Report of a Journey Around the World. 123 



Dr. Mercalli received us most cordially, and after calling 

 attention to the copy of the Museum publication "Kilauea and 

 Mauna Koa" upon his desk, which he assured us he highly valued, 

 took us over the workrooms and showed, among other treasures, 

 the first seismograph made by his predecessor, also bombs from 

 not only Vesuvius but also from Kilauea. Our time was limited, 

 as the train was obligingly waiting for us ; the greater part of the 

 building was obstructed by staging and workmen, but we were 

 able to gather a few matters that might be of use in the Kilauea 

 observatory, should that desirable institution be established. 1 

 Later we procured for the Bishop Museum the series of lantern 

 slides made by Chevalier Perret illustrating the late volcanic ac- 

 tivity here and in the neighboring volcanoes. It is interesting to 

 note that, with the present quiescent state of Vesuvius, Etna and 

 Stromboli seem striving for precedence. While we were in Naples 

 Stromboli, usually so regular since History took note of its work, 

 and which was seen on my previous visit ejecting its lava with the 

 regularity of clockwork, burst into violent eruption, threatening 

 the inhabitants who find a home on the narrow shores around its 

 base. Mr. Perret hastened to the scene, as he had fortold the 

 probable occurrence. Etna has for some time been in activity, 

 but not dangerously. It is very fortunate that so admirable and 

 intrepid an observer should be on hand to photograph and record 

 these new manifestations of volcanic activity. Mr. Perret informed 

 me that the collection of volcanic specimens he had undertaken to 

 make for this museum was well in hand. It was a matter of deep 

 regret that the rigidity of our travel arrangements did not permit 

 me to accompany him to Stromboli, but we shall doubtless have 

 the results of his observation later. 



We left Naples August nth by rail for Brindisi. The route 

 by boat from Naples would have been pleasanter, as we should 

 have passed near Stromboli and through the Strait of Messina, 

 having a glimpse of that earthquake-shaken region ; but time was 

 an object, and the Peninsular and Oriental steamer Osiris was a 

 fast boat as well as comfortable. We saw many an olive orchard 



1 On my return I learned that the Massachusetts Institute of Technology 

 had established an observatory at Kilauea for five years with a most accom- 

 plished Director from the staff of that institution. Dr. T. A. Jaggar. My visit 

 so far as the observatory went was therefore unnecessary. 



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