A correspondent thus writes: ‘In your article on “Shot-firing in Coal-mines” you speak of the dangerous operation of tamping or plugging the shot-hole with brick or coal dust rammed hard. It must indeed be a dangerous operation; but cannot the hole be as effectually plugged without any danger at all? It is usual, after charging a rocket, to drive in dry clay upon the top of the fuse, to prevent its blowing through; but a layer of wet plaster of Paris poured in and allowed to set, dries harder than the clay, and obviates all danger from concussion or grit. Cannot the shot-hole be in like manner plugged? Plaster of Paris (gypsum or sulphate of lime) expands, not shrinks, when combined with water, so that it fills accurately every part of the bore. If the hole were slightly conical, the smaller end outwards, or made with an internal flange, the plaster would offer more resistance than the clay.’ PARTED. The silver brooks will miss thee, The breeze that used to kiss thee, And ruffle with a soft caress thy curls of sunny hair; When the early dewdrops glisten On the roses, they will listen For thy step upon the garden walk, thy laughter in the air. The meadows gay with flowers, The summer’s leafy bowers, Will know thy joyous smile no more; the woodlands stand forlorn; I hear the soft complaining Of birds, from mirth refraining. That greeted with their carols sweet thy waking every morn. Poor mother! hush thy weeping Above thy darling sleeping, Nor fret with aught of earthly grief the stillness where he lies, Flowers in his little fingers, Where the rosy flush still lingers, For the angels are his playmates on the plains of Paradise. J. I. L. * * * * * The Conductor of CHAMBERS’S JOURNAL begs to direct the attention of CONTRIBUTORS to the following notice: _1st._ All communications should be addressed to the ‘Editor, 339 High Street, Edinburgh.’ _2d._ For its return in case of ineligibility, postage-stamps should accompany every manuscript. _3d._ To secure their safe return if ineligible, ALL MANUSCRIPTS, whether accompanied by a letter of advice or otherwise, _should have the winter’s Name and Address written upon them_ IN FULL. _4th._ Offerings of Verse should invariably be accompanied by a stamped and directed envelope. _If the above rules are complied with, the Editor will do his best to insure the safe return of ineligible papers._ * * * * * Printed and Published by W. & R. CHAMBERS, 47 Paternoster Row, LONDON, and 339 High Street, EDINBURGH. * * * * * _All Rights Reserved._