212 THE CRUISE OF TEE 'CUBAQOA.' 



clouds of ashes are also cast up, which are carried by the 

 wind far and wide to tlie great annoyance of the eyes. The 

 slopes of tlic mountain, on which are several villages, are 

 covered with vegetation ; and in certain spots it seems as if 

 one were Avalking on a hot iron plate. The summit is 

 denuded, and split here and there into fissures, whence, 

 from time to time, rise jets of smoke and sulphurous 

 vapours. At its base, on the western side of the port, are 

 to be found in the midst of rocks close on the sea hot springs, 

 well known to the islanders, and used by tliem as remedies 

 in certain maladies, and especially in the cure of sores and 

 ulcers. Several of these springs have a temperature of 190° 

 (Fahrenheit), and there are others in which it nearly reaches 

 the boiling point. Women are to be seen daily dressing 

 their yams and other vegetables in them. Neither is it at 

 all unusual to see fishermen standin i- on tlie rocks harpoon- 

 ing fish in the sea, and casting them into the water behind 

 them, where they are cooked without farther trouble. But 

 what is not less striking is, that by the side of these hot 

 springs are to be seen issuing from fissures in the rock other 

 waters which are quite cold . Shocks are common and often 

 very sharp. Sulphur of firstrate quality exists in abundance 

 in these volcanic districts ; but it can be obtiiined fi-oni the 

 natives in only the smallest possible quantities, in barter for 

 powder and fire-arms. Obsidian is also to be found there, 

 and a stone which has all tlie appearance of the Nephrite of 

 New Zealand, and of which the natives sometimes make 

 bracelets. 



