i8 9 i-9*-] 3 6 5 



disuse for some years, but several others have replaced it, and 

 quite recently some new shafts have been sunk in the neigh- 

 bourhood of Eden, a couple of miles to the eastward, in each of 

 which salt has been discovered. The mineral occurs in beds of 

 considerable thickness near the base of the Keuper marls, 

 which form the upper division of the Triassic or New Red 

 Sandstone series. In the original boring the salt was first struck 

 at a depth of 500 feet, and from a depth of 522 feet downwards 

 pure salt was passed through for 88 feet, and at a still greater 

 depth salt was again encountered. In the mine which the Field 

 Club had the pleasure of exploring the salt is brought from a 

 depth of 750 feet, and the workings are some twenty to thirty 

 feet in height. The mine is like a huge natural cavern, massive 

 square pillars of salt being left at intervals to support the roof. 

 The mineral is of glistening appearance and brownish colour, 

 the latter being due to a small quantity — amounting to 10 per 

 cent. — of earthy impurity ; but specimens are occasionally 

 obtained of perfect purity and transparency, and showing the 

 characteristic cubic crystallisation. 



The large party was safely landed at the bottom of the shaft, 

 with no inconvenience except a curious sensation and singing 

 noise in the ears, due to the pressure of 750 additional feet of 

 atmosphere. As each detachment stepped out of the cage they 

 found themselves in a large and dimly lighted cavern, in which 

 candles glimmered and twinkled in various directions. A 

 regular constellation of candles at one point guided them to 

 where the majority of the party were busily employed in exa- 

 mining the mode of quarrying rock salt, and in obtaining hand 

 specimens as mementoes of their visit. When all had satisfied 

 their natural curiosity or geological cravings, the secretary's 

 whistle echoing through the dim vaults called the party together, 

 and by the light of powerful red and blue lights, which illu- 

 minated the huge columns and glistening roof of salt, a short 

 business meeting was held. 



The President, in a few words, expressed his pleasure in being 

 present on that highly interesting occasion, and called for any 



