534 Transactions. — Geology. 



that a lava stream, marked by dense columns of smoke, was 

 making its way through the hills to the sea. The ship was 

 stopped some 300 yards off the shore, where it was seen 

 that the stream would emerge, and at 8 a.m. bursts of 

 flames were seen rising among the trees, and presently the 

 head of the stream appeared, a red-hot molten mass, with 

 lumps of slag tossing about on the surface. When it reached 

 the water a most magnificent sight ensued. A dense pillar of 

 steam rose rapidly in a perpendicular direction to a height 

 which was afterwards found to be 4,500 ft. A few seconds 

 later violent submarine explosions of steam took place, the 

 water rising in huge bubbles some 100 ft. high, and then 

 bursting in all directions in radiating tongues of water with 

 black masses of presumably lava. A considerable swell was 

 set up outwards, and, as the area of explosions appeared to 

 be extending rapidly, the ship was moved to a safer distance. 

 Canoes full of natives were leaving the island in all directions, 

 some of which were takeii in tow to Dip Point, where they 

 were clear of immediate danger. The ship then proceeded 

 round to the south side of the island, when it was seen that 

 the old crater at Mount Marum, in the centre of the island, 

 was in violent eruption, and then dense masses of smoke were 

 rising over the western end of the island. On returning, 

 whilst rounding Dip Point, a sudden outburst, accompanied 

 by continued violent explosions, took place. About two miles 

 to the southward of the mission station the cliffs were seen 

 to be falling in landslips, and, when anchoring, flames appeared 

 over the crest of the gap behind the mission. The natives 

 were assembled in terrified groups on the beach, and I ac- 

 cordingly sent the boats in, offering to take off all that wished. 

 The group was in a state of tremor, and the noise of the 

 eruption indescribable. Dust and debris from the burning 

 bush fell continuously. We embarked over eighty men, 

 women, and children, for the most part belonging to Dr. 

 Lamb's mission, and proceeded with them to Rannon, near 

 the north-east point of the island, a place of comparative 

 safety. Thi'ough the next day the earthquake shocks were 

 so severe as to cause the resident trader, Mr. Rossi, a French- 

 man, to remove to Port Sandwich with all his natives and 

 belongings. The natives brought from Dip Point were com- 

 fortably housed in a schoolhouse belonging to Dr. Lamb. 

 The next morning (17th October) we proceeded to the north- 

 east point of the island as far as Dip Point, which was found 

 to be in inky darkness, objects scarcely visible over a quarter of 

 a mile. Communicated with the shore, and found the natives 

 reassured, as the actual fires had ceased. At 6 p.m. we pro- 

 ceeded to Port Sandwich, not clearing the shower of dust till 

 more than half-way across. Several shocks were experienced 



