MITCHILL ON THE EARTHQUAKES, &C. AT ST. VINCENTS. 317 



stand that the leeward and windward plantations are covered all over 

 with torrents of melted matter. 



" We have not been able, as yet, to ascertain correctly the extent of 

 damage done, or the number of lives lost; but the principal rivers of 

 the island (those particularly within the influence of the volcano) are 

 all dried up. The Negro provision grounds, for miles around, are com- 

 pletely destroyed, and the pastures, on the windward and leeward side of 

 the island, are so covered over with ashes and vitrified pieces of stone, 

 that there is not left a bit of ground, in appearance, for the cattle to feed 

 upon. Every means should instantly be resorted to, to prevent the 

 calamities likely to ensue from so distressing a catastrophe; and we 

 trust, the legislature will immediately adopt such measures as will ensure 

 the importation of dry provisions, sufficient for the call of the inha- 

 bitants. 



" Accounts from the post at Owin have just reached town ; they 

 report that that part of the island presents nothing but objects of deso- 

 lation. The stupendous block-house there having fallen to the ground, 

 and the range of the mountain on the windward side split open — from 

 which issued torrents of lava, consuming, in its course, every tree and 

 shrub that impeded its way ; and the surface of the hills and valleys, in 

 that quarter, covered all over, several inches thick, with a sort of vol- 

 canic matter,, resembling the dross that is thrown from a smith's forge. 

 The noise from the mountain has been so violently felt there, that to 

 give an idea of it, one may imagine a mixed sound made up of the 

 raging of a tempest — the murmur of a troubled sea — and the roaring of 

 thunder and artillery, confused altogether." 



Afterward a more full and comprehensive account was drawn up by 

 some gentleman whose name I regret that I have not been able to 

 ascertain ; and the more so, as he unquestionably possesses good 

 powers for observation as well as delineation. 



