| Description | Responding to advertisement in The Times. Passed through pumice flow four times whilst employed by Natal Government transporting emigrants between Natal and India, and vice versa. Initially struck by the large scale covered by the pumice, and wondered how such a large quantity could pass through an outlet such the Sunda Strait and spread so far. Observed that there were distinct varieties of pumice, some having been in the water a much longer time, as they were covered in barnacles and marine growths. Concludes there must have been several explosions spread over time. To answer for the far South distance reached by the pumice, he suggests submarine eruptions between Java and Australia. Speculates other volcanic activity that could be the root cause. Discusses currents and winds. |