ANOTHER WORLD;

OR

FRAGMENTS FROM THE STAR CITY

OF

MONTALLUYAH. 

BY

HERMES. 

[Illustration. ]

LONDON:SAMUEL TINSLEY, 10, SOUTHAMPTON ST. , STRAND, 1873. 

[_The right of Translation is reserved. _]

LONDON:

PRINTED BY WILLIAM CLOWES AND SONS, STAMFORD STREET, AND CHARING CROSS. 

PREFACE. 

The fact that there is a plurality of worlds, that, in other words, theplanets of our solar system are inhabited, has been so generallymaintained by modern astronomers, that it almost takes its place amongthe truths commonly accepted by the large body of educated persons. Astwo among the many works, which bear directly on the subject, it will behere sufficient to name Sir David Brewster's 'More Worlds than One, theCreed of the Philosopher and the Hope of the Christian, ' and Mr. B. A. Proctor's 'Other Worlds than Ours. '

A fragmentary account of some of the ways peculiar to the inhabitants ofone of these "star worlds, " and of their moral and intellectualcondition is contained in the following pages. 

When the assertion is made that the account is derived, not from theimagination, but from an actual knowledge of the star, it will at firstreceive scant credence, and the reader will be at once inclined to classthe fragments among those works about imaginary republics and imaginarytravels which, ever since the days of Plato, have from time to time madetheir appearance to improve the wisdom, impose on the credulity, orsatirize the follies of mankind. 

Nor can the reader's anticipated want of faith be deemed other thannatural; for, although tests applied daily during a period extendingover nearly a lifetime have proved the source of the fragments to besuch as is here represented, the Editor feels bound to say that, notwithstanding much confirmatory evidence, many years passed and manyfacts were communicated before all doubts were completely removed fromhis mind. 

One great obstacle to the reader's belief that an authentic descriptionof another world is before him will arise from the circumstance that themeans by which such extraordinary experience was acquired are notincluded in the sphere of his knowledge, and that any attempt to explainthem at present would only increase his incredulity. He would only seeone enigma solved by another apparently more insoluble than itself. TheEditor, therefore, would call especial attention to the practical valueof the revelations here communicated, convinced as he is that they areso replete with instruction to terrestial mankind, that the difficultyof giving credence to them ought not to be augmented by prematuredisclosures. Ultimately satisfied as to the origin of the fragments, heentreats the reader not, indeed, to surrender, but simply to suspend hisjudgment until he has carefully examined them, conceiving that, apartfrom all external proof, they rest upon an intrinsic evidence, the forceof which it will be difficult to resist. Nay, he is even of opinion thatan impartial student will find it easier to believe in their planetaryorigin than in their emanating from an ordinary human brain. Thepractical value of the facts, considered apart from their source, willexcuse his request not to be too hastily judged. 

The people to whom the fragments relate are, it will be found, not onlyhuman, but constituents of a highly civilized and even polished society. Their notions of good and evil, of happiness and misery correspond toours, and though they employ different means, the objects they pursueare the same with those sought by terrestrial philanthropists. Health, education, marriage, the removal of disease, the prevention of madnessand of crime, the arts of government, the regulation of amusement, theefficient employment of physical forces--themes so often discussedhere--have equally occupied the attention of our planetary brethren, although, as will be seen, in the results of our studies we differ not alittle. This is not a story of Anthropophagi, or men whose heads do growbeneath their shoulders, which can merely excite wonder, but a record ofactual men, who, widely separated from us in the ocean of space, arebeings with whom we can sympathise much more than with the inhabitantsof the uncivilized portions of our own globe. 

The reader will now begin to understand what is meant when the Editorcalls attention to the practical value of most of his communications, and invites consideration of the fragments, as suggestive of much thatconcerns the welfare of mankind, the question as to their source beingprovisionally left open. The man of science, the poet, themetaphysician, the philanthropist, the musician, the observer ofmanners, even the general reader who merely seeks to be amused, will, itis hoped, find something interesting in the following pages. Let all, therefore, taste the fruit and judge of its flavour, though they do notbehold the tree; profit by the diamonds, though they know not how theywere extracted from the mine; accept what is found to be wholesome andfortifying in the waters, though the source of the river is unknown. 

Lest, in thus expatiating on the value of his communications, the Editorshould be thought to have overstepped the bounds of good taste, he wouldhave it perfectly understood that he is not speaking of his ownproductions, and that whatever the merit of the fragments may be, thatmerit does not belong to himself. He is an Editor and an Editor only;and he therefore feels himself as much at liberty to express his opinionof the contents of the following pages as the most impartial critic. 

He will even admit that he is not blind to their defects andshortcomings. If the fragments had been less fragmentary, and fullerinformation had been offered on the various subjects which fall underconsideration, he would have been better satisfied. Nevertheless, hereflects that it would be hardly reasonable to expect in facts madeknown under exceptional circumstances, that fulness of detail which wehave a right to demand, when on our own planet we essay to makediscoveries at the cost only of labour and research. He looks upon thefragments as "intellectual aerolites, " which have dropped here, uninfluenced by the will of man; as varied pieces detached from the massof facts which constitute the possessions of another planet, and ratheras thrown by nature into rugged heaps than as having been symmetricallyarranged by the hand of an artist. Want of unity under thesecircumstances is surely excusable. 

One observation as to a matter of mere detail. Words, in the language ofthe Star, are occasionally given in letters which represent the soundsonly, and will often be found to resemble words in some of our ancientand modern languages. The very name of the City "Montalluyah, " to whichall the fragments refer, is apparently compounded of heterogeneousroots, one of Aryan the other of Semitic origin. These seemingaccidents, if such they be, must not be attributed to eithercarelessness or design on the part of the Editor; nor does he attempt toexplain them. The reader may, if he please, account for the causes ofresemblance by considering that the number of articulate sounds islimited, and that, therefore, the variety of words cannot be altogetherboundless; or he may take higher ground, and assume that in whateverplanet spoken, all languages have the Same Divine Origin. 

In conclusion: When these revelations or others derived from the samesource have succeeded in establishing a confidence between the Editorand his readers, it is more than probable that the secret of the sourceitself will be disclosed. That disclosure made in due season will bringto light some unprecedented, but most interesting facts, and willestablish the important truth, that the soul of man is IMMATERIAL andIMMORTAL. 

CONTENTS. 

INTRODUCTION Page xxiii

I. --MONTALLTUYAH. 

 One of the Star worlds--Strangeness of its customs--The Narrator and his aspirations--Former state of Montalluyah--Wars--Increase of population and decrease of supplies--Can man be brought to seek knowledge as ardently as money?--The Narrator's meditations, labours, and advancement--Faith

II. --VYORA. 

 The beggar seeks admission to the Palace--The incident which brings him to the Narrator--Some account of Vyora--Appointed Chief of the Character-divers--Reflection

III--PERSEVERANCE. 

 Maturing plans--How received by the Counsellors--Narrator's resolution--Prepares for death--His triumph--Subjects of Legislation

IV. --LIGHT FROM DARKNESS. 

 Secret powers in Nature--Effectually wielded by the Good only--False Prophets--Narrator carries out his plans without bloodshed--Great feature of the System--Mighty consequences--Evils forced to contribute to Good--Examples--Insects--Hippopotami--The Fever Wind--Lightning--The Sun--Seasons of Darkness--Fears of the People--Darkness changed to Light--The City radiant--Music and rejoicing

V. --CHARACTER-DIVERS--EDUCATION. 

 Grave duties entrusted to them--Stronghold of evils to be eradicated--Men of Genius following antipathetic occupations--Early eradication of faults and development of qualities--Visits to Schools--Defects--One routine for all characters--Neglecting minor qualities in Boys of Genius--Precept-cramming--Bad habits--Character-divers created--Sole occupation to discover Child's early tendencies--Duties distinct from those of Preceptors or Fathers of Knowledge--Germ of evils destroyed

VI. --CORRECTION OF FAULTS. 

 Remedies employed vary with characteristics--Absence of violent punishment--Children to be raised, not degraded--Animals not corrected by blows--Example--Pupil not corrected by the imposition of tasks--Child encouraged to regard study as a privilege--Correction effected by gentleness--Time, labour, &c. , bestowed unsparingly--Even when fault seems eradicated fresh tests applied--Adult offenders--Child of genius watched with reference to superior refinement--Economy of sparing nothing in educating the future man--Lists of faults occupying attention of the Character-divers--Results--Small beginnings lead to incurable vices and disease

VII. --CHARACTER-DIVERS. 

 Secondary position of Tutors in former times--Now honoured--Aid given by the Character-divers, &c. , to Narrator--Young men of special aptitude educated for the office--Their astuteness--Example--Subjects of tesselated pavements--Zolea--Early evidence of artistic talent often deceptive--Narrator's early talent indicating him as a harpist--Guided to other studies

VIII. --THE STAR CITY. 

 Power of the Sun--Colours and forms in the sky--Situation of Montalluyah--External World Cities--Reasons for uniting them-- Peculiarities--Straight lines--Variety of colour, &c. --Subterranean seas--Great cataract and water-lifts form background of palaces and statues--Hanging bridges--Health studied--Baths--Violet streams-- Trees--Birds--Artificial nests--Perfumes--Harmonious sounds--Chariot wheels and horse's hoofs noiseless--Red light--City full of animation--Recurring change of scene

IX. --THE SUSPENDED MOUNTAIN. 

 Elevation of tides immense--The aerial mountain--Electric agencies--Sea carries away the heart of the mountain--Receding waters leave upper part suspended--Mountain arm stretches out through the air over land below and over the sea--THE GREAT CATARACT--Upper City built on Suspended Mountain--The Middle and Lower Cities built on indent and foot of mountain--PAST CATASTROPHES--Threatened dangers--Terrible consequences--Principle of preventing evils--Stupendous work undertaken--The wonder of Montalluyah

X. --THE MOUNTAIN SUPPORTER. 

 Dimensions--Thickness of walls--Interior area--How utilised--Means of ascending and descending--Stages constructed at different heights to facilitate works during progress--Materials, provisions, &c. , raised by electric power--HUGE HEAVY BLOCKS LIGHTENED BY ELECTRICITY--Ornamentation of the Tower--Ravine-metal--Episodes of the Narrator's reign--Ascent and descent--Great difference of atmosphere above and below--Peculiarity in Electric Telegraph--Colour of atmosphere at different heights--Animalculae and ova--Grandeur of the Mountain Supporter---Curious effect when viewed from a distance

XI--ELECTRICITY IN MONTALLUYAH. 

 Important facts formerly unknown--One electricity only supposed to exist--Not then utilised for locomotion, &c. --Paucity of contrivance for collecting electricities--How the scientific men supported their theory--Like causes produce like effects--Many kinds of electricity--Means of drawing out and concentrating electricities discovered--Man, beasts, birds, &c. , possess an electricity of their own--All differ--Huge fish--Docks for extracting electricity from--Electric store-house--Non-conducting pouches--The attracting electricity adapted to each body is well known--MODE OF CATCHING WILD BIRDS

XII. --THE PAIN-LULLER. 

 Means formerly employed--Vivisection and surgical operations painless--Nerves of sensation only, affected by the luller--Energy of the functions considered essential--Pain-luller, how discovered--The Nebo bird and the child--The broken limbs and absence of pain--Discovery

XIII. --THE MICROSCOPE. 

 Properties of optical instruments increased by electricity-- CONCENTRATED LIGHT--The illuminated worm--Light attracted by the enticer-machine--Concentrated light in Music--Human voice and musical instruments--Union between the soul and perishable portions of man--Concentrated light within us--Similarity of terms applied to the brain and to vision--Strength to the intellectual powers--EXPERIMENT ON LIVING MAN--Electrical currents in brain--How agitated--Rarity of the experiments--Serious consequences to patient--Conditions imposed, and advantages secured, to him--Not allowed to marry

XIV. --PHYSICIANS--DISEASE GERMS. 

 High rank of Physicians--Former and present duties--Periodical visitations--Microscopes--Perspiration indicating disease--Exact nature of disease not shown--Example--Ordinary appearance of perspiration--Lung disease and consumption--Lung dew--"The Scraper"--The breath

XV. --MADNESS. 

 Minute divisions of brain examined by microscope--Former neglect--Early indications rarely noticed--Supposed lunatics often wiser than their keepers--An instance--The man's statements laughed at--World believe him a confirmed madman--Madness not now assumed from seeming absurdities--Thoughts formerly scoffed at, now acknowledged facts--Minute divisions of brain responding to trains of thought--Effectual remedies for earliest symptoms--Cure of developed madness--Former error which prevented cure--The disease does not exist in the _overworked_ portion of the brain

XVI. --THE DEATH SOLACE--INSECTS. 

 Insects contain valuable electricities--Whole crops destroyed by them--Mode of capturing, &c. --Impurities removed by insects--The DEATH SOLACE

XVII. --INTERNAL CITIES--SUNSHINE PICTURES

 Special precautions against excessive heat in the extreme season--_Internal cities_ built in galleries--Their advantages--How light admitted--Flowers--Beauty and odours increased by electricity--Communication between the palaces in the External and Internal World--Narrator's summer-palace--The pictures representing principal events of his reign--Sun power utilised--Sunshine: how _fixed_ on the canvas

XVIII. --THE PICTURES. 

 Subjects of some of the pictures in the Narrator's "Internal World" Palace

XIX. --WOMAN. 

 Tendency of her education--Happy and contented--Marked difference in education of the two sexes--Beauty aided by early care--Former practices and consequences--Ravages of time--Women now lovely in age as in youth--Beauty regarded as a precious gift from Heaven--Cosmetics for its "preservation"--Wrinkles--Skin and complexion--Hands and feet--CHOOSING BY HAND--How effected--CHOOSING BY FOOT--Expedients used when hand or foot inclined to coarseness--GIRL'S DORMITORIES--Cleanliness--Separate sleeping-rooms--Reasons--Communication with night-watchers--Precautions--Mode adopted to ensure early rising-- Prayer not till after repast--Reason why old custom changed--Careful discipline until marriage--Luxurious habits permitted to married ladies--Instance of the elastic "frame" cushion--The self-acting fan

XX. --CHOICE OF A HUSBAND. 

 Means taken to secure congenial husband--Marriage councils--Choice of husband, how arranged--Maiden's right to nominate--The thirty-one evenings--The girl, how distinguished--Gentlemen who wish their pretensions to be favourably viewed--The unwilling--Efforts of pretenders--Agitation on the thirty-first evening--How the maiden proclaims her choice--The presentation of flowers--Subsequent meeting of the parties--Betrothal--Consequence of maiden failing to declare preference--Second meeting--Third meeting rare

XXI. --THE DRESS OF SHAME--SUN COLOURS. 

 Trust reposed in marriage councils never abused--The dress of shame--Rich costumes of married ladies--Brilliant colours imparted by the sun--The silver-green silk--Sun silk--Women instructed in the ART OF PLEASING--Former habits of married women--Example on children--Deceit

XXII. --COSTUMES. 

 LADY'S COSTUME--The waistcoat--Tunic--Trousers--Anklets--Trimmings-- Colours--Sandals--HEAD ORNAMENTS--Soles to protect the feet--The fan--Precious stones--Turbans--Canopy--Long veils--Distinctive feature for the unmarried--Elaborate costumes allowed after marriage--GENTLEMAN'S COSTUME

XXIII. --PREPARATIONS FOR THE MARRIAGE. 

 The civil marriage--Purification of the bride--The hair--The tree-comb--Marriage costume--Marriage ceremony repeated after birth of each child--Religious ceremony--Suspended in case of dissensions--Efforts for reconciliation--Contingencies provided for--An instance

XXIV. --FLOWERS. 

 Very beautiful--Their names given to Stars and to Women--Flower language: long conversations carried on by means of Flowers--Instances of Flower Language--Displeasure expressed through the medium of Flowers--Instances of Flowers with meanings attached

XXV. --FLOWERS IMPROVED BY ELECTRICITY. 

 Mode in which nature operates--Vitality of seed--Consequence of injury--Production of leaves--Of colour--United electricities form gatherings--Important discovery--Sap, the reservoir of electricity--PROCESS FOR CHANGING FORM--PROCESS FOR CHANGING COLOUR--For giving fragrance--THE LUANIA--SUN-FORCING

XXVI. --SONG OF ADMIRATION. 

 (_Explanation of terms used in the Song of Admiration. _)

 The Spangled Mountain--The reviled beauty--Slander and its promulgators--The Legend of Zacosta--Fall of her Tormentors--Happiness of the higher order of Spirits--Slander regarded with horror--Motives of the Slanderers--The King of the Air--The loving little animal--The ingenious instrument for discovering diamonds--The pet animal--The Meleeta--The Turvee Insect--Shooting Stars--Whale Electricity--The Martolooti--The Flower of Grace--The Chilarti--The Allmanyuka--The perfume of the everlasting gulf--The Hippopotamus hide--Fat of the Serpent's head--The Mestua Mountain--Wet thy feet--Stainers' fount-- Water--The Mountain Supporter

XXVII. --SYLIFA. 

XXVIII. --THE YOUNG GIRL RESTORED. 

 Madness not formerly recognised until violence shown--The GIRL AFFECTED WITH MONOMANIA. 

