Crystal-Ice

Abstract

IN reference to the “crystal ice” proposed by Dr. Calantarients, of Scarborough, for skating upon with ordinary skates, it may not be generally known that more than thirty years ago a skating pond was constructed in Liverpool, consisting, I believe, entirely of crystallised Glauber's salt. I have a perfect recollection of this miniature lake with its grotto-like surroundings, of its black-looking ice with innumerable white scorings marking the tracks of the skaters, yet, strange to say, I cannot remember whether I skated on it myself. The impression that I did seems to be confused with other skating scenes. This perhaps does not look like very reliable evidence, but that the “rink” (under another name) of artificial ice did exist, and was popular, will no doubt be affirmed by many witnesses besides myself. The date would be about 1845, if I am not mistaken, and the speculation ultimately failed owing to a public impression (possibly a wrong one) that the exhalations from the surface of the pond caused sickness and headache.