36 PROFESSOR FORBES ON THE VOLCANIC GEOLOGY OF THE VIVARAIS. 
situated, occupying the whole breadth of the ridge, in a sort of depression or col, 
at a point where the ridge makes, at the same time, a bend, as sketched in Plate 
V., fig. 1 (which was not drawn on the spot, but immediately after from memory). 
Whatever may be thought of the crater of Pal near Montpezat, this one is 
undoubtedly blown out of granite, and entirely formed in it; for I do not think 
that the scorize constitute a considerable mass upon any side, and there is no out- 
let or imperfection upon any side except that to the westward, by which the lava 
has run into the valley of La Bastide. The crater is of a beautiful elliptical form, 
and lies exactly between two ravines on either side of the ridge; the imperfect 
lava stream towards the last no doubt flowed first. The elevation above the sea 
is 4204 feet, or somewhat higher than the crater of Pal. It commands a fine view, 
and here I first caught a glimpse of the probable origin of the lava of Burzet, which 
two years later I was enabled to confirm. This volcano, like that of La Fiollonge, 
appears to have been undiscovered by any previous geologist, and as an example 
of a crater in granite it is undoubtedly remarkable. I was forced to abridge my 
observations on account of a very violent thunderstorm, which covered every thing 
with mist, and compelled my retreat. The lava on the side of La Bastide accumu- 
lated to a considerable thickness, but it is not remarkably columnar. In some 
places it approaches almost to the character of obsidian. The character of the 
valley is cultivated and pleasing. Groups of well-built houses are studded over 
the slopes, amidst groves of chestnut, with neat and well-watered gardens adjoin- 
ing. In all this country, as well as in the Haute Loire, masonry is, or has been, 
much attended to. 
From the village of La Bastide, a pleasing route may be made into the lower 
part of the valley of Burzet, by crossing the Col of Juvinas, which commands an 
excellent view in both directions ; and, in particular, of the Coupe d’Aysac. Juvinas 
is known as being near the spot where a large meteoric stone fell from the sky 
not many years ago, in broad daylight, and in the presence of several witnesses. 
I did not lose the opportunity of making every inquiry relative to so rare and 
interesting an occurrence, and conversing with those who had seen it. The exact 
spot is a hamlet called Le Creux de Libounez, between Juvinas and St Pierre 
Colombier. At the time of my inquiry (1839), every one spoke of it as a recent 
occurrence, and one never to be forgotten. The field was immediately shewn to 
me, a small enclosure just below the village. I inquired for the actual spectators 
of the fall. Dotmaas, who had been mentioned to me, was dead; but, with some 
difficulty, I found two brothers named Serre, who were working with some 
others in their potato field when the stone fell amongst them. One of these men 
gave me in his patois a most animated account of the scene, and of their terror. 
With the aid of an interpreter,* I extracted the following particulars, agreed upon 
* The native language of this country, as well as of the Haute Loire, is an almost unintelligible 
patois. It is more Italian or Latin than French, and is probably the remains of the old language 
of Provence, The following Italian phrases struck my ear, ‘“ un’ ora e mezzo,”—‘‘Aspett’ un poc,” 
— ‘non ho mai stato,””—* Perché,”’ 
