PITCH LAKE OF TRINIDAD. 401
the water, in the stone trough, or cistern, which receivesit, during the time of the well’s flowing, is equally un-certain, varying from one inch to nine or ten inches,in the course of a few reciprocations. This spring, likethe preceding one, discharges bubbles of air at the timeof its flowing.—Near the Lake of Bourget, in Savoy,is a reciprocating spring which rises and falls with a greatnoise, but not at stated and regular times. After Easter ,its ebbings and flowings are frequently perceived six timesm an hour ; but in dry seasons not more than once or twice.It issues from a rock, and is called la Fontaine de Merveille ,ihe marvellous fountain.
BITUMINOUS AND OTHER LAKES.
Near point la Braye, Tar Point, the name assignedto it on account of its characteristic feature, in the Island of Trinidad , is a Lake which at the first view appears tobe an expanse of still water, but which, on a nearerapproach, is found to be an extensive plain of mineralPitch, with frequent crevices and chasms filled with water.On its being visited in the autumnal season, the singularityof the scene was so gieat, that it required some time fortiie spectators to recover themselves from their surprise,80 as to examine it minutely. The surface of the lake'"'as of an ash colour, and not polished or smooth, so asbe slippery, but of. such a consistence as to bear anyheight. It was not adhesive, although it received in parttile impression of the foot, and could be trodden without?ny tremulous motion, several head of cattle browsing onlt in perfect security. In the summer season, however, the^face is much more yielding, and in a state approachingti> fluidity, as is evidenced by pieces of wood and othersu hstances, recently thrown in, having been found en-veloped in it. Even large branches of trees, which werea foot above the level, had, in some way, become en-veloped in the bituminous matter. The interstices, ortihasms, are very numerous, ramifying and joining in every