T. Coan on the Eruption of Mauna Loa in 1852, 221 
listened to the distant roar of the volcano. On Wednesday, the 
25th, we gained a little eminence in the woods, from which we 
could see the lava stream which was now opposite us on our left, 
distant six miles. This fiery flood was now half way through 
the forest, and more than three-fourths of the way from the crater 
to the shore, sweeping all before it. Apprehending that it might 
reach the sea in a day or two, and that the ladies at the station 
might be alarmed, Dr. W. determined to return. Taking one of 
stacles. At noon we came upon the confines of a tract of naked 
Scoria, so intolerably sharp and jagged that our baggagemen could 
not pass it. Here I ordered a halt ; stationed the two carriers ; 
gave an extra pair of strong shoes to my guide; gave him my 
wrapper and blanket; put a few crackers and boiled eggs intomy 
pockets ; took my compass and staff, and said to Mr. Salt Sea, 
(Kekai), “Now go ahead, and let us warm ourselves to-night by 
that fire yonder.” Thus equipped we pressed up the mountain, 
over fields of lava of indescribable roughness ; DOW moanting a 
ridge of sharp and vitreous scoria, when the fiery pillar ope ull 
in View ; and then plunging into some awful ‘ravine or pit, from 
which we slowly emerged by crawling upon 
soon found that my guide needed a leader. He was too slow. 
I therefore pressed ahead, leaving him to get on 
At half-past 3 pe. m. I reached the awful crater, and stood alone in 
the light of its fires. It wasa moment of unutterable interest. I 
_ Seemed to be standing in the presence and before the burning 
_ throne of the eternal God ; and, while all other voices were 
i . 
