202 THE HILL-STAR HUMMING-BIRD. 



content. But the most dangerous volcanoes in 

 the world hem in the lovely valley of Quito. 



Smoke and flame are often seen issuing from 

 their snow-clad tops. The snow will suddenly 

 melt before some violent eruption, and floods will 

 desolate the happy valley. 



The flames of Cotopaxi, the most famous of 

 the volcanoes, have been known to rise three 

 thousand feet above the top of the mountain, and 

 its frightful roar is heard a hundred and fifty 

 miles distant ! 



Nothing can be more dangerous than the neigh- 

 bourhood of these volcanoes. Under ground are 

 stores of hidden fire, and elements of mischief that 

 break out with violence. 



The inhabitants are always in danger of earth- 

 quakes. Then the scene baffles description. The 

 earth reels and groans, trees are torn up by the 

 roots, and rocks are rent into fragments. Blue 

 flames issue from the ground, and people and 

 houses, flocks and herds, are involved in destruction. 



The natives, of Quito may be said to live in 

 perpetual hazard. But they do not seem to 



