98 
small amount of water reaches the surface along the outside of the tubes, 
it differs in colour from the main flow, and carries clay instead of sand in 
suspension. Unlike the large flow, it probably comes from the strata 
above the thick clay bed. Should the 8-in. tubes be put in at once, and 
the water allowed to run for some time, it could be seen if there is likely 
to be any decrease in the amount of sand discharged, and if the water is 
likely to become clear. 
Dutson Spring. 
At Dutson, about 8 miles S.E. of Sale, there is a large supply of good 
clear water, which emanates apparently from springs, in a ti-tree morass. 
The result of an analysis of this water, made at the Agricultural Depart¬ 
ment Laboratory on the 29th January, 1905, is appended. It is locally sug¬ 
gested that the water there is of artesian origin, and that if the present 
bore be sunk deeper this supply might be tapped. 
I made a hastv examination of the locality, and found that the water 
occurs in a shallow gully, a few chains wide, lying in a series of Cainozoic 
sediments, comprising fossiliferousi earthy limestones of marine origin 
(older Cainozoic age), overlain by sandy clavs. 
Mr. Robinson tells me that he has noticed there is little or no variation 
in the volume of discharge of small streams running from it at any time 
of the year, and, in his opinion, the water is not of direct surface origin. 
The place is completely under water, and covered with a dense growth of 
ti-tree, sword grass, ferns, &c., so that nothing can be seen. I have 
no doubt that it is fed by springs, but as to their artesian origin I cannot 
express an opinion without carefully examining the locality. I am 
indebted to the local gentlemen, who showed me the Dutson springs, and 
furnished information. 
\_Re-port sent in 2’jth July , iQOj.\ 
The following account of the old and new wells at Sale is republished 
from the Gippsland Mercury of 28th July, 1905: — 
“ The first artesian well in Sale, and, indeed, in Australia, was sunk by 
the Borough Council in 1880, a quarter of a century ago, and its success 
attracted visitors from all parts. It was, situated at the Presbyterian 
Church corner, in Macalister-street, and had a depth of 231 feet. In 
that year an analysis was made of the water by Mr. Johnstone, then Go¬ 
vernment Analyst: — 
per gallon. 
Sodium Chloride 
Sodium Sulphate 
Magnesium Chloride 
Calcium Chloride 
Clayey matter 
J j 
*\ 
- 17.6 grains. 
7 
3.2 grains. 
Total solids 
20.8 grains. 
The well, after running freely for some years, ultimately closed, owing 
1o the corrosion of the pipes. Prior to that, however, a second well of 
larger dimensions was sunk in 1883 by Messrs. English, Palmer, and 
Luke, the well becoming the sole property of Mr. Henry Luke. At the 
outset this well achieved great popularity, Mr. Luke erecting baths, which 
were extensively patronized winter and summer alike, the "water maintain¬ 
ing an even temperature of 66 degrees. Water was supplied to the Rail- 
wav Department, and proved excellent for steaming purposes. 
