132 Blasting of Rocks— Danger and Remedies. 



igneous action at Etna and Vesuvius, and in the Lipari or Eolian Is- 

 lands ; and occupied as he is in this very paper witli the discussion 

 of the subject. Under the trap described by Lt. Col. Irarie, there 

 are several stratiiied rocks, among which are sandstone, limestone, 

 and bituminous shale ; and the sandstone is the stratum upon which 

 the trap immediately reposes, and it alternates more than once v^dth 

 the other rocks, but it is not described as being at all altered in the 

 vicinity of, or contact with the trap. Prof. J. W. Webster, in the 

 first volume of this Journal, has well described similar facts, at the 

 Calton Hill, in Edinburgh ; a place with which I was myself familiar. 

 These remarks have been extended far beyond my original design, 

 and I will conclude them, by again calling the attention of geologists, 

 and of all intelligent observers ; in the first place, to the delineated 

 section which illustrates these remarks ; and in the next place, to the 

 scene itself, which is well worth the trouble of an excursion from 

 Hartford, and which, notwithstanding the interest so properly excited 

 by its fine institutions, and surrounding country, and by the grati- 

 fying exhibition of a flourishing and beautiful city, should hereafter 

 stand preeminent among the Lions of this region, and be visited by 

 all travellers, who are admirers of rich and noble landscape, or of 

 astonishing geological facts. 



Art. XIV. — Danger from the premature explosion of gunpoivder 

 in the blasting of rocks, ivith suggestions as to the means ofpi^e- 

 vention. 



The deep interest excited by tlie following letter, induced me to 

 submit the subject to the consideration of a gentleman whom I knew 

 to have had considerable experience in blasting rocks, and in whose 

 science and skill, I have the greatest confidence. As he has favored 

 me with an answer, which contains very important suggestions, I am 

 happy to lay it before the public, in connexion with the letter of Dr. 

 Catlin. I liave added also, some suggestions of my own. — Ed. 



L Letter of Dr. Catlin. 



Iladdam, Con. August 25, 1829. 



TO PROF. SIl,LIMAI>i". 



Dear Sir — Being desirous to promote the welfare of ray fellow- 

 citizens, and to render the situation of those engaged in a hazardous 

 employment, as safe as the nature of the case will admit, I take the 



