| The first excerpt represents the element of Air. It speaks of mental influences and the process of thought, and is drawn from The Life of the Spider by J. Henri Fabre: provided they be tender and not too large.
The experiment works perfectly. August is hardly over before I am
in possession of six nests, magnificent in shape and of a dazzling
whiteness. The latitude of the workshop has enabled the spinstress
to follow the inspiration of her instinct without serious
obstacles; and the result is a masterpiece of symmetry and
elegance, if we allow for a few angularities demanded by the
suspension-points.
It is an oval of exquisite white muslin, a diaphanous abode wherein
the mother must make a long stay to watch over the brood. The size
is nearly that of a Hen's egg. The cabin is open at either end.
The Life of the Spider |
The second excerpt represents the element of Fire. It speaks of emotional influences and base passions, and is drawn from The Land of Footprints by Stewart Edward White: that they consider it unsportsmanlike to shoot at a standing
animal at all, or at one running nearer than 250 yards.
Furthermore, it is etiquette to continue firing until the last
cloud of dust has died down on the distant horizon. Only thus can
I conceive of getting rid of that amount of ammunition. In eight
months of steady shooting, for example-shooting for trophies, as
well as to feed a safari of fluctuating numbers, counting
jackals, marabout and such small trash-I got away with
395 rounds of small bore ammunition and about 100 of large. This
accounted for 225 kills. That should give one an idea. Figure out
how many animals you are likely to want for ANY purpose, multiply
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| The third excerpt represents the element of Water. It speaks of pure spiritual influences and feelings of love, and is drawn from The Goodness of St. Rocque and Other Stories by Alice Dunbar: of joy and relaxation, when every one could go abroad, and in the
crowds one could speak to whom one chose. Unconscious plans
formulated, and the petite Odalie was quite happy as the time
drew near.
"Only think, Tante Louise," she would cry, "what a happy time it
is to be!"
But Tante Louise only grumbled, as was her wont.
It was Mardi Gras day at last, and early through her window
Odalie could hear the jingle of folly bells on the maskers'
costumes, the tinkle of music, and the echoing strains of songs.
Up to her ears there floated the laughter of the older maskers,
The Goodness of St. Rocque and Other Stories |
The fourth excerpt represents the element of Earth. It speaks of physical influences and the impact of the unseen on the visible world, and is drawn from Off on a Comet by Jules Verne: epoch Cape Bon had been connected with Cape Furina, the extremity
of Sicily, in the same manner as Ceuta has doubtless been
connected with Gibraltar.
Lieutenant Procope was too well acquainted with the Mediterranean
to be unaware of this peculiarity, and would not lose the opportunity
of ascertaining whether the submarine ridge still existed, or whether
the sea-bottom between Sicily and Africa had undergone any modification.
Both Timascheff and Servadac were much interested in watching the operations.
At a sign from the lieutenant, a sailor who was stationed at the foot
of the fore-shrouds dropped the sounding-lead into the water, and in reply
to Procope's inquiries, reported--"Five fathoms and a flat bottom."
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