NOME IV. TUFO. 



the form of a column; but the fermentation 

 diminishing, they resumed their former appear- 

 ance in about half an hour's time, and preserved 

 the same during two or three days, subsequent 

 to which the mountain resumed its pristine tran- 

 quillity. 



cc It is evidently visible that, on this eruption, 

 the extent of the crater was diminished towards 

 the south, and increased towards the west. 



" From the testimony of individuals worthy Size of drosses, 

 of credit, I learn that, on the 18th of July, 

 blocks of dross, weighing a pound and a half, 

 ejected from the crater, fell in the valley of Sue, 

 that is to say, five miles and a third part of a 

 mile from the spot ; others likewise were thrown 

 to different distances, in all directions round 

 about the crater, diminishing in size in propor- 

 tion to the distance, 



" At La Cava Secca, six miles from the crater, 

 some fell the size of a pigeon's-egg ; at twelve 

 miles from it, fragments of dross blended with 

 sand formed a bed more than three inches in 

 thickness. During the rain of which I have 

 spoken, the whole of the middle region of Etna 

 was enveloped in darkness; but chiefly in the 

 eastern part, where the greatest quantity fell. 



" The inhabitants ofZafarana were unable to 

 see each other at the distance of two feet ; and, 



