Chicago, Ill., June 1, 1899.
To the Editor:
—Hot Springs is situated in the Black Hills, about 3400 feet above the sea-level, in a valley surrounded by mountains not over 5000 feet in altitude, and it differs from the surrounding country meteorologically and geologically. Deadwood, which is about ninety miles distant, is much colder, and about 5000 feet above sea-level, which may account for the difference. Spearfish, fourteen miles from Deadwood is about 3500 feet about sea-level and is much colder than Hot Springs during the winter. This applies with equal truth to all localities thirty or more miles distant from Hot Springs. It derives its name from the large number of mineral springs which supply all the bath-houses with water not exceeding 90 degrees F. One very pleasant feature is an enormous plunge-bath, supplied by innumerable springs percolating through a gravel bottom, thereby ensuring constant cleanliness and drainage. The