734 LOUIS AGASSIZ. 



the mountains. Where these channels might 

 lead, into what dim recesses of ocean and 

 mountain, could only be conjectured. The 

 bay, with all its inlets and fiords, was still as a 

 church. Voices and laughter seemed an in- 

 trusion, and a louder shout came back in 

 echoes from far-off hidden retreats. Only the 

 swift steamer-ducks, as they shot across, broke 

 the glassy surface of the water with their ar- 

 row-like wake. From this point the Hassler 

 crossed to Sholl Bay, and anchored at the en- 

 trance of Smythe's Channel. As sunset faded 

 over the snow mountains opposite her anchor- 

 age, their white reflection lay like marble in 

 the water. 



