406 
APPENDIX. C. 
of fire are called by the natives Stenaa (stone- 
flood); and afforded, during the day, a blue flame, 
resembling that of sulphur; but the smoke which 
arose from all parts in a great measure hindered 
it from being seen. During the night the whole 
extent of the horizon was illuminated, and the 
higher regions of the atmosphere became red. 
Balls of fire were hurled from the stenaa as weH 
as from the burning mountain, and were the 
means, together with the surrounding redness of 
the atmosphere, of announcing to the inhabitants 
at a considerable distance the dreadful disaster. 
Katlegiaa in the southern part of the island 
ejected a great torrent of water on the 17th of Oc¬ 
tober, 1755, which inundated an extent of country 
fifteen miles long and twelve wide, sweeping away 
in its impetuous course numerous masses of ice, to 
which were attached pieces of rock of great size. 
Whilst the minds of the natives were occupied 
in the reflection of the dreadful consequences 
that were likely to ensue from this extraordinary 
phenomenon, as well as from the accompanying 
earthquake, a noise was heard like that of thunder, 
when immediately a rapid discharge of fire and 
water took place alternately from the mountain, 
attended by most frightful and horrible roarings, , 
which continued, with but slight intermission. 
