R. F. Dearborn - Saratoga and How to See It
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R. F. Dearborn >> Saratoga and How to See It
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WATERS OF SARATOGA COUNTY, N.Y.
_Table showing the total quantities of mineral matter left by
evaporation, and of some of the more important constituents._
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| Total solids
| as left by
| evaporation.
| | Chlorides of
| | sodium and
| | potassium.
| | | All other solids
| | | left by evaporation;
| | | carbonates of lime,
| | | magnesia, etc.
| | | | Bicarbonate
| | | | of lime (CaO,
| | | | HO, 2CO_{2}).
| | | | | Bicarbonate of
| | | | | magnesia (MgO,
| | | | | HO, 2CO_{2}).
| | | | | | Bicarbonate
| | | | | | of iron
| | | | | | (FeO, HO,
SPRING. | | | | | \ 2CO_{2}).
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Geyser Spouting | | | | | |
well | 832.48 | 586.71 | 245.77 | 170.39 | 149.34 | 0.98
Hathorn spring | 740.55 | 519.55 | 221.00 | 170.65 | 176.46 | 1.13
Hamilton spring | 611.71 | 411.00 | 200.71 | 144.84 | 104.80 | 1.80
Congress spring | 588.82 | 408.49 | 180.33 | 143.40 | 121.76 | 0.34
High Rock spring | 542.35 | 399.10 | 143.25 | 131.74 | 54.92 | 1.48
Washington spring | 353.23 | 215.00 | 138.23 | 110.23 | 40.56 | 2.40
Excelsior spring | 611.05 | 473.00 | 138.05 | 90.38 | 72.27 | 2.84
Pavilion spring | 602.08 | 467.56 | 134.51 | 120.17 | 76.73 | 2.57
Putnam spring | 354.79 | 220.50 | 134.27 | 110.72 | 60.01 | 3.97
Columbian spring | 353.08 | 219.00 | 134.08 | 104.89 | 78.05 | 3.26
Star spring | 537.60 | 408.05 | 129.55 | 124.46 | 61.91 | 1.21
Crystal spring | 459.67 | 336.79 | 122.88 | 101.88 | 75.16 | 2.04
Eureka spring | 280.16 | 171.00 | 119.16 | 94.02 | 63.75 | 3.36
United States | | | | | |
spring | 260.84 | 150.49 | 110.35 | 93.12 | 72.88 | 0.71
Empire spring | 460.32 | 355.16 | 105.16 | 113.54 | 48.10 | 1.34
Seltzer spring | 238.97 | 135.62 | 103.35 | 89.87 | 40.34 | 1.70
Red spring | 155.53 | 73.50 | 82.03 | 79.80 | 27.84 | 2.51
Village spring, | | | | | |
Ballston | 153.09 | 75.00 | 78.09 | 65.08 | 21.59 | 2.00
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Individuals have their preferences, and opinions may differ in regard
to the relative value of the springs, particularly when parties are
interested in them. We have no interest in one more than in all, and
have brought to our task, we believe, no partiality. The manuscript
has been submitted to leading physicians of Saratoga before
publication, and is approved by them. The arrangement is alphabetical.
CONGRESS SPRING.
In Congress Park, opposite Grand Central Hotel. Congress and Empire
Spring Company are the proprietors. The New York office is at 94
Chambers street.
History.
Congress Spring was discovered in 1792, by a party of three gentlemen,
who were out upon a hunting excursion. Among the party was John Taylor
Gilman, an ex-member of Congress from New Hampshire. Probably in that
day, office conferred more honor than at the present time, and as a
compliment to so distinguished a person, the spring was then and there
christened the Congress. The attention of the hunters was attracted to
the spot by the foot-prints of large numbers of deer, the first
patrons, it seems, of the sparkling water. Although more especially
esteemed by pretty dears of a different character at the present day,
the liquid-eyed fawn, who grace Congress Park, are among those who
take their daily rations. At the time of discovery, the low ground
about the spring was a mere swamp, and the country in the immediate
vicinity a wilderness. The mineral water issued in a small stream from
an aperture in the side of the rock, which formed the margin of a
small brook, and was caught by pressing a glass to the side of the
rock. The flow of water was only about one quart per minute.
