SULPHUR BANKS. 
241 
water warm, but in this we were also agreeably- 
disappointed. When we had quenched our thirst 
with water thus distilled by nature, we directed 
the natives to build a hut in which we might pass 
the night, in such a situation as to command a 
view of the burning lava; and while they were 
thus employed, we prepared to examine the many 
interesting objects around us. Mr. Bishop returned, 
with a canteen of water, to meet Mr. Harwood, who 
had not yet come up. 
Mr. Thurston visited the eastern side of the 
great crater, and I went with Mr. Goodrich to 
examine some extensive beds of sulphur at the 
north-east end. After walking about three- 
quarters of a mile over a tract of decomposed lava, 
covered with ohelo bushes and ferns, we came to a 
bank about a hundred and fifty yards long, and 
in some places upwards of thirty feet high, formed 
of sulphur, with a small proportion of red clay or 
ochre. The ground was very hot; its surface rent 
by fissures; and we were sometimes completely 
enveloped in the thick vapours that continually 
ascended. A number of apertures were visible 
along the whole extent of the bank of sulphur; 
smoke and vapours arose from these fissures also; 
and the heat of the sulphur around them was more 
intense than in any other part. Their edges were 
fringed with fine crystals, in various combinations, 
resembling what are called flowers of sulphur. We 
climbed about half way up the bank, and endea¬ 
voured to break off some parts of the crust, but 
soon found it too hot to be handled. However, 
by means of our walking-sticks, we detached some 
curious specimens. Those procured near the 
surface were crystallized in beautiful acicular 
prisms, of a light yellow colour; while those found 
IV. R 
