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continuation of that,, which lies on the Hope of 
the neighbouring hills, it is probable, that many 
centuries have not been requifite to its production; 
and, confequently, that thefe mineral waters are 
not of very antient date. 
And, if we may rely upon an obfervation,, which 
I had from a plain, inquifitive, and intelligent 
man, on the fpot, the fource, whence thefe waters 
derive their impregnation, is in fome degree ex- 
haufted. This perfon allured me, from his own. 
experience, that pieces of mofs, and other fub- 
ftances, put in the courfe of the waters,, and in the 
fame circumftances as formerly, require more than 
double the time, for their petrifaction, that they 
did thirty years ago.. 
The Stratum , therefore, from which the 
Matlock waters are impregnated, mu ft either be- 
confiderably exhaufted ; or the waters have de- 
viated from their former courfe, and are now only 
partially diftributed over this Stratum, 
Leverpool, 0£L. 15., 1773., 
XVII. 
