and Ascent of the Peak ofTeyde. 3447 



about 500 feet in height, is perfectly insignificant in bulk compared 

 with the mountain itself. The greater part of its sides is covered with 

 small fragments of pumice, and calcined rocks with their debris in the 

 shape of fine ashes; here and there the subjacent rock shows out, of a 

 light gray colour, cracked in every direction and yielding readily to the 

 touch. Climbing up the cone, from its steepness and the loose nature 

 of the footing, proved by far the most fatiguing part of the ascent ; at 

 length the more advanced of the party reached its summit at half past 5. 



The crater or caldera of the Peak ofTeyde has a depth of about 80 

 feet, and a greatest diameter of about 130 yards. To the southward 

 the wall-like side is partially broken down, probably by the last erup- 

 tion, as a large stream of lava can be traced as far down the side of 

 the mountain as the pumice-plain, where it spreads out into a field. 

 Descending the wall-like sides, we found the bottom of the crater en- 

 crusted with sulphur averaging two inches in thickness. When a stick 

 was thrust into this, the lower surface presented a beautifully crystal- 

 line appearance, but was insufferably hot to the touch. Under this 

 crust — which was generally sufficiently firm to bear our weight — a soft 

 blue clay impregnated with sulphur extended as far as we could in- 

 troduce a pole. Jets of sulphureous vapour issued from orifices in the 

 crust and fissures in the rock : one of the latter, if plugged up with 

 stones, in a short time ejected them with a slight report. The quan- 

 tity of sulphur in the crater has originated the name of Solfatara, 

 applied by the Spaniards to the crater. The heat was so great that 

 we could not long remain standing in one position, and on emerging 

 we found the soles of our shoes partially burnt through. 



Meanwhile others of our party were making the necessary barome- 

 trical observations, which, when reduced, gave 12,116 feet as the height 

 of the Peak. From an elevation so great, with the horizon distant 116 

 geographical miles, the eye wanders over a surface of not less than 

 42,638 square miles ; and over that immense space the flames of the 

 last eruption of the summit very probably were visible, when they 

 played the part of the great light-house of the Atlantic. But of that 

 period we find no mention in the records of history. The last erup- 

 tion of TenerifFe (in 1798) was a lateral one, when large quantities of 

 lava were emitted and continued to run for upwards of three months. 

 Early in the last century the Peak of TenerifTe exhibited no less than 

 four lateral bursts, the first preceded by violent earthquakes, and the 

 last destroying the city of Garachico, on the N. W. side of the island, 

 and filling up its harbour with streams of lava : a village now occupies 

 the place where ships used formerly to anchor. 



