Sharp County record., 1881-06-30
ASH FLAT, ARK, June 10th, Isl.

EDITOR RECORD L arrived last nlgnt
from the Eureka Springs, and will give
you few dots of what | saw while there.
Twill say, in the beginning, that | am
much improved in health, but do not
know whether to give credit to the Springs
or not, any more than to the trip.
The Eureka or basin spring, situated
near the center of the city, is the princi-
pal attraction of the place. The water
comes out of the West mountain, SO or Is
feet from the base, and runs down through
the underbrush and weeds about 50 feet,
to bench under the mountain, where the
celebrated basin is situated. This basin
is smooth, round hole in a solid rock.
holding about one "blue bucket" full of
water. 1t looks like it might have been
the work of art, but it is my opinion that
il is the work of the falling water. They
have constructed a rude spout which sep
arates the water some ten feet above the
basin, through which portion of the wa.
ter runs down into dry goods box near
the basin. Much superstition is mani
tested by both citizens and visitors in a
preference for the water in the basin,
believing it alone possesses curative prop.
critics, although they can see it separated
before their eyes.
Other springs abound in endless guam
titles, and we might say varieties, but all
seeming to be about the same water, with
difference alone of temperature, except the
Iron and Sulphur springs. They are stu
ated at the base Of East mountain, at the
only place called park in Eureka, and
are about 100 yards apart. One is sui
phur with a trace of iron, and the other
is iron with a trace of sulphur. Below
these springs is the Crystal springs, run
ming out from the base of the mountain,
clear, cold and bold, and to our taste it is
decidedly the best water of the Eureka
Springs. On the same side of the noun
tain is little Eureka spring coming out
about half way up the mountain, and it
ranks next to the basin water, but does
not afford near so much water. On West
hill there are several springs, but the most
prominent are the Hardin and Crescent
springs; also a sweet spring, coming out
Of the mountain about half way up. There
are numbers of other springs-the Oil,
johnson, Cave, Clay, Moccasin and Arch
iye-but the Carlhit spring was of most
interest to US.
This is truly wonderful place for
springs, but as to the health giving prop
critics of the waters, am not fully salts
fed. Many people who have come here
claim to be benefited, while others claim
no relief at all. If those who visit the
Springs 90 any where while there, they
have to use great deal of exertion in
SStal.,ying Shoa Ta0untair.s, and we think
that the exercise, excitement and health
full atmosphere, together with change
of diet, does as much to benefit those who
claim relief as does the water.
1t is our opinion that no one is cured of
organic diseases (they may be beneftted)
but all functional diseases may be cured
by the waters and pure air. Many per-
sons 20 there with sore eyes and so.called
cancers, and many are benefited, while
others are not. AT our hotel Mr.. Griggs
suffered every day with bilious collie, and
his wife is blind with sore eyes Of long
duration, notwithstanding they drink Of
the basin water and have been there two
years. ! make rough estimate when |
say that about ten per cent. of those who
90 there with disease are cured.
Eureka is remarkable town for filth,
bed-bugs and dogs; also, good, kind peo-
pie, good society and good water. l re-
mained there twelve days, and to the
honor of the city be it said, | saw but one
drunk man while there, and he was soon
cared for by the city authorities. l never
heard an oath sworn nor any one speak
in undue tone, but all seemed to be in
good humor with each other. From the
immense amount of filth Especially the
privies the place is subject to fearful
epidemic, particularly when acted upon
by high degree of temperatures and from
the nature of the houses and the manner
in which they are built, it is only ques'
tion of time as to the destruction Of the
city by fire.
l say to my friends who contemplate
visiting the Springs this season, to make
ample arrangements before starting. Take
feed for your teams, as feed is scarce.
In conclusion, will say that Eureka
is wonderful place, and it will amply pay
any person to visit it who has the leisure
time and money, whether they visit it for
health or pleasure. Board can be had at
from $3.50 to $l2 per week. Good blue
grass pasture for horses can be found near
Berryville, about thirteen miles from the
Springs, where horses are kept for 9l.25
per week. IL.