Page:Popular Science Monthly Volume 86.djvu/307

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The falling matter must have been the stones and coarser material in distinction from the fine ash forming the top of the column of smoke. Professor Shaw’s observation is the only one received by the writer that indicates the height to which the heavier fragments were thrown. “Two thirds” of the column would indicate a height of 8,000 feet.

There seems to be entire agreement by all the competent observers who were fortunately situated that in none of the eruptions has there been any molten lava emitted. Sunset glow upon the steam clouds has most probably accounted for some of the “flames” reported to the newspapers. Samples of the ash were submitted to Professor A. S. Eakle, of the Mineralogy Department of the University of California, and his report follows.