147

In addition to the above, the samples contained a small quantity of
organic matter, probable traces of lime and magnesium, and a little carbon
dioxide.

OCHRE

According to Williams (1934), iron hydroxide in the form generally
known as ochre occurs in considerable quantity near Thorson’s Landing,
about 4 miles above Fort St. John. There are two deposits, each about 100
feet in diameter and with an estimated depth of 10 feet.

MINERAL SPRINGS
LIARD RIVER HOT SPRINGS

Mineral springs are known in several places in the region drained by
Liard River. The hot springs about a mile northwest of the north end of
the Liard River suspension bridge are best known. Their presence and the
luxuriant vegetation in this part of Liard Valley induced early trappers in
the district to refer to the area as the “Tropical Valley’. The hot springs
have been described by Williams (1944) as follows:

“North of a large beaver pond on the west flank of a hill, several springs
occur. The upper ones are quite cool, but have built up small basins and
terraces of calcareous tufa. Just below these, a very hot spring issues from
the ground. Alongside it the ill-fated Tom Smith built bis cabin, and lived
with his daughter Jane. The old cabin was torn down by United States
Army engineers and two frame buildings were constructed, one over a
small pool through which the water flows and one alongside for a dressing
room. The water in this spring is said to have a temperature of about
121°F. To the north, and approached by a steep path, is a large open pool
about 100 yards by 50 yards in dimensions. A tufa dam on its northwest
side rises 60 feet from a beautiful valley. This pool has a soft mud bottom
from which sulphur water bubbles. The temperature is reported as 110°F.
Rough plank benches have been constructed alongside, and plank floats
have been extended into the water for bathers. This pool is greatly appre-
ciated by truck drivers and in fact by all who work along this part of the
Highway.

“Gallon samples were collected from each of the hot springs and are
reported on by the Department of Mines, Victoria, B.C., as follows:

Submitter’s Mark Laboratory Report

Lower Hot ge) 29-2 milligrams per 100 c.c. of sample

Spring No. 1 Sr 1-3 es

Temp. 125° MgO 6:8 &

Mi. 213 Aleanrd. Na2O 3-3 ig

(Alaska Highway) SiO. 5-7 fe

—t mile north of Cl 2-3 “

highway from CO, 2-6 -

Tropical Valley SO; 50-5
Traces of: B, Mn, Pb, Fe, Al, Cu, Ag, Ni, Cr, Ty, by
Total solids on 100 cc. sample dried at 103°C...... 119-5 milligrams

otal solids on 100 c.c. sample dried at 180°C... ..115-6 milligrams
Total solids on 100 c.c. sample ignited at 400°C....100-9 milligrams
Probable combination of major constituents:

CaSO, 62-9 milligrams per 100 c.c. sample

CaCO, 5-9 cs

SrSO, 2-3 wo

MgSO, 18-8 Ss