ETNA. 



273 



feature in the physiognomy of Etna is the multitude of 

 minor cones which are distributed over its flanks, and 

 which are most abundant in the woody region. These 

 although they appear but trifling irregularities when viewed 

 from a distance as subordinate parts of so imposing and 

 colossal a mountain, would, nevertheless, be deemed hills of 



considerable altitude in almost any other region." Lyell's 



"Principles of Geology," 7th edition, chap. xxv. 



The positions and mode of occurrence of the minor cones 

 are marked on the relief model by M. Elie de Beaumont, 

 which accompanies the specimens. Being constructed on a 

 true scale (that is, on the same scale for heights as for dis- 

 tances), it shows the more clearly the very gradual rise of 

 the surface from the sea to the foot of the great crater, and 

 the extremely insignificant size of the lateral cones when 

 compared with that of the principal crater. It also renders 

 evident, that enormous volumes of matter must have been 

 discharged to have formed an accumulation of such magni- 

 tude as that forming the base of the mountain, or more cor- 

 rectly, of the great cone, which constitutes the present 

 mountain. 



"Without enumerating numerous monticules of ashes 

 thrown out at different points, there are about 80 of 

 these secondary volcanos, of considerable dimensions, 52 

 on the west and north, and 27 on the east sides of Etna. 

 One of the largest, called Monte Minardo, near Bronte, 

 is upwards of 700 feet in height, and a double hill near 

 Nicolosi, called Monte Rossi, is 450 feet high, and the 

 base two miles in circumference, so that it somewhat ex- 



e Nuovo. Yet it ranks only as a cone of 

 the second magnitude amongst those produced by the lateral 

 eruptions of Etna." (See model.) " The greater number of 

 eruptions happen either from the great crater or from lateral 



openings in the desert region."— Lyell's "Principles of 

 Geology," chap. 



Etna is known to have been in activity for at least 2337 

 years, the earliest authenticated eruption having taken 



Upper 

 Galleet. 



Table-case 

 in Recess 6. 



Mon 



