Cotopaxi

ko-to-paks'e, the most remarkable volcano of South America. It is situated in Ecuador, but a few miles south of the equator. Its upper portion is shrouded in perpetual snow. It presents a perfectly conical outline. Seen from the Pacific it is a magnificent peak, 19,550 feet high. Steam is issuing from the crater at all times. Since 1698 a number of tremendous eruptions have taken place, the latest in 1885. It is said that in 1744 thunder-like explosions and rumblings were heard 600 miles away.