The State of Arkansas has a most diversified surface and variety of soil and climate. In the northern section of the State all the productions of the Eastern States are successfully cultivated; apples, for instance, are said to surpass in excellence those grown anywhere else. "While in other parts of the State cotton and the products of some tropical countries flourish. Large forests of pine, oak, cherry, and cedar clothe the mountains, and in the lowlands cottonwood grows to a great size. But the most famous natural features of Arkansas are the Springs, situated about 60 miles southwest from Little Rock, and six miles from the Washita River. The Hot Springs Valley is about 700 yards long and 70 yards wide; with a high mountain rising on either side. The springs are 35 in number. These springs range in temperature from that of the coldest well water to 160° Faerenheit. So near are some of these springs of opposite temperature that a person can stand in one place and at the same time dip his hands in fountains of such different degrees that the hand has to be quickly taken from one on account of the heat, from the other on account of the cold. Tens of thousands of invalids have visited these springs in search of health. They have been proved excellent for many complaints, and are reported to be exceedingly efficacious in rheumatic affections, chronic gout, stiff joints, and in diseases produced by injudicious use of mercury. Overlooking Hot Springs Creek is a hilly ridge, 250 feet high, composed of beautiful novaculite of chalcedonis whiteness, of the aged mill-stone grit, differing from the ordinary sand stone by being heated by hot alkaline water. The curative effects of the springs is attributed to the chemical proportions of different articles held in solution and the varied temperatures of the water. There are many wonderful things in the vicinity of the Hot Springs. Near them is an inexhaustible hill of oil-stone, said to be better than any other in the world. This stone is found in many different degrees of fineness. So abundant is magnetic iron in some parts that it seriously interferes with the use of the compass in surveying land. In Pike County there is a mountain of pure alabaster, white as snow. (See page 496).