men, is becoming extremely rare, and it usually takes refuge in the southern portions of the Pacific, where, apparently, its species will soon become extinct. Captain Nemo’s messmate shouldered the animal, and we resumed our route. For an hour the sand-plain extended round us. It ascended often to within six feet of the surface. I could at these times perceive our images clearly reflected upside down above us, and an identical party imitated all our gestures in every way like ourselves, except that their heads were at the surface, and their feet in the air. There was another effect to be noted. This was the passage of thick clouds, which formed and vanished rapidly; but, as I reflected, I understood that these supposed clouds were only due to the varying thickness of the long furrows at the bottom, and I could perceive even the fleecy masses which their broken crests multiplied upon the water. They were only the shadows of the great birds which flew over our heads, and whose rapid skimming over the surface I could not detect.
At this time I was witness to one of the most splendid shots that ever thrilled a sportsman with delight. A large bird, with immense spread of wing, was distinctly visible. Captain Nemo’s friend levelled and fired, when it was only a few yards above the waves. The bird fell, and almost exactly at the feet of the keen shot, who secured it. It proved to be an albatross of the most beautiful species, a splendid specimen of sea-bird.
Our progress had not been interrupted by this incident. For two hours we followed, sometimes a sandy plain, sometimes a prairie of wrack, very difficult to cross, Frankly, I could not have accomplished much more,
