THE VOLCANOES OF THE-AUVERGNE. .

Evening Post, Volume LXXIII, Issue 4, 5 January 1907, Page 13

THE VOLCANOES OF THE-AU-VERGNE. .

A writer in "La Geographic," has recently been discussing the chances of ! the "extinct" volcanoes of France once more passing through a phase of activity. It is only by appealing to the numerous data afforded by topography, palaeontology, • archaeology, and history that it is possible to thi»w any light on a subject which has given rise to. much controversy, the date of the last eruptions in tne central 'massif of France. The two groups of French volcanoes, separated by the Allier, belong to the Tertiary or Quaternary Age. That man was a witness of their activity is proven by that important osteological document known as "Ihomme do Denise. " In 1844, part of a human skull and a few bones were found in a mass of ferruginous tufa. They are preserved in the museum at Pny. Some authorities hold that it is at least 10,000 years since the last volcano belched forth its fires, and other estimates vary from 15,000 to 40,000 years. What, then, is the likelihood of rewviscence after such a prolonged period of repose? There is a way of feeling the pulse, so to speak, of these mountains to ascertain if they aro really extinct or in a state of suspended animation. There are correlative symptoms of latent activity which give a trustworthy cine to their internal condition. Tne existence of fumaroles, whether hot or cold, the emission of hydro-carbons, and noxious exhalations or carbonic acid gas, would give riso to grave suspicions as to the stability of the present state of affairs, and much evidence can be obtained from the performances of thermal springs. Near lioyat is a protte dcs Chiens, and at Puy de la Poix bituminous matter wells from the ground and hydrocarbons are emitted. In fact, in the chain of the Puys there is undoubtedly a focus of more intense- heat than in the surrounding regions. M. Boule, in a work crowned by the Institute, concludes that there is nothing to prove that the volcanoes of this district are completely extinct, at any rate in tho Clermont. Hero the Pluto of tho Auvcigne has taken up his abode, and it is quite within the bounds of possibility that some day he will make his presence felt in an unwelcome manner. It is some comfort to be assured that no sign of recrudescence has as yet occurred to of Carmen's song : "Peut-etre demain, cnt; in fact, M. Boulc's optimism on the subject is so assured that he concludes his disquisition with the words of Carmen's song : 'Peut-etre demain, pcut-ctre jam a is, niais pas aujourd'hui, e'est certain." Let us de thankful for small- mercies,—- .Westminster Gazette.