Opinions seem divided as to the use of this vault. The more general opinion appears to be that it was nothing more or less than the ‘strong-room’ of the monastery. In medieval times, secrecy was often more trusted in than locks and bars; for the latter, force and patience might ultimately overcome; but a hidden secret would be a secret still; and in the present instance, as there was not the smallest outward indication of the existence of such a chamber, so long as the secret was kept inviolate, the chamber and its contents were safe. All the facts in connection with this interesting discovery being taken into careful consideration, the conclusion may be safely arrived at, that this chamber or vault was indeed the ‘strong-room’ or ‘safe,’ contrived and cleverly concealed centuries ago, beneath the floor of the great cathedral, for the purpose of containing the money and treasures belonging to the community of the monastery of Peterborough, and now so unexpectedly laid open to the eager gaze of admiring antiquaries and architects of this present year of grace 1884. Perhaps discoveries of still deeper interest are in store for us from amongst the foundations of this grand medieval fane. OCCASIONAL NOTES. BURNS AND SCALDS. There are very few homes whose inmates have not at some time or other suffered more or less severely from the effects of a burn; there are few persons who ever forget the severity of the pain that succeeds a bad burn; and yet there are very few who make any provision for the proper treatment of such wounds. This neglect arises from indifference or from ignorance, but chiefly the latter. A burn treated in time does not take nearly so long to heal, and generally heals better than it otherwise would. The object of the present paper is to make familiar a few of the remedies which are generally applied to burns—remedies so simple in themselves that they can be applied by any person. The best thing to apply to a burned or scalded part is Carron oil spread on lint or linen. The main object in the treatment of a burn is to keep the affected part out of contact with the air; but the part of the treatment to which our attention should be first directed is that which will lessen or remove the pain. Ice or cold water is sometimes used; and sometimes water moderately warm, or a gentle heat, gives relief. Carron oil—so called from the famous Carron ironworks, where it is extensively used—not only lessens the immediate pain, but covers the part with a film which effectually shuts out the air and prevents the skin getting dry.