The New York herald., 1846-03-20
Hno, Hawaii, Sept. Is, l545.
Largest Volcano in the Vord-Ascemsion Of its
Tafp R.r

Largest Volcano in the WoHd-Ascemsion Of its
Summit-Iate,csting Particulars, &c.
We arrived here on the 9th ult, after passage Of
2S days from Callao. On coming to anchor, party
of ten, viz five Of our respected selves, four mid
shipmen, and Lieut. Minor, made preparations to
depart the next morning visit to the vol
bread ssgars kaives forks &c. and each provided
himself with blanket and spare suit Of clothes in
cuding woollens and old shoes. The next day. after
brsakfast, went ashore, and hired horses and
kanakas We took five horses between US, that the
riding walking might be divided amongst us in turn;
and each had kanaka, who carried two calabashe
across his shoulders for his clothes, and the other
for such specimens az We might collect Altogether,
we amounted to twenty-five individuals and Ave
horses. All our arrangements being made, We
purchased, Tor stsvss few Of the spears which in
of in good sprs at half past 10 A. NJ The first four
miles went on very well until arrived at the edge OF
wood, where we obtained some water and changed
horses. Those whose turn it was now to walk we
not sorry for it after they had got into the woods
Such travelling scarcely be imagined amidst hills
and holows and gulch and holes and trunks of trees
and lava twisted into all Of shapes which
shoes like glass. Add to this MONDAY sum- which
poured down its rays on the top Of US aud the almost in
sufferable heat which we every now and then expe
rienced when. we got into the guiches whore not a
OF Wind could reach This continued for four
miles more when we emerged from this beauty spot Of
nttne Having taken some refreshments, the walkers
NJ ilnted upon the saddles and we set out more.
road was pretty fair for the next eight miles at the
t- nnaton Of which arrived what is sty led the
half way house, and dismounted for the night. We
were reused bemes in the morning. and having drank
coffee and finished the remains Of the dinner, we
resumed our journey. We had to the part Of
the road where was very advisable to be careful and
watch the advance Of the guide for there danger
within few eet of the path of failing into cavities
or holes, of which could not distinguish the bottom
In this manner, we travelled over lava which had run
down from the crater and hardened for nearly twenty
miles, when we arrived at destination We were now
1000 feet above level Of the sea- and we approach
dA the crater upon level we did not know we were
there until right upon the edge Of it. was thinking at
the time how much further had to walk, when found
yyaavf ~ hnuua horn f.tt
up built within 10 feet of the sida of the volcano
was rather disappointed at first sight as expected TO
see small mountain SNAPPED like cone, which emitted
fire and smoke from its summit; but we such
thing and it is no easy matter to tell what did
cumerence and feet deep IN the bottom of which is
the smaller crater, three miles in circumference, and
nov in active operation The large crater n3w ex
tnct and nothirg is to be in the bottom OF 1t but
solid lava, except such part Of 1t ID taken by the
smaller and the red hot lava which overfows from
it. The cause of our disappointment at first sight was
owing to the presence of the sun preventing from
seeing to advantage But when night set in, certain
ly did behold the grandest sight nature stood
upon the brink of the larger crater and looked down
upon Of red hot lava boiling AMI sparkling beneath
U.s. There = large quantity Of gaseous yaPor escaping
Of cloud, reflects the glare Of the fire, and pre-
sents gorgeous appearance. Early the next
iescend our kanakas carrying each calbash for the
sPecin ems We commenced by making perpendicular
o. 0 during Which we saw but
those who took the lead. When we got down, We
400 feet high, looking as suspendsd in the air and
wanting but tremor the monster in whose heart
remainder Of the descent but in less dangerous sus
ton, when we stood upon solid bed of lava still hot
and all ,s a eight or mime
burnt earth, Sc The lesser crater was now
nearly three miles from us, and we under the ne
picking way numerous crsvices which con-
stantly emit steam The wind blows here in direc
were told that division OF King Kamiha army
encamped in this crater time ago, and when the
wind shifted during the night and oew from the voca
towards them, every man was sufocatcd to death,
and found IN the same position III which they
wers overtaken by the pestlential vapor. The very
spot which we walked burst out afrcsh about Ave
years ago ard, il might do at any time, by
means certain that shculJ pass over II IN safety
Tue principal danger lay perhaps, in change Of wind
but having confidence ia the uniformity Of natures do
ings We continued our way excited only By the de-
sire of witnessing the mighty operation before US We
chaldron and, Standing upon small prscpice Of hard
lava, We had complete view Of the lake, while immc
" coursing along in stream, which reminded one Of
the movements OF the great enemy of man the serpent
When tho party which went last year from the ship
were there the volcano thirty feet below the bot
tom Of the other but being in active operation
It had hled up the lake. and naviug piled up bank Of
rock and lava around it, 1t had opened, facing us, pas
sage sixty feet wids and twenty high through which it
poured continueus and heavy stream OF melted lava
This running under the surface Of lava between and
the crater was gradually raising up to level with
our feet Al irregular intervals jets Of lava boiled up
70 the height ofhiry forty feet from the bosom e
the lakes and atcvsry variation in the wind. We we're
almost sed with heat and the stencil Of sulphur ana
carbonc acid Having satisfied curiosity with look
ing at the wonders before u.s. returned TO the house
the same way that we had come. One portion Of the
party went ahead and had the picturesque effect
msginable 10 see them climbing up the perpendicular
heights. Wo remained at the volcano ali that night
Thc next day reached the halfway house and on
the next-being Sunday-ws arrived ia Hilo about
noon; that we were absent from the ship
Ave days and four nights. Our caterer says that
we consumed two hogs. Ave turkies, chickens,
bushels Of postoes besides bananas tara whortls
berries, &c &c which is not to be wondered at,
siderng that was almost cold winter the top
Of the crater, that slept with a blanket wrapped
round US, and endured such unusual exercise You
havs thus and imperfect sketch Of our visit to
the largest known volcano in the world II is called
Kiiansa, sgniying, in English Curlew, and 10 situated
1t the foot Of the M0noroi mountain