When a Volcano breaks out under the sea, if the eruption send out a sufficient quantity of lava, and stones and dust, it gets above the surface and makes such a Volcano as Stromboli.
If the Volcano should afterwards become quiet, then an island is the result, and if large enough, it may be inhabited.
A great many of the islands of the South Sea, and some of the Greek islands, originated in this manner; and, only two or three years ago, an island suddenly rose up off the coast of Sicily, and was taken possession of in due form by a British captain, in the name of the king of England; but, as the land consisted of loose earth, and had not much lava to bind it together, it soon sunk down, and now no trace of it is to be seen.
OF THE GEYSERS OF ICELAND.
There are many Volcanoes in Iceland, and the whole island seems to have been the produce of Volcanic agency. I am going to describe to you one of the most singular proofs of this.
Geysers are springs which spout out at intervals great streams of hot water. The name is taken from the Icelandic word, geysa, which signifies, to rage, or, burst forth violently.
GEYSERS OF ICELAND