146 MAUN A LOA. 



compressed, and their outlines almost as well preserved as when 

 separated and alone. After three o'clock, when the sun was retiring, 

 the clouds advanced up the mountain side, and finally we became 

 immersed in them. This happened on both days at nearly the same 

 hour. 



During the day, I succeeded in obtaining sets of observations for 

 latitude and longitude. I experienced for the first time mtich fatigue 

 in holdinar the instruments. The barometer and thermometer were 

 observed throughout the day at the hours arranged with the observa- 

 tory at Hilo. 



In the evening we were much gratified at receiving fifteen gallons 

 of water, which the natives had brought ten miles in open-mouthed 

 vessels, over the rough mountain roads ; this they do by placing some 

 fern-leaves on the top of the water, when it carries as well as a solid, 

 and will bear much agitation without spilling. Though a very small 

 supply for our necessities, it was a great satisfaction to know that 

 it was now within reach of us. Partially relieved from this pressing 

 difficulty, our attention was turned to the fuel, and I at once saw the 

 necessity of providing some means for procuring a supply, as we were 

 now at one of the last points where it was to be obtained. We were 

 certainly two, if not three days' journey from the summit, and an 

 ascent of eight thousand feet was still to be accomplished. 



After dark the mist cleared off", when we saw the majestic volcanic 

 cloud hanging as though illuminated in its position. This is one of 

 the best guides for the mountain, both by night and by day ; any 

 one who visits Mauna Loa, and the crater, cannot but admire this 

 constant emblem of the destructive elements below, fitted as it is, 

 from its purity, grace, and majestic appearance, to blend harmo- 

 niously with the blue vault above. 



It was determined to fix a post here, in order to forward supplies 

 of wood and articles of provision as they came from below. Pea, our 

 chief, was accordingly ordered to select a site which would answer 

 this purpose. 



On Monday, 21st, we set out at an early hour. The ascent now 

 became much steeper than any we had hitherto experienced, for the 

 whole face of the mountain consisted of one mass of lava, that had 

 apparently flowed over in all directions from the summit. The sun 

 shone brightly, and his rays seemed to fall with increased power on 

 the black lava. No wind was stirring, and the exhaustion consequent 

 on the rarefied air we were breathing, made the labour of climbing 



