240 Volcanic Eruptions of Hawaii. 
and shrubbery to itssummit. It was surrounded at its base, hows 
ever, by a vast field of naked scoria of the most jagged character, 
the deposit of some former eruption which had flowed around the 
little fertile hill, and left it like an island in the ocean, or like an 
oasis in the desert. Leaving our natives to prepare our encamp- 
ment and collect fuel, water, etc., we set off for the nearest stream 
of active lava, distant about two miles. Our road was over sharp 
. jagged lava, thrown up in tumultuous confusion ; but we soon 
<< made our way to the molten stream, and, thrusting our staffs into 
“the viscid mass, took out and cooled specimens which we carried 
home with us. You will understand that we were now on the 
wg 
on which it rested, and forming a barrier so indescribably jagged 
a of earthy and rocky fusion had been suddenly solidified, 
ile. ic state of the most tumultuous action. Besides these 
hand » 
ed of lustrous black, and in a vitrescent state, forming the superin- 
*, cumbent.crust of a deep molten river which rolled beneath, and 
yee betrayed its burning course at innumerable cracks and 
* ams" aud_ blow-holes, in which the fiery fluid was seen, OF 
1 hich it was expelled in gory jets. ay Fs 
nt the whole day in exploring this vast sea of lava, and 
piiished at its inimense area. In rolling down the side of 
ly direc- 
rthward 
divided 
rowards 
os 
7 
which e 