XXIX. --THE LITTLE GOATHERD. 

XXX. --DECORATIONS FOR AGE AND MERIT. 

 Worn as distinctive marks--Age entitles woman to privileges--Age regarded as an honour--Orders of the Matterode, and Mountain Supporter--Qualified decoration, &c. --ADVOCATES of the individual and of society--Privilege belonging to every woman

XXXI. --BEAUTY. 

 How ideal of beauty formerly obtained--Not equal to the actual living model--Beauty now the rule--Longevity--Beauty in old age--Summary of expedients--Value of the course adopted--Importance of care from earliest infancy--Subject of babies--Importance of little things--Maladies owing to injudicious treatment of children--March of "small" effects--Precautions now taken

XXXII. --INFANTS' EXERCISE-MACHINES. 

 Value of minute precautions--Diseases caused by want of healthy exercises--Accidents to the infant--Blows on the head--The inventions of Drahna--The four sets of machines--The TEETH--The eye--The nostrils--The tongue--Air, &c. 

XXXIII. --GYMNASTICS. 

 An essential part of the boys' education--Formerly same exercises for all--Now adapted to physical organization--Medical man observes effects--The heat of the brain a test--Bathing--Leaping--TREE-EARTH BATHS--Qualities of the earth about various trees--The oak, the weeping-willow, elm, horse-chestnut, &c. 

XXXIV. --THE AMUSEMENT GALLERY. 

 Description--Girls' amusement gallery--Boys--Different natures and characters revealed--The Character-divers

XXXV. --PRAYER. 

 For Children are short--Services adapted to different ages--Evils attendant on former system--Present course--Subjects of Sermons-- Children encouraged in affection to Parents, &c. --Preacher assisted by method of education--Objections to Parrot-like repetitions

XXXVI. --FLOCKS AND HERDS. 

 Care taken of animals--Change of pasture--Irrigation--Causes of diseases formerly prevalent--Shade--Illness--Great increase of flocks and herds--THE MALE ONLY USED FOR FOOD--Consequences of killing the mother--In slaughtering, all painful process avoided--Mode adopted--Wholesomeness of meat tested by analyzation of blood--PROTECTION OF MEAT FROM INSECTS--Protective Infusion--CRUELTY TO ANIMALS--Punishment

XXXVII. --THE ALLMANYUKA. 

 Determination to discover the germ of disease--The people afflicted with a painful malady--Children not attacked--Hypothesis--Stimulating spices--Anatomical examination--Decree forbidding use of favourite condiments--The spices collected--Temporary substitute provided--Meditation and prayer for help--The grafting and the eventual result-- Incomplete--The cream-lemon vegetable--Mode of proceeding--The "Insertion"--The root-oil--The little white bud--The anxious watching--The basket and its contents--The testing--Qualities of the Allmanyuka--The people's praise--The Tootmanyoso's gratitude--Results different from any before obtained--Description

XXXVIII. --PAPER. 

 Made from leaves of trees--Peculiarities--Process of manufacture-- Healthful fragrance--Colour--"Natural" paper--GOLDEN COLOURED PAPER--Its connection with the Allmanyuka--The incident which led to its discovery

XXXIX. --CONSUMPTION--THE ÉMEUTE. 

 Consumption--Why generally beyond cure--Erroneous views--The patient--Examination by the doctors--Their mistake--Narrator's belief--Potion administered--Death--Cause discovered--Mode of detecting and curing the disease in its germ--Assemblage of the multitude--Episode of the mother and the child--The sequel

XL. --THE HARP. 

 The principal musical instrument--Description--Four sets of chords--Strings of electricity--Marvellous variation and depression of the notes--Echoes and responses--Diapason changed to an extraordinary extent--Different characters of sound produced--Examples--Harp language; how taught--Accompaniments--Harp beautiful as a work of sculptural art--Movement of birds, flowers, and foliage, and exhalation of perfume in accord with the music--How idea was suggested

XLI. --SOCIAL INTERCOURSE. 

 Amusements enjoined--Learned men prone to seclusion--Wisdom of requiring studious men to cultivate social relations questioned--Twenty men selected for the experiment--Result--The works of the "Seclusionists" and of the "Society-Sympathisers"--The MONOMANIAC--His eccentricities and cure--Convert to the Narrator's views

XLII. --THEATRES--ENTERTAINMENTS. 

 Arenas--Electricity--Why arenas open to the sky--Games exhibited-- Beautiful effects produced--MAN and HORSE--The FLYING CHILDREN--WILL--DEAF AND DUMB CHILD--The MONKEYS--Tragic Drama--Races and public games--Parties for children--Labouring people--The aged--Districts--The middle-aged--INTRODUCTION of strangers--Ceremony observed--ATTRACTING-MACHINE

XLIII--SHIPS. 

 Peculiar form and construction--Former shape--Effective model sought--"Swan Ships"--Dangers of navigation--Ship sometimes submerged--Sufferings of the passengers for want of air--Remedy--The swan's head--Captain's quarters--Vessels propelled by electric power--Machinery--Steering and stoppage of the vessel--TIMBER FOR SHIPS--How seasoned--How protected against insects in every part--The COMPASS--The ANCHOR--Peculiarity of its formation: how let out and hauled in--The Bison ropes

XLIV. --PICTURES FROM WATER. 

 Interesting discoveries--Microscopic pictures transmitted from a distance--Picture made of a landscape and persons afar off--Picture of swan-vessels and passengers--How effected--Bottom of the sea rendered visible

XLV. --THE HIPPOPOTAMUS. 

 Invaluable--Antipathy to human beings--Hippopotamus' hide--Impervious to water--Resistance to destroying forces--All parts of the animal utilised--Parts subservient to the beautiful--Hippopotamus' land--Numerous herds--Their keepers--How attired--The herb antipathetic to hippopotami--How discovered--Experiment with the young beast--Antipathetic solution keeps animals away from cities--They love fresh-water rivers--The Aoe waters prejudicial to man--Mode of rearing Hippopotami--Precautions adopted--Why they have not been able to rear animal in Western Europe--Recommendations--Habits of the animal--The hippopotami--dance--How the young one is separated from the mother--How a hippopotamus is removed from the herd--The food of the hippopotamus in general

XLVI. --WILD ANIMALS. 

 The Serpent--The Boa--Professors to examine medicinal and other properties--Modes of capturing wild beasts--Huntsmen--The iron-work net--The watch-hut--The bait--Dead animals not allowed in the city--Habits of the tiger--THE TIGER AND THE CHILD--THE UNICORN

XLVII. --THE SUN. 

 The palace--Communication with auxiliary tower--Observatory--STAR INSTRUMENT constructed--Secrets revealed--Inhabitants and atmospheres of the stars differ--Invisible beings--The SUN-OCEAN, Mountains, and Continents--Winds--Attracted by the heat--Brilliancy increased by reflection--Every planet has electricity sympathetic or antipathetic--Different appearance in Montalluyah--Fixed stars--Comets--Overflowings of the waters--Waters in space--Conclusion

INTRODUCTION. 

By introducing the reader to "Another World, " the Editor does not leadhim into a region to which the Earth has no affinity. The Planet towhich the following fragments refer not only belongs to the same solarsystem as our own, but also presents like physical aspects. In it, ashere, are to be found land and water--mountains, rivers, seas, lakes, hills, valleys, ravines, cataracts alternating with each other; thoughin consequence of more potent electrical agencies the contrasts betweenthese various objects are frequently abrupt and decided to a degree towhich we can here offer no comparison. The other world about to bedescribed is, in fact, essentially another Earth--widely differing, indeed, from ours in its details, but still subjected to the samenatural laws. Its inhabitants, like devout persons here, look forwardwith reverent feeling towards the abode of the blest. To a purelyspiritual or angelic region these fragments do not relate. 

The name of "Montalluyah, " which more immediately belongs to the chiefcity in the planet, is not incorrectly extended so as to include theentire sphere. This new world is not made up of separate countries andmutually independent states like those of the Earth, but, forming onekingdom, is governed by one supreme Ruler, assisted by twelve kingsinferior to him in rank and power. 

The speaker in the fragments (which may almost be said to take the formof an autobiography) was the son of one of the twelve kings, who by hisgenius and worth became "Tootmanyoso, " or supreme Ruler. In the planethis name is mentioned with even more reverence than, by differentpeoples, is paid to that of Zoroaster, Solon, Lycurgus, or Alfred; buthe has this peculiarity that he does not fade, like many other greatlegislators, into mythical indistinctness, but is himself the exponentof his own polity. 

It must not, however, be supposed that this great legislator was thefirst to rescue his world from mere barbarism. The founder ofcivilization in Montalluyah seems to have been a very ancient sage namedElikoia, to whom brief reference is made in the following pages. Priorto the reign of our Tootmanyoso the people had passed through variousstages of civilization, under the guidance of many wise and good men. Still the polity was defective, for the country remained subject tocrime, misery, and disease. 

The proverb that "Prevention is better than cure, " to which everybodygives unhesitating assent, but which is often forgotten in practice, lies at the root of most of the reforms, both moral and physical, effected by the Tootmanyoso. The policy of prevention--that is, ofdestroying maladies of mind and body in the germ, before they had beenallowed to spread their poison--was one of his leading principles. Underhis influence, the physicians of Montalluyah made it less their duty tocure than to prevent disease, therein differing widely from ourpractitioners, who are not usually called to exercise their skill untila malady has been developed, and has perhaps assumed large proportions. 

Under his influence likewise it was thought better to diminish moralevil by extirpating faults in the child, rather than by punishing crimesin the man. 

Another prominent feature in the polity of the great Legislator ofMontalluyah is the occupation of every person in the intellectual orphysical pursuit for which he has been fitted by natural qualifications, developed and fortified by culture. Nobility, position, and wealth aremade to depend on merit alone, ascertained by a mechanism which neitherfavouritism, ignorance, nor accident can affect. These laws may for aninstant seem to partake of a democratic tinge; but it will be clearlyperceived that the regulations concerning the institutions of propertyand marriage are diametrically opposite to those which have rendered thetheories of Communists so generally hateful. 

Many of the Tootmanyoso's reforms resulted from an application ofextraordinary scientific discoveries to the purposes of life. Under thelaw which determined that the "right man" should, in the most extensivesense of the phrase, always be in the "right place, " discoveries weremade of which the most acute investigators of earlier times had had noconception, and the newly-acquired ability of wielding electrical, mechanical, and other forces had momentous political consequences. Armedwith powers previously unknown, the Tootmanyoso found comparatively easythe successive steps towards the happiness and well-being of his world, where a series of insuperable obstacles would have been presented to thewisest of his predecessors. 

Of the physical agencies mentioned in the following pages, that ofelectricity will be found especially prominent. Both the knowledge andthe manipulation of electricity have assumed in Montalluyah proportionsfar beyond those known to us. The electric fluid is there employed forthe most various purposes: for locomotion, for lightening heavy bodies, for increasing the power of optical instruments, for the detection anderadication of the germs of disease, for increasing the efficiency ofmusical instruments--in a word, for the advancement of the world in allthat belongs to morality, science, and art. 

To some readers the plural form, "Electricities, " which frequentlyappears in the following pages, might seem a strange innovation. TheEditor therefore states, by way of anticipation, that in certainimportant points the electrical science of Montalluyah differs from, ifit is not opposed to, some of the principles accepted here. InMontalluyah it is an ascertained fact that everything organic orinorganic possesses an electricity of its own, each kind differing fromthe others in one or more important properties. Glimmerings of theprogress effected in electricity and other sciences, including theknowledge and application of Sun-power, may be deduced from the factscontained in the fragments. Still, those glimmerings are but asscattered rays of light in the horizon, which, in the belief of theEditor, are mere precursors of other revelations at least equallyinteresting. It may be said generally that by the fragments here given, showing how the Narrator, uniting in his own person all the highestqualities of a Legislator and a Ruler, occupied himself with thediscovery and application of means for the reduction of evils to theirsmallest possible proportions, not only giving new laws of wondrousgrandeur and beauty, but eventually rendering compliance with them easyand even delightful--that by these fragments a truly stupendous polityis but partially revealed. 

The Editor has reason to believe, though it cannot be stated withconfidence, that Montalluyah is the world known to us as the planetMars. Even in the following pages indications will be found of physicalfeatures harmonizing with observations made here on that planet. On theother hand, there is the seeming objection, that whereas Mars is moredistant than the Earth from the Sun, the Sun appears much smaller, andits heat and light are less intense, on the Earth than in Montalluyah. These facts would, in the first instance, seem to indicate, not alonger, but a shorter distance of Montalluyah from the central luminary, and to point rather to Venus or Mercury than to Mars. But, according tothe scientific theories of Montalluyah, the amount of light and heatreceived from the Sun, and the aspect of that luminary, are governed, not so much by proximity, as by the nature and electricity of therecipient planet and its surrounding atmosphere. In illustration of thispoint the fact is stated in one of the fragments, that in Montalluyahthe power of the telescope is regulated, not by the distance, but by theattractive or repulsive electricity of the planet under observation, andthat more power is often required to view a nearer planet than one whichis far more distant. 

The question as to which of the laws and customs of Montalluyah can bebeneficially imitated, wholly or partially, on our Earth, and which ofthem merely pertain to physical accidents or to a peculiar state ofsociety, will afford matter for reflection. It must not be supposedthat, by relating the facts revealed to him, the Editor would recommendall the laws which they suggest as capable of imitation here. Althoughthey are based on the principle of securing happiness to the community, more especially to its worthiest members, he would no more think ofrecommending them for adoption in their entirety than of upholding the"Swan-Ship" of Montalluyah as a model for the steamers that cross theAtlantic. Nevertheless, he trusts that his record of the "regulations"of "Another World, " even where they do not admit of imitation, may serveto call attention to the evils which they were intended to remedy inMontalluyah, and which certainly nourish in all their bad luxuriancehere. 

