There are several kinds of douches at Bourbon as the ascending,
descending, fumigating, which are frequently used in torpidity of the
intestines and obstinate constipations; resource is also had to them in
some affections of the uterus and urinary organs. There are also _mud_
baths at this place.

BAGNOLES.

Bagnoles is a village in the department of l'Orne, the efficacy of the
mineral waters at this place, was discovered by the following singular
circumstance. An old horse having a disease of the skin, being covered
all over with sores, was about to be delivered up to the knacker when
his master calling to mind his good qualities, resolved upon turning him
into the _Coppice of Roches-Noires_. Two months after happening to pass
through the end of the valley, he descried an animal which he thought
much resembled his own discarded steed. The horse trotted up, approached
him familiarly, and though fat and sleek, was speedily recognised by his
owner, who wishing to ascertain the cause of such an unexpected and
astonishing cure, carefully watched the animal's movements, and
presently saw him roll himself with much apparent satisfaction in a
neighbouring bog, which upon putting his hand into it, he found to
contain much internal heat. This circumstance occasioned the clearing
out of the bog, when the source of a hot spring very limpid and very
abundant was discovered.

This cure, originated the idea of forming the present establishment
which since 1812 has been rapidly increasing in reputation. It stands at
the foot of a mountain between two rocky escarpments, in one of the
most beautiful and picturesque vallies in France.

Through this, winds the little river _la Vee_, the banks of which,
adjacent to the Baths, are prettily planted, and intersected with
numerous gravel walks, forming shady and agreeable promenades. The
luxuriance of the trees and meadows which adorn this fertile valley,
contrasted with the savage aspect of the vast rugged rocks by which it
is bordered, together with the pretty scattered villas, and the
salubrity of the air form a _tout ensemble_ rarely to be witnessed, and
which contributes not a little to the recovery of the numerous visitors
who resort to this fine establishment.

The mineral springs are received into a square cistern from whence they
are conducted into the bathing rooms; they are extremely clear, unctuous
to the touch, taste slightly acid, and emit a sulphureted hydrogen
odour: ai