NOME II. VESICULAR LAVA, 



est; cum vertex incendia prope sempiterna jitgl 

 flammarum eructatione inter nives ipsas pariat, 

 enutriat, ac continue t. c This region extends 

 nearly twelve miles; and, even in summer, is 

 almost perpetually covered with snow, and ex- 

 tremely cold ; which is the more wonderful as 

 the summit continually produces, nourishes, and 

 pours forth flames amid the ice and snow with 

 which it is enveloped.' 



" Solinus and Silius Italicus give the same de- Ancient 

 scription. The former says, Mirum est quod in 

 ilia ferventis. nature pervicacia mixtas ignibus 

 (JEtna) nives prof ert : et licet vastis exundet in- 

 cendiisy aprica canitie perpetuo brumalem detinet 

 faciem*. c Etna, in a wonderful manner, ex* 

 hibits snows mixed with fires; and retains every 

 appearance of the severest winter amid her vast 

 conflagrations.' 



" Silius Italicus has the following lines : 



* Summo cana jugo cohibet (mirabile dictu) 

 Vicinam flam mis glaciem, aeternoque rigore 

 Ardentes horrent scopuli j stat vertice celsi 

 Collis hyems, calidaque nivem tegit atra favillaf.' 



* Where burning Etna, towering, threats the skies, 

 'Mid flames and ice the lofty rocks arise j 



The fire amid eternal winter glows, 



And the warm ashes hide the hoary snows.' 



* Cap. xi. f Lib. XIT. 