ANOTHER WORLD. 

I. 

MONTALLUYAH. 

 "You forsake this earthly form which goes to dust, but you still live on for ever and ever. .. . 

 "This life is but the shadow of what your future lives will be. "

The Heavens are studded with stars, works of an Almighty Creator; theirpale rays give but a feeble indication of the glorious brightness ofworlds, many peopled by beings of a beauty, goodness, and powerexcelling all that human understanding can conceive. 

By the grace of Him whose might embraces the universe, I will speak of astar where the inhabitants are formed like the people of the Earth, andas the dawn of day gradually discloses earth's marvellous beauties, soshall my revelations throw light on the customs of that star-world forwhose well-being I worked with devoted love. 

Some of my world's ways will appear strange to you. Remember that theybelong to another planet, another country, another people, so that likewise travellers in a distant land, you should for a time lull your ownworld's prejudice, and accompany me in thought to Montalluyah, for suchis the name of the city where I lived. 

I was the son of one of the twelve kings called Tshialosoli, rulers ofthe country. 

These Tshialosoli are less powerful than kings in your world, therebeing a ruler with full power over them and the whole State, who iscalled in our language "Tootmanyoso, " or "The Father of the World. "

All my youthful zeal and strength were applied to study and deepreflection. The most able men were appointed to superintend myeducation. I outstripped my masters. 

The extent of my knowledge, judgment, and foresight filled with wonderthe most learned and powerful in the land. Their approving praise didbut encourage me onwards in the search for knowledge. 

People related everywhere how wondrous were the gifts of the heavenfavoured student. 

Early inspired by the desire to benefit my fellow-creatures, I oftenasked myself why, in a world teeming with blessings, so much sufferingexisted? and why endless riches in the seas, in the air, in the earth, remained unworked as though they did not exist for the use of man?

At that time the state of civilization and knowledge in Montalluyah wasin many respects not unlike that of the most civilized countries of yourworld. The religion of fire had long been replaced by the worship of theliving God, and morality and goodness were respected by most, preachedby many, and practised by a few. 

Wars were waged with relentless cruelty by brother against brother, badpassions ruled, the rich oppressed the poor, and became in turn thevictims of their own excesses, and vice, disease, and misery wererampant throughout the land. 

We had money of various metals and precious stones. The greed to possessmoney was the cause of great crimes and loss of power. I asked myselfwhether men could not be brought to seek knowledge and goodness asardently as they sought money?

I could not then answer the question, but saw that, could this be done, the boundaries of intelligence being everywhere extended, the discoveryof never-ending fructifying resources would follow, with the means alsoof multiplying those already known. 

Notwithstanding wars and pestilence, the numbers of our people hadlargely increased, whilst our stocks had seriously diminished, andscarcity and dearth afflicted my world. 

The increasing numbers of the population would, I saw, become a means ofplenty, by supplying additional numbers and power to the phalanx ofnature's workmen, each, with redoubled skill fitly applied, joyfullylabouring in his sphere to create abundance and secure the generalwell-being. 

I applied myself with unwavering perseverance to the study of humanityand the arts of government, and soon found that like aspirations hadruled many wise and good men in the different ages of my planet. Iapplied myself to the knowledge of their great wisdom and many precepts, and sought to discover why, notwithstanding the truthfulness and beautyof the golden lessons of these sages, and the eloquence and persuasionof their words, corruption and ruin still so largely prevailed. 

Not content with meditating on what had been done and written, Iattended the schools, observed the children's ways, and the mode ofeducating and rearing the husbandmen of Nature's vineyard. I visited thehospitals for the sick, and the theatres of anatomy. I examined into thecauses of disease, and the effects of the existing remedies. I visitedthe prisons, and studied the results of punishment and the causes ofcrime. I visited the poor in their hovels, the rich in their palaces; Iobserved mankind in various phases, and as it were dissected men's mindsand passions. I saw everywhere never-ending power in man and naturerecklessly wasted or turned against the community. 

My labours were rewarded by frequent advancement. Honours did butstimulate me to further exertions; the greater I became the more Iapplied myself, ever thirsting for knowledge and the power of doinggood, till at length, after passing the severest tests, I becameTootmanyoso (Father of the World), and head of the State. 

Then indeed my real labours began. Light from Heaven had enabled me tosee the causes of the evils afflicting my planet. I had now to applyremedies for changing the poisoned torrents into sources of fertility, refreshment, and delight. 

The dangers and obstructions before me were immense. I felt that nounaided mortal power could overcome them; but I was encouraged tobelieve that, "like a chariot at full speed, which turns a narrow anddangerous corner, so would I pass over my mountains of difficulty, andrun free in the wide space beyond. "

I resolved with all the concentrated ardour of my soul to persevere. 

Day by day I applied myself to the work, and invoked the aid of myCreator. 

My harp was my constant companion. I was a great harpist; and whengratitude for some new light choked my utterance, I made the harp speakin accents and in language[1] that gave fresh inspiration to my soul. 

 [Footnote 1: Musical sounds in Montalluyah have a meaning as easily understood as spoken words. Our harp is different to yours, and will be described hereafter. ]

II. 

VYORA. 

 "The humble and the proud are equally subject to the decrees of Heaven; and often one is raised and the other brought low. "

The system of education which I early inaugurated soon gave to my handmen of wondrous intelligence, fervid and eloquent emissaries, having atheart the success of my doctrines. 

These men, themselves convinced, and earnest to convince others, I sentin all directions to prepare the people, and to discover genius andintelligence under whatever garb concealed, for I had determined thatall should be encouraged to use their powers for their own and thegeneral good, and be advanced accordingly. 

Many things had happened to strengthen this, my early resolve. Oneincident I will now relate. 

A beggar made many attempts to gain admission to my palace, but wasturned away with blows; his prayers that he might speak with me werereceived with derision, --he was looked upon as a madman, and not allowedto pass the outer gate. 

This same beggar--Vyora, by name, --saved the life of a little boy, thechild of one of my leading men called Usheemee, "Men of truth. "

The child would have been crushed to death under the wheels of achariot, moved by electricity and drawn by fleet horses, [1] had not thissame beggar rushed forward, regardless of peril, and saved the boy. 

 [Footnote 1: The beauty of our horses, the desire that the chariots should not be cumbersome, and the steep hills everywhere in Montalluyah, are the reasons why electricity is not used alone. When the horses stop, the electric action is suspended, and the momentum is neutralized simultaneously by a governor or regulator. ]

The man refused money, and for his sole reward requested that he mightbe brought into my presence. The father told me of this, which seemed tohim the more strange inasmuch as the petitioner refused to say what herequired of me. 

When brought before me, I asked Vyora what he sought? He replied thathis whole desire, his soul's longing, was to be appointed a teacher, that he might instruct youth, and see little children grow wiser aroundhim. 

I regarded the man attentively, and put many searching questions. Heanswered all in a remarkable way, and gave proofs of intellect, knowledge, and perception beyond the masters who had passed through therequired ordeals, and was so gentle and modest withal, that it wasdelightful to speak with him. 

The father of Vyora had possessed wealth, but from the cruelty andoppression of an enemy mightier than he, had lost both fortune and life, and at his death left a family dependent on charity. 

The widow, a woman of remarkable gifts and keen sensibilities, prostrated by grief, died soon after, carried off suddenly by a diseasecalled, "Karni ferola, " "Absorption of the vitality, " [1] which at thattime baffled the skill of the physicians, who indeed had seldomsuspected its presence till the disease was beyond cure. 

 [Footnote 1: Answering to "consumption;" this disease is now detected and cured in its germ. ]

Vyora, himself an emaciated boy, unfitted for physical labour, was theeldest of many brothers and sisters, who looked up to him in theirhunger. He was driven to beg their food. 

After the poor man had passed easily all the ordeals, I appointed him "aCharacter-Diver, " to discover the qualities and detect the faults oflittle children, [2] and raised him from indigence to affluence. 

 [Footnote 2: See p. 19. ]

The ability, industry, and wisdom of the man, and the good he did werebeyond all praise, and I soon appointed him head of all theCharacter-Divers in Montalluyah. 

This incident, with many others, engaged my most serious reflection. Butfor an accident, the powers of a truly superior mind would have beenlost to humanity! Vyora was but the type of numbers, evidencing howcapriciously wealth and honours were then distributed. 

III. 

PERSEVERANCE. 

 "Go onward! lose not faith. Let the goodness of God support you, and the beauty and fruitfulness of the work cheer you; and when you are blest with success forget not the source whence all blessings come. "

Several years passed before my plans were matured. I reduced all towriting. On one side of the page I noted my resolutions, with the meansof carrying them out; on the other side, every objection that could beraised: on a third page I wrote down the answers. Every objection wasinvited, every difficulty anticipated, and every detail thoroughlyweighed; nothing was thought too great or too insignificant. 

I submitted the whole to my wisest councillors, and encouraged them tospeak their inmost thoughts. They were lost in admiration, but entreatedme to abandon my design. My life, they said, would be the penalty were Ito attempt to carry out any part of my projects. 

Some said that the design would be beautiful as the subject of a poem--as the aspiration of a great mind to arrive at an ideal perfection, which could not however be realised until evil itself had ceased toexist. That to attempt to move the Mestua Mountain[1] would be a tasknot less hopeless: that I might as well endeavour to walk up our greatCataract[2] without being engulfed in the sea of foaming waters! Not oneoffered encouragement to proceed with the good work. 

 [Footnote 1: Supposed to be the largest and firmest of mountains, which, since its first upheaving, has resisted the inroads of our mighty seas, as well as the most violent electrical disturbances of our world. ]

 [Footnote 2: See p. 44. ]

Neither their arguments nor their prayers deterred me. I proceededcautiously, but with a resolution that feared not death. 

Aware, however, of the deadly peril besetting me, I selected twelve men, remarkable for wisdom in council and energy in action, on each of whomin succession the authority should devolve if I were cut off. Iinitiated them into my plans, and thus hoped that one devoted man wouldalways be ready to advance the good work. 

Whilst providing for my death, I took measures for protecting my lifeagainst any sudden outburst of fury. I turned my palace into a fortress, that I might not be cut off in a moment of sudden unreasoning wrath, that myself and my adherents might not be scoffed at as madmen, and myplans for the good of all retarded, if not wholly frustrated. Thesemotives I proclaimed to the people. 

The opposing obstacles were stupendous. I braved death in every shape. Ipassed one mighty peril only to meet another more formidable, butfearlessly stood every trial, and did not hesitate to act where dangerwas greatest. Nothing appalled me. I never faltered from my resolves, and after years of mighty struggles, my triumph was complete. I wasblessed and adored by all the people, small and great, and my name willlive in Montalluyah through all generations. 

I gave Laws, and indicated the precautions to be taken to secure theirobservance. I initiated discoveries. Inexhaustible stores of abundancewere called into existence, enriching the poor and making the rich happyin their possessions. And the eventual result of the organization Icompleted was the removal of the incentives to war, strife, avarice andother evils, the triumph of good, and the moral and material well-beingof the community. 

Amongst the many subjects to which I successfully devoted my attentionwere:

The care and protection of Woman, the development of her capabilitiesand graces, the preservation and increase of her beauty, Marriage andits incidents. 

The birth, growth, and education of the future Man and of the Mother ofMen; the enlarging and ennobling the moral and intellectual powers. 

Preservation of health--prevention and cure of disease--prolongation ofLife, and augmentation of the faculties of appreciation and enjoyment. 

The increase of our flocks and herds, and of other sources of supply forthe food of man. The discovery and creation of new means of sustenanceand the amelioration of the old. 

The discovery of the properties of birds, beasts, fishes, insects, reptiles, and creeping things, and their application to the service ofman. 

The invention of new instruments, the enlargement of the powers of thosealready known, the development of electrical and mechanical powers, andthe subjecting the workings of nature to the uses of man. 

The care and protection in health and in sickness of the lower orders, and of those whom nature had not qualified to take care of themselves. 

Occupation for all, each according to his capabilities and the bent ofhis genius, as ascertained and developed by education. 

The government of the country; the enlargement and improvement of thecities with a view to the health, comfort, and progressive elevation ofthe community. 

IV. 

LIGHT FROM DARKNESS. 

"Let the mighty works of God stimulate all to industry. "

My task at first seemed never-ending; but good is ever fruitful, andeach conquest aided every subsequent effort. 

I was greatly assisted in my progress by the knowledge of powers innature of wondrous value, but permanently effective for good only;secrets to be entrusted to those alone whose goodness, discipline, andself-knowledge enable them to stand firmly against the varied attacks oftemptation, and rise above the motives by which men are ordinarilyruled, the chosen High Priests of the Science who would never use forevil purposes the secrets imparted. 

Similar powers have been exercised for good in different ages of yourplanet, but the mighty trust having become known to weak minds was sadlyabused, the charm was thus broken and the secret lost; for, when theknowledge of man exceeds certain limits, his power, like that of goodangels, can exist only while linked with noble aspirations. 

The false prophets who used the dying embers of occult science for vilepurposes have been properly looked upon with horror as delegates ofevil; for the death-struggle of the expiring secret had wrought greatmischief on the earth. 

The power which had been entrusted to me was exercised for the good ofmy planet, and aided me in consummating my plans without bloodshed;those who were deaf to words yielded to influences whose depths couldnot be fathomed by ordinary vision. 

In the system I founded, every one--his natural powers disciplined tothat end--is occupied in the pursuit adapted to his genius andinclination, ascertained by ever vigilant and scrutinising observation, and tests ofttimes repeated during his early and later career. 

These tests are applied in a variety of forms, and by differentexaminers, at different times; and there are so many checks andcounterchecks, that the boy is effectually protected against the nowscarcely possible ignorance or favouritism of "the knowledge testers, "and even against himself. 

Every one having the occupation most congenial to him, all workedcheerfully in their pursuits; and I was soon aided by a never-endingphalanx of great men. The progress of science was marvellous, for assoon as the impeding obstacles were removed, and we allowed her to bewooed by the lovers of her predilection, Nature seemed to lend herselfeagerly to the advances of her votaries. 

The precept exhorting all to industry stood at the head of this portionof my laws, but the lesson was no longer needed. 

I was indeed ofttimes obliged to exhort to recreations and amusements, and to turn many--particularly men of genius--from the too incessantpursuit of their labours of love. 

I set an example in my own person, for I was a frequent attendant at thepublic games and diversions. 

One discovery was pregnant with another; invention followed inventionalmost in geometrical progression; the secrets of nature were disclosed;and power, being wielded only by men intent on good, disease and crimewere soon reduced to almost imperceptible proportions. Wisdom and joyruled where before folly and misery prevailed, and towards the end of myreign the happiness of Montalluyah was more like the joys of a celestialstar than of a planet inhabited by mortal beings. 

When the causes of affliction themselves could not be removed, they wereoften made to contribute to my world's well-being. 

The myriads of insects that formerly ravaged our fields are nowintercepted in their work of destruction, [1] their properties havingbeen discovered and applied to purposes redundant with good. 

