[48] Having heard the same remark with respect to the lava's of Vesuvius, I determined, during an eruption of that Volcano, to watch the progress of a current of lava, and I was soon enabled to comprehend this seeming phaenomenon; though it is, I fear, very difficult to explain. Certain it is, that the lava's, whilst in their most fluid state, follow always the law of other fluids; but when at a great distance from their source, and consequently incumbered with scoriae and cinders, the air likewise having rendered their outward coat tough, they will sometimes (as I have seen) be forced up a short ascent, the fresh matter pushing forward that which went before it, and the exterior parts of the lava acting always as conductors (or pipes, if I may be allowed the expression), for the interior parts, that have retained their fluidity by not having been exposed to the air. [49] The flames Lord Winchelsea mentions, were certainly produced by the lava having met with trees in the way; or perhaps his Lordship may have mistaken the white smoak which constantly rises from a lava (and in the night is tinged by the reflection of the red hot matter), for flame, of which indeed it has greatly the appearance at a distance. I have observed upon Mount Vesuvius, that, soon after a lava has borne down and burned a tree, a bright flame issues from its surface; otherwise I have never seen any flame attending an eruption. THE END. IMPORTED from NAPLES, By T. CADELL, in the Strand. A Collection of Etruscan, Greek, and Roman Antiquities, from the Cabinet of the Hon. Sir WILLIAM HAMILTON, K.B. F.R.S. His Majesty's Envoy Extraordinary at the Court of Naples. The Whole to be comprised in four Volumes Folio. The Plates finely coloured. The Price to Subscribers 9l. 9s. in Sheets; Six Guineas of which is to be paid on the Delivery of the first and second Volumes, and the remaining Three Guineas upon the Delivery of the third and fourth. After the Subscription is closed, the Price will be considerably raised. Specimens of all the Plates of the third Volume are arrived, and the fourth and last Volume is now doing; so that the Public may be assured the Whole of this elegant Work will be finished with all possible Expedition. ** Those Noblemen and Gentlemen who subscribed for the first Volume may have the second upon paying 2l. 2s. Transcriber's Notes