oughout the whole of this
part of the world, was started upwards in such a way as to give a very
uniform depth to the sea, which in no place exceeds four fathoms. It
follows, as a consequence, that no prevalence of northerly winds
can force the icebergs beyond 78 degrees of south latitude, as they
invariably ground on reaching the outer edge of the polar bank. The
floes, being thin, are melted of course; and thus, by this beneficent
prevention, the monikin world is kept entirely free from the very danger
to which a vulgar mind would be the most apt to believe it is the most
exposed.

A congress of nations had been held, about five centuries since, which
was called the Holy-philo-marine-safety-and-find-the-way Alliance. At
this congress the high contracting parties agreed to name a commission
to make provision, generally, for the secure navigation of the seas. One
of the expedients of this commission, which, by the way, is said to have
been composed of very illustrious monikins, was to cause massive blocks
of stone to be laid down, at measured distances, throughout the whole of
the basin, and in which other stone uprights were secured. The necessary
inscriptions were graved on proper tablets, and as we approached the
one already named, I observed that it had the image of a monikin, carved
also in stone, with his tail extended in a right line, pointing, as Mr.
Poke assured me, S. and by W. half W. I had made sufficient progress
in the monikin language to read, as we glided past this watermark--"To
Leaphigh,--15 miles." One monikin mile, however, we were next told, was
equal to nine English statute miles; and, consequently, we were not so
near our port as was at first supposed. I expressed great satisfaction
at finding ourselves so fairly on the road, however, and paid Dr.
Reasono some well-merited compliments on the high state of civilization
to which his species had evidently arrived. The day was not distant,
I added, when it was reasonable to suppose, our own seas would have
floating restaurants and cafes, with suitable pot-houses for the
mariners; though I did not well see how we were to provide a substitute
for their own excellent organization of mile-stones. The Doctor received
my compliments with becoming modesty, saying that he had no doubt
mankind would do all that lay in their power to have good eating and
drinking-houses, whereever they could be established; but as to the
marine milestones, he agreed with me, th