h j effect of evaporation, of most of its aqueous particles, but also the earthy and mineral
parts, which were in a state of solution, and which gradually attach themselves to the
faggots.
The water being thus reduced, by the above process, into brine, is then conducted
into the building which contains the coppers or cauldrons, where the fire completes the
evaporation of the remaining aqueous particles which it may have retained, and forms a
pure saline crystallisation, of which a part again undergoes a further process, in order
to be made clearer, or more refined, previous to its being deposited in the magazines.
XVIII. gives an accurate representation of those buildings. But to those who may
be desirous of meeting with a more ample detail on the subject, I would recommend the
perusal of a work by M. Haller, entitled, " Description abrégée des Salines d'Aigle :
Inverdun, 1776." As for the works which were constructed at the adoption of the new
system, with a view of increasing the volume or quantity of salt water, let what may
have been their success, they still ought to be considered as doing great honour to the
state, in their desire of promoting whatever might be deemed a benefit to the country.
The philosopher, who may have the curiosity to explore those gloomy abodes, and
extend his visit not only to the bottom of the pits, but even to the gaUeries, which may
be said nearly to pierce the mountain from side to side, will find a multiplicity of
objects worthy of remark, both from the extraordinary and singular structure of the
mountain itself, and from the arrangement and direction of its strata, &c. These galleries
are cut out of the solid rockj and some, which are more than a mile in length,
meet in the centre of the mountain. But what is yet more remarkable, and indeed
astonishing, is the various kinds of reservoirs constructed in the interior of the rock,
hewn out of the main stone : some of them contain the salt water, previously conveyed
thither by means of pumps, and the others fresh, for the purpose of turning another
large wheel, of six-and-thirty feet in diameter, that puts the pumps in action, and is
fixed at the bottom of a pit six hundred feet deep. The one which I explored, called
du BouiOet, is reckoned six hundred and seventy-seven feet deep, and contains forty-nine
ladders, of eighteen steps each, supported by forty-eight wooden-platforms. Thus did I
descend to the very bottom of the pit, with an intention of trying some experiments on
the temperature of the interior of the mountain, carrying with me a lamp and a proper
apparatus for that purpose, and being dressed in a coarse habit, on account of the
slimy drippings which fall from every part of the pit. Having gained the depth I was
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