The cordial welcome of these men makes us feel that we are not strangers but more as though we have always known them.
Upon invitation, we enter the vehicle and find it luxurious and comfortable. It seems to operate much the same as the ones on Mars. An attendant opens a back compartment and serves us each a drink. Dr. Johnston proposes a toast "to the health of the Earth." It is appropriate, for if Earth men could experience the wonderful things that we have witnessed, it would seem very worth while.
The aroma of this drink is like fragrant roses, the taste like mint. It is as clear as water and we are told that it is exhilarating but not intoxicating.
When our drinks are finished, the head of Venus says they have come to take us to their Council Building.
It is warm, for the recent rain combined with the heat which is about eighty, makes the atmosphere stifling; but we are the only ones who seem to notice it. As we ride through the streets towards our destination, the buildings and the layout of the city resemble a fairyland description of beauty and perfection. Everything is so spotlessly clean that it seems to sparkle.
The foliage of the trees and shrubs is of lacy pattern, while those that have blossoms are draped with garlands of flowers. There are different varieties but they are all of lace-like structure.
The buildings glow with a soft iridescence. Along the wide boulevards are statues of exquisite workmanship which act as illuminating standards.
Our conveyance has stopped and we are in front of the Council Building. It is dazzling to our sight for its rails and doors seem to be made of gold.
Immediately in answer to our thought came the reply, "It is gold, what you men of Earth call gold. Here on Venus gold and silver are more abundant than any other metal. Since gold does not tarnish it is used for ornamentation and many purposes. Because of their abundance, these metals are used for pipe lines to carry water and utilities to homes and buildings. They are alloyed with more scarce metals for hardening. Should these ever become scarce in natural resources, we can easily manufacture them."
To enter the building we ascend four wide stone terraces. On the first is the symbol of the Earth; the Moon is on the second terrace; the third symbolizes Mars, while the top terrace is of Venus. We now stand upon a large veranda that seems to be made of Mother-of-Pearl, but it is cushioned when we stop upon it. On either side of the massive gold doors are pillars of alabaster while above the doors are symbols of Saturn and Jupiter. Above these and to either side are symbols which we cannot read.