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SINGULAR ExrLosleN.-A spontaneous explo-
sion of rocks recently occurred in Norfolk, which
from its strange and singular character has pro-
duced much excitement and speculation The
fact was stated to me by an eyewitness, on whose
veracity no doubt can rest and the effects of the
explosion are still visible, and are daily viewed
by visitants. On or about the 18th ultimo, MIR.
Cochran was walking in the road, a few rods south
of Bradleys Tavern, his attention was excited by
cracking sound, which was instantly succeeded
BY ,rcmulous notion and rising of the earth
Just before him. Alarmed at the phenomenon,
and expecting shock of an earthquake, he pre-
cipiasely turned to retreat to his house, when at
that moment an explosion occurred, the intona-
ton of which ponderous as that of a smart
blast of rocks by powder-rending the rocks hsun-
der and throwing out 80 40 pounds of frag-
ments. The rock appeared perfectly sound, and
il continuous lime rock from the bank of Racket
river, and distant therefrom about 80 rods; and
at this place formed tho base of the road, and
covered with little or no earth. Although many
geological phenomena Of similar character are
exhibited on this globe, indicative of local rap
,ure of rocks. which cannot be imputed to the
shock of an earthquake yet the cause has been
involved in deep obscurity, as 1t is believed that
no ocular demonstration of such effects have
ever been recorded. Therefore this article IS
written with view Of drawing the attention OF
the learned in natural science thorough inves-
tgation of this interesting subject, that the egit-
mate cause Of such explosions may be clearly de-
fined and given to the public through the medium
of our literary publications. Perhaps this rupture
of the rock may have been caused by the exPan-
sion of gas confined in the cavity of the rock, and
disteaded BY the action Of the suns rays on the
bare rock during number of days previous TO this
explosion. Yours, respectfully, f. W. BlsREE
TOpdensburuh Times