116 James I). Dana on the 



second in 1832, the third in 1840, probably a fourth through 

 a submarine or subterranean vent in 1847 or 1848. and the 

 fires are now increasing again in activity. In 1832 there 

 were thus eruptions from both of these extensive craters of 

 Ma-una Loa. 



We annex additional notes on the eruption, from different 

 sources. The account of the whirlwinds produced by the 

 crater are of much meteorological interest. 



1. From a Letter of II. Kinney, dated Waiohinu, Hawaii, 

 April 19, 1852 (published in " The Pacific," San Francisco, 

 of June 18). 



The light of the volcano at night was very great — illumi- 

 nating the surrounding country for many miles distant, and 

 giving to the overhanging clouds the appearance of an im- 

 mense body of fire. After witnessing this for several nights, 

 my desire to visit it became so strong, that I resolved to make 

 the long and tedious journey, to take a near view of this grand 

 display of the Almighty's power. Accompanied by Mr Fuller, 

 I set out on the 1st day of March. After travelling through 

 woods and over wide districts of naked lava, we arrived at the 

 vicinity of the eruption on the forenoon of the third day. Its 

 deep, unearthly roar, which we began to hear early on the 

 day before, " waxed louder and louder," as we drew nearer 

 and nearer the action, until it resembled the roar of the 

 ocean's billows when driven by the force of a hurricane against 

 a rock-bound coast, or like the deafening roar of Niagara. 



We first reached the deep channel, through which a wide 

 stream of liquid lava had flowed down the mountain, deso- 

 lating an area of vast extent ; it had ceased to flow in this 

 direction, but was flowing still at a little distance, where we 

 gazed with delight. The main stream was still beyond, 

 which we could not approach, on account of the great heat ; 

 but at night we had a fine view of the fiery river, at no great 

 distance from our encampment. Though the lava gushed 

 out in several places like water-springs, yet the main fountain 

 was one of indescribable grandeur. In the midst of a form- 

 ing cone, with a base of 200 or 300 feet, there shot up a jet 