 [Footnote 1: See p. 76. ]

The hippopotami, who in earlier ages were looked upon as the incarnateenemy of mankind, formerly overran the country, trampling downvegetation, and attacking man and beast. These creatures are nowdominated, and their breed is encouraged, for they have become the mostvaluable of our wild beasts, the hide, fat, and nearly every part of thecarcase being applied to very many purposes of the highest utility to mypeople. [1]

 [Footnote 1: See p. 279. ]

The advent of "the fever wind, " which formerly blew disease amongst thepeople, now conduces to the healthfulness of those it would otherwiselay low. 

The lightning, formerly destructive, impelled--as was told in ourlegendary lore--by the anger of the Fire God, is rendered innocuous, andcollected for use. [2]

 [Footnote 2: See Electricity, p. 54. ]

The sun's scorching force is compelled to minister to our delights, toassist in our arts and manufactures, to supply a power which cannototherwise be obtained, and even to protect us from the sometimes toodangerous influence of his own rays. 

The sunlight is powerful in our world beyond anything in your Indian orAfrican climates; even the shades are not black, but of a reddish hue. 

The sun, going down, leaves a red light, so that, except when at nightthis is completely shut out from the houses, there is ordinarily nodarkness in your sense of the word. 

At certain times, however, Montalluyah, both by day and night, isoverspread with thick darkness. Formerly, during this visitation, no mancould see his neighbour; fear seized the people. They believed it to bethe reign of bad spirits, and so it seemed; few dared venture from theirhouses even to obtain food, and numbers died from terror and exhaustion. 

Light is now made to displace darkness, and joyfulness to take the placeof mourning. 

My scientific men discovered a means by which the causes that producedthe darkness are now used to remedy its inconveniences. 

The City is made gloriously radiant. Forms of trees, birds, vases offlowers and fruit, fountains, and other designs of many tints and greatbeauty are transparent with light, rendered more beautiful bycombination with a peculiar electricity emitted by the earth--anelectricity which, be it observed, is the cause of the darkness. 

The very birds by their warbling seem to greet the change, and the treesand flowers emit a more delicious perfume. 

There is music and rejoicing everywhere in the City. Many of theelectrical amusements provided appear grander from the contrast with thedarkness they are made to displace--a contrast scarcely greater thanthat depicted by our "Nature Delineators" when, in allegory, they paintthe present contrasted with past times; the later years of my reigncontrasted with the beginning. 

V. 

CHARACTER-DIVERS. 

EDUCATION. 

 "Let none but skilful workmen elaborate precious material. "

Think not that the truly great Vyora was but little honoured by beingappointed to an office connected with little children. [1]

 [Footnote 1: _Ante_, p. 8. ]

The character-divers were entrusted by me with grave duties, on theproper discharge of which depended the enduring success of my polity. 

The education of the young of both sexes engaged from the first mydeepest study, for I had early convinced myself that the many evils tobe eradicated had their stronghold in the mode in which education hadbeen conducted, and soon after the commencement of my reign I put intoexecution a portion of my laws for making education a powerful lever inthe regeneration of my world. 

Men of genius had been compelled by ignorance or driven by necessity tofollow occupations for which they were not fitted, and which they, indeed, often loathed; the really valuable tendencies of these men, bentin an opposite direction, were allowed to run to waste, or perhaps beused to the injury and destruction of others. 

I felt that to do justice to all and effect good incalculable, eviltendencies must be destroyed in their birth, the germs of theimperfections and crimes of the man, detected and eradicated in thechild; whilst valuable qualities and good tendencies must be searchedout, and effective means devised for their healthful development. 

The most ordinary men, those even who would otherwise be swayed by grosspassions, would become contented workmen in the cause of good whenoccupied with pursuits for which nature and education had fitted them;whilst the power and works of men of genius would be many timesincreased and multiplied if their education were adapted to strengthenand develop their talents, eradicate their faults, and generateauxiliary excellencies. 

But how could all this be effected if the first step to so desirable anend were wanting?

In my visits to the schools I had been struck with the fact that littleaccount was taken of the characters of children, --their qualificationsand natural tendencies physical or mental: the attempt was to force theboy to the system, not to adapt the system to the boy. 

One routine existed for all pupils, whether for the inculcation of thelove of study or for the correction of faults. The earnest andpassionate nature was treated in the same way as the cold andphlegmatic; the boy of genius or talent, as the dullard; the one wholoved, as he who disliked, or had a tendency to dislike, study; theweakly, as the strong. They were all driven together like a flock ofsheep, with scarcely any regard to individual capabilities, bent ofgenius, or physical constitution, which indeed little effort, and thatill-directed, had been made to discover. 

I had observed, also, boys with the germs of great genius, who, for wantof some minor quality, were rejected and perhaps placed in some lowerdivision, humiliated and discouraged, although with care the deficientquality could have been supplied. The want of this perhaps would makethe boy a recruit to the ranks of evil, or at least unfit him, when aman, for the real business of life. It was the small bolt wanting toenable the machine to do its work properly. 

I saw the sad consequences of all this mismanagement. 

Many precepts, beautiful indeed in intention, were crammed into thepupil, the process being repeated until they often became irksome, andhe was expected to become moral and religious. I saw that precepts wereof little use unless those whom they were meant to benefit wereeducated, fortified, and disciplined in the practical means of observingthem. 

It was at that time painful to see children, with many good naturaltendencies, leave school with bad habits, and vices so marked anddeveloped, that even the exertions of the most skilful physicians, thediscourses of the most learned of our clergy, failed to effect a cure. 

The first thing necessary was to devise effective--it may be saidunerring--means to search out the characters and dispositions ofchildren. 

I created the office of "character-divers, " and selected for thedischarge of its duties eminent men of great sagacity and gentleness, skilled in the knowledge of the mind and heart, their sole occupationbeing to discover the qualities, tendencies, and incipient faults ofchildren, and act accordingly; to dive, as it were, into the secretimaginings of the child; to detect the early germ of evil, and note thepresence of good; to indicate measures for eradicating the one anddeveloping the other. 

These character--divers, called in our language "Djarke, " are distinctfrom the masters, called "Zicche, " or fathers of knowledge, able men, who have charge of the boys' studies. 

The qualities which enable a preceptor to impart literary and scientificknowledge differ widely from those fitted for searching out, discriminating and correcting faults of character, interpreting the realqualities that nature has implanted in the youthful aspirant, anddevising the measures to be taken for correction or development. 

Even if the necessary qualities for both duties were united in onemaster, there would be many objections to the duties being entrusted tothe same person. 

The character-divers are as it were moral physicians, skilled in thedetection and cure of the hidden germs of mental maladies; for, as youwill see hereafter, I was not content to wait till a disease, whether ofthe mind or body, had developed itself, spreading contagious poisonthrough the veins and arteries of society, and propagating evil withoutend; the germ was destroyed before it had acquired force to injure. 

In our planet neither the faults nor the good qualities of children showthemselves in the same way; the indications vary in each child accordingto his temperament and the circumstances in which he may be placed. Faults and qualities are often of a kind seemingly opposed to what theyactually demonstrate to the character-diver--particularly in childrenendowed with genius. 

Fair and even beautiful outcroppings are sometimes indications ofnoxious weeds hidden below the surface. Weeds are not unfrequently bornfrom the very richness and exuberance of the soil, whilst many a darkand seemingly sterile stem conceals the embryo of fruit and flowerswhich a genial sunshine will call into life and beauty. 

These and other considerations demand great--almost constant--attentionon the part of the Djarke. 

Another reason for separating the two offices of fathers of knowledgeand character-divers is that the child's peculiarities are generallyshown out of school-hours. Hence, for the purpose of detecting ortracing their real cause, and suggesting the remedy, the character-diveris often obliged to enter into terms of intimacy with the children, particularly those of tender age, to obtain their confidence, perhaps tobe their playmate and friend, that the little ones may be at their ease, conceal nothing, and almost look upon him as they would upon some tameanimal. 

The younger children with us require more watchfulness and skill intheir treatment than those of maturer age. The defects of the young, like incipient disease, are less obvious, and their intelligence is lessdeveloped. 

VI. 

CORRECTION OF FAULTS. 

CHARACTER-DIVERS--_continued_. 

 "Let the remedies employed be adapted to the complaint and to the constitution of the patient, and be careful that in curing one disease you do not sow the seeds of another more dangerous. "

One of the duties of the character-divers is to suggest, and often tocarry out, the measures for curing the child, for in our planet the modeof correcting faults is a matter of great solicitude, lest the meansadopted, instead of checking and eradicating, tend to confirm anddevelop the evil tendency, or, it may be, implant other evils more fatalthan those eradicated. 

The remedies employed for curing the boy's faults vary with histemperament and general characteristics. The same fault would be treatedvery differently in the stupid and in the intelligent boy. Where therewas difficulty of impression, the labour would be like working on stone, whilst the lightest touch and mildest measures will often suffice withthe intelligent. 

The remedies vary again with the kind, degree, and cause of the fault:take for instance the ordinary fault of laziness. This would be treatedvery differently when it arose from mental defects--from a tendency tolove other things, great or grovelling, or from a sluggish or overactivedigestion. 

I may here mention that a general feature in the correction of faults isthe absence of violent punishment. We wish to raise and not degrade ourchildren, and perhaps implant the seeds of cruelty. We do not correcteven our animals by blows. Horses, for instance, are never struck. Whips, with a small thong at the ends, are used only to flourish and tomake sounds which the horse knows, but they are not used to strike theanimal. Other modes are employed for curing viciousness, each accordingto the nature of the vice. In the case of a kicking horse, he is placedin a machine which is closed on him, the machine being so constructedthat when shut it effectually prevents the animal moving, and he is keptthere in the same position for hours. If, when taken out, he again kickshe is placed back again immediately. The process is repeated whennecessary over and over again, until the very sight of the machine willcompletely cow the animal, and he is effectually cured. 

The laws are very severe against those who would ill-treat an animal, but there is now no need to put them in force. 

We never punish by the imposition of tasks, our aim being to inculcatethe love of study, and encourage the child to regard his work as afavour and a privilege. On the contrary we now punish the student ratherby taking away the old than by imposing new school work; and this is soeffected that the boy, though at first delighted, soon thirsts to resumehis studies. 

In many cases the pupil is not allowed even to know that he ispunished, --_i. E. _, why the discipline is changed, --lest he should becomeattached to a fault for which he has suffered and, as it were, paiddearly; lest, too, the excitement of eluding detection should make itpleasurable to transgress when the immediate pressure is removed, and heshould thus become schooled in untruthfulness and deceit. 

The character-divers generally effect the child's correction bygentleness, and eventually bringing him to loathe the bad and love thegood. Time, labour, and attention are bestowed unsparingly, and, howeversmall the germ, the evil tendency is never left until, when this ispossible, it is completely eradicated. In certain cases, where thefootprint of nature is too firmly impressed, the efforts are continueduntil other and opposing qualities have been developed, and the moralpatient has acquired such control over himself as to be able, in momentsof temptation and impulse, to dominate the disturbing propensity. 

Even after the fault seems to have been eradicated, the patient is forsome time subjected to various tests and temptations before he ispronounced cured. We do not trust to superficial appearances. 

Similar precautions were taken in the cure of adult offenders againstthe laws, but as soon as my plans had time to operate, offences byadults were of rare occurrence. 

When a child gives evidence of remarkable genius, he is watched withmore than jealous care, with a view to his superior refinement, andother qualities which we like to see in harmony. We do not like to see, as it were, a garment made partly of rich brocade and partly of commonmaterial. 

The character-divers, too, are greatly assisted in their observations byan establishment attached to each school called "The Amusement Gallery, "in which after a certain time the bent of the child, his versatility, capriciousness, constancy of purpose, and other qualities and defectsare shown in his selection and continued or interrupted pursuit of anyparticular occupation or amusement. 

It is scarcely possible to overrate the importance of acting withjudgment towards children. 

From the smallest beginnings, incurable defects of mind and permanentdisease of body will gather strength, grow and obtain the mastery, tillthey carry off the sufferer, or implant vices that, like evil spirits, will torture the victim during his life's career. 

Nothing is spared in the education of the future man and mother of men. In the child is seen the parent of other generations, one who, as he iswell or ill-directed, will strengthen or weaken the great work of humanhappiness, bearing with him a blessing or a curse for the community. Therefore whatever may be the pains or expenditure required in the cureof incipient faults, as of incipient disease, we know that society willbe repaid more than a thousand-fold in the happiness of its members, inevil prevented and good propagated, in the numbers of men of talent andgenius whose works, teeming with great results, will be thus saved tothe State. 

But for the character-divers the services of numbers of men ofextraordinary genius would have been lost to the State, and our world'sprogress in science, inventions, and happiness retarded for centuries. Nay, perhaps the then comparative civilization would have been thrownback into barbarism, through the destructive play of bad passions anddisappointed hopes. 

Numbers who, if their early faults had grown into confirmed vices, wouldlater have led a life of crime, and become inhabitants of dungeons andemissaries of evil, now grew into men of great eminence. The germ ofevil propensities was destroyed, the exuberant motive power of theirnature regulated and turned to good, by means which the character-diversthoroughly understood. 

Amongst faults, the germs of which occupied the attention of the Djarke, are the following:

Untruthfulness, dishonesty, discontent, pride, vanity, boasting, cunning, envy, deceit, whether prejudice, self-deceit, or the wish todeceive others; nervousness or fear, inducing reticence and concealmentof faults, excess of modesty or the occasional tendency of persons ofgenius to underrate their own powers, inattention to studies, want ofapplication, power to learn too easily, lack of retentive memory, exaggeration and boldness, bad temper, sullenness, disposition toquarrel, cowardice, cruelty, caprice as distinct from versatility, selfishness, greediness, laziness, and its various causes, and generallythe germs of all faults and vicious propensities, which, if not cured atan early age, would grow into tenacious vices. 

From the precautions taken in Montalluyah the schools have become realnurseries, where the pupil is endowed with knowledge adapted to hiscapacity and natural bent, strengthened and graced with valuable habitsand stores of physical and intellectual power. 

VII. 

CHARACTER-DIVERS--_continued_. 

 "Respect those who would enable us to obtain the respect of others. "

In former times the education of our children, even of the most gifted, was entrusted to preceptors who occupied less than secondary positions. 

We did not respect or love them much; nay, they were not unfrequentlytreated with indignity, and yet it was expected that our children wouldrespect and love them and the learning they professed to teach. 

All, whether men or women, entrusted with the education of the young arenow honoured in Montalluyah, and are high in the State as personscharged to bring about great and valuable results. 

The aid given me by the character-divers and preceptors in carrying outmy plans was incalculable. Their sagacity selected disciples apt for theduties I required; men with vast powers impelled by good. These menpropagated my doctrines, and vigilantly watched their observance, and anew vigorous generation soon sprang up, educated to obey my laws, andfurther to increase and multiply their beneficent effects. 

These moral physicians were chosen at first from men of great sagacity, gentleness, and powers of observation, and of polished manners. [1]

 [Footnote 1: In Montalluyah children are supposed to acquire so much by imitation, that the candidate for the office of Djarke and others must possess refined manners; and even the quality of speaking with elegance and accuracy is considered necessary both in them and in the Zicche. The art of speaking and writing with correctness is imperceptibly acquired from the language of the preceptors and other models with whom the boy comes in frequent contact. Grammar, with the exception of a few leading rules, is not needed, and the boy's brain is saved much dry and fruitless labour. ]

Young men of special aptitude were soon educated to the office, and itwas then that character-divers of marvellous powers sprang up, whoseknowledge of the human mind, and skill in diving into the hiddencurrents of character, became so great that no incipient quality, ordefect however minute, could escape their observation. 

