52 EXPEDITION INTO INTERIOR OF SUMATRA, 
than 1,000 métres below, water and sulphur were seething 
and giving off vapours, which filled the cavity for moments 
at atime, and then lifted so as to reveal to us the whole 
bottom of theabyss. This floor presented a sandy surface, 
with lakes of sulphur here and there, easily recognisable by 
their yellow colour, and a number of small arteries connect- 
ing¢them. Tomy rightand left the cliffs were more elevated, 
and prevented my seeing the surrounding country, leaving only 
a view of the summits of mountains in the distance. Notwith- 
standing the grand spectacle presented by the high lands 
of Padang, I could not, but express a feeling of disappoint- 
ment at our situation, for I saw that it would be very diffi- 
cult to make our way round the lofty and rugged edge, 
whose exterior slope, at an angle of not less than 45° was 
composed of such loosely holding shingle, that a single step 
was sometimes enough to send immense stones rolling down 
the precipice. 
A few moments later M. Vera rejoined me, and after 
having satisfied himself that the rocks on our right were 
absolutely inaccessible, he proceeded to try and discover, more 
to the south, a spot level enough to set up the tripod rest of 
our telescope, by means of which we were to observe the 
surrounding country. After a quarter of an hour’s chmb he 
called for the instruments; the Mandor, or head of the 
koulis, with his men, advanced a few steps, but then sat 
down, declaring that they were giddy. Only two coolies 
ventured to follow me to the spot where my companion was 
waiting. Climbing over sharp rocks, we at last reached a 
level space of a few métres. Our observations, however, had 
to be very brief, for big clouds collecting on all sides hindered 
all exploration. ‘To the §. E. towards the Gounoung Toujouk 
(seven mountains) we noticed a large lake shut in by serrated 
peaks, forest clad. In bygone ages this mountain, had 
evidently been a gigantic volcano, such as the Peak of 
Korintji at the present day. 
N. W. from the foot of the Gounoung Toujouk, the first 
rice fields of Korintji are situated on the banks of a consider- 
able torrent. These fields were flooded and shone in the sun- 
shine like polished plates of metal. Lastly, when a big cloud 
suddenly intercepted our view, we noted the state of the 
