In the reports these scribes are writing many learned terms will be used, many learned opinions expressed, and doubtless many learned lies will be told, all for the glory of Andûmana̤, to whom it is believed His messengers will bear an account of these proceedings.
De L'Ester—Gentola̤, you will attempt a description of this scene. You need not hesitate. Where you may fail we will prompt you.
Gentola̤—Extending eastward and westward I see a not very broad ledge of limestone rock. On its southern side it is so perpendicular and its surface is so smooth that it presents the effect of well executed masonry. I cannot estimate the distance from where the petrifactions lie on a broad shelf-like projection to the top of the ledge, or from the projection to the bottom of the excavation.
De L'Ester—From the projection to the top of the ledge is quite one hundred feet, but at the time of the creature's misadventure the altitude of the ledge must have been considerably greater. From the projection to the bottom of the excavation the distance is, I should say, about eighty feet.
Gentola—On the south side of the ledge an immense excavation is being made. On the north side the morass is on a level with the top of the ledge, but on the south side the ground slopes rather abruptly to a plain which appears to greatly need irrigation.
Aside from the large and very perfect petrifaction there are numerous smaller ones which do not appear to interest the investigators. Indeed they are in a very fragmentary state, and I suspect that my description is of the same character.
I see a large number of men at work in the excavation. Some are engaged in lining the sides with huge cut stones, which are mechanically lifted and laid with much precision, some kind of cement being used to fill the interstices. Other men attend the working of scoops, which take up great quantities of soil, which is hoisted to the top of the excavation and dumped into receptacles which run swiftly on a tramway to the plain where it is thrown out, the empty receptacles returning on another track. Nearly all of the labor is done by machinery, but I cannot say what the motive power may be.
De L'Ester—Electricity furnishes the motive power, not only for those machines, but as you will have occasion to observe for nearly all mechanical purposes of the Entoans.
Gentola—One noticeable feature of this scene is the behavior of those laborers who move about so quietly and speak in such a polite and gentle fashion. The work proceeds very expeditiously, yet no one seems in haste, or exhibits the least excitement or impatience.