There is a man whom the sagacity of Vyora discovered, whose wondrouspower in his art is the admiration of Montalluyah. The good he has doneand the greatness of his work in searching out and developing hiddenqualities and genius in children, who to the unskilled eye gave nopromise, is celebrated in pictures, in sculpture, and in song, and hisportrait is repeated in the highly finished and artistic mosaic pavementof our palaces and dwellings. 

We delight to enrich our houses and public places with subjects whichdaily inspire great and pleasureable thoughts. 

The subjects of the tesselated pavements include wise kings, inventors, and discoverers, character-divers and preceptors, physicians, greatelectricians and chemists; astronomers, men skilfully learned in thepower of the sun; men versed in the knowledge of the human mind; eminentpainters, sculptors, and architects; men skilled in the properties ofbirds, beasts, fish, and other living things. Moral qualities aregreatly estimated; and we have many portraits of women famous for theirvirtues, gentleness, and superiority; even of servants distinguished forremarkable cleanliness and other qualities. Every house has itstesselated pavement, more or less elaborate, but always beautifullyexecuted, for all our artists are great, and occupy high positions. 

Where a young man evinced qualities which, when tested, showed that hewould make but a second-rate artist, the character-divers demonstratedthat these youths possessed natural tendencies better fitting them forsome other pursuit. 

I have in my thoughts at this moment a favourite subject of the artisticpavement;--a man--Zolea by name--who as a boy was inattentive to hisstudies, while his talent for sketching from nature[1] was soremarkable, that even during school hours, with his eye seemingly on hisbook, he would occupy himself in sketching those around him. Every one, except the character-divers, thought that Nature intended this boy for agreat artist. These demonstrated that as an artist he would never attaina high position; and after observing how he occupied himself inplay-hours, and subjecting him to numerous tests, so completely curedhim of his want of application and other defects, that he became thewisest and greatest among our kings. He aided me much in the devisingand carrying out many things for the well-being of our planet. 

 [Footnote 1: All students, even beginners, sketch from nature, no other sketching is allowed. ]

Had I not been the son of a king I should probably have been educated asa harpist; for even as a child I showed great disposition for the harp, and composed both words and music for my favourite instrument; but myfather's chief councillor, a man of great sagacity, saw in me the germof intellectual powers far beyond those required for the most perfectexecution of the harp, and, counselled by this sage, I was led to otherstudies by judicious treatment, to the doubting surprise of my earlytutors. 

 * * * * *

I will now give you some account of one of the great works begun andended in my reign. 

This work, called 'The Wonder' of my Planet, was by our poets oftenspoken of as resembling my polity in the strength of its foundation, andin beauty, grandeur, and stability, as a work which, like my laws, theysaid had saved a world from destruction, and would endure for ever!

VIII. 

THE STAR CITY. 

 "The City of delights. The beloved of the Angels. "

The power of the sun in my world is great, and the heat and light areexcessive. The great heat being, however, tempered by cooling, refreshing winds, and gushing waters, is to our constitutions generallyagreeable, except at the period called the extreme season. 

The colours in the sky are in great variety, and of exceedingtransparency and brightness, some parts presenting masses of gorgeousreds, golden colours, rich greens, and pinks of many shades. 

The skies present also the appearance of a most irregular and unevensurface--as though there were high hills, some with their peaks, somewith their bases, towards the earth, and with large spaces between, sothat whilst in one part these hill-peaks and bases appear only a fewmiles off, other parts of the sky seem very distant. 

In vast mountainous and rocky regions is built our great city calledMontalluyah, that is, "God's own City. "

What are called the _External World Cities_ are built on the base sidesand summits of many peaked mountains, rocks, hills, and promontories, girded, intersected, and undermined by the sea. 

The City is divided into 200 districts each known by a name indicative ofthe situation:--

 The Upper Mountain City, Summit City, Topmost Point City, The Lower City, Down City, Side City, Lower Under City, Sea City, Vale City, Ravine City, Side Country, The Internal City, and similar designations. 

Before my reign each of these districts formed a separate city. Great orrather petty jealousies existed between them, and much evil was theresult; for they treated each other as rivals, and often as enemies. Idecreed that all the districts should be called by one name, that theinhabitants of all should enjoy the same system of laws and government, the same customs and polity, and form as it were one family. I did manythings to cement the union. I executed, too, numerous great works whichassisted in promoting the growth of universal brotherhood. Many citieswhich formerly lay at immense distances from each other, separated byintervening mountains of immense height, I united by perforating therocks, and building spacious galleries through the hearts and bases ofthe mountains, and by throwing "aerial" bridges from one mountain peakto another. Henceforth I shall speak of all these cities as"Montalluyah. "

Palaces and edifices of various forms, their gilded spires and minaretsinlaid with many coloured transparent stones which sparkle in ourbrilliant sun, stand on undulating sinuous ridges, peaks, and terraces, rising one above the other in endless and irregular succession. 

The houses are mostly curved, oval, or round. In Montalluyah straightlines are avoided. The houses are built principally with a white stone, mingled with a peculiar stone of a bright sky-blue colour, both stonesrepellent of heat. 

Gardens and verdure separate the houses one from the other. Most of thegardens are arranged in curvilinear lines, the houses being placed atthe central point of the inner and outer curve alternately, so that eachalternate house is on the outer centre of the garden curve, and eachalternate house is on the inner centre of the adjoining curve. Theundulating lines of terraces are broken by gigantic masses of rock ofvarious colours, red, green, golden, white, blue, silver, brown, andvariegated--rocks of carbuncle, lapis lazuli, malachite, gold-stone, andmany-coloured marbles. 

These rocks and undulations are intersected by ravines, rivers, inletsof the sea, lakes, and cataracts, reflecting the many tints of thegorgeously coloured sky and the rays of our vividly bright sun, fillingour city as it were with aureoles of glory. 

In many parts the sea has made itself a hidden way, and runs its coursefor miles under the rocks, appearing again at great distances in one ofthe interior inland cities, perhaps at the bottom of a deep ravine oropen space; and the waters are often raised and collected for use andornament in fountains and artificial cascades called water-lifts: whilstsprings of fresh water gush out of the rocks, affording refreshment tothe sun-parched and many-coloured grasses, flowers, and vegetation. 

Great cataracts and artificial cascades often form the background to agreat building or colossal statue. The effect of these large masses ofwater viewed from all parts is extremely grand and beautiful. 

Sometimes the ravines, rivers, cataracts, and sea-arms are passed byhuge bridges of the natural rocks, perforated by the sea, or opened byman to render navigation possible. Sometimes bridges miles in length arethrown across a great cataract or immense chasm where the rocks havebeen relentlessly torn asunder by the lightning and other electricaldisturbances. 

All the large bridges are covered with houses and gardens, which at adistance seem air-suspended cities, hanging without support over rivers, cataracts, large cities, and aggregations of houses. 

Everything conducive to health is attended to: the supply of water toevery part of the city is unlimited, and in each house, whether of richor poor, is a bath, for sea and for fresh water. 

We have "violet streams, " which run for miles over beds of violets whiteand blue. The water of these is preserved in tanks erected at the end ofthe streams, trenches being cut to assist the flow. It has a deliciousflavour, and is used for various beverages, but not for culinarypurposes, since, when mixed with certain things, it turns black andloses its fragrance. 

Trees, plants, and flowers perfume the air with their fragrance; whilstbirds of endless variety and richest plumage have their nests in thetall and wide-spreading trees of varied-coloured foliage and fill theair with their music. In the trees are placed artificial nests to enticethe birds; these invite others, which build their nests spontaneously. The trees are large, their branches and rich foliage spread themselvesin graceful lines to a long distance on every side and afford pleasingshade, their gauzy leaves subduing the light and producing the effect ofsoft rainbow tints. The trees also emit perfume. 

The music of the birds harmonizes with the refreshing sounds of therunning waters, cascades, and fountains; and that the effect on the mindof these beautiful harmonies may not be disturbed, the wheels of ourchariots as well as the horses' hoofs are bound with a peculiar hidewhich, besides possessing great toughness and durability, has theproperty of deadening sound. Thus none but the most agreeable soundsreach the ear, whilst the senses are charmed with aromatic odours andthe eye is pleased with beauty of every kind. 

Arched galleries and passages through the hills and mountains, partlyperforated by the sea or electric fire, and enlarged by the industry ofman, have a subdued light and make an impression of another kind, thered light in these perforated roads answering to the red shade of theouter world. These galleries and openings in the rocks are used toshorten distances from one side of a mountain to another. 

The whole city is full of animation. The illuminated sky, the variegatedplumage of the birds, the moving myriads of human beings, clad in richcostumes of divers colours; horses, elephants, camels, and camelopards, richly caparisoned; carriages gorgeously decorated, the golden domes ofthe houses, the many-coloured rocks reflecting themselves in the watersand in the brilliant skies, with their own aerial peaks and mountainsbrilliant and bright with our powerful sunlight--all these combine toproduce a gorgeous spectacle. Moreover, the constantly recurringundulations and tortuousness of the ground are so great that it isdifficult to proceed for a few minutes without meeting an entire changeof scenery, as though one had reached a new city. 

At one moment are seen mountain peaks rising almost perpendicularly tothe skies in varying height, then a little turn brings the spectator onforests of houses, with ornamental gilded domes and hives of humanbeings. 

Overhanging rock and mountain-forms of varied colours, the skies nowscarcely seen, now reflecting their gorgeous tints in the sparklingrivers, cascades, and upheaving masses of water, these and much moreform a picture of which words of fire would fail to convey a sufficientidea to those accustomed to the sober, though beautifully subdued tintsof your skies. 

IX. 

THE SUSPENDED MOUNTAIN. 

 "The uplifted Mountain Arm, as though raised in anger, threatens you and your little ones with destruction. .. .. Let all hearts unite in prayer, that Heaven may inspire your Tootmanyoso with the means of saving the world from so dire a calamity!. . "

The ordinary elevation of the tides is immense. They advance and rise toa height far beyond any similar phenomenon in your planet, and thewaters retire in proportion, leaving at low water many miles of seashoreuncovered. 

In Montalluyah the sun's electricity is very powerful. It is the powerof the sun, and not of the moon, which principally influences the tides. 

A huge mountain mass projects from the elevated continent of Montalluyahfor miles above the sea. 

The heart and base of the mountain mass had been carried away from underthe higher mass by some great convulsion of nature, leaving the upperpart of the mountain without support, except by its adhesion to the maincontinent, of which it formed part. From the point of juncture thesuspended mass extends itself out horizontally in the air over citiesbuilt on the ridges, sides, and foot of the parent mountain-chain, andfar beyond the extreme bounds of these cities, for miles over andparallel with the sea, at a height which from the lower cities makes thesuperincumbent mass rarely distinguishable from the illuminated cloudsabove. 

The electric agencies in our world are very powerful; and it is supposedthat at an early age of our world's history the mountain-foot coveredwith cities extended considerably beyond the land on which stand thepresent lower cities, and for many miles beyond the actual point towhich the sea now recedes at low water, and that through a greatelectric disturbance, the upheaving seas of mighty waters rolled on, and, rising to an immense height--some think above the summit of thegreat mountain--with resistless force carried away miles of intermediaterock-land, which had till then formed the heart of the mountain. 

When after some time the waters receded the mountain mass above thepoint of their ravages was left suspended, deprived of the support ofthe intermediate and nether strata, which before the upheavings of thewaters had connected the plateaus and peaks of the mountain with theland beneath. 

The suspended or aerial mountain stretches from the high lands of thecontinent horizontally through the air, just as one of your largestcontinents stretches into the sea. Between it and the sea below, however, is a space to be measured by miles. 

The sea in subsiding did not recede to its old limits; for a part onlyof the miles of the lower lands between the scooped-out mountain heartand the sea was restored to the world by the retiring waters, and theheart of the mountain having been carried away and engulfed for ever, the projecting mountain mass was left suspended not only over the landnow covered by the lower cities, but for miles over the sea. Neither canbe approached except by proceeding first for a long distance in anopposite direction inland, until the extreme point is reached where thesea stopped its ravages on the mountain's heart; the road then leads bycircuitous bendings to the land below. 

On the rocky ridges of the heart or indent of the mountain, and on thepart of the mountain foot restored by the sea, now stand the middle andlower cities of Montalluyah. 

The hanging mountain mass, with its promontories and high hills, presents all varieties of shape and outline, and is itself intersectedby rocks, ravines, cataracts, and torrents. 

One great torrent runs on for many miles, and having been swelled bytributaries into an immense gathering of mighty waters, rushesimpetuously seaward, to the extreme point of the suspended mountain, whence from its aerial height it falls into the sea beneath, the spraybringing refreshment to the parched atmosphere of the lower andintervening cities, built on the ridges and peaks of the sea-worn heartof the mountain. This torrent, called the Great Cataract, forms afeature of great grandeur and beauty. 

On the suspended mountain itself is built a city larger than yourlargest capitals, called the Upper city of Montalluyah. The Lower city, nearer the sea-level, is distant vertically about three miles from thenearest under part of the projecting mountain-arm above. The citiesswarm with human beings, whilst the wealth of the districts isincalculable. 

Before my time many of the under parts of the suspended mountain hadbroken from the parent mountain arm, burying cities and theirinhabitants under the masses of rock. 

In the then state of science these catastrophes could scarcely have beenprevented, but at that time the inhabitants of Montalluyah rarelythought of preventing accidents till after they had occurred!

Although in my reign the suspended mountain did not threaten immediatedanger, I saw that unless means could be devised to support it, likecatastrophes would at some time recur, and perhaps the whole mountainarm would give way, hurling the upper cities to destruction, andcrushing the nether cities under its falling masses. The terribleconsequences that would ensue were more appalling even in theirremoteness than the most vivid imagination dared realize. 

Acting therefore on the principle governing my polity--that ofpreventing evils--I determined to use the immense mechanical andelectrical powers with which the marvellous progress of science hadsupplied me, to construct a work strong and durable enough to supportthe suspended mountain. 

I assembled from all parts the mighty men of our world, men of truth andwisdom, fathers of science and knowledge, chiefs in all the principaldepartments; for it was provided by one of my laws that before any greatwork was undertaken these men should be consulted, and that, so far aswas in accordance with the chief intent, the work should be carried onin harmony with the requisitions of the principal sciences. 

After much thought, deliberation, and study, a stupendous work wasundertaken; a work so great in the parent thought, and so wondrous inthe execution, that it is looked upon by the people as the wonder of ourworld. 

With your limited mechanical appliances, and backwardness of electricalscience, you will perhaps have difficulty in realizing the practicabilityof such a construction. 

X. 

THE MOUNTAIN SUPPORTER. 

 "Let all hearts unite in gratitude to Him who sent His angels to aid us in this work. 

 "He inspired the directing mind, and gave strength to those that executed. He created the fire that married the two substances into one indestructible compound mass. 

 "Behold, and wonder!"

A circular tower, whose base above the foundation is more than a mile indiameter, and whose round walls are more than a hundred feet inthickness, is carried up from the lower land nearest to the sea-leveluntil the head of the tower reaches and supports the projecting mountainmass above. 

