Page:History of the Royal Society.djvu/181

 Q. 3. Whether there be a Hill in Sumatra, which burneth continually, and a Fountain which runneth pure Balsam?

A. There is a Hill that burneth in Sumatra near Endrapeor; but I cannot hear of any such Fountain; and I believe that the like Hill is upon Java Major opposite to Batavia; for in a clear Morning or Evening, from the Road a Man may perfectly perceive a continual Smoak rise from the top, and vanish by little and little. I have often felt Earthquakes here, but they do not continue long. In the Year 1656, or 57, (I do not remember well the Time) Batavia was cover'd in one Afternoon, about two of the Clock, with a black Dust, which being gather'd together, was so ponderous, that it exceeded the Weight in Gold. I, at that Time, being very ill, did not take much Notice of it, but some have gathered it, and if I light upon it, I shall send you some. It is here thought, it came out of the Hill: I never heard of any that had been upon this Hill's top. Endrapeor is counted a mighty unwholesome Place, as likewise all others where Pepper grows; as Jamby, Banjar, Balingtoan, &c. though some impute it to the Hill's burning.

As for the Fountain, it is unknown to us, except Oleum Terræ is meant by it, which is to be had in Sumatra, but the best comes from Pegu.

Q. 4. What River is that in Java Major that turns Wood into Stone?

A. There is none such to our Knowledge; yet I have seen a Piece of Wood with a Stone at the End of it; which was told me, that was turned into Stone by a River in Pegu; but I took it but for a Foppery; for divers Arbusta grow in Rocks, which being Rh