SIR TUOMAS STASIFORD RAFFLES. 
81 
in every direction, propagated the effects of the 
explosion through the space of many miles. It is 
estimated that in extent of ground, of the moun- 
tain itself and its immediate environs, fifteen miles 
long and full six broad, ivas hy this commotion 
swallowed up in the bowels of the earth. Several 
persons sent to examine the condition of the neigh- 
bourhood, made report that they found it impossible 
to approach the mountain, on account of the heat of 
the substances which covered its circumference, and 
which were piled on each other to the height of 
three feet, although this was the 24th of September, 
full six weeks after the catastrophe. It is also 
mentioned that forty villages, partly swallowed up 
by the ground, and partly buried by the substance 
thrown out, were destroyed on this occasion ; and 
that 2957 of the inhabitants perished. A pro- 
portionate number of cattle was also destroyed; 
and most of the plantations of cotton, indigo, and 
coffee, in the adjacent districts, were buried under 
the volcanic matter. The effects of that explosion 
are still very apparent in the remains of this 
volcano.” 
Alluvial districts, evidently of recent origin, are 
noticed in several parts of the island. These are 
formed from the sediment, and near the discharge 
of large rivers, and at the border of the calcareous 
ridges, which are in many instances partially ruined 
by them ; their boundary can easily he traced, and 
most of them are in a state of constant progres- 
VOL. vm. 
F 
