Recent Eruption of Mauna Loa. 113 



valve, we should say that this immense crater would be such 

 to Hawaii. But the lavas rise in the centre of the mountain 

 10,000 feet above this vast pit (or nearly 11,000 feet above 

 its bottom), without producing the slightest fluctuation in its 

 boiling lakes. 



4. From the eruptions of Kilauea in 1823, 1832, and 

 1 840, the writer, in tracing out its history, stated that the 

 course of changes leading to a new outbreak required eight 

 or nine years, this being the interval between the known 

 eruptions. The process was shewn to consist in a gradual 

 filling up of the great pit for 400 or 500 feet of its depth, 

 attended with an increased activity when at this height, and 

 followed by a discharge from some fissure or fissures opened 

 through the slopes toward the sea. 



But since 1840 thirteen years have passed, and still no 

 eruption has been observed. The process has, however, been 

 essentially as indicated by the author, although under a new 

 modification of its action. The crater did go on filling up at 

 its usual rate, so that in 1846 it had already risen to a height 

 of 400 feet above the level it had after the eruption of 1840. 

 The crater, moreover, was then in violent activity, and the 

 black ledge was nearly obliterated ; the bottom continued still 

 to rise, and an eruption was speedily expected. But instead 

 of an eruption, we learn that in 1848 and 1849, all was nearly 

 quiet, excepting a single convulsive heaving in the latter 

 year. The lower pit was filled with solid lavas, and the 

 great lake became finally the site of a solid dome or cone. 



It is however altogether probable, from the retreat of the 

 liquid lavas and the disappearance of the fires, that a dis- 

 charge actually took place at the time expected, but beneath 

 the sea. Such a discharge occurring in the usual quiet way, 

 might be unperceived by the inhabitants of the island. The 

 outflow of lavas, however, must have been but a partial one ; 

 and, consequently, the bottom of Kilauea, instead of sub- 

 siding, as the lavas retreated. 400 feet (as commonly hap- 

 pens), retained its place. 



Five years have now passed, and the fires, as Mr Coan 

 states, are again breaking out. This is a further confirmation 

 of our view. The process of elevation in the liquid internal 



VOL. LV. NO. C1X. — JULY 1853. 11 



