The Virunga Volcanoes 



one lying directly under the south side of the peak, the other 

 a crater of large dimensions but almost unrecognisable as 

 such, forming a flat-topped swampy ridge or plateau running 

 out in an easterly direction. The large crater is now over- 

 grown with swamp-grass and reeds, amongst which stand 

 several small lakes. The summit of the peak has weathered 

 into numerous ridges and channels in which snow may be seen 

 to have lodged overnight, giving a beautiful pink and white 

 umbrella effect in the early morning. The name Karisimbi 

 has some relation to this white covering of snow. The peak is 

 scarcely ever visible except in the very early hours, owing to the 

 continual mists that surround it. Whether the actual top of 

 the peak itself has ever been reached by an explorer is a matter 

 of doubt. Up to the last five hundred feet, which is very 

 steep, this volcano, similarly with all the others, is clothed in 

 vegetation of more or less luxuriance. 



MiKENO — which name is translated by some as meaning 

 " Two Teeth,"* from the two teeth-like spurs on its crest and 

 by others as meaning " The place of poverty," is connected 

 with Karisimbi by a high ridge or saddle, and as it 

 reaches an altitude of 14.600 feet, is the second highest 

 volcano in the range. The peak, which is usually snow- 

 capped in the morning hours, has never been scaled. The 

 aspect of this extinct volcano, which somewhat resembles 

 the Puy de Dome of Auvergne in France, differs from the usual 

 owing to its special formation. In this case the molten lava, 

 instead of being blown up explosively, has been steadily 

 pushed up, which accounts for its resemblance to just a high 

 and rocky mountain. It has no crater, but the central peak 

 would appear to be a core or " neck " pushed up from the 



* This is not Uic meaning. — H. H. J. 



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