that the water thus weakly impregnated has a most perceptible iron
taste in every drop. Is it much to be wondered at, then, that a
mineral which has so extensive a power of affecting the palate, should
possess equally extensive influence over the whole system? Many
minerals in a dilute state of solution may pass easily through the
absorbents, while in a more concentrated state they may be excluded.
Carbonic acid gas, for instance, when diluted is readily inhaled, but
when concentrated acts in a peculiar manner upon the wind-pipe so as
to prevent its admission. So the happy medicinal effects of these iron
waters seem to consist--to some extent--in the minute division of the
mineral properties so that they are readily taken into the system.

[Illustration: EMPIRE SPRING AND BOTTLING-HOUSE.]




THE CRYSTAL SPRING


Is under the southern extremity of the new hotel. The proprietors have
named it the Crystal Spring from the crystalline appearance of the
water, which does not rise to the surface, but is pumped up from a
depth of several feet. It was discovered in 1870 by experimental
excavation. The characteristic, and to many disagreeable odor of
sulphuretted hydrogen, is readily perceived. Sulphur veins, or iron
pyrites, are found in all sections of this valley; one of the most
provoking problems of the owners of the springs being to keep their
fountains from a sulphur taint, the quantity and quality of which is
not considered beneficial, while it injures the sale of the bottled