From the date of its discovery to the present time this celebrated
spring has been the center of attraction at Saratoga. Its name has
become a household word through out the land, and the whole civilized
world are its customers.
At one time Mr. Putnam had three large potash kettles evaporating the
water. The salts thus precipitated were sold in small packages to the
amount of several hundred dollars. It was not long, however, before it
was discovered that _Congress water_ was not obtained by re-dissolving
the salts, as might have been expected if the nature of the water had
been considered.
About the year 1820, Dr. John Clarke, the proprietor of the first soda
fountain opened in this country, purchased the Congress Spring
property. By him the water was first bottled for transportation and
sale, and to him the village is indebted for much of its beauty and
attractiveness.
The simple and tasteful Doric colonnade over the Congress, and the
pretty Grecian dome over the Columbian were erected by him. Dr. Clarke
realized a handsome income from the sale of the water. He died in
1846, but the property continued in the hands of his heirs, under the
firm name of Clarke & White, until 1865, when it was purchased by an
incorporated company, under the title of "Congress and Empire Spring
Company." The capital is $1,000,000, and the company is composed of a
large number of individual stockholders. The present proprietors of
Congress Spring have contributed not a little to the beauty and
attractiveness of this favorite watering place.
[Illustration: CONGRESS SPRING.]
Properties.
When taken before breakfast the water is a very pleasant and effective
cathartic. Drank in moderate quantities throughout the day, it is a
delightful, wholesome beverage, its effects being alterative and
slightly tonic. It is successfully used in affections of the liver
and kidneys; and for chronic constipation, dyspepsia and gout it is
highly valued. It has been employed in cases of renal calculi with
decidedly beneficial results.
Crowds gather round the fountain in the early summer morning to win
appetite for breakfast and life for the pleasures of the day. Old and
young, sick and well, everybody, drinks, for the Congress fountain is
as much the morning exchange as the ball-room is the resort of the
evening.
Prof. G.F. Chandler, the leading chemist in America, says: "The
peculiar excellence of the far-famed Congress spring is due to the
fact that it contains very much less iron than any other spring, and
that it contains, in the most desirable proportions, those substances
which produce its agreeable flavor and satisfactory medicinal effects;
neither holding them in excess, nor lacking in anything that is
desirable in this class of waters."
In submitting a new analysis (which appears elsewhere) Prof. Chandler
writes,--"A comparison of this with the analysis made by Dr. John H.
Steel in 1832, proves that Congress water still retains its original
strength, and all the virtues which established its well merited
reputation." Higher authority there is none.
Bottling the Water.
It should be remembered that the water of this spring is sold in
_bottles only_. What purports to be Congress water for sale on draught
in various places throughout the country is not genuine. The
artificial preparations thus imposed upon the public may have a
certain resemblance in taste and appearance, but are frequently worse
than worthless for medicinal purposes.
COLUMBIAN SPRING.
In Congress Park, under the Grecian Dome, near the Congress spring,
Congress and Empire Spring Co., proprietors.
[Illustration: COLUMBIAN SPRING.]
History and Peculiarities.
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
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 excellent character,
possessing, as the company claim every essential element to render it
equal for internal use to the best White Sulphur waters in this State,
and far superior to most of them. The company have erected a
commodious bath-house, containing fifty bath-rooms, with every
convenience for warm and cold baths, at a moderate price.
Frequent omnibuses convey passengers to and from these springs for 25
cents, passing the principal hotels.
THE EXCELSIOR SPRING
[Illustration]
Is found in a beautiful valley, and amid most romantic scenery, about
a mile east of the town hall. The principal entrance to this spring is
on Lake avenue, about half a mile east of Circular street. Another
route is via Spring avenue, by which we pass a majority of the other
springs, and also the Loughberry water-works which supply the village
of Saratoga Springs with water from the Excelsior Lake by the
celebrated Holly system. Just before us, as we reach a point where the
avenue turns towards the Excelsior, is the fine summer hotel known as
the Mansion House, and the pretty cottage residence of Mr. Henry
Lawrence.
[Illustration: BOTTLE MARK.]
[Illustration: TRADE MARK.]
History.
