In 1811, several mouths opened on the eastern side of the mountain: being nearly in the same line, and at equal distances, they presented to the view a striking spectacle; torrents of burning matter, discharged with the greatest force from the interior of the volcano, illuminated the horizon to a great extent. An immense quantity of matter, which was driven to considerable distances, was discharged from these apertures, the largest of which continued for several months to emit torrents of fire. Even at the time when it had the appearance of being choked, there suddenly issued from it clouds of ashes, which descended, in the form of rain, on the city of Catania and its environs, as well as on the fields situated at a very considerable distance. A roaring, resembling that of a sea in the midst of a tempest, was heard to proceed from the interior of the mountain; and this sound, accompanied from time to time by dreadful explosions, resembling thunder, reëchoed through the valleys, and spread terror on every side. MOUNT VESUVIUS. “The fluid lake that works below, Bitumen, sulphur, salt, and iron scum, Heaves up its boiling tide. The lab’ring mount Is torn with agonizing throes. At once, Forth from its sides disparted, blazing pours A mighty river; burning in prone waves, That glimmer through the night, to yonder plain. Divided there, a hundred torrent streams, Each plowing up its bed, roll dreadful on, Resistless. Villages, and woods, and rocks, Fall flat before their sweep. The region round, Where myrtle-walks and groves of golden fruit Rose fair; where harvest wav’d in all its pride; And where the vineyard spread its purple store, Maturing into nectar; now despoiled Of herb, leaf, fruit and flower, from end to end Lies buried under fire, a glowing sea!”—MALLET.