The diameter of the tower-head is one-third of the diameter of the base. The diminution being very gradual is scarcely perceptible, and appearsto be the effect of distance. The height of the tower is the same as itscircumference at the base. Our ordinary powers of vision generallyexceed yours, and the light in our world is more intense; and yet thehead of the tower can from the lower cities seldom be distinguished fromthe illuminated clouds above. 

The area in the interior of the tower at the base, and for some distanceabove, is divided horizontally and vertically, and the compartments areused for storehouses, including the storing of scientific instruments, and for experiments connected with science. The different strata andincidents of the atmosphere at various elevations are there studied withpeculiar advantage, as there are numerous landings at differentdistances, and we have the means of ascending and descending the wholedistance, or of alighting on any of the landings by means of a machineraised and lowered by electric power. 

As the work progressed, stages were constructed at different heights onwhich buildings were erected, where the workmen and their families liveduntil the task was completed, the materials and electricities used, aswell as provisions and necessaries, being raised to these stages byelectric power. The principal material used is the hardest and mostdurable substance known in our world--an amalgamated material consistingof certain proportions of iron and marble fused into a solid compactmass by the action of fire and electricity. 

HEAVY MATERIALS LIGHTENED BY ELECTRICITY. 

The blocks used were of immense size, so huge, that even with ourelectrical and mechanical levers, many expedients were employed to raisethem to their assigned places. 

Electric science had greatly advanced in my reign, and electric powershad been discovered by which the heaviest masses could be lightenedtemporarily, so that their specific gravity, called by us the "tenaciouselectricity, " and its tendency to seek the sympathetic electricity ofthe earth was temporarily diminished, if not entirely neutralized, without injury to the mass subjected to the operation. 

Though the means and end are different, the principle is not unlike thatby which you often lighten the specific gravity of bodies, and evenchange their nature by chemical combination, the action of fire, andother expedients, the bodies often resuming their specific gravity andoriginal form. The means we employ for lightening bodies are far morerapid and effectual, and, at the same time, the materials acted upon areless abruptly or violently changed. 

Notwithstanding all our knowledge of electric and mechanical powers, ourthousands of artificers employed, and all the industry and energyexerted in obedience to my will, nine of our years[1]--more than thirtyof yours--were spent in the completion of this stupendous work. 

 [Footnote 1: Our year is not calculated like yours. The year is marked by a peculiar appearance which the sun assumes at equidistant epochs. ]

The tower of itself is an object of great grandeur and beauty, and isrichly ornamented. The external walls of the plinth at the base of thetower are overlaid with gold and ravine[1] metal, inlaid with largetransparent stones of varied colours. The ravine metal--a metal prizedbeyond gold--possesses beautiful veins of colour, which change with thetemperature--veins of watery green, of purple, blue, and steel. Whenrefined, it is most beautiful. The colours are sometimes so bright thatit is dazzling to look at them. 

 [Footnote 1: So named from being found in the great ravine, the largest ravine in Montalluyah. ]

On the tower are scrolls and images of peculiar meaning, and of largecharacters in gold and ravine metal, ornamented with transparent stones. The sun's rays playing on these stones, and particularly on a largeyellow stone like an amethyst, illuminates the column with what may becalled a supernatural light. 

Alternating with the scrolls are designs representing episodes in mylife and reign. These designs are in pure white marble in relief, andwith the light of our world stand out prominently from the iron-marble, sufficiently large to be plainly seen at great distances from nearly allparts of the city. The proposal for thus recording the events of myreign came from the kings and people who loved me greatly. 

As before observed, a person can be raised from the base to the top ofthe column, and through a shaft into the Upper city. The movement israpid, and takes less than half an hour either way, whilst the journeyby our external roads, by reason of the circuits to be taken, and theascents and descents would, even to descend, occupy two days on a fleethorse. The passage through the Tower, however, is seldom used either forascent or descent, except in cases of great emergency, because the greatdifference of the atmosphere above and below materially affects thehealth of the passenger. 

The machinery, too, in the descent requires much care and calculation, for the weight of the descending body would otherwise increase to suchan extent, that accidents would occur. 

The difference of the atmosphere and the effect on the human framebetween the Upper and Lower cities is remarkable; those accustomed tolive in the Lower city have a disposition to spring from their feet whenfirst arriving in the Upper city. I recollect a lady--rather weakly--whoseemed mad, but was rational enough; only she could not for some timeresist the impulse of springing upwards. 

This mode of communication would perhaps have been more resorted to hadwe not possessed the telegraph. The electric telegraph is, in itsrapidity, not unlike that used in your world, but is different inconstruction and mode of working. What is written at one station isreproduced in its exact size and form at another. Even a portraitdesigned at one end of the telegraph with the electric acid would beinstantaneously reproduced at the other end, perhaps many hundred milesdistant. 

At different stages of the Tower the colour of the atmosphere sensiblychanges. This phenomenon is caused by certain minute particles whichcontain animalcula, or their ova, and exist at different distances inlayers, and which as they are developed and become heavier have atendency to fall into lower regions of the atmosphere, till they awakeninto life under the influence of the sun. Blights, called by us Viscotae, "infectious visitors, " are often thus generated, falling from layer tolayer till they settle on plants and trees. 

These ova, moved by the winds, are sometimes mixed together, but whenthe winds subside the more advanced and heaviest tend to settle in thelower regions of the air just as the heaviest particles of a mixturehave a tendency to sink and settle below. 

All this has been shown beyond doubt by a quantity of air beingcollected when falling fast, and at different times and altitudes. Eachportion of air being secured in a separate glass case, the ova were thenviewed through our powerful microscopes, and subjected to various tests. 

The Mountain Supporter, which can be seen from nearly every part of theMiddle and Lower cities of Montalluyah, is an object of inconceivablegrandeur and beauty, its appearance varying according to the pointwhence it is seen. 

This great work often seems broken into numerous parts of varied length, by mountains, rocks, and ravine sides, raising their heads between itand the spectator. Often, particularly when the clouds have been high, and the sky has been clear, I have seen from a distance parts of thehuge Mountain Supporter seemingly broken into vertical lines towards themiddle and lower parts in a way that, in conjunction with the upperparts, has produced an effect like that of an immense flower raising itshead towards the skies, supported by a long stalk resting on manyelegant but slender tendrils. 

The grandeur and beauty of the tower is, if possible, heightened by theGreat Cataract, in conjunction with which it is almost invariably seen. The falling waters vie with the Mountain Supporter in breadth, andovertop it by the height from which they are hurled; the one firm, stately, and magnificent in its solidity and repose, the other vapouryand grand in its gracefulness and movement; both inconceivablybeautiful; the Cataract, a work of all-powerful Providence, whose wisepurposes no one can scan in their entirety; the Supporter symbolizingthe inspired genius of man, who, with the beneficent purpose of savinginnumerable lives from destruction, had, by the sweat of his brow, constructed a work more stable than the solid rock, --work whose headmight be said to "reach unto Heaven. "

XI. 

ELECTRICITY

IN MONTALLUYAH. 

 "A spark of Heaven power. "

In the construction of the Mountain Supporter you will have perceivedthat we were greatly aided by our extended knowledge of electricity. 

Before my reign, although electricity was used for some purposes, theexistence of varieties in electricity, and the manifold uses to whichtheir wondrous powers could be applied, were unknown. 

Electricity was not then utilised for locomotion either on land or sea, or for raising ponderous bodies to an immense height, or in the variousproducts of manufacture and art, or, in short, for any of the almostinnumerable purposes where the various electricities are now employed, either separately or in combination. 

This could not well be otherwise; for beyond a contrivance like yourLeyden jar, for collecting "air electricity, " no means of collecting, still less concentrating, electricity of any kind then existed. 

The belief once generally entertained was, that there were but twoelectricities, or rather two varieties of the same electricity, onerepellent and the other attractive, answering in a measure to your termsof positive and negative. Some, indeed, thought that several differentkinds existed; but the renowned electricians--truly great men, for theyhad opened the gates of science--proclaimed that all electricities werein reality one and the same, modified only by accidents. 

They referred to certain phenomena always resembling each other inwhatever way the electricity producing them might be generated; and theyargued, with an appearance of truth, that the electricity which producedthese similar phenomena must be one and the same: for, asked they, arenot like causes indicated by like effects? The principle was right, but, as was subsequently shown, the application and the conclusion werewrong. The error had arisen from the fact that electricities of everykind possess certain properties in common: thus, air electricity entersinto the composition of them all. These common properties producephenomena varying only in degree, but so similar to each other that, inthe absence of further knowledge, the electricians concluded that theirtheory was correct, and, in consequence, many valuable discoveries wereretarded for centuries. 

MANY KINDS OF ELECTRICITY. 

In my reign, however, tangible and visible proofs established beyonddoubt that every kind of body and substance, whether animate orinanimate, contains an electricity of its own. 

Although all electricities contain air electricity, and are similar insome other respects, yet each differs from all others by reason of someproperties peculiar to itself, the species being different, though thegenus is the same. As in the case of the blood of animals, which iscalled by the common name of blood in spite of material differences, when the species is different, so we have a generic name for allelectricities, a term signifying "A spark of Heaven power. "

Some electricities are diffused and attenuated; some are concentrated;others are so tenacious of the body to which they belong that they areall but steadfast. Some are sympathetic; some antipathetic, attractingor repelling each other; some mingle gently; others, when brought intocontact, cause violent explosions. 

DRAWING OUT AND CONCENTRATING ELECTRICITIES FOR USE. 

WE discovered the means of drawing out the various electricities fromthe body to which they are appetent, and of concentrating and preservingthem for use. 

Man, beasts, birds, insects, fish, reptiles, trees, plants, water, inshort, all substances organic and inorganic, possess each its ownpeculiar electricity. In naming fish, I refer to each species, and notmerely to those already known to you as electrical, and which have thepower of emitting strong currents of their own peculiar electricity. Ahuge fish, well known on your earth, supplies us with the most powerfulof all electricities--an electricity of immense value. Dockssufficiently large are built expressly where the sea monster is driven, there to be subjected to the process by which he is made to yield up theelectricity contained in his huge frame. 

The different kinds of electricity collected and concentrated are storedready for use in a large building called "The Electric Store-house, "--the electricities, secured in non-conducting pouches, being placed inseparate compartments. This is the more necessary, since explosionsarise when antagonistic electricities come into contact with each other, and the commingling of sympathetic electricities deteriorates theirquality. For that reason care is taken to keep out light. By theelectricity of light most other electricities are affected. 

To the storehouse are attached extensive grounds for experiments and forexhibitions, which at the same time delight and instruct the people. Ishould observe that beautiful as well as humorous effects are producedby certain electrical combinations. By means of sympathetic actionliving bodies can be attracted and raised without removing theirinherent electricity, as you attract light substances with the magnet orthe electricity known to you. 

WILD BIRDS CAUGHT BY ELECTRICITY. 

The kind of electricity by which the body to be operated upon will bebest attracted is well understood in Montalluyah. As a simple example, Iwill state that wild birds are caught by means of a sympatheticelectricity. For this purpose a long, hollow metal tube is used, at thebottom of which is a globe containing a powerful acid. A receptacle atthe top of the tube contains seeds much liked by the birds. They hoverabout these seeds, and, when they are within a certain distance, aslight pressure on a wooden spring causes a drop of the acid in theglobe to escape into the tube, and so to set in movement a current ofelectricity, which, being very sympathetic to the bird, acts as anattractor so powerful, that it cannot get away. The tube is then gentlylowered, and the birds are gradually drawn near to the earth, when alight net is thrown over the captives, and they are shaken into acage-net at the bottom. Calmed by the electricity, they do not flutter orstruggle when thus secured. It is very interesting to see the birds comenearer and nearer as the rod is lowered towards the ground. 

For electrical purposes it is necessary to catch the birds alive. Thoserequired for food are also caught in the same way, that they may bekilled without pain, as, indeed, are all birds and animals used forfood. Birds supply an electricity for lightening ponderous bodies; andby means of this, the immense blocks of iron-marble used for theconstruction of the Mountain Supporter were temporarily lightened, thatthey might be raised to their assigned places. 

XII. 

THE PAIN-LULLER. 

VIVISECTION. 

"Cause not pain, lest you yourselves be afflicted. "

From a small pet-bird of pink and green plumage, called in our languagethe Nebo, is extracted an electricity known as the "Pain-luller. "

The preparations previously used, though very serviceable, did notfulfil all requisites, and they so seriously suspended the vital action, that the patient often died in consequence. By means of the"pain-luller" vivisection and the most difficult surgical operations canbe performed safely and painlessly, without any part of the system beingaffected by the action of the "pain-luller, " with the exception of thenerves of sensation. We knew that the feeling of pain in animals dependson the action of a particular set of nerves. When this pain-lullingelectricity is introduced into body, it is attracted to the nerves ofsensation, and the sense of feeling remains suspended during severalhours, whilst the other nerves and muscles--as, indeed, all the rest ofthe organization--continue to perform their functions as in their normalstate. 

VIVISECTION. 

In vivisection the animal's eyes are bandaged, so that he does not evenknow what is going on, but is free from pain, whilst all the springs ofaction, with the one exception, remain in their normal state. This wouldnot be the case if the animal suffered from acute pain and terror duringthe operation. The continued energy of the functions is thoughtessential to the complete success of the operation, whether on the humanframe or in vivisection. 

HOW DISCOVERED. 

The efficacy of the "pain-luller" was discovered by an accident. Alittle girl carrying a pet Nebo was knocked down, and the wheel of achariot passed over her legs. In a convulsive effort to save her pet, the child pressed it to her bosom with so much force that she broke, thebird's skin. When the people ran to her assistance, and lifted her up, they found that both her legs were broken. To the surprise of all, shedid not cry, but only asked to be taken to her mother, and continued topress the bird to her breast. From kindness, those near wished to takeaway the bird, but the girl would not loose her hold. 

The doctors were astonished; for the severity of the fractures wouldordinarily have caused acute pain, more particularly during the settingof the bones. The child, however, though quite conscious of what waspassing, did not suffer in the least, but continued to pet her littlebird. 

After many experiments, my scientific men found that this entire absenceof pain was due to the Nebo's electricity, which had escaped by thebreaking of its skin. This electricity, attracted by the nerves ofsensation, had entered the child's body when she pressed the petconvulsively to her bosom, the seat of great sensibility. Theelectricity only suspended the sense of feeling, but did not affect anyother part of the child's system. 

XIII. 

THE MICROSCOPE. 

CONCENTRATED LIGHT--MUSIC--EXPERIMENT ONTHE LIVING MAN. 

 "The same Almighty Power that governs the universe of worlds governs the minutest particles of creation. .. . In both is shown His infinite power. "

The properties of our Microscopes (as of other optical instruments) arewondrously increased by the aid of an electricity called "concentratedlight. " [1]

 [Footnote 1: In Montalluyah light in the ordinary state is said to be a highly attenuated electricity. ]

In our fields is found a little worm, whose body is surrounded by abeautiful and powerful light, visible by day and by night. 

While meditating on the cause of this phenomenon, it occurred to me thatthe light was probably attracted and concentrated round the littlecreature by its own electricity. After many experiments, my greatelectricians found that this was the case, and many valuable discoverieswere the result. 

