d a full and
glorious view of the western side of the Paredao. The upper stratum
showed a slight dip north, then there was a ledge on which grass seemed
to flourish, and below it two parallel strata in a wavy line from north
to south. Those two strata could be traced again--after a dip--in the
range with two cones, separated as we have seen by a deep gap from the
great wall-cliffs of the Paredao. The indication of what must have been
once an enormous dome over a huge cavity or cauldron could be noticed in
the western cliff, and also numerous chambers, large and small--at least,
judging by the arches in great numbers noticeable in the wall. In other
words, you had there the same effect as the one often seen in cities when
houses are pulled down and the remains of the various rooms are visible
on the remaining side walls.

Looking north as we left the disturbed region of the Paredao Grande, we
came upon a great valley, with a depression in its centre. We were still
travelling on volcanic ochre-coloured sand in deep layers, especially as
we rose to an altitude of 2,350 ft., overlooking a huge basin. We had
then a good general view of the southern aspect of the Paredao Grande. In
its side a huge gap with vertical walls--a vent perhaps--could be
noticed, reaching as far as the summit of the mountain. It was
interesting to note that all the great cracks in the earth's crust found
in that region almost invariably had a direction from north to south, so
that the ranges which remained bordering them must have split in a
lateral movement east and west.

Six kilometres from camp through the forest we came upon some singularly
delicious green, smooth grassy slopes. In other places were perfectly
circular or oval concave basins of volcanic ashes, in the centre of which
stood charming groups of _burity_ palms and trees with most luxuriant
foliage. These _bosquets_ existed in the hollow of all the basins where
profuse infiltrations of moisture caused the luxuriant vegetation.

We were at an elevation of 2,350 ft. On going down to a stream (elev.
2,130 ft.) we encountered great flows of lava. It had flowed in a
westerly direction. We were proceeding through enchanting vegetation when
we came to a second and a third _cuvette_ or basin adorned with plentiful
healthy palms in its central point.

As I was admiring the curious sight of these clusters of high vegetation
absolutely surrounded by a wide band of lawn--such as one would see i