tmospheric conditions,
for the high powers used with such large instruments would so exaggerate
the most minute atmospheric tremors that any lines on the Martian
surface would inevitably appear broken up, and an erroneous deduction
might be drawn by the unwary observer. If well seen, the canal
vegetation would appear as separate markings in alignment, but no
telescope is ever likely to define well enough to show the actual
canals, because they are so narrow."

We now returned to our air-ship, and went back to Sirapion; where, after
making the necessary changes and preparations, we accompanied Merna to
the City Hall, for the purpose of attending the banquet to which we had
been invited by Soranho.

[Illustration: _From a Globe made by M. Wicks_ Plate XI

MARS. MAP IV

An intricate network of canals is here seen, especially in the
neighbourhood of Elysium, where many connect with the "Trivium
Charontis."]

CHAPTER XVIII

WE ATTEND A MARTIAN BANQUET

On our arrival at the banqueting-hall we were most cordially received by
Soranho, as Chief of the Council, who introduced us to a number of
persons, several of whom were high officers of state; but, as only two
or three of them knew anything of our language, Merna had to act as
interpreter. All of them, however, appeared genuinely pleased to meet
us.

The hall was a large and very fine one, most chastely decorated in a
style which reminded one of the Etruscan. It was beautifully lighted by
artificial means, but there were no visible lamps, the light being
diffused over the hall as equally as daylight is diffused.

Many ladies were present, and clearly on entirely equal terms with the
sterner sex. They sat down with us at the banquet, and did not remain
mere spectators from a distance, as is sometimes the case at our public
functions. The dresses of both sexes were very neat, and although there
was a more ample and varied display of colour and ornament than is usual
in a similar gathering upon our world, especially in the dresses of the
males, it was always harmonious and in excellent taste. The costumes
reminded me of those in vogue in the south-eastern parts of Europe; the
ladies, however, wore rather close-fitting long hose, and no skirts; but
their tunics were somewhat longer than those worn by the men, and of
thinner material. Many of the dresses looked as though they were woven
from semi-transparent shining silver or gold. This style of dress was
most