346 



Volcanoes, 



was in 1810 and 1811. In the beginning of the latter year, 

 an island was formed, about two miles from St. MichaePs, 

 containing a crater 500 ft. in diameter ; but it has been gra- 

 dually worn away by the action of the waves, and is now 

 beneath the level of the sea. In El Pico there is a volcano, 

 which was active in 1718 ; but, since that time, has not suf- 

 fered an eruption. The Islands of San Georgio and Fayal 

 have each a volcanic mountain. Ascension and Madagascar 

 contain extinct volcanic cones ; but the volcano of Jibbel Teir 

 has been recently active. 



Asia. — The volcanoes of Asia, as well as those in Africa, 

 are entirely confined to the islands, with the solitary exception 

 of Kamtschatka, the whole of which is of volcanic origin ; and 

 we may, perhaps, add Mount Elbourz in Persia; the moun- 

 tains of Tourfan, in lat. 43° 30', long. 87° 11', and in lat. 46°, 

 long. 76° 11'; and Bisch Balikh. (See Annates des Mines, 

 vol. v. p. 135) The principal volcanoes of Kamtschatka are 

 Awachinski, Tulbatchinski, and the Kamtschatka Mountain. 



Awachinski is situated to the north of the Bay of Awatcha. 

 One of the earliest eruptions of this mountain with which we 

 are acquainted is that which happened in 1779, when Captain 

 Cook was off the coast. But its most violent effort was in the 

 year 1737, which was followed by a tremendous earthquake 

 and encroachment of the sea ; although it afterwards receded, 

 and united the first and second Kurile Isles with the con- 

 tinent. 



Tulbatchinski is situated between the rivers Kamtschatka 

 and Tulbatchik. It was in violent activity during the year 

 1739, and has ever since emitted dense vapours. The Kam- 

 tschatka Mountain is the highest elevation in the country. It 

 was active in 1728, and again in 1737; and, since that time, 

 it has not ceased to eject scoriae three or four times a year. To 



