NOME IV* TUFO* 385 



when in a state of fermentation, and only after 

 several days of tranquillity dares even the ob- 

 server venture on his researches. 



"All that can at present be said is, that the 

 great current of lava which flowed from one of 

 the sides of the crater, ran the space of four 

 leagues, alternately threatening the towns of 

 Randazzo and Bronte, especially the latter, which 

 the inhabitants were on the point of abandon- 

 ing, but we have not heard of its having expe- 

 rienced any material damage ; the ignited stones 

 wounded two peasants, who were at work at the 

 ice-houses, at the distance of two leagues from 

 the summit ; the rain of sand, which fell in 

 abundance on the plain of Mascarl, and in the 

 territory ofJaciy destroyed almost all the crops. 



" The following are the results of the obser- 

 vations of those who, after the termination of 

 the last eruption, visited Etna : 1. The summit 

 of Etna is inaccessible from the vast quantity of 

 lava, and of black and friable pumice (drosses), 

 with which it is entirely covered, and which yet 

 retain an intolerable heat 3 2. The great crater 

 is closed, and another has been formed of equal 

 dimensions between that and the one on the 

 western side, closed some years before ; 3. | The 

 matter of the eruption is of two kinds only, 

 ialine and earthy ; 4. By analysis the saline 



VOL. u. 2 c 



