92 SKETCH OF THE LIFE AND ACHIEVEMENTS 



towards nine o'clock, accompanied by a sub- 

 terranean noise, caused a state of great con- 

 sternation amongst the inhabitants of Gumana. 

 Many persons came in great haste to Humboldt 

 and Bonpland, in order to ascertain if their in- 

 struments indicated further repetitions. The 

 sublime spectacle of that afternoon must have 

 exercised a marvellous influence upon Hum- 

 boldt, if we consider the part of the world where 

 this great phenomenon manifested itself, and the 

 rare powers of description possessed by him 

 who recorded this event. In an immeasurable 

 height above, and with accelerated speed, the 

 thunder roared, whilst at the same moment the 

 earth was violently shaken; add to this the 

 terror of the people, who filled the air with cries 

 of despair and amazement. Watch the sequel 

 to this terrible picture of the raging elements 

 of destruction which convulsed the earth ; a 

 magnificent sunset, upon an indigo -blue sky, 

 lined with golden clouds, and illuminated by 

 prismatic rays of colour ; whilst in the interior 

 of the earth a threatening noise accompanied a 

 new shock. 



On the 18th November, Humboldt and his 

 friend Bonpland left Cumana, in order to 

 make a voyage along the coast to Guayra, 

 and remain to the close of the rainy season at 



