Recent Eruption of Mauna Loa. 117 



of clear liquid lava to the height of from 400 to 800 feet, 

 combining in its ascent and descent all the beauties of the 

 finest water fountains — jet after jet ascended in constant and 

 regular succession, day after day ; descending, it mostly fell 

 back into the crater, but sometimes it fell spattering on its 

 sides, and flowed down, uniting with the main stream. The 

 outer portions cooled to a blackened mass while in the air ; 

 the upper and lighter portions were carried by the propelling 

 force to the regions of the clouds, and fell in showers over 

 the surrounding country. 



The intense heat of the fountain and stream of lava, caused 

 an influx of cool air from every quarter ; this created terrific 

 whirlwinds, which constantly stalking about, like so many 

 sentinels, bade defiance to the daring visitor. These were 

 the most dangerous of any thing about the volcano. Some- 

 times we were compelled to prostrate ourselves for safety. 

 Once we ventured within about a quarter of a mile of the 

 great jet ; soon one of the most terrific whirlwinds formed at 

 the crater, and advanced straight towards us, threatening 

 us with instant ruin ; but fortunately for us, it spent its 

 force and turned to the right, leaving us to make a rapid 

 retreat. 



We saw a similar one whirling around the jet, and conceal- 

 ing it with a dense cloud of ashes, as if engaged in a furious 

 combat. The two contending elements presented a most 

 wonderful spectacle. When the strife ceased, the fountain 

 appeared in constant action, as though nothing had occurred. 

 Clouds approaching the volcano were driven back, and set, 

 moving in wild confusion. 



The glare of the liquid fountain was very great, even when 

 the sun was shining; but at night it was vastly more so, 

 casting the light of nearly a full moon in the shade, and 

 turning night into day. 



2. From a Letter by Mr Fuller, dated Waiohinu, March 28. 



There played a fountain of liquid fire of such dimensions 

 and such awful sublimity, shaking the earth with such a con- 

 stant and deafening roar, that no picture of the classic 

 realms of Pluto, drawn by Grecian or Roman hand, can give 



