Mineralogy and Geology. 125 
of India, nor was it until long after that it retired to its existing shores. 
Finally, the evidences of the diminution of the Himalayan glaciers in the 
existing epoch, which are to be met with at all parts of the chain, were 
continental, the summer tem tures would be raised, and the fall of 
snow diminished. ‘This, therefore, might have had the effect of causing 
the snow-line and glaciers to recede, although the actual elevation of 
the mountains had been increased about 1000 feet. 
4, Eruption of Vesuvius, (from letters in London Daily News, dated 
Naples, May 5 and 10, 1855.) —Saturday, May 5.—Uaving purchased 
our torches at Resina, we turned out of the high road into the compara- 
tively narrow and heavy route which begins the ascent. It is formed of 
loose volcanic dust and pulverized lava; and hard work it is indeed 4 ail 
the weary horses to get along. Ours acted most prudently by refusing to 
advance, so that, dismounting, we took to our legs. woman might 
have gone up alone, so dense were the crowds either coming or guing; 
for be it known that apart from curiosity :nany felt nota litle relief at 
_ the eruption, as though it had saved them from the disasters of an earth- 
quake, and were full therefore of joyousness. As we got close under 
the mountain we experienced something like disappointment, for the ele- 
vation on which the Hermitage stands - id from our view the fire and 
» smoke and the streams of lava which even from Naples formed so mag- 
nificent a spectacle. As we got higher and higher the glare of light 
reflected on the sky became visible, and by the time we had got to the 
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