Volcanoes. 



349 



above the level of the sea, was active in 1590. Of Cotopaxi 

 we have already spoken. Tunguragua was in a state of eruption 

 during the year 1641; and Carguairago in 1698. Besides 

 these, we may enumerate Chimborazo, Rucupichinca, and 

 Sangay. Between Mexico and Chile there is only one active 

 volcano, namely, that of Arequipa, in Peru ; but in Chile 

 there are sixteen. 



In several of the Leeward Isles we find volcanic moun- 

 tains. St. Vincent has one active cone, called Le Souffrier ; its 

 first eruption of lava was in 1718, which, like that of Tomboro, 

 was accompanied by a hurricane. In 1812 it was again 

 active, and, antecedent to the eruption, the surrounding 

 country was agitated by two hundred shocks of earthquakes, 

 by one of which the city of Caraccas was destroyed. 



The Needles of St. Alousie, in the Island of St. Lucia, are 

 volcanic rocks. In one deep valley at their foot, says Raynal, 

 there are eight or ten ponds, the water of which boils up in 

 a dreadful manner, and retains some of its heat at a distance 

 of 6000 fathoms from its reservoirs. 



The beautiful and romantic Island of Nevis was probably 

 produced by volcanic agency. In its general outline it appears 

 as a pillar penetrating the skies. On its summit there is a 

 crater still incrusted with sulphur ; and hot springs impreg- 

 nated with the same substance flow down its sides. 



Mount Misery, in St. Christopher's, is a volcanic moun- 

 tain, 3711 ft. high; occupying all the north-west part of the 

 island, and gradually declines into smaller hills, which end in 

 the plain of Basseterre. The soil around the crater of Mount 

 Misery is so hot that it is unpleasant to walk on. 



