3-034-568 - The Print Collector/Heritage Images

The Island of St. Paul: the Crater, 1871. 'St Paul's Island is one of the most extraordinary places in the world. The island is simply an extinct, or nearly extinct, volcano, about two miles and a half across, and the highest point about 800 ft., that part of the lip of the crater which forms about one third of the crater having, in some convulsion of former ages, evidently sunk into the sea and allowed the water to flow into the crater. The crater, which is almost as regular as a washing-basin, would form a splendid harbour for ships were it not rather too deep (over 20 fathoms) and the entrance too shallow (6 ft. or 8 ft.). Boats and small vessels can, of course, enter...On the edge of the crater-basin are two hot springs; one, apparently the hottest, is visible only when the tide is low, and the water dribbles out between the stones...The other is above high-water mark. The slopes of the crater are in most places accessible. The soil is rich, and English vegetables grow well; but there is not a tree of any sort on the island...The detached rock (shown in our Engraving) on the north side of the narrow channel or entrance to the crater is about 250 ft. in height, and is known as The Ninepin'. From "Illustrated London News", 1871.