ities 2s) ne 
emt 
 Suffocating vapor in every other direction. ‘This was only a few 
Regions, c. 239 
Notice of Hawaii, (OQwyhee,) and its | ole 
a " 
By the rising_of the lava, the difficulty of making the descent is, i 
a great degree, done away in those places where it was ever practi- 
cable ; and it occupied but a few moments to godown. The surface 
is more broken and distorted than ever; and presents a truly hideous 
mass of ruins. ‘There being much more fire at the north end, than 
in 1825, the currents of heated gas and air are more numerous, and ~ 
more strongly impregnated, and consequently, an examination is 
more hazardous. Our number became divided into separate parties 
—one of which went far into the middle of the northern section, and — 
they believe themselves to have been at the very edge of the largest 
lake, seen in powerful action the night before: The specimens of 
‘Sulphur, collected from its border, are of the finest and most beauti- 
ful kind, but so recently formed and so delicate, as to be very diffi- 
cult of preservation. paecower: 32 
Inthe course of the two or three hours which we spent at the bot- 
tom of the crater, we visited four cones—all of them being centres of 
Very active fires. The first was almost encrusted with sulphur, and 
could be approached only on the windward side, from the heat and 
high; and we got near enough to touch the sides and top with our 
Canes. Though smoke and steam were projecting from its top with 
great force, and considerable noise, we perceived no flame or liquid 
lava: but the roaring of mighty fires below was distinctly heard; and 
so near, that the adventure which brought us within the hearing of its Pe 
undulating and deeply menacing sounds, was thus proved to be one 
Of great temerity. 
The eager curiosity, however, which rendered us in a degree in- 
Sensible to the hazard of our situation, was afterwards more com- 
pletely gratified, in a visit ta two other contiguous cones, much more 
lofty and unique, and altogether more imposing in their state and as- 
Pect. They were situated a mile farther south, along the eastern 
side; and our attention was called to them by the loud hissing and 
labgrious action of steam, and by the flames which, occasionally, 
flashed from their summits. They were each about twenty feet in 
height, not more than sixty in circumference at the base, and taper- 
ing almost to a point at the top; having been, evidently, formed by 
Successive slight overflowings of lava, which, as it rolled down, cool- 
d into irregular flutings, ornamented with rude drops and pendants, _ 
o~ 
and long, tapering stalactites. 
“ql 
* 
