Dr. Judd, of this town, who accompanied the Scientific Corps of the Exploring Squadron in their excursions on Hawaii, had a most wonderful escape from an awful death.
He had descended into the crater of Kilaurea [Kilauea], to obtain some specimens of the liquid lava. Not succeeding in procuring any at the Great Lake, (as it is called) he approached one of the smaller ones, or chimneys, and descended a few feet into it.
While gathering specimens, the lake suddenly became active, and discharged a jet of lava into the air far above his head, but which most fortunately fell in the opposite direction of him.
He then commenced making his way out, before another should follow, but the ascent was far more difficult than the descent. He became alarmed, and called on five natives who had accompanied him to the spot, for assistance.
The heat had become so great that they were frightened and retreated with the exception of one man, who threw himself flat upon the bank, and reaching over his right hand, enabled the Doctor to reach the top.
But before he reached the brink, his clothes were burnt by the hot air, and he would have been scalded had he not been protected by woolen garments. The native in stooping over, had his face and hands blistered. They both had barely time to leave the spot, when the lake filled up and poured out a stream of liquid lava.
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