Saratoga and How to See It | Page 8

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 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 water.
The Crystal Spring is somewhat alterative in its therapeutic effects.

THE ELLIS SPRING
Is near the railroad, between the Glacier and Geyser Springs. It has
been known for a long time. The water flows through the slate rock,
and, unlike any other spring at Saratoga, issues in a horizontal direction
from the side of the hill. It is a very fine chalybeate, but is not bottled.

EMPIRE SPRING,
Situated on Spring avenue, at the head of Circular street, and near the
base of a high limestone bluff, in the northerly part of the village, a few
rods above the Star Spring, and about three-fourths of a mile from the
Congress. Owned by the Congress and Empire Spring Company. O.H.
Cromwell, Superintendent.
History.

Mineral water was known to trickle down the bank at this point ever
since the land was cleared of its primitive shrubs. It was not till the year
1846 that the fountain was taken in charge. The tubing is eleven feet,
and fits closely to the rock. Messrs. Weston and Co., the early
proprietors, made extensive improvements in the grounds surrounding,
planting shade trees, etc., and during the past year the opening of
Spring avenue has rendered the place more attractive.
Properties.
The water of this spring has a general resemblance to that of the
Congress. In the cathartic effects of the two waters the difference is
scarcely appreciable, although from the presence of a larger quantity of
magnesia in the Congress, its operation is perhaps somewhat more
pungent. The Empire is highly esteemed for the treatment of obscure
and chronic diseases requiring alterative and diuretic remedies. It is
also recommended as a preventive or remedy for the diseases natural to
warm climates, especially intermittent, gastric and bilious fevers,
dysenteries and disorders of the liver. The directions for using are the
same as for the Congress.

EUREKA MINERAL SPRING
Is situated on Lake avenue, and on Spring avenue, about a mile east of
Broadway, and a few rods beyond the Excelsior Spring. Eureka Spring
Company, proprietors. A.R. Dyett, Esq., President.
The location of the spring is in the midst of very romantic and
picturesque scenery, embracing a beautiful park of some twenty-five
acres. Since the water was analyzed the fountain has been retubed, and
its quality improved. It is serviceable in dyspepsia and all diseases and
affections of the liver and kidneys, and is classed among saline and
cathartic waters.
It resembles in taste and appearance the other Saratoga waters. The
New York office of the Eureka Spring Company, for the sale of their

bottled water, is at No. 7 Hudson R.R.R. Depot, Varick street. Mr Benj.
J. Levy is the agent.
Within a few steps of the Eureka, and belonging to the same company,
is the White Sulphur Spring and bathing-house. The water of the White
Sulphur Spring is an hepatic water of an