In a message dated 1/22/06 1:12:28 PM Eastern Standard Time,
mwstebbins@YAHOO.COM writes:

> No sign of a cracked battery.  The "powder" looks more like fire place ash,
> but as it laid on the
> bottom of the battery box, it was absolutely flat, as if it was the sediment
> from a
> once-upon-a-time liquid.  M
>
>

theres your answer, malcolm. .   its crystallized battery acid.   vacuum it
outta there ASAP and clean thoroughly and repaint box if necessary.

chris