. Annual report. 1st-12th, 1867-1878. Geology. Fig. 17,. ^s;<-^-^:=i^ DEAD CHIMNEY, GARDINER S RIVER. place, it finds vent in an- other, and thus passes from point to point over a district. It is probable that they have existed since the period of vol- canic activity, and that now they are diminishing in force, and that event- ually nothing but the de- posit will remain. Large numbers of old chimneys are scattered over the surface, formed by what may be properly called pulsating geysers. (Figs. 16 and 17.) Between, one of the largest oblong mounds and the base of the upper terrace, there is
. Annual report. 1st-12th, 1867-1878. Geology. Fig. 17,. ^s;<-^-^:=i^ DEAD CHIMNEY, GARDINER S RIVER. place, it finds vent in an- other, and thus passes from point to point over a district. It is probable that they have existed since the period of vol- canic activity, and that now they are diminishing in force, and that event- ually nothing but the de- posit will remain. Large numbers of old chimneys are scattered over the surface, formed by what may be properly called pulsating geysers. (Figs. 16 and 17.) Between, one of the largest oblong mounds and the base of the upper terrace, there is a kind of a valley-like interval, which has once been the center of much activity, but at the present time there are numerous small jets from which the water is thrown to the height of 2 to 4 feet. But it is to the wonderful variety of exquisitely delicate colors that this picture owes the main part of its attractiveness. The little orifices from which the hot water issues are beautifully enameled with the porcelain- like lining, and around the edges a layer of sulphur is precipitated. As the water flows along the valley, it lays down in its course a,, pavement more beautiful and elaborate in its adornment than art has ever yet conceived. The sulphur and the iron, with the green microscopic vege- tation, tint the whole with an illumination of which no decoration-painter has ever dreamed. From the sides of the oblong mound, which is here from 30 to 50 feet high, the water has oozed out at dilferent points, forming small groups of the semicircular, step-like basins. (Fig. 18.) • Again, if we look at the principal group of springs from the high mound above the middle terrace, we can see the same variety of brilliant coloring. The wonderful transparency of the water surpasses anything of the kind I have ever seen in any other portion of the world. The sky, with the smallest cloud that flits across it, is reflected in its clear depths, and the ultramarine colors, more vivid than
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Keywords: ., bookcentury1800, bookdecade1860, bookpublishe, booksubjectgeology
