Page:Awful phenomena of nature (1).pdf/12

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on the same side with the sun, a most brilliant circular bow, of a large size, appeared on the opposite side of the fountain; and, on changing sides, having the fountain between me and the sun, I discovered another, if possible still more beautiful, but so small as only to encircle my head. After continuing to roar about half an hour longer, the column of spray visibly diminished, and sunk gradually, till it fell to the same state in which we had observed it the preceding day; the water, boiling at the depth of about twenty feet below the orifice of the shaft.

During the night there had been two large explosions of the Great Geyser, bnt the servant who observed them not awakening us, we were deprived of the sight. However, the loss was made up by the comfortable sleep we enjoyed, of which we had much need, having been fatigued by the ride, and the walks we took after our arrival the preceding day.

At ten minutes before ten, we were attracted to the mound by several loud reports, which were succeeded by a partial eruption; none of the jets exceeding five feet in height. About half ten the reports were reiterated, but no jets ensued; only a gentle rise was observable in the contents of the basin. At eleven we were again gratified with a most brilliant eruption. The jets were ten or twelve in number, and the water was carried to the height of at least sixty feet. Vast clouds of steam, which made their escape during the eruption, continued to roll and spread as they ascended, till they filled the whole