220 Review of the Practical Tourist. 



hard as marble ; for the purpose of detaching fragments by explo- 

 sions of gunpowder. They commence working next the roof, and 

 carry forward the excavations in the form of broad steps, breaking 

 up successively the several tiers or layers. The stunning reverbera- 

 tions of the explosions, following one after another in quick succes- 

 sion, cause the starded visitant to shrink back with a momentary 

 feeling of alarm, whilst the very roof seems to be upheaved, and the 

 pillars to tremble under their load. 



" In order to show us the extent of the mine, our conductor fired 

 a preparadon of gunpowder, termed blue-lights, which he had provi- 

 ded for the purpose of affording a brilliant illumination. On firing 

 the combustible preparation, instantly, countless remote square pil- 

 lars seemed to start up from a large plain, distinctly visible, as if 

 the resplendent meridian sun bad burst in upon the gloomy cavern. 

 After the flashes have thus suddenly illuminated with a dazzling, 

 fearful light, the vast aisles, and pillars of salt, they as suddenly ex- 

 pire, and all the scene, as if conjured up into momentary existence 

 by some magic spell, again becomes shrouded in darkness." ■ 



Among the most important manufacturing operations carried on 

 in Manchester, are those connected with the printing of cotton cloths 

 or calico. The mere designing or inventing of new patterns of 

 figures for the printers is of itself a considerable business, furnishing 

 regular employment to many persons, who gain a good living by their 

 ingenuity in this branch of business. The process of engraving the 

 copper cylinders and blocks for printing, is anodier considerable 

 business. In one apartment, I saw nearly thirty men at work. The 

 small figures and sprigs are engraved, or rather sunk into the surface 

 of the copper cylinders by steel dies, instead of being cut by the 

 graver. The pattern of a flower, or other figure, is thus perfectly 

 impressed in the twinkling of an eye. 



" After the process of engraving is completed, the copper cylinder 

 is placed in a strong frame, where it is made to revolve by steam pow- 

 er, with a portion of the under surface constantly immersed in the 

 liquid dye contained in a trough. The dye stuff which adheres to 

 the surface of the cylinder is scraped off by the smooth edge of a 

 steel blade, applied firmly against it. This blade, designated by the 

 singular appellation of the " doctor,'''' cleans off the liquid dye stuff 

 only from the smooth surface of the copper, and leaves all the fur- 

 rowed lines of the engraving full of the coloring substance. The 

 cloth is imprinted whilst passing beneath a roller pressed by heavy 

 weights upon the engraved cylinder, and operating together like two 



