156 



TRAVELS AMONGST THE GREAT ANDES, chap. vii. 



Cotopaxi shews no signs of approaching decrepitude, and for 

 many centuries yet to come it may remain the highest active 

 volcano in the world ; or perchance the imprisoned forces may 

 find an easier outlet, through barriers offering less resistance, 

 and either Sangai, Tunguragua, or Pichincha may become the 

 premier volcano of the Equator. Whilst the great cone which 

 has so often trembled with subterranean thunders — buried be- 

 neath glaciers more extensive than those of Cayambe or Anti- 

 sana — will echo with the crash of the ice-avalanche ; its crater 

 will disappear, and, over its rugged floor and its extinguished 

 fires, soft snowflakes will rear a majestic dome loftier than 

 Chimborazo. 



INDIAN CRUCIFtX. 



