302 APPENDIX II 



on the high snowy peaks ol N.W. America. Snow is doubtless a non- 

 conductor of sound, but there may be also something in the mineral 

 substance of Mouna Kuah which would efiect this. 



"Until eleven o'clock, the horizon was beautifully defined on the 

 whole N.W. of the island. The great dryness of the air is evident to the 

 senses, without the assistance of the hygrometer. Walking with my 

 trousers rolled up to my knees, and without shoes, I did not know there 

 were holes in my stockings till I was apprised of them by the scorching 

 heat and pain in my feet, which continued throughout the day ; the skin 

 also peeled from my face. WhUe on the summit I experienced violent 

 head-ache, and my eyes became blood-shot, accompanied with stiffness 

 in their lids. 



" Were the traveller permitted to express the emotions he feels when 

 placed on such an astonishing part of the earth's surface, cold indeed 

 must his heart be to the great operations of Nature, and still colder 

 towards Nature's God, by whose wisdom and power such wonderful 

 scenes were created, if he could behold them without deep humility and 

 reverential awe. Man feels himself as nothing — as if standing on the 

 verge of another world. The death-like stillness of the place, not an 

 animal nor an insect to be seen — far removed from the din and bustle 

 of the world, impresses on his mind with double force the extreme help- 

 lessness of his condition, an object of pity and compassion, utterly un- 

 worthy to stand in the presence of a great and good, and wise and holy 

 God, and to contemplate the diversified works of His hands ! 



" I made a small collection of geological specimens, to illustrate the 

 nature and quality of the lavas of this mountain, but being only slightly 

 acquainted with this department of Natural History, I could do no more 

 than gather together such materials as seemed likely to be useful to other 

 and more experienced persons. As night was closing and threatening 

 to be very stormy, we hastened towards the camp, descending nearly 

 by the same way as we came, and finding my guide Honori and the other 

 men all in readiness, we all proceeded to the edge of the woody region, 

 and regained the lodge, highly gratified with the result of this very 

 fatiguing day's excursion. Having brought provision from the hill, we 

 fared well. 



"January the 13th.— The rain feU fast aU night, and continued, 

 accompanied by a dense mist, this morning, only clearing sufiiciently to 

 give us a momentary glimpse of the mountain, covered with snow down 

 to the woody region. We also saw Mouna Eoa, which was simHarly 

 clothed for a great part of its height. Thankful had we cause to be 

 that this heavy rain, wind, and fog did not come on while we were on 

 the summit, as it would have caused us much inconvenience, and perhaps 

 danger. 



" The same weather continuing till the 15th, I packed up aU the 

 baggage, and prepared to return. It consisted of several bundles of 

 plants, put mto paper and large packages tied up in Coa baskets which 

 are manufactured from a large and beautiful tree, a species of Acacia 

 of which the timber resembles mahogany, though of a Ughter colour' 



