EAttTtiQUA 150 



If Arti'si in wells were bored to a sufficient depth in those 



subject to earthquakes, we are inclined to believe 



that then: might result a comparative immunity from them, for 



MSCS which aiv. dangerous might thu.s be provided with a 



Vent to pass off without accumulating. 



Volcanoes which are always smoking seldom break out with 

 great fury. The danger lies in the apertures closing up for 

 long periods, and thus preventing the escape of accumulating 

 gases. 



Some suggestive illustrations of the force of these gases in 

 the earth, occurred while boring for oil in Pennsylvania* 

 -In many instances, after boring for a few hundred feet, 

 a cavity would be tapped containing gas, oil and water, 

 and the pressure on it had been so great, that the boring 

 machinery and everything connected with it, were blown to a 

 great height above the surface. Thus compressed gases were 

 relieved, which in time might have generated an earthquake. 



Sir John Herscholl has an extraordinary theory regarding 

 earthquakes. It is to the effect, that the continual washing 

 away of the land into the sea causes some parts of the earth to 

 become top heavy, and then they fall, making a crack through 

 which the molten fluid escapes. 



Notwithstanding all these strange doctrines, Herschell was 

 quite conversant with the chemical action going on in the in- 

 terior, and with the force of accumulated gases, yet he evidently 

 refused to accept the natural deductions from these truths, and 

 would rather propound a sensational explanation than a simple 

 one. He says : " There is no doubt that among the minerals 

 of the subterranean world, there is water in abundance, and 

 eulphur, and other vaporizable substances, all kept subdued , 



