BATHYBIA.
calculated to yield a maximum of information in a minimum of time. Time, however, was now becoming a serious matter. though new information never failed. Since leaving the great salt basin of the central regions, our track had consistently risen. The total amount of this elevation now amounted to close on 6,000 feet. The jungle was fast becoming too dense to penetrate. Therefore, as a final coup before retracing our steps, we decided to ascend a high volcanic cone lying close by our course. From its summit, some 17,000 feet above, much information might be gained.
A summer snow cap descended for about 4,000 feet, whilst a perpetual wreath of smoke curled upwards from the summit.
It was noon three days later when we made our camp just below the snow line. The afternoon was spent by most of us in a visit to the summit.
Hydrocarbons were escaping from fissures in the ground near the summit, whilst continuous flames played about the crater, where the greater heat kept the escaping gases ignited. The rocks were very basic and heavy. Metallic iron occurred in many of the outcrops, and copper fibres were observed in not a few.
However interesting these observations were, they did not prevent us drinking in the distant panorama.
