The History of Java, v. 1-2Raffles, Thomas Stamford, Sir
History
The History of Java, v. 1-2
Raffles, Thomas Stamford, Sir
Java (Indonesia) -- History
"This stream of lava, like all the others of later date which I
have examined on the island, does not consist of a connected mass
of fluid lava, united like a stream of melted metal; at least on
the surface where it is exposed to view. It is made up of separate
masses, which have an irregular (generally oblong or cubical)
shape, and lie upon each other as 'loose disjointed clods,' in an
immense variety of disposition. In some of these fragments I think
I could observe a tendency to assume the regular basaltic figure.
During its course down the steeps of the mountain, the stream,
as has been observed, forms the long connected ridge (which has
been described above, in the account of the volcanos, as generally
covering the sides); but having arrived at the foot and spread
more at large, these lumps of lava dispose themselves, in some
instances, in plains, bounded by deep vallies: now they rise to
a considerable height, and form a steep perpendicular eminence;
then again they are piled upon each other more gradually, and
appear rising by steps and divisions. But to give an accurate
description of the arrangement of these fragments of lava would be
unnecessarily prolix, and would require, to be clearly understood,
a good drawing. In different places, the sulphureous vapours have
forced their way through the interstices of the blocks of lava. The
sides of their outlets (whose form is very irregular) is covered
with a white calcareous crust; and the heat is so great, that small
pieces of paper thrown into them are immediately singed.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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