The Excelsior Spring has been appreciated for its valuable qualities
by some of the oldest visitors of Saratoga for more than half a
century. The water, however, was not generally known to the public
until in 1859, when Mr. H.H. Lawrence, the former owner, and father of
the present proprietors, retubed the spring at a considerable expense,
having excavated it to a depth of fifty-six feet, eleven of which are
in the solid rock. By this improvement the water flows with all its
properties undeteriorated, retaining from source to outlet its
original purity and strength. Since then, the present proprietors,
under the firm of A.R. Lawrence & Co., by a new and improved method of
bottling and barreling the Excelsior water under its own hydrostatic
pressure, have given it an increased reputation and it is rapidly
attaining a wide-spread popularity.
Properties.
The water of this spring is a pleasant _cathartic_, and has also
alterative and tonic properties, and is moreover a very delightful
beverage. Two or three glasses in the morning is the dose as a
cathartic. As an alterative and diuretic, it should be taken in small
quantities during the day. We have seen stronger commendations of this
water from the highest medical authority than of any other.
Exportation of the Water.
After a refreshing draught from this sparkling and delicious fountain,
let us not fail to examine the proprietors' peculiar and very perfect
method of bottling and barreling the Excelsior water by its own
hydrostatic pressure. Since last season a handsome brick
bottling-house has replaced the ancient wooden structure. Entering
this bottling-house we find our way to a capacious and well-lighted
cellar, in which we discover a perpendicular opening some ten feet in
diameter; this proves to be a circular brick vault, in whose depths
the process of filling is performed. Twelve feet below the surface of
the spring a block tin tube conveys the water into reservoirs placed
at the bottom of this vault. These reservoirs are strong oak barrels,
lined with pure block tin in such a manner as to be perfectly
gas-tight, and furnished with two tubes, one quite short and the other
extending from the top to the bottom of the reservoir. Then, by
filling the reservoirs through the long tube by hydrostatic pressure,
the air is excluded, while the gas is not allowed to escape. When sold
on draught, it is necessary simply to connect the long tube with the
draught tube, and the short tube with an air pump, when the water can
be forced out by the pressure of the air, and will flow forth
sparkling and delicious as at the spring, without being re-charged
with gas.
[Illustration: GEYSER SPRING THE SPOUTING SPRING]
Having concluded our investigation, and tarried to notice the
MINNEHAHA, UNION, and other springs which bubble up in this
immediate vicinity, we have now the choice of continuing along the
banks of a winding stream to the Eureka and White Sulphur Springs, or
of returning by the way of Lake avenue. But should we prefer the
healthful exercise of walking, we may dismiss our carriage and stroll
into those magnificent woods that border the hill and valley for half
a mile between Excelsior Spring and the village. Through them there is
a wide and shady path, well known to visitors who love the
picturesque, and along its winding way is found the shortest walk to
the center of the village.
The beauty of this region would seem to indicate it as the proper site
for the future Central Park of Saratoga.
THE GEYSER SPOUTING SPRING
Is about a mile and a half below the village, on the Ballston road,
and near the railroad. Business address, "Geyser Spring."
History.
This wonderful mineral fountain was discovered in February. 1870.
There had been indications of mineral water in this neighborhood,
which had been noticed for a long time. The building which is now used
as a bottling-house, and beneath which the spring was found, was used
as a bolt factory. The proprietors, Messrs. Vail and Seavy, determined
to bore for a spring. They were successful, and when they had reached
a point 140 feet below the surface rock, they struck the mineral vein.
The water immediately burst forth with vehemence, and the marvelous
phenomenon of a spouting spring was established.
The orifice bored in the rock is five and a half inches in diameter
and 140 feet deep. The tubing is a block tin pipe, encased with iron,
eighty-five feet in length and two inches in diameter. The diameter of
the orifice of the tube is three-eighths of an inch. The tube is
firmly secured at the bottom, and "seed bags" are filled in around it,
so that all the water and gas is compelled to enter the tube, thereby
preventing the possibility of adulteration. The fact that the spring
is located 140 feet beneath the solid rock renders it free from all
impurities of surface waters.
Peculiarities.
