Saratoga and How to See It by R. F. Dearborn
page 43 of 125 (34%)
page 43 of 125 (34%)
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Is located on Willow walk, between the Seltzer and the Star Springs. [Illustration: HIGH ROCK SPRING.] The High Rock is the oldest in point of discovery of the Saratoga springs. As early as 1767, Sir Wm. Johnson was brought to it on a litter by his Indian friends. It is noted for the most remarkable natural curiosity of the vicinity, certainly. The following interesting description of this rock is by Prof. Chandler: "The spring rises in a little mound of stone, three or four feet high, which appears like a miniature volcano, except that sparkling water instead of melted lava flows from its little crater. When Sir William Johnson visited the spring, and in fact until quite recently, the water did not overflow the mound, but came to within a few inches of the summit; some other hidden outlet permitting its escape. The Indians had a tradition, however, which was undoubtedly true, that the water formerly flowed over the rim of the opening. A few years ago (1866) the property changed hands, and the new owners, convinced that by stopping the lateral outlet they could cause the water to issue again from the mouth of the rock, employed a number of men to undermine the mound, and with a powerful hoisting derrick to lift it off and set it one side, that the spring might be explored. "If you will examine the cut which presents a vertical section of the spring, you will be able to follow me as I tell you what they found. "Just below the mound were found four logs, two of which rested upon the other, two at right angles, forming a curb. Under the logs were |
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