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Martinique
Sketches.
commission being obliged to lower themselves down a succession of precipices with cords of lianas ; and it is noteworthy that their researches were prosecuted in spite of the momentary panic created by another outburst. It was satisfactorily ascertained that the main force of the explosion had been exerted within a perimeter of about one thousand yards ; that various hot springs had suddenly gushed out,—the temperature of the least warm being about 3 7 Reaumur ( 1 1 6 F.) ;— that there was no change in the configuration of the mountain ;—and that the terrific sounds had been produced only by the violent outrush of vapor and ashes from some of the rents. In hope of allaying the general alarm, a creole priest climbed the summit of the volcano, and there planted the great cross which gives the height its name and still remains to commemorate the event. There was an extraordinary emigration of serpents from the high woods, and from the higher to the lower plantations,—where they were killed by thousands. For a long time Pelée continued to send up an immense column of white vapor ; but there were no more showers of ashes ; and the mountain gradually settled down to its present state of quiescence. 0
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II. F R O M St. Pierre, trips to Pelée can be made by several routes ;—the most popular is that by way of Morne Rouge and the Calebasse ; but the summit can be reached in much less time by making the ascent from different points along the coast-road to Au Prêcheur,—such as the Morne St. Martin, or a well - known path further north, passing near the celebrated hot springs ÇFontaines Chaudes). You drive towards Au Prêcheur, and begin the ascent on foot, through cane-plantations.... T h e road by which you follow the north-west coast round the skirts