122 OIL FIELDS OF TEXAS-LOUISIANA COASTAL PLAIN, [bull. 212. 
are largely hypothetical. The limits will, however, probably fall 
somewhere within those given. Also nothing can be stated regarding 
the structure of the field, except that in all probability it is similar to 
that in other parts of this region which are better known. 
The indications are that a highly productive pool will be developed, 
in which the conditions will be very similar to those in the Sour Lake 
district. 
HIGH ISLAND DISTRICT. 
LOCATION AND TOPOGRAPHY. 
This district is located about midway between Sabine Pass and 
Galveston, on the Gulf shore. The so-called island is a small elevated 
area entirely surrounded by the coast marsh. As shown on the accom- 
panying map (fig. 7), its outline is nearly circular except for an 
embajnnent on its southern margin. It is about 1^ miles in diameter 
and contains somewhat over 2,000 acres. The surface of the island 
is slightly undulating and its highest portion has an elevation of 48 
feet above tide. At the base of the rather abrupt slopes around the 
eastern and northern portions of the island is a belt of firm ground 
called the "second bench," whose surface is only a few feet above the 
surrounding marsh. 
High Island has for many years been noted as a summer resort, and 
its mineral waters have considerable local reputation. No fresh 
water occurs on the island and the supplies for drinking purposes are 
derived from the rainfall. No fewer than twelve wells, distributed 
over the island and around its base, were drilled some years ago in an 
unsuccessful attempt to obtain a supply of fresh water. These wells 
vary in depth from 120 to 350 feet. The materials encountered con- 
sist of clay, sand, and fine gravel, with logs of cypress wood and in 
one case a few inches of limestone, at 275 feet in well No. 4. Either 
rock salt or si pong brine was found at the following depths: In No. 4 
at 2G0 feet, in No. 7 at 203 feet, in No. 8 at 142 feet, in No. at 193 
feet, in No. 10 at 170 feet, in No. 11 at 193 feet, and in No. 12 at 165 
feet. These wells are located in the central and southwestern portions 
of the island. In the northeastern portion the wells are shallower, 
and instead of striking brine or salt, found sulphur water, with large 
quantities of hydrogen-sulphide gas. Sulphur is deposited by the 
decomposition of escaping gas, sometimes in considerable abundance. 
Several of these wells still have a strong artesian flow of salt water 
with a temperature somewhat above 100° F. 
At various points about the margin of the island are salt springs, 
which give rise to the trembling marshes. The water contains much 
calcium carbonate in solution, which is precipitated by evaporation 
about the spring vents and forms a crust over the surface of low 
