30 MEMOIR OF 



deprive you of the sight of a little grass 

 scantily springs up among them. These same 

 dreary rocks likewise conceal the few scattered 

 habitations of the natives, and no where a single 

 tree appears which might afford shelter to friend- 

 ship and innocence. The prospect before us, 

 though not pleasing, was uncommon and surprising. 

 Whatever presented itself to our view bore the 

 marks of devastation, and our eyes, accustomed 

 to behold the pleasing coasts of England, now 

 saw nothing but the vestiges of the operation of a 

 fire, Heaven knows how ancient." This exclama- 

 tion was merely the effect of the contrast alluded 

 to. It was precisely the situation adapted to 

 their inquiries ; and, to a mind like Mr Banks's, 

 intent on exploring the wonders of Nature on a 

 most magnificent scale, such a scene must have 

 been fraught with peculiar attractions. The 

 following account of their visit to the great 

 Geyser will be read with interest. " Among the 

 many hot springs to be met with in Iceland, 

 several bear the name of Geyser.* The following 

 is a description of the most remarkable of that 

 name, and in the whole island. It is about two 

 days' journey from Hecla, near a farm called Hau- 

 kadul. Here a poet would have an opportunity 



* From the Icelandic geysa, to rage, burst forth with 

 vehemence and impetuosity. 



