THE AMERICAN WHALEMAN. 299 



wide. On the right tower the heights of Haleakala, rising 

 precipitously ten thousand six hundred feet, and topped by 

 an extinct crater five miles across. On the left, by a series 

 of terraces, is the volcanic Mauna Kea, fourteen thousand 

 feet high, and crowned by an active crater of twelve miles' 

 extent. In most ■ mountains the spectator must rise far 

 above the level of the sea, from which their altitude is meas- 

 ured, before he sees the peak ; but here you stand on the 

 sea level, and look right up the whole ascent. And from 

 the grand old fire-points again you may look straight down- 

 ward and over the level sea. No other spot have I seen in 

 which creative power is exhibited in such overwhelming 

 proportions. 



