The enquirer southerner., 1874-05-01
MAY l, 1874
FRIDAY
ELECTION AUGUST 9Th, 1874.
VOLCANOES.

AS North Carolina has become
to some extent identified with the
history of volcanoes, it may not be
altogether devoid of interest to COM
pile few facts in regard to these
terrible terrestrial phenomena.
The number of active volcanoes
in the world, that is of those that
have given evidences of having been
in state of eruption within " cons
paratiyeIy short geological period,
is about two hundred and seventy.
Of this number more than three>
fourths occupy the islands or the
shores of the Pacific Ocean. The
Atlantic Ocean and Europe togeth>
er number about thirty-seven volca-
noes, while there is not one on the
entire continent of Africa. There
are ten upon the west coast of
North America, the most active in
the United States being Mt. st.
Helens, on the Columbia river, in
Oregon. With very few exceptions,
the active volcanoes of the world
are found either in islands, or, il on
continents, in situations compara>
lively near the sea>shore. The
position of Bald Mountain is there's
fore not unfavorable for valcano.
The loftiest volcano IN the world is
Aconcaqua lone of the Chilian
Andes) which rises to height of
$4,000 feet.
Eruptions are generally proceeded
by loud subterranean noises, and
frequently by slight shocks of
earthquakes. Fountains and springs
dry up, and the air, pervaded by
an unnatural stiffness, seems close
and oppressive. The sounds are
described as being sometimes Of the
most awful description, and the
noise, according to some. writer's,
resembles discharges of heavy ar
tillery, and awfnl rnarings-
One of the most remarkable in,
stances of volcanic eruptions occur
red in the island of Sumbawa in the
year 1915. 1t commenced on the
9TH of April, and did not entirely
cease until July. It's influence Il. e.
shocks, and the noise of the explo'
sions) was perceptible over an area
1900 miles in diameter, while with
in the range of its more immediate
vicinity, embracing a space of 400
miles, its effects were most terrific
In Java, 300 miles distant, it seem
ed to be awfully present. The SKY
was overcast at noon-day Will
clouds of ashes, which the light o
the sun was unable to penetrate
and fields, streets, and houses wer'
covered with ashes to the depth o
several inches. At Sumbawa itself
immense columns Of fame appeared
TO burst forth from the top of tn
volcano, Tombora, and in a shor
time the whole mountain appeared
like mass Of liquid fire, whicl
gradually extended in every direc
ton. As the eruption continued,
darkness supervened, so profoun'
as to obscure even the light Of tn
flames showers of stones and ashe
fell continuously over the Who'll
island the sea rose twelve fee
higher than it had ever been know
to do before and finally a whirl
wind ensued, which tore up tn
largest trees, and carried them int
the air, together with men horses
cattle, and whatever else cam
within its influence. Of 1900
inhabitants in the vicinity only 81
are believed to have escaped, an
Of some entire villages not even
vestige remained. Numerous othe
instances can be mentioned wher
the terrific effects of volcanoes hav
been felt over hundreds of mile
in distance.
With such facts as these befor
US we could scarcely contemplate
probable eruption at distance Q
only two hundred miles with pei
feet complacency. If there shoul
be u volcano at Bald Mountain tn
effects would to greater or les
degree be sensible at this distanc,
But who believes "Old Badly"
doing anything more than grow
ing?