torm-centre
moves two hundred and sixty miles an hour, the wind need not blow at
that rate."

Later they saw several smaller spots drifting eastward, but concluded
that any seaworthy ship might pass safely through them, for, though
they were hurricanes of great violence, the waves were small.

"There would be less danger," said Bearwarden, "of shipping seas here
than there is on earth; the principal risk to travellers would be that
of being blown from the deck. On account of the air's weight in
connection with its velocity, this would necessitate some precaution."

The next object of interest was the great red spot. It proved, as
Cortlandt had predicted, to be a continent, with at that time no
special colour, though they easily recognized it by comparing its
outlines with those of the spot in the map. Its length, as they
already knew, was twenty-seven thousand miles, and its breadth about
eight thousand miles, so that it contained more square miles than the
entire surface of the earth, land and water included.

"It is clear," said Cortlandt, "that at some season of Jupiter's long
year a change takes place that affects the colour of the leaves--some
drought or prolonged norther; for it is obvious that that is the
simplest explanation. In like manner we may expect that at some times
more white spots will move across the ocean than at others."

"On account of the size of these continents and oceans," said
Bearwarden, "it is easy to believe that many climatic conditions may
prevail here that can scarcely exist on earth. But what a magnificent
world to develop, with its great rivers, lakes, and mountains showing
at even this distance, and what natural resources must be lying there
dormant, awaiting our call! This constantly recurs to my mind. The
subjugation and thorough opening up of this red spot continent will
probably supply more interesting problems than straightening the axis
of the earth."

"At our next visit," replied Ayrault, "when we have established regular
interplanetary lines of travel, we may have an opportunity to examine
it more closely." Then they again attracted the nearest moon beyond
which they had swung, increased the repulsion on Jupiter, and soared
away towards Saturn.

"We have a striking illustration of Jupiter's enormous mass," said
Cortlandt, as the apparent diameter of the mighty planet rapidly
decreased, "in the fact that notwithstanding its numerous moons, it
still rotates so ra