Polynesian. [volume] (Honolulu [Oahu], Hawaii) 1844-1864, 1851-11-08

found engraved on large piece of lava "Pen-
'iulum Peak, JAN, Is4l. U. S. Ex" The fall
len kanaka soon came into camp, nll were com
planning OF headache, ,throbing pulse, Sc. a good
strong cup of tea, and repose refreshed them,
but IL was evident in the morning they were at
tackled with symptoms of the mountain fever.
Having previously suffered from this complaints
and found immediate relief in double dose Of
sehltz powders, we gave such to the whole party.
! then sat out alone examining that position Of
the mountain. | had designed making transit
from east TO west, traversing the southern rim of
Mokuoweoweo until unexpectedly come to the
pit Of Pohakuohanalie, which connects with
Mokuoweoweo, an awful pit to look on-aseend.-
ing an eminence near, discovered third crater,
in that of Pohakuohanalie, and from its appear
ance doubted the possibility of crossing it, re-
turned towards Pendulum Peak with the de-
termination to attempt the northern transit :.
Shortly after seeing my companion advancing.
with the kanakas, determined to await (mnk
ing a sketch of the crater Of Mokuoweoweo in.
the interim) the result of consulution-it was.
tracing my steps until we came to the southern,
extremity of Pohakuohanalie, where we en-
counered brittle, bright, black shining lava, 40
feet high, that had flowed from the crater miles.
south running n. until it fell into PohakuhannIie,
and extending to the west as far as the eye could
reach. When our guide came to this, he seemed
disappointed and discouraged, declaring the pas
4 .hr,
sed this point few weeks since,-say no impede
ment existed ihen-consequenlly, we may con-
ciude we had reached point within short dis
tance Of the eruption which took place the 9Th
of Aug, and actually on the lava that was
thrown out, and at the point to the crater
10 be attained at present.
Notwithstanding this Formidable obstruction,
we determnedly persevered until the fraty of
its texture giving way beneath endangered our
limbs, and safety of our provisions contained in
the calabashes. Our guide fell and lacerate'i one
of his legs, this, together with the other dficnI-
ties induced us to turn back and seek another
transit to the south. After continuing along tho
edge of the stream without any favorable pros
pect, we returned again to the first point, encour-
aged 10y the ardor Of my companion, Mr.. G.,who
is light and active, and who volunteered 10 attempt
il alone. He succeeded in crossing and assembled
cone from which he perceived difficulties to in
crease by advancing he returned quickly, meet
ing me about two thirds over the lava, near the
brink Of Pohakuahanalie, with the kanakas, en-
deavoring to follow, but from the extreme heat
issuing either from assure beneath US, or the
still heated state of the lava. they protested
against the practicahiry of passing with their
burrhens il was now late in the cay, we there
fore deemed il most prudent to return TO Pendu-
Ium Peak if possible that night. On reaching
the southern rim of Mokuoweoweo, we found a
poi peste, and soon after, the skeletons Of two
human bodies, who had evidently perished to-
gether, as they were laying with their arms em-
hraciug each other. A stick was laying beside
them their bones were bleached TO whiteness-
the hair of one was yellow.
My companions experienced great suffering
shortly after reaching the peak, and the kanakas
declared if proceeded further must 60 alone,
as they would return to Hilo the next morning.
The terminal Of crater on Mouna Loa is Ma
connecting with Pohakuhanalie, s
miles to the S. of which is the seat Of eruption of
Aug. sth. Mokuoweoweo was giving forth
voumn Of smoke during our sojourn ut PEN
dulum Peak. This mountain is unlike any 1
have ever visited The dome forms its own hor-
lion, and is of the most perfect desoIaiion no
earth or sand is visible after leaving its base IL
is formed if currents oflava, which, overfowipg
these pits, have run dexn It's sides for ages, ia-
creasing its size at every eruption. am doubt.
ful of the term volcano is The most appropriate
one for these chadrons, as they make lille noise,
10 not explode, or throw their product further
than their rims, boiling over at the lowest level
down on the lower country, or break through.
some untitled chasm, on The levels near the base.
When the water remains on it, il uDdergoes de-
composition, breaking up in cubes or forming
coarse sand we could find no compact obsidium.
or perfect crystalized hasait.
Referring TO Com. Wilkes, on his transit from
east to west Of Mokuoweoweo, be says "sce
passed round Pohakuohdnalie the small
crafer to the south Is bat small pit in
comparison ,rith the Others, and does not
appear to hare discharged lara orer its edge."-
Now the passage Is covered with lava from t" this
small crater to the south" Natives who lately
crossed there say, il did not exist then. These
circumstances, together with The present heated
state of the lava, in so cold an altitude, strength
pn our belief that il the seat Of the late erup-
licn ne attained. And all have 10 regret on the
subject il, that we cuukl not have followed is
down the western drrlivity Of the mountain.
We reached HiIo by four day's march from
the summit, all well, except my companion Mr..
G. ] have written these lines in great haste,
hoping you viii make due allowance for not Civ.
ing you more satisfactory Information on the
subject. Yours respectfully.
! % = rtc n SaxfY1NS