Halennxnniait Fil/nie Fast. 



211 



projected over the ab3's.s. When the lava again appeared it was like a small spring of 

 tar at the bottom, which was at least six hnndred feet below the average rim. So 

 far below the spectator that it seemed of little importance or interest, but it was the 

 sign of returning action, and soon the molten matter accumulated in a little pool whose 

 surface was broken at intervals by the spouting lava in the way familiar to all who 



FIG. 137. SURFACK of HALKMAUMAU BV ^MGHT. PKRKINS. 



FIG, 138. SURFACE OF HALKMAUJIAU BV NIGHT. PF.RKIN.S. 



have seen Kilauea in action. The spring which supplied the vast reservoir was inter- 

 mittent, and the surface of the pool rose slowlv and irregularl}'. As it rose, however, 

 the action increased, as is usual, and all through August the height of the lava column, 

 at least fifty feet above the base of the dome, was critical. How much longer could 

 the walls of Kilauea withstand the pressure? Fountains of lava frequentl}- spouted, 



and as man}- as fourteen were counted in a single evening, the glow from the pit illumi- 



[589] 



