These vast wreaths, which the painter’s art has so beautifully revealed to us at the top of the canvas, are steam.  It runs no machinery, bursts no boilers, does nothing, in fact, that is useful, but only hangs round.  Yet these volcanoes are full of instruction to those who live by them, impressing upon each and every one the mournful, yet scientific truth, that his life is but a vapor.

A VIEW OF MELROSE, MIDDLESEX COUNTY, MASS.

It has been well said, “If you would view fair Melrose, do it by moonlight.”  Our artist found that the suburban trains had not been arranged with an eye to this effect, and he was reluctantly obliged to give us his impressions of this charming spot by daylight.

This, however, has its advantages.

The elegant private residences, neatly trimmed lawns, graceful shade trees, beautifully dressed women and children, driving or promenading, are all more distinctly brought out.

The male population, for the most part, are brought out a few hours later, by steam and horse cars.

Everything here betokens ease and refinement.  Here they refine sugar, in this large brick building.

The school-houses, churches, and town-hall are easily distinguished from each other, being of brick, with a brown belfry.  On the extreme left is the town-farm for paupers.  We haven’t time, so we won’t dwell upon this.

THE PYRAMIDS OF EGYPT.

These highly interesting old buildings are presented with extraordinary fidelity.  They were taken on the spot.  They are three in number, you will observe.  I presume you cannot tell me what this is?  We paid for it as the Sphinx, and it is pronounced by competent judges an exceedingly flattering portrait.  The Pyramids are centuries old.  It is understood that Miss Sphinx, out of respect to her sex, is about thirty summers—­permanently.

I will not deceive you.  These structures are immense tombs full of mummies; all the rooms are taken.  From careful observation, it is concluded that, like the Federal Union, they “must be preserved.”  Here they stay in rapt solitude.  A glance at the superintendent’s register, as you go in, shows that the “PHARAOH family” furnish the largest number of inmates.

Look at this caravan about to cross the Desert.  The camels are going instead of coming.  They are the ships of the desert—­hardships.  The leading camel has a bell appended to his neck, which at this moment is ringing for Sahara.  We wish them good luck on their journey.

This gentleman on the rear camel (which you notice carries a red flag to prevent collision), who is jauntily attired in nankeen trousers and a blue cotton umbrella, is a physician from New Jersey, whose sands of life have nearly run out.  He will get plenty more by to-morrow.

A STORM OFF HATTERAS.

A terrific sight!