A RIVER ON FIRE.

Clutha Leader, Volume III, Issue 150, 25 May 1877, Page 2

A RIVER ON FIRE.

It is said that a singular phenomenon can now be seen in Clarin County, Pa , on a small stream known as the Catfish Run. For a long- time the inhabitants of that locality have noticed that a commotion on the surface of the water, like that made by gas bubbles, has been seen for many years, but no particular notice . was taken of them until recently, when the quantity of escaping gas increased, and the surface of the stream for several rods was covered . with bubbles. A i strong smell of gas also impregnated the air in the vicinity. Last month the place was visited by several gentlemen who had heard of the phenomenon. They became convinced . that it was gas, and determined to test its burning qualities. A. bunch of raj 2 s was obtained; at a; farmhouse. and thoroughly saturated with kerosene. To this a match was applied, and the burning ball throw n into the stream. Before it reached the surface of the water the gas ignited, and a slight explosion followed; In a few minutes the t>6dy of the gas burned steadily, and in : "every -portion- 6f

the stream small flames spang up where the gas escaped in moderate quantities. Since that day the gas continued to burn, and the area of the stream covered by it has increased" until now the fires' extend a quarter of a mile up and down the^ run. Catfish Run Is;; a'^sluggish : stream, bounded on either side by steep wooded bluffs. . . <. ; : .'. ! At night the scene along the burning stream is magnificent. The fires light up the dark forests, making a fine scene. The stream is contiguous to oil territory, and the only satisfactory theory of the source of the gas is that it arises from petroleum deposits beneath the water, as the same phenomenon, althoug-h the gas .was in. less quantity, has been noticed in Oil Creek, .-- N. Y. Sun.