294 Miscellaneous Intelligence. 
of hundreds of spectators there was a deafening explosion, and the con- 
cussion shook the houses and caused the bell of the village church to 
toll several times. At the moment of the explosion an ignited body— 
tom of it was a black mass, which was still so hot that water thrown 
upon it hissed as it would do on hot iron. The exhumed mass, re- 
covered with considerable labor, was covered by a black incrustation ; 
it smelled of sulphur, and was, for weight, compared to common rock. 
It is not stated that it was weighed. [We look for specimens confirm- 
ing this eyent. 
10. Original Columns of the Giants’ Causeway, and Model of this 
wonderful group of Natural Pillars.—The Cabinet of Yale College 
has received the above named valuable present, from one of her most 
respected and loyal alumni, Lucius C. Duncan, Esq., of New Orleans, 
of the graduating class of 1821. : 
can being at the Causeway in August, 1847, obtained six 
joints of this magnificent colonnade—truly one of the wonders of the 
world—and caused them to be shipped for New York; they arrived in 
due time and are now in Yale College safe and uninjured. They have 
added interesting means of illustration upon this topic of geology, and 
are rendered the more effective by the beautiful model which came 
with them. It is constructed of wood, painted black—the columns be- 
ing represented in their natural grouping. 
Geological models are now extensively employed, to convey to the 
mind through the senses, a correct idea of form, proportion, and 
arrangement, especially of remarkable geological formations, and 
nothing can in that way be more effectual. Our institutions would be 
greatly benefitted if the friends of science, travelling among interest- 
Ing scenes, would more frequently imitate the laudable example of Mr. 
Duncan. 
1. Academy of Natural Sciences of Philadelphia.—The following 
facts gathered from recent Annual Reports to the Academy, will be read 
with pleasure by all interested in the progress of science in this country. 
The year has been one of unusual prosperity and progress. ‘This 
The collection acquires additional interest, from its containing the orl- 
ginal specimens from which many of the species instituted by Mr. Gould, 
