LIFE OF JAMES DWIGHT DANA 



Action " in the Journal for February, 1887, and his series 

 of papers on the " History of the Changes in the Mauna 

 Loa Crater " began in the June number, and was con- 

 tinued in that for July, and then taken up again after his 

 return. It was this that put into his head the sudden 

 thought that perhaps he could go back to the islands and 

 see those things again for himself. His son remembers 

 distinctly the Sunday when the suggestion was first 

 thrown out. It seemed at first a visionary plan, in view 

 of past limitations; but with a little encouragement it 

 immediately took practical form. His quick decision 

 was interesting and characteristic. 



With his wife and daughter, Professor Dana left New 

 Haven, crossed the continent by the Union and Central 

 Pacific Railroads, and sailed from San Francisco, July 

 19, 1887, in the steamship Australia, Captain Houdlette. 

 A week's voyage brought the party to Honolulu. On 

 the ist of August an excursion was made to the crater 

 of Haleakala, under the escort of Professor Alexander of 

 the Hawaiian Survey. The party which included Mrs. 

 and Miss Dana, and President * and Mrs. Merritt of the 

 Oahu College landed at Kahului, and most of the party 

 proceeded to ascend the volcano. " Fine views of the 

 crater were obtained," says one of the reports, " the 

 party going partly around it outside, and down into it, 

 where they camped, on the night of August 2j.th-5th, near 

 a little spring. It was a glorious night, full moon, and 

 fine weather. Being well supplied with blankets and 

 provisions, all were quite comfortable. Next day they 

 made their way back to Paia. Professor Dana, though 

 seventy-four years of age, stood the trip well and enjoyed 

 it very much." The next day he went to Hilo, to spend 

 a week at the volcano of Kilauea. The party returned 

 to Honolulu August 23d. A few days later, Professor 

 Dana and President Merritt drove around Oahu, via the 



* Rev. William Carter Merritt. 

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