yt 
20 Volcanic Character of the Island of Huwau. 
country, which, to the right, sloped gradually for ten or fif- 
teen miles to the ocean, and rose abruptly to the left, ‘* where 
it was crowned with the woods, which extend, like a vast belt, 
round the base of Mouna Roa. At the distance of three or 
four miles they came to another cavern in the lava, called 
Keapuana, which is often used as a lodging place for benight- 
ed travellers. ‘ The entrance, which was eight feet wide 
and five high, was formed by an arch of ancient lava. The 
interior of the cavern was about fifiy feet square, and the arch 
that covered it was ten feet high. There was an aperture at 
the northern end, about three feet in diameter, occasioned by 
the falling in of the lava, which admitted a current of keen 
mountain air, through the whole of the night. While they were 
cleaning out the small stones between some of the blocks of 
lava, that lay scattered around, a large fire was kindled near 
e entrance, which, throwing its climmering light on the dark 
volcanic sides of the cavern, and illuminating one side of the 
huge masses of lava, exhibited to our view the strange features 
of our apartment, which resembled in no small degree, scenes 
- From the higher regions in the vicinity of the cave, the 
light of the volcano illuminating the clouds, was distinctly vis- 
ible. 
and f e 
high, and so heavily laden with dew, that before we had 
ch 
drawn through a river. The morning air was cool, and 
the singing of birds enlivened the woods. After travelling a 
short distance over the open country, we came to a small 
wood, into which we had not penetrated far, before all traces 
of a path entirely disappeared. We kept on some time, but 
After s a hing about half an hour, they discovered a track, 
which led considerably to the southward, in order to avoid the 
chasm in the lava. Near the place where we crossed over, 
was a cave of considerable extent. In several places, drops 
