I.—A Visit to the Volcano of Oshima

Abstract

Looking at a map of Asia, or, still better, at a map of Japan, there will be seen a string of islands stretching from near the entrance of the Bay of Yeddo in a more or less southerly direction towards the Bonins. It is very probable that all these islands are of volcanic origin. With the exception of one or two of them, which within the last few years have given off a few curling wreaths of steam, they might strictly be defined as being dormant, having given vent neither to fire nor smoke within the history of their inhabitants. In this respect they are similar to many of the volcanic cones in Japan, with which they are also probably coincident in age. A short time ago, however, during the first week in January, a great change was observed in the most northern of these islands, which is called Oshima. Ships coming into Yokohama brought news that the island was on fire. One captain reported that flames 200 feet in height were seen. Although Oshima was an island which three years previously had been giving out clouds of smoke, and seven years before that had been actually in eruption, it was thought by many that the conflagration was due to the burning of grass or wood, and it was not till some days had passed that the true state of affairs became fully recognized.