114 
THE MEDITERRANEAN NATUE A Ll ST 
which were regarded as twofold: The existence 
of a high temperature at certain points within the 
earths crust, and the presence of quantities of 
water and gas imprisoned in the rocks. Proofs of 
the former were to be seen in the molten condition 
of the matter issuing from volcanoes, and of the 
latter in the vast quantities of steam and gases 
thrown out during an eruption. The condition of 
the earth’s interior has long been a problem. Man 
has always felt a desire to know what was in the 
earth, and volcanoes were one means of gaining an 
insight into the hidden regions below the surface 
of the globe. The old idea, so long held, that we 
are dwelling upon a thin stratum, or crust, cover- 
ing an enormous well of molten matter, was hardly 
supported by recent researches of geologists and 
.i: is. The idea is gradually gaining ground 
in volcanic action is not due to the existence of 
a universal resevoir of incandescent matter, but to 
aha local development of heat at moderate depths 
from the surface and in parts of the crust indepen- 
dent from one another. Mr. Mellard Reade has 
lately given to the world one of those original and 
striking theories with which the most progressive 
of the physical sciences is enriched from time to 
ime. In his “ Origin of Mountain Ranges, ” Mr. 
eade has called attention to the intimate connec- 
cmr: existing between volcanic action and moun 
building! Ail mountain ranges have once been 
au of sedimentation, and in all ranges volcanic 
orifices Have been broken through old denuded 
i ocks. According to his theory the deep-seated 
o" ; are regarded as practically solid, through 
v are, although hot; but this material, if at the 
le, where the pressure would be less, would 
assume a form nearly liquid or flowing, a condition 
: . ;.3 “potentially-molten.” The rocks become 
-'.feted by continued deposits over them, water is 
' bsoned in tnem, and steam is generated, which 
is che sole essential phenomenon of volcanoes. The 
nsion of the rocks causes the production of 
. res, through which water penetrates, and an 
explosion ensues. The welling-out of lava in a 
molten state is caused by the expanded matter 
rinding a relief through suitable vents or lines of 
weakness in the crust of the earth. Mr. Logan 
bobley has recently arrived at a similar conclu- 
sion Hitherto the cubical expansion of rooks 
under a rise of isogeotherms has been overlooked, 
until pointed out by Mr. Reade. The movement of 
rock masses caused by this expansion results in 
the phenomena which are found to accompany the 
formation of great mountain ranges and the 
eruption of volcanic matter in all parts of the 
globe. The chemical theory as ably advocated by 
Professor Prestwich need not be altogether dis- 
carded, but the effects of this action were regarded 
as of secondary consequence. Mr. Jeffs, in con- 
clusion, maintained that many physical causes 
operated in producing volcanic action. The relation 
between one set of volcanic phenomena andanother, 
and the origin of those great movements which 
have been recorded throughout all the geologic 
ages, have long been mysteries requiring the most 
devoted study of the physics of the earth’s crust to 
afford us even a glimpse of their solution. 
CYPRUS, 
by Lieut.-General Sir R. Biddulph, g.c.m.g., c.b., 
late H. M High Commissioner, Cyprus. 
(concluded.) 
After Nicosia fell, Famagusta still held for many 
months. It was the last stronghold of the Vene- 
tians, and its gallant defence by the Venetian 
governor, Bragadino, is a matter of history. For 
eleven months he withstood the constant attacks 
of the Turks, and at last, worn out by losses and 
famine, he surrendered. The Turks, destitute of 
all sense of chivalry towards a brave enemy, reven- 
ged themselves for the losses they had experienced 
by flaying him alive. His skin was ultimately 
given up to the Venetians, and was deposited in an 
urn which was placed in one of the churches jn 
Venice, where it is still to be seen. 
Famagusta was fortified like Nicosia, and was 
jealously guarded by the Turks, The walls were 
kept in good order, and the Venetian guns remain- 
ed on the ramparts. Near the water-gate, in a 
casemated room, were found heaps of decayed and 
rusty armour, which evidently had been thrown 
there after the capture of the city, and had remain- 
ed there ever since. But though the walls of 
Famagusta are in good repair, the city within is in 
mins. Never was there such a city of ruins; in 
the midst appear open spaces of ground, some even 
being ploughed and sown. About 800 persons, ail 
