In none of those parts of Paraguay which I have myself visited did I
ever find any mineral, or medicinal waters. But Father Joseph Sanchez
Labrador discovered, in his journeys through the towns of the Chiquitos,
that two places contained salubrious springs, which I shall describe in
his own words. "Not far from the town of St. Iago is a hot spring,
surrounded on all sides by woods. It is wide, about three feet deep, and
emits a sound like that of a boiling kettle, occasioned by the water
bubbling up from the bottom. On dipping your foot into it you feel a
violent heat, which in a short time becomes tolerable. Little fishes
swim in these waters, without however doing them any injury; but their
sulphureous odour renders them very disagreeable. The banks of the
fountain are surrounded by lime-stones. The farther the water recedes
from the spring, the colder it becomes, forming a river, which, about
three leagues beyond the town of Santissimo Corazon de Jesu, loses
itself amid extensive palm groves. Many persons who had been long, and
grievously ill, derived much benefit from these springs. In sight of the
town of St. Juan, at the borders of the rocks, rises another small
fountain, bubbling with the heat of its waters; it forms a lake in the
neighbouring vale, which gives birth to another river. That water is hot
at its source, but gradually cools as it goes along, and is drunk by the
Chiquitos: but it is of an unpleasant taste, and not very wholesome.
Indeed the inferior fruitfulness of the women of that town is ascribed
by many to this water. The same complaint is made by the inhabitants of
the town of St. Iago. From which I conclude that these waters are
beneficial to sick persons bathing in them, but not proper to be drunk."
Of metals, or rather of the total absence of all metals, I have
discoursed elsewhere. Wild animals, trees, and plants I have described
with a hasty touch, like one speeding upon a journey. Let me hasten
therefore to the Abipones, the chief subject of my pen, lest I appear to
dwell too long upon the introductory part of my work.