The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1900-03-15
Doinesof the Volcanoes.

y Careful study Of the behavior of vol
canoes has enabled observers, In recent
years. to predict with some degree OF &C
curacy when a renewal OF plutonlc ac-
tivity is impending. This was the case
last summer when Mount Aetna for q
few days attracted attention after seven
years OF almost complete quiescence- The
last eruption had occurred in 1852, but IN
the autumn OF 1898 blue flames began to
emerge from the mouth of the largest
) crater and a great deal of vapor was
emitted from the lesser orifices. II was
then announced that Aetna seemed TO
be preparing for an effus1on OF lava, pro-
baby on the south or southwest slopes.
The expected eruption did not begin III
the morning Of July 10Th last, when great
volumes OF smoke with lava and SAND
began to issue from the main crater, aput
after several days the activity gradually
subsidized and Aetna soon resumed us
peaceful aspect
The present generation hears little OF
Santorin among the Cyclades IN the
Aegean Sea, but the volcano Will again
become a centre Of interest il the recent
statement is true that Santorin Is pre-
pairing for another series Of the terrific
explosions and outbursts Of flame that
have always marked its active periods
For thirty years Santorin has been con-
tent with the continuous, mild emission
of gases, but according to the Complies
Rendus OF the French Academy or
Sciences the volcano now exhibits mucn
unrest and an active period is predicted
This is not a pleasing prospect Tor me
inhabitants Of the little island of Thera,
who have long been permitted to produce
their excellent wine in peace. It Is near
the crescent western shore Of Thera that
Santorin has reared itself and two other
lava islands above the sea. When It
finally arouses itself after lonS periods
of Quiescence, no volcano excels at III
the violence OF its outbursts Inc
eruptions between 1856 and 1870 Wnen.
according to Reclus, no less than MAJ.
million of partial eruptions were counteo
in five years, drew Spectators from all
parts Of the world. Including some men
/. of science. whose observations made a
distinct addition to our knowledge OF
volcanic action. In that period the ashes
were sometimes thrown to a height OF
1900 feet, and the immense oltpour1hs
of soriae more than doubled the size OF
the Island of Nea Kammeni-
Old, reliable Strombdai, On Its. islan ro
thirty miles west of the italian province
of Calabrfa, can always be counted on TO
present about the same kind and 1nten-
sity Of phenomena. The latest report
says that seven craters are active and
that the volcano IS Showing its normal
explosive activity Probably for ages
no sailors have passed the island with
out. witnessing an illumination OF the
summit Of Strombolt. Every few minutes
lava bubbles UP in the crater. explosions
are heard and stones are tossed into the
air The spectacle, particularly at night.
sds pleasing. and the island olive growers
gather their crop without fear that
SStromboli will ever misuse them. It has
Its moments OF irritation. however, and and
then the ashes may rise 50 high into
the air as TO be carried off to the coast
of 2Calabria.-New York Sun.