General Science. 
ches, and the sides bordered with curtains plaited in variegated 
forms as white as snow. Near the middle of this hall, is an arch- 
ed way, through which you pass into a large room, which, 
like the hall, is bordered with curtains, and hung over with sta- 
lactites. Returning into the hall, you pass through another 
arch, into a number of rooms on the left hand, curtained as be- 
fore, and having stalactites hanging from the roof. You then 
descend about 10 feet, into a chamber about ^0 feet square, cur- 
tained in like manner, and hung over with stalactites. In one 
corner of this chamber, a small mound is formed, about 12 feet 
in diameter, rising 3 feet from the floor ; the top of which is 
hollow, and full of water, from the drippings of stalactites above, 
some of which reach near to the bason. 
Descending from this chamber, and passing through another 
arch into a hall, you see, by the side of this, another basin of 
water rising about four inches from the floor. It is formed in 
the same way, and has the shape, size, and thickness of a large 
tea-tray, and is full of the most transparent water. 
The number and size of the rooms curtained and plaited with 
large plaits, extending along the walls 3 feet from the roof, of the 
most perfect whiteness, resembling the most beautiful tapestry 
with which the rooms are embroidered, and the large drops of 
water which are constantly suspended, and points of innumera- 
ble stalactites which hang from the roof above ; and the columns 
of spar resting upon pedestals, which, in some places, appear to 
be formed to support the arches above ; the reflection of the 
lights, and the great extent and variety of the scenery, form al- 
together one of the grandest and most interesting scenes that can 
be witnessed. As this cavern has been only partially explored, 
it is probable that its extent will be found very great.-— P/w/. 
Mag. vol. lx. p. 71. 
31. Eocphsiori of the Boiler of a Steam-engine at Chester.^On 
the 29th June 1822, the boiler of the steam-engine of Mr Boult 
burst with tremendous violence. It was 8 feet long, 4 feet broad, 
and 5 feet deep. It was connected with machinery which required 
steam of great force; and, on the day of the explosion, it was used 
for the first time, after having been thoroughly repaired. On or- 
dinary occasions, the boiler worked with a pressure of 30 lb. cn 
the square inch ; l)ut it was, on the present occasion, exposed to 
VOL. VII. NO. 14. OCT. 1822. D d 
