
pearance occasioned by air acting upon the outlet of the foun- 
tain, so as to obstruct the current, when it enters by the month Conjectures, 
of this channel, and after its escape, to allow the water to issue that *y ,ia y h® 
more freely ? We know this to be the case with bottles, and stra^hon^of 
all kind of vessels which have narrow necks — for when they air; 
are placed in a position proper for discharging their contents, 
the resistanceofthe air makes them guggle, and the liquor issues 
from them in an interrupted stream. Or does this fountain par or j^y a tide* 
take of the nature of the ocean ? Is its current retarded at 
one time, and accelerated at another, by the causes which give 
rise to the flux and reflux of the sea ? Rivers we know, are 
driven back, when they fail into the sea against the wind and 
tide. May not some cause, in like manner, periodically ob- 
struct the discharge of this fountain ? Or, are we to suppose, Orlivreser- 
that the subterranean veins of the fountain have a certain capa- vons filling 
city ; and that while they are recruiting their exhausted stores, ^ eU1 ^ n&9 
the stream is small and languid ; bur becomes stronger 
and more abundant, when these reservoirs are replenished ? Or 
is there a secret and unknown contrivance of a stop act ng on 
the principle of a balance ; which accelerates the efflux of 
the fountain while it empties itself, and diminishes the cu <ent 
while it is filling.” 
The two last suppositions are obscurely expressed in the Hypothesis of 
N 2 original $ 
