Volcanic operations can go on very nearly as well at the bottom of the sea, as upon dry land; and if you remember what I told you before, respecting the mode in which the currents of lava flow, you will not be much surprised to hear that their progress is not stopped by the water, though it may be somewhat impeded. It is certain that the streams often travel a great way at the bottom of the sea. When a Volcano breaks out under the sea, if the eruption send out a sufficient quantity of lava, and stones and dust, it gets above the surface and makes such a Volcano as Stromboli. If the Volcano should afterwards become quiet, then an island is the result, and if large enough, it may be inhabited. A great many of the islands of the South Sea, and some of the Greek islands, originated in this manner; and, only two or three years ago, an island suddenly rose up off the coast of Sicily, and was taken possession of in due form by a British captain, in the name of the king of England; but, as the land consisted of loose earth, and had not much lava to bind it together, it soon sunk down, and now no trace of it is to be seen. OF THE GEYSERS OF ICELAND. There are many Volcanoes in Iceland, and the whole island seems to have been the produce of Volcanic agency. I am going to describe to you one of the most singular proofs of this. Geysers are springs which spout out at intervals great streams of hot water. The name is taken from the Icelandic word, _geysa_, which signifies, _to rage_, or, _burst forth violently_. [Illustration: PLATE VII. GEYSERS OF ICELAND] The Icelanders are a very simple, excellent people, and exceedingly kind and hospitable to strangers. This is not the place for me to tell you how much kindness I experienced among them; but if I were to do so, you would have as high a regard for them as I have. They have in general a considerable degree of intelligence, but I was surprised to find that a great many of them did not know where the Geysers were, or anything about them. There are many springs of the same kind in several parts of Iceland; but those that are generally known as _the Geysers_, are near the town of Haukadal, in the south-west part of Iceland. To these I went in company with four other persons, and a guide. After a dreary ride through a wild volcanic looking country, we left our horses in a safe place, and then, proceeding some distance on foot, we saw clouds of steam arising over the hills before us. A little further on we got into the plain, where the Geysers are situated, which is full of boiling springs and holes sending out steam like the valve of a steam-boiler. The great Geyser is at the top of a hillock, which seems to have been formed in the course of years by the substances which the hot water holds in solution, and deposits as it cools.