This spring was opened in 1806 by Gideon Putnam. The water issues from
the natural rock about seven feet below the surface of the ground, and
is protected by heavy wooden tubing. It is the most popular spring
among the residents of Saratoga. The escaping bubbles of free carbonic
acid gas give to the fountain a boiling motion. Large quantities of
the gas can easily be collected at the mouth of the spring at any
time.


Properties.

It is a fine chalybeate or iron water, possessing strong tonic
properties. It also has a diuretic action and is extensively used for
that purpose. The water is recommended to be drank in small quantities
frequently during the day, generally _preceded_ by the use of the
cathartic waters taken before breakfast.

Only from one-half to one glass should be taken at a time. When taken
in large quantities or before breakfast its effects might remind one
of that great race in northern and central Europe,--the Teutonic
(_too_ tonic). A peculiar headache would certainly be experienced.

The proper use of this water is found to strengthen the tone of the
stomach and to increase the red particles of the blood which,
according to Liebeg, perform an important part in respiration. It has
been proved by actual experiments that the number of red particles of
the blood may be _doubled_ by the use of preparations of iron.

Though containing but 3.26 grains of iron in one gallon of
water--Prof. Chandler's analysis--it is an evident and remarkable fact