326 New Volcano. 



the country covered with the cinders before mentioned, and 

 which has turned the most vakiable vineyards in the island 

 into a frightful desert. On the same day (the 4th of May) 

 we returned to Fayal, and on the 5'h and succeeding days, 

 from twelve to fifteen small volcanoes broke out in the fields 

 we had traversed on the 3d, from the chasms before de- 

 scribed, and threw out a quantity of lava, which travelled on 

 slowly towards Velias. The fire of those small craters sub- 

 sided, and the lava ceased running about the 1 1th of May ; 

 dn which day the large volcano, that had lain dormant for 

 nine days, burst forth again like a roaring lion, with horrid 

 bclchings, distinctly heard at twelve leagues distance, 

 throwing up prodigious large stones, and an immense quan- 

 tity of lava, illuminating at night the whole island. This 

 continued with tremendous force until the 5th of June, ex- 

 hibiting the awful yet magnificent spectacle of a perfect ri- 

 ver of fire (distinctly seen from Fa\al) running into the sea. 

 On that day (the 3th) we experienced that its force began to 

 fail, and in a few days after it ceased entirely. The distance 

 of the crater from the sea is about four miles, and its eleva- 

 tion about 3,500 feet- 



The lava inundated and swept away the town of Ursulina 

 and country-houses and cottages adjacent, as well as the 

 fat m -houses, throughout its course. It, as usual, gave 

 timely notice of its approach, and most of the inhabitants 

 f!ed J some few, however, remained in the vicinity of it too 

 lonor, endeavouring to save their furniture and effects, and 

 were scalded by flashes of steam, which, without injuring 

 their clothes, took off not only their skin but their flesh. 

 About sixty persons were thus miserably scalded, some of 

 whom died on the spot, or in a few days after. Numbers 

 of cattle shared the same fate. The judge and principal in- 

 , habitant^ left the island very early. The consternation and 

 anxiety were for some days so great among the people, that 

 even their domestic concerns were abandoned, and amidst 

 plenty they were in danger of starving. Supplies of ready- 

 baked bread were sent from hence t( their relief, and large 

 boats N\ere sent to bring away the inhabitants who had iost 

 their dwellings. In short, the island, heretofore rich in 



cattle. 



