An eruption of ashes, which lasts only a
few minutes, is often followed by a calm of ten years. In such
circumstances it is easy to mark the periods, and to observe the
coincidence of phenomena.
If, as there appears to be little reason to doubt, that the
destruction of Cumana in 1797, and of Caracas in 1812, indicate the
influence of the volcanoes of the West India Islands* on the
commotions felt on the coasts of Terra Firma, it may be desirable,
before we close this chapter, to take a cursory view of this
Mediterranean archipelago.
(* The following is the series of the phenomena: -
27th of September, 1796. Eruption in the West India Islands.
(Volcano of Guadaloupe).
November, 1796. The volcano of Pasto began to emit smoke.
14th of December, 1796. Destruction of Cumana.
4th of February, 1797. Destruction of Riobamba.
30th of January, 1811. Appearance of Sabrina Island, in the Azores.
The island enlarged very considerably on the 15th of June, 1811.
May, 1811. Commencement of the earthquakes in the island of St.
Vincent, which lasted till May 1812.
16th of December, 1811. Commencement of the commotions in the
valley of the Mississippi and the Ohio, which lasted till 1813.
December, 1811. Earthquake at Caracas.
26th of March, 1811.