The water is thrown up by the action of its own carbonic acid gas,
with great force, producing a fountain jet very attractive in
appearance. The height of the fountain is twenty-five feet. A portion
of the stream is allowed to flow through a hollow globe of glass, and
large bubbles of gas of a bright pearl color rising in rapid
succession through the water, form a beautiful addition to the
attractiveness of the fountain. The curious will find an opportunity
to obtain a sniff of pure gas at a wooden tube, near the bottling
room, where water is drawn for bottling.
It is noticeable that when a portion of the stream is allowed to flow
through another tube to the bottling-room, the fountain spouts to an
unusual height.
Properties.
The water, as shown by the analysis, is a powerful _cathartic_, and
contains a larger amount of valuable medicinal properties than any
other spring at Saratoga. The dose is from one to two glasses. The
temperature of the spring is 46 deg. Fahr., being only 14 deg. from
the freezing point. As the water is drawn from the fountain it foams
like soda water, from the great abundance of carbonic acid gas, which
gives to the water its agreeable taste.
During the two years since its discovery the water has been
introduced all over the Union, and is now to be obtained in the
principal cities of America and Europe.
A beautiful ravine, cascade and lake, and a sulphur spring also are in
the immediate vicinity south of the spring. Seats are provided and the
pleasure seeker will find a few hours in this locality a delightful
recreation. The Geyser Spring is one of the chief attractions of
Saratoga, and no visitor should fail to see it and taste its sparkling
water.
THE GLACIER SPOUTING SPRING,
"Sparkling, rippling, and dancing about,
Freighted with health and brilliant with light,
Soothing the ear and entrancing the sight."
May be found in a little valley east of the railroad and directly
opposite the Geyser Spring, about a mile south of the village. Button
& Gibbs, proprietors.
[Illustration: GLACIER SPRING]
It was discovered in Sept. 1871, and is the most remarkable fountain
in the world. It discharges from four to eight gallons per minute,
spouting through a quarter inch nozzle to a height of fifty-two feet,
or through a half inch nozzle forty feet, pouring forth a perfect suds
of water and gas.
History.
In the spring of 1870, Mr. Jesse Button, having been employed to sink
the Geyser well, was so successful that he was induced to bore for
another spring on land owned by D. Gibbs, Esq., in this locality.
Mineral water was found at no great depth, but in no considerable
quantity. The well was sunk 220 feet in the slate rock, reaching the
magnesian limestone. At this point the mineral water could be made to
spout for a few moments, occasionally, by agitating it with a
sand-pump. The stream, however, was quite small, and as Mr. Button was
called elsewhere, the project was temporarily abandoned. In Sept.,
1871, boring was resumed. The diameter of the well which had been sank
was four and three-fourths inches. It was made an inch larger,
tapering toward the bottom, and the well was continued through the
magnesian limestone to the Trenton limestone, making a total depth of
300 feet. Having reached this point the water spouted forth with great
force. The well was at once carefully tubed.
Properties.
The water is very concentrated, and small doses are all that is
required. It will bear dilution with fresh water much better then
milk. It seems to have not only strong cathartic properties, but a
special action upon the kidneys and liver. For medicinal purposes it
promises to equal any in Saratoga.
As an object of curiosity and interest, the Glacier Spring is
unequaled in Saratoga, and it will doubtless speedily become a popular
resort.
HAMILTON SPRING.
On Spring street, corner of Putnam, in the rear of Congress Hall, and
a short distance from Hathorn Spring. Its principal action is
_diuretic_ and, in large doses, cathartic. The mineral ingredients are
the same as those of the other springs, but, owing to the peculiar
combination, the medicinal effects are widely different. It has been
found of great service in kidney complaints. From one to three glasses
during the day is the usual dose. It should be used under the
prescription of a physician, and warm drinks should not be taken
immediately after. Persons suffering from "a cold" should not drink
this water. It is not bottled.
THE HATHORN SPRING
Is situated immediately north of Congress Hall, on Spring street. H.H.
Hathorn, proprietor.
History.
The spring was discovered in 1868 by workmen engaged in excavating for
the foundations of a brick building for Congress Hall ball-room. At
the time of discovery its waters contained more mineral substances
than any other spring at Saratoga. During the past winter a defect in
the tubing has led the proprietors to retube it very carefully and at
great expense. At the recent retubing two streams were found and
carefully tubed, one of which discharges sixty gallons per minute.
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