What I saw on the west coast of South and North America, and at the Hawaiian Islands.: By H. Willis Baxley, M.D.

KILAIJEA.
of the thick surface lamina, or by the subsidence of that below,
leaving extensive intermediate spaces, in some instances distinct,
in others forming a series of apartments communicating with
each other. In these a beautiful process of the finer and more
delicate modelling, moulding, and casting has been conducted
by a secret process, probably a liquefied condensation, and final
solidification of the purer lava vapors, holding in solution metallic bases, which have penetrated into these chambers through
imperceptible fissures leading from lower depths. The results
are imitations of nature's stalactite and stalagmite creations in
the crystal caverns of upper earth; yet more curious in some
instances, in that a greater tenacity before final consolidation
has given greater variety of curve and outline. Many exquisite
resemblances to familiar objects of art have been obtained in
these caves since their discovery by the officers of the United
States Exploring Expedition to the Pacific.
HIaving, reached the northern end of the crater, we sat down
to rest on the last swell of a recent lava tide, fixed in enduring
bronze until another flood shall consume or sweep it again into
the ocean of fire from which it came; then slowly ascending
the steep acclivity to the plateau, which at the outset of the
exploration we compared to an orchestral gallery of a vast
cathedral, we crossed it to the bottom of the rough natural stairway leading to the upper level, which we climbed, wearied and
footsore, glad to reach our habitation for the night, just as the
shades of evening were gathering around to borrow from Kilauea a crimson light, for the golden beams which the setting
sun had borne beneath the ocean that bathes with crested billows, and strives in vain to stay the fiery mountain's boldly encroaching foot.
Supper, seasoned by an appetite coming of toil, having been
despatched with rare relish, we did "not wait upon the order
of our going," but Iaole and Hawaiian, employer and employed,
sought at once, and without ceremony, such repose as might be
had from blanket and mat.
Often during the night we rose to look upon the strange
painting of surrounding nature, as, pencilled with the red light
of inextinguishable fires, it raised on high its bold and glaring
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