tioned in the former Chapter, in regard the consideration of
them may perhaps give some light to those, who shall hereafter search
further into the secrets, which nature may seeme to afford in the
Country hereabouts.
The first is the _Dropping-well_, knowne almost to all, who have
travelled unto this place. The water whereof distilleth and trickleth
downe from the hanging Rocke over it, not onely dropping wise, but also
falling in many pretty little streames.
This water issueth at first out of the earth, not farre from the said
hanging rocke, and running a while in one entire current, continueth
so, till it commeth almost to the brim of the cragg; where being opposed
by a damme (as it were artificiall) of certaine spongy stones, is
afterwards divided into many smaller branches, and falleth from on high
in manner aforesaid.
It is therefore very likely, that Mr. _Camden_ in person did not see
this Fountaine, but rather that hee had it by relation from others; or
at least wise (if he did see it) that hee did not marke, and duly
observe the originall springing up of the water, when in his _Britannia_
he saith thus: _The waters thereof spring not up out of the veines of
the earth_, &c.
Concerning the properties and qualities thereof, I have nothing more to
write at this time (there being formerly little tryall had of it) saving
that divers inhabitants thereabouts say, and affirme, that it hath beene
found to bee very effectuall in staying any flux of the body: which
thing I easily beleeve.
The other three are sulphureous fountaines, and cast forth a stinking
smell a farre off, especially in the winter season, and when the weather
is coldest. They are all noysome to smell to, and cold to touch, without
any manifest, or actuall heat at all; by reason (as may most probably be
thought) their mynes, and veines of brimstone, are not kindled under the
earth; being (perhaps) hindred by the mixture of salt therewith.
Those, who drinke of their waters, relate, they verily thinke there is
gunpowder in them, and that now and then they vomit after drinking
thereof.
The waters, as they runne along the earth, doe leave behind them on the
grasse and leaves a gray slimy substance, which being set on fire, hath
the right savour of common brimstone. They are much haunted with
Pigeons, an argument of much salt in them; of which in the evaporation
of the water by fire, wee found a good quantity remaining in the
bottome of the ves
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