'Queries concerning Amber . 143 
if I underftand them aright, a volatile fub- 
tile Vapour, Fume, or Spirit) exifts in the 
Bowels of the Earth, and throughout the 
Atmofphere near the Surface thereof ; and 
that by pervading, intermixing, or concret¬ 
ing with different Subftances, it compofes 
are low arched Vaults, from 10 to 15 Feet high. Among!! 
the reft there is a Temple in which the Indians now worfhip; 
near the Altar, about three Feet high, there is a large hol¬ 
low Cane, from the End of which ift’ues a Flame, in Colour 
and Gentlenefs not unlike a Lamp that burns with Spirits. 
The Indians affirm, this Flame has continued burning fome 
thoufands of Years, and believe it will laffito the End of the 
World, and that if it was refilled or fuppreffed in this Place* 
it would rife in fome other. By the Number of Temples it 
is probable here were formerly a great Number of Worfhip- 
pers of Fire, as well Indians as Perfians : they are called 
Gouers. At prefent here are only about twenty Perfons, who 
reftde conftantly and go almoft naked. In Summer it is 
very hot, and in Winter they dwell within Doors, and can 
keep what Fire they pleafe in the Manner above defcribed ; 
they live upon Roots and Herbs for the moft Part, and are 
fuppofed to attend as Mediators for the Sins of many who are 
abfent: and by their Application to this Fire, in which the 
Deity is fuppofed to be prefent and vifible, they atone for 
the Sins of others. A little Way from the Temple juft now 
mentioned, near Baku , is a low Cliff of a Rock, in which 
there is an horizontal Gap 2 Feet from the Ground, between 
5 and 6 long, and about 3 Feet broad, out of which iffues 
a conftant Flame, much of the Colour mentioned already, 
being a light blue. It rifes fometimes 8 Feet high, but is 
more low in ftill Weather. They don’t perceive the Rock 
waftes in the leaft. This alfo the Indians worlhip, and fay it 
cannot be put out* About 20 Yards on the Back of this Cliff 
is a Well, in a Rock 12 or 14 Fathoms deep, with exceed¬ 
ing good Water. 
The curious Particulars contained in this Digreffion will* 
*tis hoped, excufe its being inferted. 
I received with thefe Letters fome of the white Naptha , 
which in Colour, Smell, and Tafte, refembles much the ftneft 
$4nd of Oil of Amber. 
Vitriol* 
