SCIENTIST'S FIERY ORDEAL.

An exploit which throws into the shade Professor Malladra's dn ring descents of the slumbering crater of Vesuvius has just been achieved by a Hungarian engineer, Arpad Kirner, who has descended into Stromboli to a depth of 930 ft. while the volcano was in a state of activity.

By way of preparation for the descent Kirner donned a complete suit of asbestos material with an asbestos mask and a metal helmet for protection against the rain of volcanic material. He was also provided with an oxygen breathing apparatus. .Upon him was installed a system of electric telegraph wires which ran through the rope used in the descent. By pressing a button in' his waistband an electric lamp at the top end signalled to his companions on the edge of the crater. He was four hours in the crater, and when finally hauled to safety was in a state of collapse.

During the latter stage <f the return climb inside the crater bis supply of oxygen gave out, and he ivns tormented by the powerful fumes. Tie was, moreover, covered with wounds and bruises caused by .stumbling among the stones and lavtv detached from the walls of the crater. One of the instruments lowered into the crater was v cinematograph machine, and members' of the expedition state that the. views obtained are of unexampled interest.