MINERAL WATERS AND MEDICINAL SPRINGS OF ESSEX. 211
Monro also refers to the spring; 63 but, as usual, he gives no-
new information regarding it.
Trinder, writing of it in 1783 as "Little Dunmow Water,"
says64:—"Its taste is ferruginous ; it is not turbid ; and there is
much red ochreous earth about it." After stating the results of
twelve experimental tests—evidently made by himself on the
spot—he declares65 that
" This comparatively light and pure chalybeate water, from its being so little
loaded with matter, should be drank at the fountain head. It greatly resembles
the Tunbridge water and exceeds it in lightness ; and, therefore, it highly
deserves the attention of its neighbourhood. . . .
Persons who are apoplectic and who are subject to convulsive diseases . . .
will find great relief from this water, for it will act as au active and universal
tonic, . . .
Mr. John French, of Waltham Cross, whose knowledge of
the natural features of the Felstead district is unsurpassed, writes
to us as follows :—
" The chalybeate spring at 'Felstead' is situate about a
furlong south-east from Felstead Railway Station. It has
probably been known and frequented since a very early period.
The remains of a Roman villa or habitation were found on the
site of the station. In later times, the spring seems to have
been frequented by the monks of Little Dunmow Priory ; for a
foot-path, not otherwise explainable, leads direct across the
fields from the Priory to the spring. Formerly, the spring was
actually by the roadside ; but, under some Enclosure Act of
about the year 1860, the roadside waste was enclosed, though a
small path to the spring was left. This has been closed
recently.
" The water of the spring has a peculiar taste, but it is
wholesome and is still believed locally to possess medicinal
properties. It must flow from the surface of the London Clay,
which contains abundance of pyrites and of sulphuric acid, both
of which will be found, I think, to enter into the composition of
the water.
" I have, I admit, no actual roof that the spring I speak of
is that mentioned by Allen, but I am morally certain that it was
no other. There are many other springs at Felstead, but not
63 Treatise, i,, p. 269(1770).
64 Medicinal Waters in Essex, p. 53 (1783).
65 Op. cit., pp. 55-56.