A machine, called the "Enticer, " charged with electricity abstractedfrom this worm, is placed in a high open spot, and light is attractedand concentrated in a marvellous manner. When the pouch for receivingthe concentrated light is fully charged, and secured against the actionof other electricities, it is detached from the machine, and itscontents are preserved for use. The appearance of concentrated light isthat of a beautiful halo. 

MUSIC. 

The power of music, beyond that derived from its mere execution, isgreatly influenced by the amount of electricity infused into the soundsby the performer; and in our planet the human voice has often been knownto soothe, and sometimes to restore, a disordered brain, by awakeningthe powers of some dormant division, when the electricity accompanyingthe sounds is sympathetic with the light in the brain of the listener. The human voice, other things being equal, is more electrical thansounds from musical instruments; for in the one case the emanations oflight come direct from the living singer, whilst in the latter instancethe electricity coming from the executant passes by contact with theinstrument, and is thus transmitted through an intermediate conductor. The beauty and effect of many of our musical instruments, andparticularly of the harp, are greatly increased by the application ofelectricity. 

A skilful executant on our harp can assuage the passions of amultitude, --nay, he can excite many of the aspirations and sensibilitiesascribed in your legends to Orpheus and other mythical personages. 

It is thought in Montalluyah, --though it was never demonstrated, --that amodification of concentrated light forms the point of union between theimmortal soul and the perishable portions of man. 

INTERNAL CONCENTRATED LIGHT. 

There is concentrated light--the very essence of light--withinourselves, particularly in the brain, to which the light, havingtravelled about the body, is conveyed, through the instrumentality ofthe blood, to the nerves and other organs. 

In speaking of the brain, we often use words belonging to vision. Untilthe discovery of "concentrated light, " we did not know how truthful werethese expressions, one of which in our language answers to the "mind'seye. " The eye as well as the brain contains concentrated light, andphysical impressions received through the visual organs are by thiselectricity immediately conveyed to the sympathetic "light" of thebrain. 

By the application of concentrated light we can even increase for a timethe intellectual powers, or, rather, we can strengthen the instrumentthrough which the intellectual powers are manifested. 

EXPERIMENT ON THE LIVING MAN. 

The possession of concentrated light led to the discovery of the exactmode in which the brain acts in the living man. By experiments ontransparent fish of the zoophyte class, and on the eyes of animals, wediscovered the means of making a living body for a time transparent. Theskull was rendered transparent accordingly, and by the aid ofconcentrated light and of an instrument called an "electric viewer, " thecurrents of electricity in the brain were made visible. 

These currents include myriads of electrical lines--literally composedof electricity--lines the nearest approach to your definition of amathematical line, that which hath length without breadth. 

The filaments, as we may truly call them, are of different forms, straight, spiral, and otherwise curved, and of varied length andcolours. They are set in motion by the impulsion of thought. When wetalked to the patient on a particular subject, one series of lines wouldbe set in motion with indescribable rapidity; other topics would callinto play other series of straight or curved lines. They can also be setin motion under the influence of certain electricities. 

Although the experiments on the living man proved very valuable, theycould not be conducted with impunity, and were therefore not oftenrepeated. The man operated upon was insensible for some time afterwards, and felt the effects for years. He was, however, cared for during therest of his life, and was not expected to work. Moreover, every kind ofcomfort, luxury, and amusement was provided for him and for a certainnumber of relatives and friends whom he selected as companions. Still hewas not allowed to marry, that being one of the principal conditions towhich he subscribed on being chosen for the experiment from amongst ahost of candidates to whom all the serious consequences attending theoperation were made known. 

XIV. 

PHYSICIANS. 

DISEASE GERMS. 

 "Cure all evils in their early germ, so shall ye be spared endless suffering. "

Physicians take very high rank in Montalluyah; they are furnished withpalaces and gardens; their revenue is great; they are wholly providedfor by the State, since on their knowledge and efforts depend greatlythe prolongation of life, the prevention of disease and suffering, thepreservation of beauty, and of invaluable nerve and brain power. As inthe moral, so in the physical constitution, the aim is to discover andcrush evils in their germ, before they have taken proportions dangerousto the individual and to the community. 

Formerly the chief duty of physicians was to wait patiently untildisease had worked great and even fatal mischief. Their chief occupationnow is to preserve the patient's health and prevent disease, and if, from any but accidental causes, any one fell ill, it would be a disgraceto them. They were formerly called by a name answering to "DiseaseDoctors, " whilst they are now known by a term signifying "HealthGuardians. "

Prior to seasons formerly unhealthy, the physicians make visitationsfrom house to house. With the aid of powerful microscopes, they examinethe minute particles of the perspiration issuing through the pores. Theperspiration, being the result of efforts made by the system to throwoff impurities, indicates whether the patient is in good health, orwhether there is a tendency to disease. The state of the perspiration, though varying greatly, does not always show the exact nature of themalady; for many diseases present the same appearances, and, in thatcase, tests are applied, which do not fail to indicate to what maladythe impurities belong. 

To give an instance: There is a disease of the lungs called Scrofiuska, which impedes respiration, and is besides often attended with cough, emaciation of the body, and other symptoms like those that accompanyconsumption, for which indeed it was formerly mistaken. It is now wellknown to be a different disease, requiring different treatment. Inscrofiuska the lungs swell inwardly, but tubercles are not generated, and, unlike consumption, this disease can be cured even when at itsheight. I recollect a bad case, early in my reign, where our physicians, mistaking the complaint for confirmed consumption, declared that theright lung was gone. A short time afterwards the real nature of thedisease was discovered, and the patient was completely restored tohealth. 

In both complaints, however, the perspiration, when viewed through ourmicroscopes, presents exactly the same appearance. In consumption, andto a greater extent in scrofiuska, the lungs are covered with a web-likemoisture, portions of which are thrown off by the system with theperspiration. 

The ordinary appearance of perspiration in a healthy state is that of anoleaginous liquid consistency resembling, say, a thin cream; but thewater exuded by the lungs has the appearance of dew, and is indeedcalled by a term signifying "lung-dew. " It does not amalgamate with theoleaginous part of the perspiration. 

Our doctors at first thought that they could detect incipientconsumption from the appearance of this dew, whilst they had onlyascertained that the germs of some one of several diseases existed inthe system. For although the presence of lung-dew in any quantity givesintimation that all is not right, the specific malady is not indicatedwith certainty. The application of certain tests to the patient isnecessary to discover the particular disease with the incipient germs ofwhich he is afflicted. 

Disease and contagion difficult to deal with in their advanced stages, when they have already made their presence known by symptoms toopalpable to be disregarded, are easily mastered in their germ. 

To collect the perspiration, a little instrument, called "the scraper, "is passed over the skin, and at each turn deposits the perspiration inan air-tight receptacle attached to the instrument. 

The blood was found to be but a partial test of disease, for there ismuch in the body which does not mingle with the blood, whilst theperspiration contains impurities thrown off by every part of theorganization, and, when examined through our microscopes, never fails togive warning. 

At the same time the blood is the subject of deep study in Montalluyah;and every point connected with its component parts, colour, circulation, heat, quality, purification, is thoroughly understood. 

The physicians sometimes examine the breath. With this view, the patientbreathes on a little instrument saturated with a preparation whichcondenses and retains the breath. Ample opportunity is thus afforded forits microscopic examination, and for the discovery of the unhealthyparticles with which the breath may be impregnated. 

XV. 

MADNESS. 

 "Think not others blind because ye will not see. .. . The concentrated light of the soul is not visible to the naked eye. "

The microscope also led to the discovery of the incipient causes ofmadness, by the facility it afforded us for the dissection andexamination of the minutest portions of the numerous divisions of thebrain. 

Before my laws came into operation the incipient symptoms of monomaniawere rarely noticed, and many were driven into confirmed madness andcrime by neglect or improper treatment, whilst some of the supposedlunatics were really wiser than their keepers or the doctors whoattended them. It often happened that the aspirations of a superior mindwere mistaken for indications of the malady, and led to theincarceration of the supposed lunatic. For instance, a poor man, wholived in the reign of my predecessor, thought, and truly thought, thatelectricity might be used as a motive power for the heaviest bodies, andsupply the place of wood used as fuel in manufactures. He also thoughtthat electricity, then impalpable to the senses, was the materialingredient affecting the weight and coherence of bodies. People laughedat what they supposed to be illusions, and there the matter might havestopped; but the poor man persisted in his assertions that the suncontained electricity, which could be attracted, concentrated, andapplied to various purposes. He appealed to the well-known fact, thatthe sun ripens the fruits of the earth, changes the colours ofsubstances, affects the brain, and produces many wondrous phenomenawithout visible contact. His lucubrations, instead of suggestingexperiment, were received with derision, and the man himself was cruellytreated, his very persistency in the truth convincing the world that hewas a confirmed madman. In vain he appealed to the officers charged tovisit the monomaniacs, and, in spite of all his efforts, he died in alunatic asylum. 

So dangerous, indeed, was it formerly to announce new ideas opposed tothose already received, that we had a proverb to the effect, that he wasnot mad who had "droll" thoughts, but he was so who told them to theworld. The proverb is now somewhat reversed, and he is thought wickedwho, being favoured with gleams of light, allows them to perish withhim. 

Accompanying all laws, I gave to the people my reasons at length fortheir promulgation, together with answers to anticipated objections; andin the exposition of the laws relating to madness I bid them recollectthat had I endeavoured to put my thoughts into action some yearsearlier, I should undoubtedly have suffered similar persecution to thoseunder which many others had succumbed. 

Monomania is not now assumed, as formerly, from the seeming extravaganceor supposed absurdity of people's words; for it is well known inMontalluyah that thoughts which a few years before were scoffed at asthe height of absurdity are now acknowledged facts, and they who coulddoubt the existence of the now familiar phenomena would alone be thoughtmad! It is known, too, that people often say strange things fromconfused or indistinct recollections of what has befallen them in aprior state of existence, or from prenotion or intuition of things asyet unknown to others; and although in the sciences we accept nothing asconclusive that is not confirmed by experiment, the vastness orstrangeness of the thought, far from attracting ridicule, generallyleads to inquiry, experiments, and results. Many of our greatdiscoveries have been suggested by hints which formerly would haveseemed the ravings of a disordered mind. 

With our microscopes we have been enabled to examine and dissect all theminutest divisions of the brain, each of which responds to certaintrains of thought, and to ascertain the physical cause of madness. 

This knowledge enables us to discriminate with certainty, to detect theexistence, nature, and locality of the germ, and apply effectualremedies during the earliest tendency to the malady. Until thisdiscovery was made, I took effectual means for curing the numbers inwhose brains madness had already been developed. I erected many greatbuildings, where each patient was separated from the others, for inMontalluyah madness is thought to be more or less contagious; but afterI had reigned some years the deserted divisions only served to show forwhat purpose they had been formerly used, and, with one singleexception, kept in case of need, these buildings are now appropriated toother purposes. 

Amongst the discoveries that astonished the brain-doctors andmind-tamers was the following:--It was formerly thought that the diseaseexisted in the _overworked_, portion of the brain; but this was found tobe an error, inasmuch as the disease exists in those parts of the brainwhich have lain dormant or have been little used. From these theoleaginous fluids essential to their life and activity are drawn tosupply the overworked portion, which remains in full health and power. The doctors admitted that their original belief would alone suffice toaccount for their having failed to cure so many cases of madness. 

The heat of the climate, the power of the sun, the then excessive use ofstimulants, and the excitability of the people, --whose pulsation is morerapid than yours, --all tended formerly to augment the victims of thescourge. 

XVI. 

THE DEATH SOLACE. 

INSECTS. 

 "Seek diligently and you will find healthful good even in noxious things. "

In Montalluyah learned men are employed wholly in the study of theproperties of insects, for these contain valuable electricities. 

Colonies of insects, brought by the storms, formerly destroyed wholecrops, till a simple mode was discovered for protecting our fields andcapturing the marauders. 

It was ascertained what plant the insects liked most. This, fortunately, proved to be a common plant--one that could be produced in greatabundance. Large beds of it are grown in a place concealed as much aspossible from view. Amongst the coveted flowers is sprinkled a strongscent, which attracts the insects, who, finding the plant they like somuch, congregate there, abandoning entirely the other plants. 

We have gauze of a very fine and yet strong texture, with which nets areformed. One half of the net is laid over the plant-bed when certainwinds foretell the coming of the insects, and as soon as these havecovered the favourite plant, the top of the net, moved by a spring fromeither side, closes over and secures the swarm. Where not necessary tosecure the insects alive, we sprinkle over the attractive plant-beds astrong poison, which is itself extracted from insects. 

There are at times certain impurities in places very difficult ofaccess. Swarms of insects, secured in immense cages, are brought as nearas can be to the spot. The cages opened, the insects instantly rush outin swarms, and soon consume everything that has produced the noxiousexhalations. All insects, --indeed all created things, --have, inMontalluyah, some properties useful to man. 

THE DEATH SOLACE. 

After some years had passed, and my laws had time to operate, diseaseand crime were reduced to the smallest proportions. Life is nowprolonged to a period which, before my reign, would have been thoughtfabulous, and people rarely die but of old age. 

Man's progress having become a pleasant journey, I was encouraged tobelieve that the traveller might be enabled to quit the world withoutthe ordinary death-struggle and convulsion, and with his expiringfaculties so refreshed, that he would give his last directions with aclear brain and a cheerful heart. 

From a little insect, my men of science extracted a material from whichis prepared a potion agreeable to the taste. This is administered to thepatient as soon as the physicians are satisfied that life is ebbingfast; and it, at the same time, calms and rouses the dying man. 

Within five minutes after it has been taken, all signs of sufferingdisappear, and the countenance acquires a calm expression, succeeded bya smile of joy rarely seen in the most perfect health. The faculties ofthe dying man are brightened, and his sensations rendered delightful. Helooks calmly on death, makes his dispositions with the serenity ofrobust health, converses familiarly with those dear to him, gives themhis blessing, and passes away as though he were leaving only for a shortand pleasant journey. I have seen many exhort their children andrelatives, and speak of their departure for another world with aneloquence seldom heard on other occasions. 

The effect of the potion on a person in full health is very different;it stimulates and excites, and is altogether prejudicial; and althoughit would rather do good than harm to a weakly person, its great virtuesare only shown when taken by a man in his last moments. Where it isdesirable merely to calm or to rouse, there are other and more effectualpreparations. 

XVII. 

INTERNAL CITIES. 

SUNSHINE PICTURES. 

 "Let the great be blessed for the joy they cause to fall on the world like refreshing dews. "

There are two seasons in our world--the one called "moderate, " the other"extreme. " In the extreme season the heat is far beyond the mostpowerful heat prevailing in your tropics. Special precautions are thennecessary to preserve the health of the people. None are allowed toexpose themselves to the sun during the greater part of the day; acooling regimen is enjoined, and animal food is forbidden for a certainperiod. In both seasons the light by day is intense; its nearestapproach to colour is a warm, bright, golden hue, not the cold, white, greyish hue of your climates; and its red shades are sufficient to lightour caverns and passages through the rocks to a certain distance. 

Those who confer large benefits on the world are naturally entitled toenjoy a portion of the wealth and well-being they have successfullylaboured to increase. 

