(dug, surfaced & submitted by Richard Palmer)
Ontario Repository, Canandaigua, Sept. 17, 1822
Angelica, (Allegany co.) August 31
On the 22d of this month I visited the Oil Spring, in company with Wm. Mitchell, Esqr., of Middlebury, and Dr.
Champlin of Cuba.
We not being in possession of means for analyzing the water, had to content ourselves with barely a superficial
examination of its presence.
This spring, or pond, (for there is no outlet,) is situated about two miles from the turnpike road, on one side is a high hill, which appears to be the western extremity of a range of hills which run near to and parallel with Black Creek, in the bowels of
which the
inhabitants suppose there is a coal mine.
This spring is about 42 feet in circumference, and has a circular form. Its depth is not yet
ascertained, although
poles have been sunk in 30 or 40 feet.
The vapor that arises from the spring is supposed to be highly impregnated with carbonic acid gas. When it is inspired for any
length of time, it impedes respiration. The water has a greenish cast; its smell resembles British oil. The oil,
when first collected, is likewise green. When it is spread thinly, it turns white; and by being exposed to the action of the air and sun, quickly turns black. It will burn equal to lamp oil, and is said to be very beneficial on rheumatic complaints, sprains and fresh wounds.
The soil
about it is alluvial; its products are the fir tree, hemlock, some pine, symplocarpus foetidus, or skunk cabbage, together with all the different plants which usually grow on this kind of soil.
The Indians have reserved one mile in diameter, in the middle of which stands this spring.
We regret that the respectable Medical Society of Allegany have not, before this time, adapted measures for the analyzing of this oil, these waters, and this gas. They know not what benefit they might derive from knowledge of the properties of this treasure of their county, and never
will know, till such measures are adopted. J.G.H.