18

THE CANTON OF ST. GALLEN.

hot. Lost in contemplation, and unable to comprehendwhence this extraordinary phenomenon proceeded, heforgot both his goat and the source of the river; andwith difficulty found his way to the abbey, where herelated his extraordinary discovery. The abbot, con-ceiving that this spring contained medicinal qualities,sent proper persons to examine it; who, on their return,assured him, that it was likely to be efficacious in almostevery complaint that could affect the human frame.Accordingly, he gave orders for enclosing the spring,and erected a building for the accommodation of suchas might be disposed to profit by its virtues. An abun-dance of wood and stone, proper for this undertaking,were found on the spot; but not an inch of groundcapable of producing the least vegetation could be dis-covered ; and, as the rocks on either side considerablyovertopped the building, candles were obliged to belighted after the hour of three, even on the longest day.But, notwithstanding these inconveniences, people flock-ed from all parts to the baths; and were content to belet down the precipice with ropes, to live on goats meat,and to light candles at three o’clock. As this is theonly mineral water in the canton, Providence has won-derfully bestowed on it the virtues of several others.It is very clear, but has neither taste nor smell. Itbegins to appear in the month of May, and runs tillSeptember. Grains of gold have been found in it, and