240 T. Coan on Recent Eruption of Miauna Loa. 
might get a more definite idea of its width, that we might ob- 
tain a front view of it, and, finally, that we might reach the 
channel of the Wailuku and descend in it to Hilo, the passage 
along this stream being much easier than inthe branch by which 
we had reached the fire. Previous to our efforts to cut through 
the woods from one stream to the other, we had made an attempt 
to cross directly over on the lava stream itself. This we tried 
first directly from our camp; but failing here, we beat our way 
through the thicket up the verge of the stream, hoping to find a 
point where the fires were less active. 
At length we made another effort to cross. But the hardened 
surface of the stream was ‘swelling and heaving at innumerable 
points by the accumulating masses and the upraising pressure of 
the fusion below; and valves were continually opening, out of 
which the molten flood gushed and flowed in little streams on 
every side of us. Nota square rod could be found on all this 
wide expanse where the glowing fusion could not be seen under 
our feet through holes andcracks in the superincumbent stratum 
on which we were walking. The open pots and pools and 
streams we avoided by a zigzag course; but as we advanced, 
these became more numerous and intensely active, and the heat 
becoming unendurable, we again beat a retreat after having pro- 
ceeded some thirty rods upon the stream. It may seem strange 
to many, that one should venture on such a fiery stream at all, 
but you will understand that the greater part of the surface of 
and found the stream so swollen and so grand in its wild rush- 
ings and plungings, that it was with the greatest difficulty and 
anger we effected a retreat. Mercifully we reached home, 
scorched, smoked, exhausted, and “ water-logged.” 
Nov. 20th.—Three different parties have returned from the 
fire since this letter was commenced. It has made two miles pro 
gress siuce'my return and ‘it is estimated to be within eight miles 
of the shore. ‘Notwithstanding the winding and difficult way, 
pie ee 
can now go up, dip up the fusion, and return the same day. 
