210 Account of a Volcano in the Himalayah Mountains. 



this is an extinguished crater ; and if the smoke actually pro- 

 ceeds from a volcano, it may even be the one in action, as it 

 is on the east side of the peak, and the peak might prevent this 

 appearance being seen from the southward. 



In the early part of February 1825, * my brother and my- 

 self were on our return from the hill north of Rungapannee, 

 when, early in the morning, just as the sun rose above the 

 horizon, I observed a thick cloud, apparently smoke, rising 

 perpendicularly from the highest point of the mountain, which} 

 after ascending to a considerable height in a thick dense 

 column, took an easterly direction from the upper part of it, 

 as if it had been carried away by the wind, detached parts of 

 it being separated like small white clouds. The column of 

 smoke continued to exhibit the same aspect as when it was 

 first seen, and exactly resembled the smoke of a fierce fire, 

 after ascending far above the influence of the propelling 

 power. At this time the atmosphere was beautifully clear for 

 many successive days ; and the appearance above described 

 continued precisely the same, only at times the column of 

 smoke seemed to be larger and more dense than at others, but 

 always rising straight up as if rushing from a crater, and the 

 top always dispersing in the air on reaching a certain height. 



From having been long in the habit of observing the snowy 

 mountains whenever they were visible, and accustomed to 

 view them for many years past, I may say that I am perfect- 

 ly familiar with their appearance ; and I was so forcibly struck 

 with the different aspects they assumed on the day above 

 mentioned, that I thought it possible that a volcano was in 

 action. This opinion, and the desire which every man would 

 feel to witness so grand and sublime a spectacle, has led me 

 to observe it very closely ever since, whenever I could discern 

 the peak ; and although no eruption of flame has been seen 

 from this place, which is three miles due west of Runga- 

 pannee, yet the smoke has continued in the same form and 

 the same direction as above stated. It was once carried 

 westerly by the wind, and only once that I remember ; but at 

 all other times the head of it was wafted to the east. 



* The letter, of which this is an extract, is dated Thoon ke Purneah, 

 June 13th 1825. 



