Page:Life in Java Volume 1.djvu/178

160 in consequence of their exposure to atmospheric influences, they resemble rickety fishing-stakes. A few more visits of the annual tide of pilgrims will probably soon annihilate them altogether.

The ground on which we now stood—for we alighted at the foot of these steps—seemed literally to tremble under us, and the noise of the crater was quite terrific. The smoke, forcing its way through large apertures in the sides, made a hoarse grumbling sound like that of an impatient steam engine; and sulphureous odours impregnated the air, almost choking us with their powerful odour. We ascended the rough steps, and soon gained the ridge, where a new sight struck us with wonder and amazement. The crater, when we looked down into its dreadful abyss, seemed a perfect pandemonium; and one could well fancy, on beholding a spectacle so grand and appalling, what must have been the conjectures suggested to the minds of ignorant, superstitious natives. What more