CHAP. III. 'THE VOLCANO SANGAL 73 



round of angles, — for it was obvious that this commanding posi- 

 tion covered an immense range. It was consequently understood 

 that another ascent was to be made, as soon as the conditions 

 became favourable. 



The weather on Jan. 5 was cold and windy, and much sleet 

 fell. The arriero-courier came up with a sheep/ and went down 

 to '^the authorities" with a cordial invitation to pay us a visit, 

 as I wished to see how far they were fitted to occupy higher 

 positions than their comparatively obscure ones at (xuaranda. 

 Jean-Antoine and Perring descended to the second camp for 

 firewood, and Louis remained nearly all day in the tent, engaged 

 in household affairs. 



The view from our eyrie Avas more extensive towards the 

 east and south than that seen from the second camp. Over the 

 ridge on the opposite side of the Glacier de Debris we obtained 

 an occasional glimpse of Sangai, an active volcano which seems 

 to be known only by name.' In Ecuador it is reputed to be 

 formidable, and when we were established at Guaranda we 

 frequently heard noises which were attributed to it by the 

 natives.^ It appeared to be distant from us about forty miles, 

 and its rather symmetrical cone rose Avell above the intervening 

 ranges. There were large snow-beds near its summit, but the 

 apex of the cone was black, and was doubtless covered with fine 

 volcanic ash. The saying is current that eruptions of Sangai 

 are to be apprehended when (-otopaxi becomes tranquil, and the 



^ The animal was driven up to the second camp. 



^ I am not acquainted with any information about it in print, except the brief 

 references to it l)y Mr. Spruce in the Journal of tlie Royal Geographical Society for 

 1861, nor aware that the base of its cone has been reached. Messrs. Reiss and 

 Stiibel in their Alturas give 17,464 feet as its height. 



^ On Dec. 20-21 the noises resembled reports of volleys of musketry at the 

 distance of half a mile or so. On these and upon other days the sounds were heard 

 only between 7 and 9 a.m. They were not accompanied by any vibration, and the 

 natives paid no regard to them. The name of this mountain has not been intro- 

 duced upon the large map, as I was unable to fix its position. 



