SANDWICH ISLANDS. 
185 
At least one half of these were in activity, but it appears 
that the same are by no means constantly so; nay, that 
often older cones fall in, and new ones are formed elsewhere 
in the bottom of the pit. Some eject stones and fragments 
of rock, others throw out ashes only, while, from their dark 
or sulphur-coloured flanks, lavas and sometimes water issues; 
many of the cones emit vapours which, condensed, form 
beautiful beds of sulphur, others are distinguished by the 
wreathed columns of white and black, that indicate steam 
and smoke, curled round each other by the wind, but never 
mixing. 
We remarked, that within the sunken plain, and near 
the great crater, which the natives call Kairauea, there are 
pools of fresh cool water, doubtless furnished by the steam 
from below, which, condensing here, forms these pools, where 
numerous wild birds resort, and which are shadowed by reeds 
and bushes. 
Night increased the magnificence, perhaps the horror, of 
the scene. The volcano caused what Defoe calls “ a ter¬ 
rible light in the air.” The roar occasioned by the escape 
of the pent up elements, and the fearful character of the 
surrounding scenery, suited with that light; and all im¬ 
pressed us with the sense of the present Deity, such as 
B B 
