The Southern Literary Messenger, Volume I., 1834-35Various
General
The Southern Literary Messenger, Volume I., 1834-35
Various
American literature -- 19th century -- Periodicals
{43} Finally, we deem it proper to make a few more remarks upon the
first topic we introduced,--namely, the waters themselves. As to the
agents concerned, and the play of affinities between them, it is
useless for us to hazard an opinion, more especially as we have not
made ourselves analytically acquainted with them. Let it suffice to
point out the several springs, and those sensible properties and
qualities which will necessarily be observed by every visiter; and
first of the spring now in use.
As soon as this beautiful fountain is brought within the compass of
vision, attention will be arrested by the constant and copious escape
of fixed air, and the boldness of the stream. As soon as it is
introduced to the mouth, its sweetish taste and warmth are
discovered--and then its stimulating effect upon the system will be
perceived; and finally, if the visiter will walk below the spring,
five or six rods, he will discover the stalagmitic rocks of limestone
which have been formed by successive depositions from this water.
The next spring below, is popularly called the Red Spring. It is
characterized by a red deposite, which we regard as the carbonate of
iron, by a strong sweetish calybiate taste, by its warmth, by the
boldness of the stream, and by the absence of any fixed air escaping.
The two springs below this, resemble the first in every respect, so
far as the unaided senses can discover. We feel called upon to add,
that no one should venture a free use, as a drink, of the Red Spring
water, unadvised by an intelligent physician. It is a powerful water,
and can never prove an indifferent agent in any constitution.
And finally, we beg leave to advise every visiter, whose soul is
warmed by a scientific love of natural phenomena, not to leave the
ground till he shall have seen the major part, at least, of what we
have feebly attempted to describe.
For the Southern Literary Messenger.
RECOLLECTIONS OF "CHOTANK."
_Olim meminisse juvabit._--VIRGIL.
Blessed, yea thrice blessed, be the hills and flats, the "forests" and
swamps of Old Chotank! Prosperous, yea doubly prosperous be their
generous cultivators--worthy descendants of worthy sires--VIRGINIANS
all over, in heart and feeling, soul and body. From the Paspatansy
swells to the Neck levels, may they have peace and happiness in "all
their borders."
How often do I turn over memory's volume and linger upon the page
which tells of my first visits to "Chotank"--so full of almost
unalloyed pleasure. The recollection steals upon the mind like soft
strains of music over the senses, giving the same chastened
satisfaction.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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