The cone of Etna is, in a right line, about a mile in ascent. The crater is about a mile and a half in circumference; and from the inner part of this, a column of smoke constantly rises; while the liquid fiery matter may be seen rolling, rising and falling within. As to the vastness and beauty of the prospect from the summit of Etna, all writers agree that it is probably unsurpassed. M. Houel was there at sunrise, when the horizon was perfectly clear, and the coast of Calabria, as seen in the distance, appeared to the eye misty, and undistinguishable from the sea. The sky above was specked with the light floating clouds that are so often seen in that delightful climate before the rising of the sun; and in the calm silence all nature seemed waiting the coming of the orb of day. And very soon the promise thus given began to be fulfilled. In a short time a fiery radiance appeared in the east. The fleecy clouds were tinged with purple; the atmosphere became strongly illuminated, and, reflecting the rays of the sun, seemed to be filled with a bright refulgence of flame. Although the heavens were thus enlightened, the sea still retained its dark azure, and the fields and forests did not yet reflect the rays of the sun. The gradual rising of this luminary, however, soon diffused light over the hills which lie below the peak of Etna. This last stood like an island in the midst of the ocean, with luminous points multiplying every moment around, and spreading over a wider extent with the greatest rapidity. It was, he said, as if the world had been observed suddenly to spring from the night of non-existence. “Ere the rising sun Shone o’er the deep, or ’mid the vault of night The moon her silver lamp suspended; ere The vales with springs were watered, or with groves Of oak or pine the ancient hills were crowned; Then the Great Spirit, whom his works adore, Within his own deep essence viewed the forms, The forms eternal of created things: The radiant sun; the moon’s nocturnal lamp; The mountains and the streams: the ample stores Of earth, of heaven, of nature. From the first, On that full scene his love divine he fixed, His admiration. Till, in time complete, What he admired and loved, his vital power Unfolded into being. Hence the breath Of life, informing each organic frame; Hence the green earth, and wild resounding waves; Hence light and shade, alternate; warmth and cold; And bright autumnal skies, and vernal showers, And all the fair variety of things.”—AKENSIDE.