From the Arctics to the Tropics

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The Central Railroad of Peru, the most remarkable of all railways, starts at sea level at Callao and runs to the highest point reached by any railway in the world. This is somewhat higher than the summit of Mount Blanc, or, to be exact, it is just sixteen thousand feet above sea level. In the trip which we are privileged to take upon this unique railway, we start at the high point and getting into a gravity ear we begin a count of one hundred miles down the slopes of the famous Andes, literally passing in the space of a few minutes from the Arctics to the Tropics, seeing with wondering eyes the gradual change in scenery and experiencing all the sensations of the gradual changes in climate. Upon starting, the country is bleak and barren in appearance, with no living thing in sight and mountains and plateaus covered with snow and ice, and our passengers have taken the precaution to muffle themselves up well for the journey. As we go further and further in our somewhat wild ride through many tunnels, gorges and scenes of the utmost beauty it becomes gradually warmer and warmer until we are almost shocked to find that it is really warm and that necessity exists for taking off first the heavier clothing and then our hats and coats. Finally, just before reaching our destination at Callao, we pass through a real tropical village, thus experiencing probably the quickest change from winter to summer that is possible in the whole world.