[ I 9 S ] 
In my lad vifit to Mount Vefuvius the 3d 01 June* 
I dill found that the lava continued, but the rivers 
were become rivulets and had loft much ol their 
rapidity. The quantity of matter thrown out by this 
eruption, is greater than that of the laft: in the year 
1760, but the damage to the cultivated lands is not 
to conftderable, owing to its having lpread itfelfmuch 
moie, and its iource being at lead three miles higher 
up. This eruption feems now to have exhaufted 
itlelf ; and I expedt in a few days to fee Vefuvius 
reftored to its former tranquillity. 
Mount Etna in Sicily broke out the 27th of april, 
and made a lava in two branches, at leaft ftx miles in 
length, and a mile in breadth, and, according to the 
defcription given me by Mr. Wilbraham, who was 
there, after having feen with me part of the eruption 
of mount Vefuvius, refembles it in every refpedt, 
except that mount Etna, at the place from whence the 
lava flowed (which was twelve miles from the mouth 
of the vulcano), threw up a fountain of liquid 
inflamed matter to a conftderable height ; which, I 
am told, mount Vefuvius has done in former eruptions. 
I beg pardon for having taken up fo much of your 
time, and yet I flatter mfelf, that my defcription, 
which I aflure your lordfhip is not exaggerated, will 
have afforded you fome amufement. I have the 
honour to be. 
My Lord, 
Your Lord {hip’s moft obedient 
and moft humble fcrvant, 
William Hamilton. 
SINCE 
