In some cases there are long ‘bridges’ from the umbra to the penumbra, caused by surface irregularities. In passing over these cones, or spots, the _Regina_ gave out enormous charges of electricity, and for some time the cause was not discovered, till at last it was found that the extraordinary pressures and conflicting currents in these regions generated a considerable amount of electricity, which was projected outwards and caught full on the _Regina_ as she passed over. This, then, was the solution to the hitherto mysterious manner in which the appearance and disappearance of sun-spots affect the Earth; the gigantic force of electricity generated in these super-heated zones is projected outwards and, travelling through space, no doubt affects every member of the solar family, Earth-people feeling its influence in simultaneous atmospheric and cyclonic disturbances and a general upsetting of magnetic needles, wave-apparatus and the like, while in the mass of Earth itself causing at these times shakings, tremors, volcanic eruptions, landslips and earthquakes, all of a more or less violent character. Some of these vapour movements, vertical, horizontal and oblique, were proved by measurements to exceed half a million miles per second. A sail round the entire surface of the sun proved the actual measurement to be 2,742,937 miles in circumference, or, roughly, about 873,105 miles in diameter, and not 866,500 or thereabouts, as previously supposed, and that its velocity of rotation at the equator was 6570 miles per hour, whilst the force of gravity on its surface, reckoning Earth as 1, was measured by the _Regina’s_ gravitometer to be 28·75 exactly. Having spent nearly six weeks in roaming over the surface, the question arose as to the advisability of passing into or through its mass, and all were eager to make the attempt, risking the possibility of annihilation. “We are in your hands,” said Gilbert; “we have arranged to go when and where you desire; so shall we go down slowly, in order that you may examine the strata as we go, or quickly?” “We would like to go slow,” said several; and Kirkby Reeve asked if any idea could be formed of the interior, and of what it was likely to consist; when Gilbert answered,—“We can only tell by going. We shall find plenty of excitement in it till we get to the centre, and as we go through to the other side.” “Is it not tempting Providence?” observed Heriot Field, a naturalist. “Considering we were saved in the tidal wave, shall we not let that suffice?” “Certainly, if you wish it,” replied Gilbert, bluntly; “would you rather not go—are you afraid?”