Among the Asiatic burning mountains, a brief account of which we
introduce after the above interesting notice of the grand Himalaya
chain, those of Japan are both remarkable and numerous. On the summit of
a mountain in the province of Figo, is a large cavern, formerly the
mouth of a volcano, but the flame of which has ceased, probably for want
of combustible matter. In the same province, near a religious structure
called the Temple of the Jealous God of Aso, a perpetual flame issues
from the top of a mountain. In the province of Tsickusen is another
burning mountain, where was formerly a coal-pit, which having been set
on fire by the carelessness of the workmen, has been burning ever since.
Sometimes a black smoke, accompanied by a very disagreeable stench, is
observed to issue from the summit of a famous mountain called Fesi, in
the province of Seruga. This mountain is said to be nearly as high as
the peak of Teneriffe, but in shape and beauty is supposed not to have
an equal. Its top is covered with perpetual snow. Belonging to the
Japanese cluster, and not far from Piranda, is a small rocky island,
which has been burning and trembling for many centuries; and in another
small island, opposite to Santzuma, is a volcano which has been burning
at different intervals for many ages.
Captain Gore, when leaving Japan, passed by great quantities of
pumice-stone, several pieces of which were taken up, and found to weigh
from one ounce to three pounds. It was conjectured that these stones had
been thrown into the sea by eruptions at various times, as many of them
were covered by barnacles (small shells) and others were quite bare.