others.

"The people of America have progressed to an astonishing degree," said a
musical voice at my left. "We must initiate Irving into the means by
which we impart knowledge to the mediumistic nation through the Cabinet
at Washington."

"Certainly," responded Henry Clay. "Let all formalities cease. We will
partake of refreshments, and then Franklin will make him acquainted with
the wonderful aids to science and humanity with which he has supplied my
residence."

As he ceased speaking, a shower of sound, like the music from the ringing
of innumerable crystal bells, filled the air. Accompanying this, and
apparently descending from the ceiling, a soft light of aromatic odor
diffused itself through the apartment. This was followed by the
appearance of a shining disk of amber and pearl, revolving rapidly in its
descent till it reached the congregated party. This magic circle (which
Thomas Hood, who was present, facetiously termed the "wheel of fortune")
was supplied with refreshments truly supernal. Here were fruits of most
brilliant dyes; some of soft, pulpy flesh, and others of the consistency
of honey; some more transparent than the diamonds of earth; others
substantial, seemingly intended to supply the demands of hunger. Here
were confections resembling foam and cloud, whose very taste was elysium.
The guests ate and chatted vivaciously. I received much information
concerning the various products of this great land which were displayed
upon the table. The most luscious fruits, I considered, both in flavor
and quality, were those produced on an island in the spirit land
corresponding to your island of Cuba, which was under the protection of a
band of spirits called the "Good Sisters."

The company having regaled themselves at the table, arose and divided
into groups, laughing and chatting like ordinary mortals. I felt
immediately attracted to a cluster of which Benjamin Franklin was the
magnetic centre. I reminded him of the duties imposed on him by our host,
and told him playfully that I desired to investigate the mysteries of
this wonderful palace. He cordially acquiesced, and, in company with a
few friends, we commenced our explorations. I inquired as to the
construction of the table from which we had just arisen, so superior to
the cumbersome ones of earth. "It is a very simple contrivance," he
smilingly remarked. "You observe inserted in these twisted columns,
ornamented with leaves, which support the ceiling