Visit to a Volcano in Savaii

VISIT TO A VOLCANO IN SAVAII. BY ELDER WILFORD A. PORTER, OF THE SAMOAN MISSION. The Samoan or Navigators' Islands are a group in the western Pacific, lying in 184 deg. to 14 deg. S. Lat. and 168 deg. to 173 deg. W. Long. The group consists of nine islands, including several small islets, many of which are not inhabited. They are of Volcanic formation, and for the most part surrounded with coral reefs. The four larger islands are very mountainous, and are in- habited principally by native Samoans. However, there are a great many foreigners, some of whom are owners of large cocoa- nut plantations. The products of the islands are chiefly vegetable. Cocoanut-trees, however, take first place in importance. Savaii, the westernmost island in the group, is about 50 miles in length, by 30 in breadth ; its highest peak rises nearly .5,000 feet above the sea. In the month of August, 1905, a violent eruption oc- curred on one of the highest peaks; a volcano having broken out about tA'elve miles inland, and south of the Matantie district. Prior to this outbreak, several large, native villages were situated along the north-east coast of the island, and also native planta- tions some distance inland. There were likewise a few large cocoanut plantations owned by foreigners; since the outbreak of the volcano, these have been totally destroyed by the lava. The natives have been forced to leave their homes, and seek places of refuge on other parts of the island, where they have received accommodations from their friends. The volcano has done considerable damage to plantations, and much good land has been ruined; and that part of the island which was once dotted with comfortable, native houses, and thrifty

520 IMPROVEMENT ERA. plantations, which supplied the husbandman with the necessaries of life, are now buried beneath the great lava beds. In January, 1907, the writer, in company with a number of fel- low missionaries, visited the crater. We went from a small village on the coast, by the name of Wanase, journeying some distance through one of the thick forests, so common in this land; when we arrived at the newly made lava bed, located about one mile south of the crater, we found ourselves confronted with great heaps of cold lava rock. In order to reach the point desired, it was necessary to climb some of these heaps. We were soon at the top of the main bed. The lava was cool enough, so that we could travel without much diffi- culty. We continued until we arrived at the cone, which appeared to be about 200 feet high; we commenced to climb, and, after a little exertion, arrived at the top. Looking into the mouth of the crater, we here beheld the great lake of red hot lava a few hun- dred feet below us. It presented a most beautiful sight and ap- peared like a great lake of fire and brimstone, boiling, splashing, roaring and rumbling, its great waves, madly dashing against the rocky reef. We remained at the crater only a few moments, as the weather was very disagreeable, making it difficult at times to obtain a good On the Outside of the Crater, Savaii, Samoa.

VISIT TO A VOLCANO IN SAVAII. 521 view of the fire. After gathering a few specimens, we made our way back, feeling grateful for the opportunity of beholding such a wonder, for it may indeed be numbered among the wonders of the world. The Latter-day Saints believe in the predictions uttered by the ancient prophets of God, in regard to the great calamities which the Lord in his wrath will pour out upon the earth, pre- vious to his coming. As we returned, therefore, we could not help but reflect that surely the days of burning are coming upon the earth, when the wicked are to be destroyed by fire, earthquakes and famine. The islands of the seas are being visited with famine, pestilences, tidal-waves, volcanic eruptions, and great earthquakes and wind- storms. There have been fire and earthquakes in many lands, so much so, that great cities have been shaken to the earth; thou- sands of people have been buried beneath the debris of fallen struc- L;na Running into tiic Sea— Savaii, Saiiio.i.

522 IMPRO VEMENT ERA tures, and thousands have perished in the maddening course of the flames. Surely there must be weeping and wailing among the hosts of men, men's hearts failing them for fear, and for looking after those things which are coming. All of these things, measured by the words of prophecy, certainly furnish food for reflection, especially to the Latter-day Saints; and these great events should impress upon the minds of all, the necessity of living worthily be- fore the Lord in order that we may escape the judgments of the last days, Savaii, Samoa. ALONE. (For the Improvement Era.) Alone in the evening of life, When human hearts fail us, we turn With the darkness of night at the To our Father in heaven above, door, And grand are the lessons we learn. Alone where grim shadows are rife. Of his wisdom, his mercy, his love. That loom o'er the dim, mystic shore. Alone? Never more if we will Alone when the keen frosts of age That angels should hover around; Are bleaching the locks of soft hair, Every righteous demand let us fill, Alone near the end of life's page, While faith, hope and goodnes^ Be it blotted or shining and fair. abound. Alone, though the sickle of death Then knowledge and joy will attend. By the reaper is still held aloof, Every gloomy foreboding will flee, A foe with far deadlier breath. And the voice of thanksgiving ascend, Once crept under Eden's fair roof. King Death has no terror for me A strong arm for refuge hung near His hand will but pave the short way Ere the beauty of youth passed away. That leads to a heavenly rest, Whose loving hand dried every tear, Amid the bright regions of day, Alas, it is absent today. To dwell with the true and the blest. Mary A. Farnsworth. Colouia Garcia, Mexico.