148 THE CHEMISTRY OF CREATION. 



the peasantry strictly watch this remarkable 

 natural barometer, and by its indications regu- 

 late their own agricultural proceedings. We 

 may conceive that it is connected with the 

 varying pressure of the air. When the pressure 

 is less than usual, the escape of the vapours is 

 rendered easier, and more difficult when its 

 weight is increased. The increase or diminu- 

 tion in the amount of the united vapours forms 

 thus, in reality, a barometer that serves to indi- 

 cate the weight of the superincumbent air. 

 Such is certainly the case in regard to our coal 

 mines, in which it is found that fire-damp 

 escapes more abundantly when the barometer 

 is low than when high. 



It is probable that yet more important 

 applications of the active chemical phenomena 

 of this singular district will be made. " It 

 appears," writes a gentleman* who paid an 

 official visit to the spot, "that the powers 

 and riches of these extraordinary districts 

 remain yet to be fully developed. They 

 exhibit an immense number of mighty steam- 

 engines, furnished by nature at no cost, and 

 applicable to the production of an infinite 

 variety of objects. In the progress of time, 

 this vast machinery of heat and force will pro- 

 bably become the moving central point of 

 * Dr. Bowting. 



