Abstract
“THE comb-shaped masses of ice of fibrous structure” mentioned by your correspondent, in explanation of the inquiry made by the Duke of Argyll, are observed every winter in the southern portion of the United States, especially on the sloping sides of a path or country road where the surface-earth has been removed, and the natural clay subsoil is not rendered compact by being trodden. The condition requisite for its abundant production are a sudden reduction of temperature below the freezing-point when the clay soil is thoroughly saturated with water. When this occurs at sunset, the next morning, if the night continues favourable, will disclose a vast collection of fibrous filaments, from two to six inches in height, rising from the soil in close juxtaposition, generally holding aloft in their caps portions of the soil, the longest crystals appearing when the soil is free from surface-loam.
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