PBOF. GAETANA PONTE, the courageous Director of the Etna Observatory, describes the present eruption of Etna as being far more violent than the outbreaks of 1910, 1911, and 1923, all of which began to diminish in intensity after four or five days. The eruption began on Nov. 2 with a dense emission of ash-charged gas from the north-eastern slopes. Observation was difficult on account of mist, but it was noticed that lava began to flow copiously from three different places during that afternoon. The next morning lava broke through still more vigorously east of Mascali, and since then almost every day has seen the appearance of a new fissure. The torrent of lava that descended the Villonaccio valley quickly surrounded Mascali, and by Nov. 7 the little town was destroyed. In the valley to the north the lava has crossed the main railway line and reached the sea. A third flow in the valley to the south seriously threatens Carrabba and the larger town of Giarre. Here soldiers have been blasting out a depression to conduct the lava to the sea. On Nov. 8, Prof. Ponte flew over the great volcano and reported lava streams from several of the central craters. He predicted that the eruption would continue for at least another week. Since then a copious stream has started from a fissure five miles north-west of Mascali. Reports dated Nov. 12 stated that there had been a decrease in activity and it was hoped that the halt of the lava flow would be definite. Already a rich agricultural district of fertile gardens and orchards has been overwhelmed, and villages, bridges, roads, viaducts, cables, and water pipes have been destroyed. There has been little loss of life owing to efficient evacuation organisation, and already refugees are employed in making a new road from Giarre towards Annunziata.