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Show A PERPETUAL FLAME. 00 In the neighborhood of Baku, on the Caspian Sea, there is to be seen what is called the everlasting fire, to which a sect of Indians and Persians, called Giaours, pay religious worship, It is situated about ten miles from the city of Baku, in the provence of Shir-ven, Shir-ven, on a dry , rocky piece of ground On it are several ancient temples of stone, supposed to be dedicated to the fire, there being one among them in which fire-worship is carried on. Near the altar is a large, hollow oone, from the end of which issues a blue flame. At a short distance from this temple, there is a horizontal gap. two feet from the ground, about six feet long and three broad, out of which comes a constant blue flame. When there is a strong wind, it rises to the height of about eight feet, but is much lower in calm weather The earth around, lor more than two miles Thas this extraordinary property, that by taking up two or three inches of the surface, and applying a lighted lamp, the part uncovered immediately take' fire, even before the flame touches i. The flame makes the soil hot, bu. does not consume it, nor affect what is-near, is-near, with any degree of heat, Th flames have a sulphurous smell but are inoffensive. |