Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1905-08-23
No Water to Waste.

The last line Is full of satire, which Is not
appreciated by those who do not know the
facts Saratoga Springs is one of the
breaks of Death valley, and has probably
caused more profanity than anything else
in this region. The waters are clear as
crystal and they bubble up from deep,
sandy basin like a well spring of JOY But
they are strongly impregnated with sui
phur and other minerals. are tepid IN tenn
perature and act instantly like an emetic
upon any one who drinks them. They are
positively cruel No Dead sea fruit is more
exasperating. The eyes will gloat over the
crystal liquid, but the moment mouthful
reaches the stomach the agony begins.
The waters of the Colorado river up IN
the Grand Canyon; are poisonous to many
people, and those who drink them are
usually seized with cramps and spasms a
few moments after. This is supposed 10
be due to the mineral properties they con-
tain but they have never been analysed
Not long ago a Chicago man who drank
against the remonstrances of his guide was
seized with cramps and was laid UP for
nearly a week after at Ell Tovar Hotel
There are many springs of fresh, pure
water in the chasm. and frequent streams
run down the side canyons; but other
streams are so strongly impregnated with
minerals that they poison the whole river
Nevertheless the water seems to be all
right further down. and below the Needles
II is used for cooking and drinking.
The railway company utilizes Its old ties
for building houses in the desert where
timber is so scarce. The discarded ties are
set up on end and rooted over with poles,
upon which is placed a layer of brush and
dirt. The chinks between the ties are filled
with mud and when the outside Is white
washed and trailing vines are planted
around the walls the result is coy, COM
Portable and economical dwelling.
Death Valley is believed to be store
house of wealth. and fabulous tales have
been told for generations concerning lodges
of nd silver deposits
copper and rubies, opals, turquoise and
other jewels that are to be round upon the
surface of the sand. More men have died
in the search for these treasures than were
killed in many OF the great wars. More
men have persisted searching for gold than
for glory since the beginning Of the world.
and the myths of Death Valley have lured
many to destruction. Hundreds nave per-
ished not only from thirst and starvation,
but from poisonous vapors ard noxious
mineral dust which, If inhaled will para
lyze lungs and hearts. The surface OF the
valley from one end 10 the other Is streWn
with skeletons.
There has been a great sacrifice OF life re-
Gently so many inexperienced and reckless
prospectors have been enticed into the
clutch of the valley in search Of fortune.
No one ought to attempt to cross the burn
ing sands without guide who knows the
way, and state and county officials should
put up guide posts and signs where they
can be seen at long distances to mark the
trails and indicate where water can be had
This has already been done in Kern coun-
ty, Minute directions have been perforated
on sheet metal and riveted to iron posts
that cannot be destroyed or removed. Other
counties could do the same at a nominal
expense. 1t costs very little to put up sign
posts. and wells can be driven anywhere for
a few hundred dollars. 1t is singular fact
that almost anywhere in Death Valley and
the other deserts pure. cool water can be
gotten by boring three or four hundred
feet. There are not less than 30 artesian
wells in Kern county, Cal. The Nevada
legislature. at it's last session, made an APP
preparation for sinking wells. but the money
has not yet been used. Appeals will be
made to the legislatures of California and
Arizona at the approaching sessions. but
the expense is so small that the counties
should do It.
Water by the Quart.
Water is sold by the quart and gallon in
all the mining towns. 1t Is "toted" about
on the hacks Of burros. and the quantity
ordered is left at each house. like milk in
our Tn n harroona II cOatn hui