is. In either of these positions no land life
with which we are acquainted could live on the surface; for the slope
of the atmospheric isobars--i. e., the lines of equal barometric
pressure that produce wind by becoming tilted through unequal
expansion, after which the air, as it were, flows down-hill--would be
too great. The ascending currents about the equator would also, of
course, be vastly strengthened; so that we see a wise dispensation of
Providence in placing the large planets, which also rotate so rapidly,
at a great distance from the sun, which is the father of all winds,
rotation alone, however rapid, being unable to produce them."

They found this lake was about six times the size of Lake Superior, and
that several large and small streams ran into its upper end. These had
their sources in smaller lakes that were at slightly higher elevations.
Though the air was cool, the sun shone brightly, while the ground was
covered with flowers resembling those of the northern climes on earth,
of all shapes and lines. Twice a day these sent up their song, and
trees were covered with buds, and the birds twittered gaily. The
streams murmured and bubbled, and all things reminded the travellers of
early morning in spring.

"If anything could reconcile me," said Bearwarden, "to exchange my
active utilitarian life for a rustic poetical existence, it would be
this place, for it is far more beautiful than anything I have seen on
earth. It needs but a Maud Muller and a few cows to complete the
picture, since Nature gives us a vision of eternal peace and repose."

Somehow the mention of Maud Muller, and the delicate and refined
flowers, whose perfume he inhaled, brought up thoughts that were never
far below the surface in Ayrault's mind. "The place is heavenly
enough," said he, "to make one wish to live and remain here forever,
but to me it would be Hamlet with Hamlet left out."

"Ah! poor chap," said Cortlandt, "you are in love, but you are not to
be pitied, for though the thrusts at the heart are sharp, they may be
the sweetest that mortals know."

The following morning they reluctantly left the picturesque shores of
Lake Serenity, with their beautiful tints and foliage, and resumed the
journey, to explore a number of islands in the ocean in the west, which
were recorded on their negatives. Ascending to rarefied air, they saw
great chains of mountains, which they imagined ran parallel to the
coast, rising to consid