206 INFLUENCE OF THE FOREST ON SPRINGS. 
furnished a regular and sufficient supply of water for the iron 
works of Unterwyl, which was almost unaffected by drought 
or by heavy rains. The Some has now become a torrent, 
every shower occasions a flood, and after a few days of fine 
weather, the current falls so low that it has been necessary to 
change the water wheels, because those of the old construction 
are no longer able to drive the machinery, and at last to intro¬ 
duce a steam engine to prevent the stoppage of the works for 
want of water. 
“When the factory of St. Ursanne was established, the 
river that furnished its power was abundant, long known and 
tried, and had, from time immemorial, sufficed for the ma¬ 
chinery of a previous factory. Afterward, the woods near its 
sources were cut. The supply of water fell off in consequence, 
the factory wanted water for half the year, and was at last 
obliged to stop altogether. 
“ The spring of Combefoulat, in the commune of Seleate, 
was well known as one of the best in the country; it was 
remarkably abundant and sufficient, in spite of the severest 
droughts, to supply all the fountains of the town ; but, as soon 
as considerable forests were felled in Combe-de-pre Martin and 
in the valley of Combefoulat, the famous spring which lies 
below these woods has become a mere thread of water, and 
disappears altogether in times of drought. 
“ The spring of Varieux, which formerly supplied the castle 
of Pruntrut, lost more than half its water after the clearing of 
Varieux and Pougeoles. These woods have been replanted, 
the young trees are growing well, and with the woods, the 
waters of the spring are increasing. 
“ The Dog Spring between Pruntrut and Bressancourt has 
entirely vanished since the surrounding forests grounds were 
brought under cultivation. 
“ The Wolf Spring, in the commune of Soubey, furnishes a 
remarkable example of the influence of the woods upon foun¬ 
tains. A few years ago this spring did not exist. At the 
place where it now rises, a small thread of water was observed 
after very long rains, but the stream disappeared with the rain. 
