Page 75 - 1915, Springs of CA.

HOT SPRINGS. 71
portion of sulphide radicle or free sulphur. Although the details
of the analysis can not be considered reliable, the general primary-
saline-alkaline character of the water and the relatively high tertiary
alkalinity in which sulphur is prominent are probably fairly repre-
sented.
The well is located at the south edge of the canyon of San Luis
Obispo Creek, 100 yards from the stream and at the border of a
sycamore grove. A resort was early established here, and the place
became known as Sycamore Spring, but in recent years the name
was changed to the present title. Extensive accommodations have
been provided, and the creek is made use of for boating. The rocks
exposed in this locality consist of shales and sandstones of Miocene
or Pliocene age which dip mainly to the north or northeast. Anti-
clinal or low-arched structure which would be favorable to the exist-
ence of oil was not noted, though it may exist.
In the summer of 1908 a well was being drilled for oil half a mile
east of the San Luis spring, and in it a flow of gas and water similar
to that in the early well had been obtained.
BIMINI HOT SPRING (LOS ANGELES 11).
In connection with San Luis Hot Spring, two hot-spring resorts
on the outskirts of Los Angeles may properly be mentioned here,
as they are also unsuccessful oil wells in which flows of warm water
were obtained.
Bimini Hot Spring has been improved as a bathing resort, and
also as a sanitarium, since about 1903. Tub baths and three large
swimming plunges are here provided, and the place is extensively
patronized by bathers. A sanitarium hotel near by is also con-
ducted under the same management. The well is reported to yield
100 gallons a minute of water 104° in temperature. An analysis
of the water is tabulated beyond for comparison with that of an-
other warm artesian well of the locality. The primary alkalinity
of the water gives it a peculiar soft feeling that has led to the appel-
lation "the velvet baths."
The well is said to have been drilled 1,750 feet deep in the sedi-
ments of Tertiary age that make up the oil formation of this locality.
RADIUM SULPHUR SPRING (LOS ANGELES 10).
About 2 miles northwest of Bimini Hot Spring a sanitarium was
started in 1905 at another unsuccessful oil well. In 1908 the prop-
erty changed ownership, and improvements were made, consisting
of a pumping and heating plant for the water, a number of bath-
tubs, and offices and rest rooms. The water is claimed to be notably
radioactive. In the fall of 1908 it was placed on the local market
as a table and medicinal water. The following is an analysis of the
water, tabulated with an analysis of Bimini Hot Spring.