85 
been begun from the top, and there are also holes of very 
irregular shape, apparently of downward origin. So far as 
the perpendicular shaft of Elden Hole is concerned, it is not 
at all unlikely that the excavation descended from the 
surface ; on the other hand, there are many underground 
chasms which have probably been excavated upwards, and 
which when uncovered will present very much the appear- 
ance of Elden Hole. For example, the upper part of the 
great chasm in the Speedwell Mine bears a strong re- 
semblance to it, though the process is not there yet com- 
plete, a-nd could sections of the district south of Castleton 
be made, these hollow mountains would probably reveal 
many such a cavity. 
Section of Elden Hole, Derbyshire, September, 1873. 
“ Certain Lines observed in Snow Crystals,” by Arthur 
W. Waters, F.G.S. 
The crystalline form of water belongs to the hexagonal 
system, and the best condition, but not the only one, for 
observing this is as snow crystals, or perhaps more correctly 
as ice crystals, for with a very low temperature there are 
frequently beautiful ice crystals floating in the air when 
there is no snow-fall. 
Of such some snow is formed but not all. Hr. Nettis, of 
Middleburg, published some drawings in 1740. Scoresby^' 
^ Scoresby . Account of the Arctic Regions. 
