258 J.D. Danaon the recent Eruption of Mauna Loa. 
roar, which we began to hear‘early on the day before, ‘ waxed louder 
and louder,” as we drew nearer and nearer the action, until it resembled 
the roar of the ocean’s billows when driven by the force of a hurricane 
against a rock-bound coast, or like the deafening roar of Niagara. - 
We first reached the deep channel, through which a wide stream of 
liquid lava had flowed down the mountain, desolating an area of vast 
extent; it had ceased to flow in this direction, but was flowing still ata 
little distance, where we gazed with delight. The main stream was 
still beyond, which we could not approach, on account of the great 
eat; but at night we had a fine view of the fiery river, at no great dis- 
tance from our encampment. Though the lava gushed out in several 
places like water-springs, yet the main fountain was one of indescriba- 
ble grandeur. In the midst of a forming cone, with a base of 200 or 
300 feet there shot up a jet of clear liquid lava to the height of from 
400 to 800 feet, combining in its ascent and descent all the beauties of 
the finest water fountains—jet after jet ascended in constant and regu- 
lar succession, day after day ; descending, it mostly fell back into the 
crater, but sometimes it fell spattering on its sides, and flowed down, 
uniting with the main stream. The outer portions cooled toa black- 
ened mass while in the air; the upper and lighter portions were carri¢ 
by the propelling force to the regions of the clouds, and fell in showers 
over the surrounding countr 
The intense heat of the fountain and stream of lava, caused an influx 
of cool air from every quarter; this created terrific whirlwinds, which 
constantly stalking about, like so many sentinels, bade defiance to the 
daring visitor. These were the most dangerous of any thing about on 
make a rapid retreat. Agat 
We saw a similar one whirling around the jet, and concealing it with 
a dense cloud of ashes, as if engaged in a furious combat. The 
contending elements presented a most wonderful spectacle. : 
strife ceased, the fountain appeared in constant action, as though nothing 
had occurred. Clouds approaching the volcano were driven back, and 
set moving in wild confusion. 
e glare of the liquid fountain was very great, even when the ae 
was shining; but at night it was vastly more so, casting the light 
nearly a full moon in the shade, and turning night into day. 
2. From a Letter by Mr. Fuller, dated Waiohinu, March 28. 
There played a fountain of liquid fire of such dimensions and such 
awful sublimity, shaking the earth with such a constant and dee 
A ; re 
deur. 
scene. I made the following calculations, after careful obs 
ing nearly twenty-four 
