HARROWGATE WATER. 263 
There are, at Harrowgate, four distinct sulphureous 
springs, which appear to have their rise in a large bog, 
at a small distance from the wells. The water of all 
these springs is similar in its properties and its distin- 
guishing characters, but as one of them is more strongly 
impregnated with sulphur than the others, this alone is 
used for drinking, whilst the other three are employed 
to supply the baths. 
When the water of the former of these springs is 
first taken up, it is perfectly clear and transparent; 
and sends forth a few air-bubbles. Notwithstanding 
both its nauseous smell and taste, such is the power of 
habit in reconciling it to the palate, that, after a little 
while, nearly all persons who drink this water do it 
without disgust. 
When exposed to the air it loses its transparency, 
and assumes a somewhat greenish colour : the sulphu- 
reous odour abates ; and, at last, the sulphur is de- 
posited on the bottom and sides of the vessel in which 
it is kept. 
Such is the nature of Harrowgate water that a 
secret correspondence has often been carried on by 
means of it. A letter written with solution of sugar 
of lead is illegible; but if dipped into this water the 
writing will not merely become visible, but, in a short 
time, will appear almost black. Hydrogen has the pro- 
perty of reviving the metallic oxides : hence also it is 
that ladies who have used metallic cosmetics have become 
of a dark tawny colour by bathing in these waters. 
Harrowgate has long been celebrated for its sulphu- 
reous waters. It has also two very valuable chalybeate 
springs, called the Old Spa, and the Tewit Well, the 
water of which was formerly used internally, whilst the 
other water was confined to external use. But, at pre- 
sent, the latter is employed to very great extent as an 
internal medicine. 
The two villages of High and Low Harrowgate are 
situated in a pleasant open country, in the centre of 
