418 
DRS. T. ANDERSON AND J. S. FLETT ON THE ERUPTIONS OF THE 
blown sand strewn by the wind. The rains had up to that time been sufficient to 
erode only on the steeper slopes, while on the more level ground they had sunk into 
the porous, incoherent ash, and the original surface characters were still intact. 
Another photograph, taken at the same time,'*' shows Wallibu plantation and the 
fields to the north of it, witli the Soufriere in the background, emitting a column of 
black smoke. The wind-strewn character of the surface is here also visible on the flat 
grounds, while on tlie steep ridge which rises behind Wallibu the layer of ashes has 
been much thinner, and is already furrowed with rain-rills, and, to a considerable 
extent, has l)een washed away by the running water. 
According to the descriptions given us by those who had occasion to visit the 
devastated country at this time, it was a shadowless wilderness of sand and blasted 
vegetation, in which not a drop of water could be found to drink. The heat of the 
tropical sun was reflected from the hare surface of the sand, making the air intoler¬ 
ably hot, and every breath of wind stirred the fine dust which formed the superficial 
layer of the de^iosit, and blew it into eyes, nostrils, and throat. The rains had not 
yet been sufficient to make the mud coherent or to wash away the finer particles, and 
the ash lay on the level cane fields with an undulating surface resembling that 
of blown snow. Rain was urgently needed to restore the blighted trees and enable 
them to put out fresh leaves. 
In Georgetown and Chateaubelair confidence was rapidly restored, and, owing to 
the influx of the refugees, the villages were crowded Avith jieople. Rations were iioaa' 
being served out daily to the destitute, and settlements erected for their accommoda¬ 
tion, so that there was a bustle of activity, and the streets were thronged. The 
burial of the dead was over, and the living had had time to count their losses and 
were congratulating themselves on their escape. A week iiad elapsed since the great 
eruption ; there had been no further destruction, thougb the devastated country was 
deserted. A few of the inhabitants had been able to return to attend to the inter¬ 
ment of their relatives and friends, and to remoA^e the most valued of their personal 
belongings. As a rule, however, a great aversion to visit tlie scenes of suffering and 
death was manifested l)y the refugees, but they readily adapted themseRes to their 
new surroundings, and Avhen the wounded had recoAmred from their burns and 
injuries, they settled doAAUi AAuthout any great reluctance in the quarters provided for 
them. 
THE ERUPTION OF THE 18th May, 1902. 
The volcano sank into a state of quiescence. After the 15th May no further loud 
noises Avere heard, and the emissions of steam Avere on a A^ery small scale, and took 
place Avithout violence. The ordinary occupations of life Avere resumed, and the 
mountain Avas no longer observed, hour after hour, Avith an interest quickened by 
* See footnote, p. 417. 
