Lynchburg Virginian

REMARKABLE PHENOMENON

Louisville, March 28 -We have just conversed with a gentleman from Cumberland county, who informs us that, in boring through rock for salt water, a fountain of Petroleum, or solar oil, was struck, at the depth of about 130 feet. When the auger was withdrawn, the oil rushed up 12 or 14 feet above the surface of the earth, and it was believed that about 75 gallons were discharged per minute, forming quite a solid stream from the place to the Cumberland River, into which it discharged itself. The fountain or stream was struck four or five days previous to the departure of our informant, at which time the quantity of Petroleum discharged had not perceptibly diminished. Floating on Cumberland River, the volatile oil covered a considerable portion of the surface of the stream, for many miles below. If ignited, it would present a magnificent, if not an appalling, spectacle.

Linseed oil, which is extensively used as a medicine, "is manufactured of Petroleum."

We have seen a specimen of this oil; it ignites freely, and produces a flame as brilliant as gas light.

Our informant states, that, in the same neighborhood in which this immense fountain of Petroleum has been discovered, Doctor John Croghan has succeeded, by boring, in obtaining an abundant supply of salt water at a depth of more than 200 feet, which is about 25 feet above the ordinary level of the Cumberland river. The works, we are assured, will prove highly beneficial to the surrounding country, and profitable to the enterprising proprietor.

[Pub. Adv