Polynesian., 1852-04-03

lNVs
der-sometimes Ike the quick and sharp rattle of
small arms, and sometimes ike the discharge of ,
park after park of artillery, or the thunderings of
hostile fleets in battle. Often we were startled by
deep subterranean mutterings like the awful throes
and death moans of internal spirits struggling to
break their burning chains.
Then would follow terrific explosion, throwing
up increasing volumes of CORY looking fusion, as
if the hottest blood of hell being poured out
in libations to the God of wrath. In listening
to the internal mutterings, it often seemed
that some resistless power was there gath
ering strength to burst the adamantine ribs of the
mountain, to throw open the very bowels of the
earth and to scatter havoc and devastation every
hand. The sulphurous smoke rushed up from this
awful throat like the breath of the pit, and rolled
off in blue, sable or eecy clouds farther than the
eye could trace. At night these clouds rose and
spread and hung over the mountain, ell glowing
with the reflected radiance of the fires below and
presenting the appearance of a burning frInament.
A great stream of fusion issued from the lower
side of the crater pouring through issure in the
river, and rushing down the mountain side at the
rate, probably, Of 10 miles an hour. This frey
river could be traced in its windings for some 20
or 25 miles.
| approached the crater or the windward side
amidst masses of scoria and punlice which had
been scattered in wild confusion around but, from
the intense heat could not come within 40 yards
of the cone. On the leeward side it would not have
been safe to have come within two miles of it,
on account of the hot sulphurous gasses which
filed the atmosphere in that direction.
After had spent more than half en- hour in ex-
amining this scene of interest, my guide whom
had almost given up, came putting along with
eyes and mouth wide open, and exclaiming ku
paianaha KUPArASAHA aronderful WON
DERFuL!l
AS night drew on we retired a mile from the
crater, where, wrapping in cloak and blanket, we
kept vigils till the dawn of day. Our position was in
full view of the crater and of the long river of fire
which flowed down the mountain. 1t was night
of sleepess interest. The action was intense, the
fire insufferably bright-the detonatons startling
and the whole scene one of unparalleled grandeur
and magnifcence.
down the mountain, reoined the men we had
left, broke up camp, and by forced march reached
the roads at evening. Here we spent the Sabbath,
and on Monday, by hard travelling for 12 hours We
reached home. On this day we travelled 35 miles,
a distance which cost Us more than l-2 days In
the ascent. The reason of the difference is this.
In going up we beat our way at the rate of mile
and fraction an hour, while in returning we were
able to travel three miles per hour.
One little incident of Saturday may be worthy Of
note. At the foot of Mouna Loa we were over
taken with dense fog. and while walking quietly
along we started up herd of wild cattle lying un
der the lee of a copse. eFnas,
Every animal fled at our approach except an
enormous black bull. He reused like lion from
his lair, roared upon US, presented lofty and bold
front and bid us defiance. Our men, though bull
lock hunters were intimldated and cast about to
know what to do. None of US were armed. At
length one of our number roared upon the bull and
rushed forward to intimdate him. But this king Of
the hills shook his head, gave defiant look and
kept planted hoofs. Our hero retreated under
cover Of our ranks.
clubs, we moved forward in phalanx within pistol
shot, shouted awfuy and let go volley of stones.
This strong bull of Bashsn turned reluctantly,
trotted off 2 or 8 rods, wheeled about, presented
the same determined font and again offered battle.
We renewed the charge-again he retreated, and
again stood as if determined to dispute every inch
of ground. We made third charge, when he
tossed his lofty horns on high, gave sullen growl,
and trotting slowly before directly in our path,
made glorious retreat and though we saw him
no more, yet his audacious brow and montado form
haunted our ina agnatons in the mist, like Hamlet's
ghost. We were quite willing that he should die
tate his own terms of capitulation and retire with
all the honors Of man.
Mar. 6.-The great mountain furnace is still in
full blast No decrease of action. The FIRE has
not reached the shore, bat our atmosphere is full
of smoke and ashes, charred leaves, &C., from the
forest, are falling thick around us. The light Is
seen 100 miles at sea, and ships approaching our
coast have received showers of the cinders.
Most truly yours, I. COAN.
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