256 On the Volcanic Character of the Island qfHaWiii. 



surrounded, rising probably, in some places, 400 feet in per- 

 pendicular height, presented an immense volcanic panorama, 

 the effect of which was greatly augmented by the constant 

 roaring of the vast furnaces below. 



" We then walked along the western side of the crater in 

 search of water, which we had been informed was to be found 

 in the neighbourhood, and succeeded in finding three pools, 

 where the water was perfectly fresh and sweet. These pools 

 appeared great natural curiosities. The surface of the ground 

 in the vicinity was perceptibly warm, and rent by several deep, 

 irregular chasms, from which steam and thick vapours con- 

 tinually arose. In some places these chasms were two feet 

 wide. From thence a dense volume of steam ascended, which 

 was immediately condensed into small drops of water, by the 

 cool mountain air, and driven like drizzling rain into hollows 

 in the lava, at the leeward side of the chasms. The pools, 

 which were six or eight feet from the chasms, were surrounded 

 and covered by flags, rushes, and tall grass. Nourished by 

 the moisture of the vapours, these plants flourished luxuriantly, 

 and, in their turn, sheltered the pools from the heat of the sun, 

 and prevented evaporation. We expected to find the water 

 warm; but in this respect we were also agreeably disap- 

 pointed. When we had quenched our thirst with water thus 

 distilled by nature, we directed the natives to build a hut for us 

 to pass the night in, in such a situation as to command a view 

 of the burning lava; and while they were thus employed, we 

 prepared to examine the many interesting objects around us." 



Mr. Thurston visited the eastern side of the great crater; and 

 Messrs. Ellis and Goodrich went to examine some extensive 

 beds of sulphur at the north-east end. After walking about 

 three quarters of a mile over a tract of decomposed lava, covered 

 with ohelo bushes, they came to a bank about 1 50 yards long, 

 and in some places upwards of 30 feet high, formed of vol- 

 canic sulphur, with a small proportion of red clay. The 

 ground was hot, its surface rent by fissures ; and they were 

 sometimes completely enveloped in the thick vapours that con- 

 tinually ascended. A number of apertures were visible along 

 the whole extent of the bank of sulphur;. smoke and vapours 

 arose from these fissures ; and the heat around them was more 

 intense than in any other part. They climbed about half way 

 up the bank, and endeavoured to detach some parts of the 

 crust, but soon found it too hot to be handled. However, by 

 means of their walking-sticks, they broke off some curious 

 specimens. Those procured near the surface were crystal- 

 lized in beautiful circular prisms of a light yellow colour, while 

 those found three or four inches deep in the bank, were of an 



orange 



