The Hell-Gate explosion was effected on Sunday last most suc-
-eessfully. No fewer than 4,462 holes had been drilled in the subterranean rocks, which were charged with 52,206 lb. of dynamite. At ten- minutes before three on Sunday afternoon this immense mass of explosive substance was fired simul- taneously by means of a battery distant 650 ft. Great appre- hension had been felt by the people of the neighbourhood, who, we are told, almost everywhere abandoned their houses, leaving both doors and windows open. Fortunately, however, the vibration on shore was very slight, and even the detonation was insignificant. At so short a distance as five miles, it is said, neither shock nor sound was perceptible. The result, however, -is satisfactory. The soundings that have been taken show a depth of from eighteen to twenty feet at law-water, which will be increased to twenty-six feet by dredging.
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