634 
NATURE 
[FEBRUARY 5, I9QI4 
enterprising undertaking. With two Neapolitans 
familiar with the mountain, Mr. Burlingham, 
who is an experienced alpine climber, reached 
Copyright) (A. Burlingham 
Fic. 2.—Showing ‘‘funnel” formed last July. 
the lowest point of the funnel, the chief difficulties 
encountered being the danger from the sliding 
Copy. 
t] 
well worthy of being seen by all interested in 
science. 
Fig. 1 is a view taken on the steep side of the 
crater, and shows near #¢he top numerous 
fumaroles, arising probably from rain and snow- 
water penetrating to the heated materials. The 
stratified arrangement of the scorie# and lava 
ejections is well shown in the photograph. 
Fig. 2, taken lower down, shows the floor of 
the crater with the mouth of the funnel, and the 
vapour column rising out of it as seen from some 
distance above. 
Fig. 3 is the view taken at the bottom of the 
funnel, with the masses of “incandescent pink 
vapours, in places exhibiting blue and other 
tints,” rushing up from the bottom vent. 
As Mr. Burlingham was able to convey ap- 
paratus exceeding 7o lb. in weight to the point 
shown in Fig. 3, it would seem possible to trans- 
port tubes and collecting vessels to the spot so as 
to obtain samples of the gases for analyses; gases 
thus obtained would not be subject to the objection 
that could be reasonably made to collections made 
from the fumaroles shown in Fig. 1. 
We may, I think, rely on the enlightened 
director of the Reale Osservatorio WVesuviano, 
Prof. Mercalli, and his enterprising assistants 
[F. Burlingham. 
Fic. 3.—Where fresh lava was found, r212 feet down at bottom of funnel, where pink incandescent fumes belch from the mouth which Prof. 
Merculli discovered. 
down of great loose masses and the powerful 
fumes of hydrochloric acid. The complete films, 
which are now being exhibited in London, are 
NO. 2310, VOL. 92] 
not to lose sight of for am 
important research. 
this opportunity 
Joun W. Jupp. 
