Von Humboldt--One does not desire to long remain in proximity to this underground conflagration, for, madame, that is what it is. Not for one moment could a mortal live in this mephitic atmosphere. As you perceive even Spirits are, to a degree, sensitive to it. As we return toward the upper world I shall briefly explain to you the origin of the truly wonderful spectacle. We have reached the cavern at the bottom of the chasm and if it may please you, friends, we will pause here while I shall attempt to satisfy Madame's laudable curiosity. All over Ento in certain localities, are deposits of the various coals of sulphur, of naphtha, of natural gas, and of such mineral formations as are found on other Planets, and since remote times coal, naphtha, natural and manufactured gases as fuel and for lighting were universally used. Then came a knowledge of applied electricity, and with this knowledge a disinclination for the old, cumbrous methods of heating and lighting, and ere long, save in rural localities, electricity became almost the sole illuminant and heating energy, and coal as fuel fell into disuse; but for certain uses, to a limited extent, it yet is mined. The region in which, for a period equaling nearly twenty years of your time this conflagration has been raging, contained vast stores of bituminous coal, sulphur and naphtha. Through some mischance a colliery became ignited, and ere the danger became apparent, the fire was inextinguishable. A large area has been burned out, extending to the southern base of the mountain where the fire burst into the immense cavern which holds, as in a basin, the terrific, raging, incandescent volume of heterogeneous matter. As the coal deposit extends no further than the base of the mountain and other inflammable materials involved finally must become exhausted, we may conclude that at no very distant time the conflagration will die out. Soon an opportunity will be afforded you for observing the devastation it has wrought elsewhere. Madame, you owe me no thanks. It is both my duty and my pleasure to contribute what I may to the interest of our undertaking. Medium--May I ask if you still are interested in such researches as engaged your attention while in earth life?