The geysers of the Yellowstone region are probably the most picturesque
and wonderful in the world. On the Firehole River alone there are
probably fifty geysers, throwing columns of water to a height of from
fifty to two hundred feet, while smaller jets rise occasionally to two
hundred and fifty feet. The “Old Faithful” geyser, in this region,
throws up a column of water six feet in diameter to a height of one
hundred to one hundred and fifty feet, at intervals of about an hour.
Near the north entrance to the National Park, also, are the hot springs
of the Gardiner River; here the “White Mountain,” built up of terraces
of white calcareous deposits, rises to a considerable height, with a
diameter of one hundred and fifty yards at the top.
The geysers of Iceland are situated within sight of Mount Hekla and are
the hottest springs in Europe. The principal geysers of this region are
known as the “Great Geyser” or “Roarer,” and the “Stroker” or “Churn.”
The geysers of New Zealand attained celebrity chiefly on account of the
beautiful terraces associated with them. Unfortunately, volcanic
activity manifested itself throughout the region in 1886, resulting in
the destruction of the terraces. The basins connected with these
geysers, catching the overflow of water, are, like those of Yellowstone
region, largely used by bathers, and are much resorted to by invalids.
The three localities mentioned are where geysers attain their highest
development; but they also exist in many volcanic regions notably in
Japan, South America, and the Malay Archipelago.
[Illustration: =HOW THE EVER-MOVING WATERS OF THE EARTH GO ON THEIR
MIRACULOUS JOURNEY FOREVER=
The circulation of the waters of the earth is just as marvellous as that
of the blood in the human body. First, it is drawn up from the sea by
the sun and rises as vapor; the cool air condenses it first into cloud
and then rain or snow; it runs together, forming springs and waterfalls
and rivers; and finally it finds its way to the sea, where again the
never-ending journey begins.]