The previous
loud detonations were probably connected with the evolutions of some
"blowing cones," which were now very fierce, and throwing up lava at
the comparatively dead end of the crater. Lone stars of fire broke
out frequently through the blackened crust. The molten river,
flowing from the incandescent lake, had advanced and broadened
considerably. That lake itself, whose diameter has been estimated
at 800 feet, was rose-red and self-illuminated, and the increased
noise was owing to the increased force of the fire-fountain, which
was playing regularly at a height of 300 feet, with the cross
fountains, like wheat-sheaves, at its lower part. These cross-
fountains were the colour of a mixture of blood and fire, and the
lower part of the perpendicular jets was the same; but as they rose
and thinned, this colour passed into a vivid rose-red, and the spray
and splashes were as rubies and flame mingled. For ever falling in
fiery masses and fiery foam: accompanied by a thunder-music of its
own: companioned only by the solemn stars: exhibiting no other
token of its glories to man than the reflection of its fires on mist
and smoke; it burns for the Creator's eye alone. No foot of mortal
can approach it.
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