2 AUGUST 1856, Page 2

An awful volcanic visitation of the Moluccas is remarkable for

the extent of the destruction inflicted. The eruption of the great Saugir volcano, the sudden flood of glowing lava, the outburst of boiling water, the conflagration, the roaring of the tempest, the flight of the people to the shore, where they were met by an ex- traordinary flood from the sea, form a picture which has more than once been witnessed in the volcanic regions of the earth. Thousands are said to have perished : a new proof that mankind, collectively, has not much more wisdom in the choice of its habi- tation than flies.