ny fixed
point connected with it.

"Once, and only once, for a few moments preparatory to our final
descent, did we obtain a transitory glimpse of the world beneath us.
Upon approaching the upper surface of the vapoury strata, which we
have described as extending in every direction around, a partial
opening in the clouds discovered to us for an instant a portion of
the earth, appearing as if dimly seen through a vast pictorial tube,
rapidly receding behind us, variegated with furrows, and intersected
with roads running in all directions; the whole reduced to a scale of
almost graphic minuteness, and from the fleecy vapour that still
partially obscured it, impressing the beholder with the idea of a
vision of enchantment, which some kindly genius had, for an instant,
consented to disclose. Scarcely had we time to snatch a hasty
glance, ere we had passed over the spot, and the clouds uniting
gradually concealed it from our view.

"After continuing for a short space further, in the vain hope of
being again favoured with a similar prospect, the approach of night
made it desirable that we should prepare for our return to earth,
which we proceeded to accomplish accordingly."

[Picture: Kerr and his family in the middle of the flood]

CHAPTER II.

EFFECTS OF RAIN IN MOUNTAINOUS DISTRICTS--THE DISTRICT OF MORAY--THE
GREAT FLOODS OF 1829--COMMENCEMENT OF THE RAIN--THE SWOLLEN
RIVERS--DISASTROUS EFFECTS OF THE FLOOD--MEANS ADOPTED FOR THE RESCUE OF
COTTAGERS--KERR AND HIS BRAVE DELIVERERS--RESCUE OF FUNNS AND HIS
FAMILY--FLOODS OF THE RHONE IN 1840--OVERFLOWING OF THE MISSISSIPPI.

It is well known that some years are wetter than others; but to persons
living in tolerably flat countries an unusually wet season causes no
great inconvenience. It interferes, it is true, with outdoor
employments, but people seldom apprehend any danger from the long
continuance of rain. It is not so, however, in hilly or mountainous
regions; an unusual fall of rain swells the rivers to such an extent,
that they often overflow their banks, and occasion much damage to the
surrounding districts; or, where the river's banks are defended on both
sides by perpendicular rocks, the waters sometimes rise so fast as to
attain a height of forty or fifty feet above their natural level, and
from this height they pour with destructive violence over the face of the
c