The Shasta courier., 1867-03-30

thrown high up in the air and being caugh
by the wind are spun out in these fibron,
specimens-the natives call it Goddess PeleS
hair.
Interspersed throughout the vast area o.
the crater, are towering cones, standing al
sentinel at Pele's dreary abode-huge fabrics
with steam and heat issuing from every
pore, while their sides are covered with nu-
merous beautiful stalactites, and other for.
nations, wondrous to behold. The most i'm.
portant Of these cones were ON out direct
route, and could be carefully examined and
admired without additional fatigue or expo
sure. Those on the north east side were ac-
lively employed in blowing off steam with
tremendous force and power. Around their
base the surface is white with vary thir
crust, which would frequently break through
to unpleasant depths. Securing such speci-
mems as we could carry, we pursued our
way to the South lake, which is the father
of all, and is greater in extent than both of
the others combined; yet the action is no
greater, save at times when vast quantities
of concentrated gases find vent On these
occasions, it heaves up an immense bubble,
which upon being blown to its utmost ten
sion, explodes and hurIs with terrible force
vast numbers of ponderous balls of fire high
in the air, which again explode, and fall
like meteors from the sky. Among the
noticible features of this place, are the
young mountains of clean lava rock thrown
up in several places The largest of these
runs diagonally across the crater, and pre-
sents a beautiful appearance. The visitor
will be attracted by these mountains in min
ature, upon his first entrance into the crater,
and will be as much surprised, and highly
pleased with their appearance, as he would
with any other curiosity. Having accom-
plished the tour of the crater, and visited all
points of note, we clambered up the cliff,
and were soon stretched out upon the com.
fortable lounges in the Volcano House.
THE LOOKOUT HOUSE, NIGHT SCENES &c.
AS soon as it was thoroughly dark, ac-
companied by our excellent host, we pro-
ceeded to the look out house, little grass
thatched box, perched on the rim of the era
ter, almost half a mile from the Volcano
House. Here we could look down the bold
bluff precipice. into the boiling lakes beneath,
and watch the antics of those leaping sport
ing jets of fire. The whole surface of that
vast bed was brilliantly illuminated
chasm over which we passed during the day,
seemed like vivid lightning on a midnight
sky. The connecting links between lake
and lake, could be traced distinctly, showing
conclusively that all beneath was liquid
fire, and that at no great distance. 1t was
beautiful and grand beyond description
The entire surface of the North lake (which
was the nearest to us) would boil up as if it
would overflow its walls-sundenly subside,
cool and turn dark. In an instant a dazzling
streak would break across the face of this,
and little fountains of fire would commence
playing, and by degrees would increase in
size until a stream of lava would flow in
another direction, when other assures would
open, and display fountains and cascades of
living fire. When the whole surface was
thus broken up, the fragments and cakes
turned up edgewise and were swallowed in
the surging vortex beneath-Frequently
huge cones would be forced up-explode,
and send forth in every direction balls of fire.
| thought had witnessed some grand
pyrotechnical displays, but 1 frankly con-
fess that if all | have ever witnessed from
my youth up, were combined in one, it would
sink into utter insignifcance compared with
madam Pele's feeblest effort. We returned
to the hotel at late hour, each expressing
great satisfaction in having not only visited,
but explored and examined one of the great
est wonders of the world.