Accidental Conjlarjrai'ion . ^^Z 



covering the upper part of the island. About 2 a.m., 

 according to the report of the officer of the watch, the 

 spectacle was still more grand and imposing. The con- 

 flagration at that time extended over an immense surface, 

 so that the imagination might naturally enough be disposed 

 to regard this as the bursting forth of the pent-up flames of a 

 volcano, with the usual accompaniments of red-hot streams of 

 lava, clouds of floating ashes, and pillars of flame mounting to 

 heaven. 



Fortunately, this gigantic conflagration must have done far 

 more good than harm to this desolate island, covered as it 

 was for the most part with reeds, since, without destroying any 

 of the vegetation that could be of service to man, it will 

 greatly facilitate examination by future voyagers, and adapt it 

 for settlement by fishers and others, who at present seem to 

 leave it utterly abandoned. 



Towards 6 p.m., as it was already getting dark, our two 

 boats set out on their return to the frigate, from which in the 

 course of the day they had been distant about fifteen miles. 

 However a fresh Northerly breeze having sprung up we were 

 able to make sail, and at 7-30 p.m. once more reached the 

 frigate, when we were received with a storm of questions, 

 principally turning upon the mysterious far-visible conflagra- 

 tion, — which had been kindled by a couple of humble Vienna 

 lucifers ! During our visit to the island a variety of observa- 

 tions were also made on board the frigate, to obtain the 

 position of Amsterdam, as also to determine the elevation of 



