394 A NATURALIST ON THE "CHALLENGER." 



behind as we approached the terminal cone, and as soon as we began 

 to climb it, turned round and ran back as fast as they could go. 



We were told afterwards that they have strong superstitious 

 fears concerning the volcano, and believe that if anyone climbs 

 the terminal cone, a terrible eruption and earthquake are certain 

 to ensue. It appeared as if there might be some real risk in the 

 ascent. The cone is not composed of ashes, but of masses of 

 basaltic lava of various sizes; all of these on the surface 

 appeared freshly fractured and split, as if quite recently thrown 

 out of the crater, and broken up on cooling. 



At the summit, a slope of 30°, exactly the same as that of 

 the outside of the cone, the natural slope no doubt of the lava 

 fragments, leads down into the crater, from a sharp ridge, along 

 which we walked. A dense smoke rose from the interior of the 

 crater, and hid its form and extent entirely from view. 



The wind was easterly (E. by 1ST.), and drove the smoke 

 away from the side of the crater on which we were. The smoke 

 is excessively suffocating, and a sudden shift in the wind might 

 be fatal to anyone who was a short way down within the crater, 

 or even at some places on its margin. It would not be easy to 

 get down it in some places, at all events in a hurry. It was 

 only possible to descend about 20 yards into the crater, and 

 even then the vapours inhaled were very trying. Steam and 

 acid vapours issued from cracks everywhere, decomposing the 

 lava amongst which they passed. In most of the cracks were 

 small quantities of sulphur. 



From the margin of the crater overlooking the town of 

 Ternate there was a magnificent view, embracing the island of 

 Halmaliera (Gilolo), which lay spread as a map beneath us, and 

 the peak of Tidore, and many far-distant islands. Our guides 

 rejoined us when we came down to the outer crater. 



For the benefit of any future explorers of the Peak, which is 

 very seldom ascended, I give the time required for the ascent. 

 We left the house at 1,000 feet altitude at 4.30 A.M., reached the 

 margin of the outer crater at 8.30 a.m., and the summit at 

 9.30 A.M. The temperature of the air at an altitude of 4,800 

 feet was 71° F. at 8.30 A.M. At the summit of the mountain it 

 was 68°-5 F. at 9.30 a.m. 



