STALACTITES

ma es of calcareous matter hanging in caves, formed by the filtration of water, containing particles of carbonate of lime, through holes or pores in the roof. The evaporation of the water leaves behind it a deposit of lime, which continues to increase in size so long as the water drops. S. may also be seen under bridges and arches and in form of icicles.—Stalagmites are of similar formation, but grow upward from cave floors, generally below stalactites, where drops of water, charged with carbonate of lime, fall, and, evaporating, leave lime deposit. In course of time the stalagmites may rise and join the stalactites, thus forming columns. W.), town, Cheshire, England; cotton manufacturing center. Pop. 1921, 25,760.