the idle
theory that all this heat may be produced by the chemical action of
water on beds of sulphates or phosphates just below the surface. The
temperature of the water should be sufficient to show that it comes from
great depths. The writer was unable, from want of a thermometer, to
verify the temperatures of the various springs in the Devil's Canon, but
was told that they average 201 deg., and as most of them were boiling, it
appeared not to be far from the truth. Since Arago discovered, in 1821,
that the deepest artesian wells were the hottest, it has been observed
that the hottest springs are the purest; and from their geological
surroundings, many are proved to come from great depths. The Aguas
Calientes de las Trincheras, near Puerto Cabello, issue from _granite_,
at a temperature of 206 deg.; the Aguas de Comaugillas, near Guanaxuato,
from _basalt_, at 205 deg.. To more fully establish the volcanic origin of
the phenomena of California and Central America, if such a thing were
necessary, it can, however, be shown that similar phenomena are found
around the crater of a volcano in _actual eruption_.

A graphic account of 'White Island,' in the South Pacific, from the pen
of Captain Cracroft, R. N., who visited it with the Governor of New
Zealand, in H. M. S. Niger, speaks of boiling springs, 'geysers,' and
steam-escapes, in connection with a very remarkable active volcano.

As very few are acquainted with this singular island, his description of
his visit is given in full:

'Sunday, _January_ 15, 1862.

'This morning we were well inside the Bay of Plenty, and as the
wind declined to a calm, I got steam up, and stood for White
Island, on which there is a volcano in active operation. The white
cloud of smoke that always hovers over it was in sight before eight
o'clock, in shape like a huge palm tree, and at eleven o'clock, H.
E., the governor, gladly accompanied me ashore, with all the
officers of the ship that could be spared from duty.

'As we approached the island, its aspect was of the most singular
and forbidding description. Except on its northern face, to which
the sulphurous vapor does not appear to reach, it is utterly
destitute of vegetation: here and there are a few patches of
underwood; but in every other direction the island is bald, bleak,
and furrowed into countless deep-worn ravines. The ce