420 feet. The portion of the well above 420 feet gave the same results as the year previous, that is, a very powerful gas and water vein between 350 feet and 370 feet, with a very high alkaline bicarbonate water between 164 feet and 307 feet, and a strong salt vein at the very top. Every effort was made to obtain a constant flow of the alkaline bicarbonate water, but without success. The seals were placed so as to take water between 164 feet and 307 feet, excluding the stronger brine veins above and below. For the first hours of pumping the alkaline water was obtained, but as soon as the pump began to draw directly on the veins, the stronger veins from below would break through and begin to spout through the pump. It was then thought advisable to draw the seals closer together, thus removing both upper and lower seal further from the strong salt veins. Accordingly the seals were placed at 104 feet and 206 feet and pumping began. Again the well began to spout and the character of the water was changed. It is evident that the powerful gas veins from below have broken through somewhere in the rock itself and in a place where it is impossible to exclude them with our seals. It might be possible to obtain this highly desirable water by drilling into the shales, but not through them. DRINK HALL AND BATH HOUSE The need for a new and adequate Drink Hall and a thoroughly modern Bath House became increasingly acute as the last season at Saratoga reached its climax. In the last annual report this need was emphasized, and the Commission wishes to repeat again this year that it is important to meet it as soon as construction can be begun consistently. It is recognized, however, that this is not a time to seriously advocate such an extensive building program for Saratoga as a Drink Hall and Bath House would entail. Prices of material are very high and labor is almost unobtainable. Accordingly, while realizing that this complete program for Saratoga must be deferred until more favorable conditions have developed, the Commission desires to reaffirm the need and to state that it is absolutely fundamental in the ultimate development of the State Reservation. |