umn of water, the action ceases, and the water that had filled the
basin sinks down into the well. There it remains till the time for the
next eruption, when the same phenomena are repeated. It has been found
that, by throwing large stones into the well, the period of the eruption
may be hastened, while the loudness of the explosions and the violence
of the fountain effect are increased, the stones being at the same time
ejected with great force.

ERUPTION CAN BE INDUCED BY ARTIFICIAL MEANS

Geysers are found all over the island, presenting various peculiarities.
In the case of one of the smaller ones, which is called Strokr, or the
Churn, an eruption can be induced by artificial means. A barrow-load of
sods is thrown into the crater of the geyser, with the effect of causing
an eruption. The sensitiveness of Strokr is due to its peculiar form.
An observer states that, "The bore is eight feet in diameter at the
top, and forty-four feet deep. Below twenty-seven feet it contracts to
nineteen inches, so that the turf thrown in completely chokes it. Steam
collects below; a foaming scum covers the surface of the water, and in
a quarter of an hour it surges up the pipe. The fountain then begins
playing, sending its bundles of jets rather higher than those of
the Great Geyser, flinging up the clods of turf which have been its
obstruction like a number of rockets. This magnificent display continues
for a quarter of an hour or twenty minutes. The erupted water flows
back into the pipe from the curved sides of the bowl. This occasions a
succession of bursts, the last expiring effort, very generally, being
the most magnificent. Strokr gives no warning thumps, like the Great
Geyser, and there is not the same roaring of steam accompanying the
outbreak of the water."

The same author thus describes an eruption of the Great Geyser, which
occurred about two o'clock in the morning: "A violent concussion of the
ground brought me and my companions to our feet. We rushed out of the
tent in every condition of dishabille and were in time to see Geyser put
forth his full strength. Five strokes underground were the signal, then
an overflow, wetting every side of the mound. Presently a dome of
water rose in the centre of the basin and fell again, immediately to
be followed by a fresh bell, which sprang into the air fully forty feet
high, accompanied by a roaring burst of steam. Instantly the fountain
began to play with the utmost violence,