Hot Springs

Arkansas, the county seat of Garland County. It takes its name from the presence of the most noted hot springs in the United States. Forty-seven of these mineral springs issue from volcanic rock at the base of a mountain. They attracted the attention of the earliest explorers. After protracted litigation, the United States asserted title in 1876 and set aside 911 acres as a permanent park. The general government has expended over $1,000,000 in improvements, including masonry arches over the creek, and in beautifying the grounds. A national hospital for soldiers and sailors is maintained here. Provision has been made for the public who desire to bathe, without charge. Parties have been permitted to lease the other springs and to erect hotels and baths. The city has a permanent population of about 10,000. There are two railways. It is estimated that 90,000 patients and visitors, especially in the winter season, resort to the city annually. Numerous swimming pools and baths are provided. The water contains calcium and magnesium. Carbonates, lithium, bromides, and iodides are present. Used as a drink and for the bath, the hot water has been found to be a remedy for gout, inflammatory rheumatism, neuralgia, malarial poisons, paralysis of some sorts, Bright's disease when taken in an early stage, various complaints of the liver, gastric dyspepsia, chronic diarrhea, catarrh of the stomach, and numerous skin diseases, as well as ulcers of the stomach. Drinking fountains are numerous. Patients carry collapsible pocket drinking cups. It is the custom to drink as often as possible. The water is so warm that it is necessary to sip it like hot coffee. There are 100 resident physicians. An ostrich farm in the vicinity attracts many visitors.