This truth I constantly bore in mind, and in spacious galleriesperforating the rocks I built the Trombetski, or Internal Cities, forthe especial use of those whose superior intelligence had been occupiedfor the good of the world. Here, sheltered from the scorching rays ofthe sun, are the palace residences of the higher classes during theextreme season. These galleries serve also to shorten distances betweenremote parts of the external world. With their streets and passages theyform of themselves cities, with scarcely less movement than in thosewithout. 

Light is admitted through occasional apertures--some natural, some madeby man. It is not as vivid as that of the external world, but subduedand beautifully soft, is ample indeed for all purposes by day, like thepale red of the shade in the external world. Even at night artificiallight is not ordinarily required in the open air, the shade of the redlight of night being sufficient. Both sea and fresh water in abundanceis brought to every part of the internal cities, which abound inwaterfalls and fountains, nothing being omitted that may contribute tobeauty, health, or comfort. 

Many of the most lovely flowers and plants in the external world arethose which flourish in the red shade, and are, therefore, eminentlysuited to the internal cities, where, planted in profusion, theyflourish greatly, and emit aromas like your essences, but invariablyfresh, sweet, and wholesome. Their natural beauty and odours areincreased by electricity, an agent by means of which we can give mostbeautiful fragrance--nay, colour, form, and variety to flowers ingeneral. 

The communication from the palaces in the external world is often bymeans of a winding path, descending from the basement of the upperpalace to the palace in the internal world. By means of machines workedby electricity we have facilities for excavating earth; and where rocksor hard substances intervene we can remove large masses by theapplication of explosive electricities. These paths are thereforeexcavated with ease. 

My palace, situate on the summit of the upper mountain city, communicates with a magnificent summer palace, reached easily by a welllighted descent. The daylight in the internal palaces is peculiarlybeautiful, almost unearthly. Pictures of life-like power are paintedexpressly for this light. 

In my summer palace is a saloon of very great proportions, with a floorof ivory inlaid with pearls. This saloon contains more than 150pictures, works of our great artists, representing the principal eventsof my life. In these the figures are large as life. Here are depictedextreme perils which I had undergone; here are the present timescontrasted with the past; and thus the benefits conferred by my reignare presented in a manner which appeals at once to the heart. 

SUNSHINE PICTURES. 

Great discoveries had been made of the enormous resources afforded bythe sun. By the aid of machines this power is greatly utilized inmanufactures, sciences, and arts. The loveliest colours of our fabricsare those imparted by the action of the sun with the aid of instrumentsfitted to the purpose. 

When we desire to produce in a painting the effect of sunshine, the raysof the sun are attracted and permanently fixed on the parts of thepicture we wish to illumine. The effect produced is as though the sunwas actually shining on the picture. The effects of sunrise or sunset--the effects of the most brilliant, as well as the least vivid, sunshine--can be produced at will, and are exactly those of nature. Someof these effects are so vivid, that it would dazzle the eye to look onthe sunny parts of the picture for any length of time. 

A preparation sympathetic to the sun's rays having been rubbed over thepart they are intended to illumine, the rays are concentrated there bymeans of an attracting and concentrating instrument. Another solution isthen thrown rapidly on the part illumined in order to fix the rayspermanently. A brush was used at first; but, in spite of all care, thisleft its deep shadow, which greatly marred the effect. Even now muchcare is necessary, and the solution must be thrown from the side withconsiderable address, so that the sun's rays may not be intercepted. This solution serves also to fix the rest of the colours. The picture ispainted on a fine material like linen, of great durability. 

This art of using the sun's rays was much used on the paintings in mysummer palace. The brilliant sunlight of the outer world thrown on theprincipal figures produced a greater effect in the subdued light of theinternal city. 

XVIII. 

THE PICTURES. 

 "Let pictures speak to the eye, to the ear, to the taste, to the heart, to the head, to the concentrated light of the soul, to the imagination as well as to the understanding. If they do not rouse good aspirations, cast them into the fathomless ravine, there to perish, a fitting food for the poisonous fungi that cover its sides. "

Among the pictures to which I refer is a series representing thefollowing subjects:--

 I. FOUNDING OF THE SCHOOLS. II. THE OPENING OF THE AMUSEMENT GALLERY. III. MAN. IV. WOMAN. V. MARRIED LIFE. VI. FLOCKS AND HEEDS. VII. THE ALLMANYUKA. VIII. THE STAR INSTRUMENT. IX. NAVIGATION BEFORE AND SINCE MY REIGN. X. CONSUMPTION OF THE VITALITY. XI. MADNESS. XII. THE EXPOSITION OF THE NEW DOCTRINES. XIII. THE REBELS. XIV. THE MOUNTAIN SUPPORTER. XV. INVENTION OF THE LEAF INSTRUMENT. XVI. SUN-POWER AND ITS APPLICATION TO MANUFACTURES, AND FOR HEALTH PURPOSES. XVII. OPENING OF THE ELECTRIC THEATRE. XVIII. INVENTION OF THE INFANTS' EXERCISING MACHINES. XIX. THE INSTALLATION OF THE CHARACTER-DIVERS AND PRECEPTORS, IN PRESENCE OF THE TWELVE KINGS. XX. THE VALLEY OF THE ROCKS. XXI. THE CONSUMMATION. 

I. THE FOUNDING OF THE SCHOOLS. 

Education before and since the Tootmanyoso's reign is typified. 

On one side a number of poor intelligent children are depicted wanderingin ignorance. On the other is seen the college as now established, withindications of results. The one part of the picture is seen as if itwere enveloped in darkness, whilst on another part the sun is shiningbrilliantly. 

II. THE AMUSEMENT GALLERY. 

The opening of the first Amusement Gallery is here depicted with theTootmanyoso attending. 

This is an interesting picture. It exhibits the gallery, with thedifferent playthings and amusements, toys, musical instruments, livebirds, small animals, flowers, and other objects. Amid these are shownthe interest and delight of the little ones, happy groups of merryfaces, the joy and gratitude of the mothers, the Tootmanyoso'ssatisfaction in contemplating his work, and the intent observation ofthe "Character-Divers, " and "Overlookers, " with other varied andinteresting features. [1]

 [Footnote 1: See p. 202. ]

III. MAN. 

Man is shown as he was before, and as he had become after I asTootmanyoso had reigned about one hundred of your years. Man's life hadbeen lengthened from your average age to one which before the employmentof the means enjoined and carried out in my reign would have beenconsidered impossible. 

The different stages of man's life during both eras are here contrastedin every gradation. Thus we have the child as he was, the child as heis, commencing his education, and his entry into manhood; the coxcomband dissipated man of former times, and the man of the present era, following the road leading to his own happiness and the good of others;middle age--the man struggling to draw the load up the hill with painfulefforts, the other man engaged in congenial occupation; lastly, thedisappointed and the happy old age. 

IV. WOMAN. 

In like manner we have a series of pictures showing woman's formerstate; her present education, in the representation of which episodesare given of her progress in her own sphere to the level andcompanionship of man. Reference is made to the means of increasing herbeauty, and employing her charms for her own and man's happiness;[1] thegentleness of her nature in softening man's lot, whilst she is supportedand defended by him; woman as a mother, her devotion to her children, and her joy and gratitude in contemplating the development of theirstrength and beauty through the means enjoined and practised in myreign. 

 [Footnote 1: See p. 94. ]

One picture, let me add, represents the mode of choosing a husband, [2]and another represents ceremonies used in the preparations formarriage. [3]

 [Footnote 2: See p. 104. ]

 [Footnote 3: See p. 120. ]

V. MARRIED LIFE. 

In the picture relating to this subject we first show marriage as itwas. The wife and husband are rarely by each other's side; when theymeet they are in common attire, and receive each other with frowns; thewife, in grand costume, smiles on strangers, and so on with otherepisodes of former married life. 

With this state of things is then contrasted, in every detail, thehappiness of the married state as it now exists. 

VI. FLOCKS AND HERDS. 

These are pictures showing the spare and lean cattle of earlier times, the former paucity of our flocks and herds, and the present innumerablesupplies, --the result of good treatment, and of people's obedience to alaw of mine which forbade them to slaughter the female, so that ourresources for multiplying our stocks should not be diminished. Thepresent humane method of treating animals, and the dispatching of theanimal without pain, are admirably depicted. [1]

 [Footnote 1: See p. 213. ]

VII. THE ALLMANYUKA. 

The different stages of my progress in creating the Allmanyuka, or newfood, substituted by me for a strong, stimulating, and injuriouscondiment previously in general use, are represented in another seriesof paintings, showing the incipient thought and its perfection, thefruit in its various phases, my anxiety while watching the growth of thefruit, my joy when success had crowned my efforts, and the gratitude ofthe people. [2]

 [Footnote 2: See p. 220. ]

VIII. THE STAR INSTRUMENT. 

The Tootmanyoso is seen looking through the "Star Instrument, " whileworlds are opening in the distance. This "star instrument, " or "worldviewer, " is a gigantic telescope of immense power, aided by electricity, constructed for me at my suggestion. [1] The power of our telescopes iswondrously increased by electric and chemical combinations, but this oneexcelled all others in magnitude and power. 

 [Footnote 1: See p. 299. ]

IX. NAVIGATION. 

Navigation before and since my reign is here depicted. The frail andsluggish ships of former times are contrasted with the swift andpowerful ships constructed in my reign. [2]

 [Footnote 2: See p. 268. ]

X. CONSUMPTION OF THE VITALITY. 

An episode connected with the discovery of the incipient cause of thismalady is here represented. [3]

 [Footnote 3: See p. 235. ]

XI. MADNESS. 

In a series of pictures are portrayed various incidents illustrating theinjuries formerly inflicted from ignorance of the causes of the malady, the really mad having often been regarded as sane, whilst many of thesane were treated as mad. Every phase of the malady as it formerlyexisted is depicted, as also the discoveries and incidents attending itsdetection and cure in its incipiency. 

XII. EXPOSITION OF THE NEW DOCTRINES. 

While representing the Tootmanyoso expounding some of his leadingdoctrines, the artist has given to many of the countenances a fearfulexpression of hatred and incredulity, while the Tootmanyoso's calm andsettled purpose is grandly expressed in the dignity, eloquence, andunswerving faith depicted in his aspect and general bearing. 

In this picture, too, are seen figures of children clothed in richhabits, who had been brought up in idleness, and taught to respectlittle else than money; some deriding, some in the act of throwingmissiles at the principal figure, whom others are revering. 

The poor people's joy when relieved by the Tootmanyoso from misery andoppression, and told that the gates of honour were open to themselvesand their sons and daughters, is plainly shown. The beaming intelligenceof beautiful children with lofty aspirations, expressing innate love ofgood and desire of knowledge, hitherto held back by want, is alsorepresented. All this is more beautifully expressed by the painter thanwords can convey. 

XIII. THE REBELS. 

An episode in the Tootmanyoso's life when, alone and unarmed in hisstudy, he was surrounded by a band of armed men, who had boundthemselves by oath to murder him unless he complied with theirrebellious demands, is here recorded in a picture, in which is portrayedthe noble figure of the Tootmanyoso, unarmed and bareheaded, at themercy of these furious armed men, who have the expression of wild beastsin their rage. The painter nevertheless has succeeded in giving to thefaces of the rebels a cowering expression, as if they were inwardly awedby the undaunted calmness and aspect of the man they had come todestroy. 

XIV. THE MOUNTAIN SUPPORTER. 

Besides the most remarkable views of this wondrous work, the differentinteresting incidents attending its construction are recorded. Here, also, is portrayed the unsupported Mountain Arm, threatening many citieswith destruction, as it appeared before the construction of theSupporter. 

XV. INVENTION OF THE LEAF INSTRUMENT. 

The discovery of the properties of leaves, and the invention of the"Leaf Instrument, " by the aid of which fallen leaves are utilised as avaluable means of enriching the Earth. This was a great boon to myworld, greatly increasing the fertility of the land and the excellenceof the crops. 

XVI. SUN-POWER. 

The discovery of Sun-power; its application to manufactures and thearts; to various medicinal purposes, and to invigorating theconstitution and brain of man. 

XVII. THE ELECTRIC THEATRE. 

The opening of the first Electric Theatre, and the exhibition of thewondrous feats accomplished by Electricity. 

XVIII. INFANTS' EXERCISING MACHINES. 

The Tootmanyoso suggesting to one of his scientific men, Drahna by name, the machines, the use of which prevented many of the accidents anddiseases incident to infancy. There are many other pictures illustratingthe discoveries by which health and beauty are preserved, and man's lifeis prolonged. [1]

 [Footnote 1: See p. 187. ]

XIX. INSTALLATION OF CHARACTER-DIVERS. 

The Installation of Character-Divers and Preceptors is a ceremony of avery solemn character, and takes place in public, the Twelve Kingspresiding. The candidate engages solemnly to fulfil the duties strictlyand impartially. 

XX. THE VALLEY OF THE ROCKS. 

The Tootmanyoso addressing the people in the Valley of the Rocks; anextremely picturesque locality, studded with rocks, which, by his orderswere sculptured into groups of gigantic statuary, calculated to impressthe people's minds with grandeur and beauty. 

XXI. THE CONSUMMATION. 

The Tootmanyoso, on the completion of his work, is seen offering upthanks to Heaven. 

The principal figure stands out from the picture in a marvellous way. Aglory of light shines on the monarch's brow, and his eyes are illuminedwith heavenly fire and inspiration. In the background are the people, surrounded by plenty, and guarded by myriads of angels. Our paintershave the art of giving to their delineations of angels an incorporealvapoury appearance, like that of forms sometimes seen in sleep. TheTootmanyoso is in the act of accompanying his hymn of praise with thegrand music of the harp. This instrument with us is of giganticproportions, and, touched by a skilful player, produces lovely effects. It is not supported by the executant, but revolves easily on a ball andsocket, to which, having been placed at the exact inclination required, it is fixed by a small bolt before he intones his hymns. [1]

 [Footnote 1: See p. 243. ]

It was delightful for me to go down occasionally to the great room, andto meditate on these pictures, and the subjects that had inspired thepainters. The light and tone of the place, and the general impressionmade upon me, seemed to savour more of heaven than of earth. 

XIX. 

WOMAN. 

CHOOSING BY HAND--CHOOSING BY FOOT--GIRLS'DOBMITORIES--EARLY RISING--PRAYERS. 

 "Let woman be as soft as down, as sharp as a lancet, as sparkling as the diamond, and as pure as Stainer's fount. " [1]

 [Footnote 1: See p. 149. ]

Woman is the object of much solicitude and consideration, and enjoysmany privileges. The tendency of her education is to qualify her for theposition which nature intended her to hold as the companion and helpmateof man. However she is instructed, though not to so great in degree, inmany branches of art and science, cultivated by the stronger sex, thedesign being to enable her to appreciate the efforts of man and toencourage and comfort him in his progress, but not to take his place. With us women are happy and contented, and words of complaint rarelyfall from their lips. 

Great precaution, however, is taken lest they should overwork themselvesin the severer studies, or even in the lighter occupations, the tendrilsof their nerves being so delicate, that, if once injured, they wouldseldom be restored to their normal condition. 

There is this marked difference in the education of the two sexes. Boysare educated in manly and athletic sports, in all that can give themstrength and physical development, and call out their masculinequalities, while the occupations and exercises allotted to girls tend toconfirm and develope their natural delicacy, gentleness, and sweetness. The result, is, that whilst men are large of frame and endowed withgreat force and strength, the women in Montalluyah scarcely ever exceedthe middle size. They are beautiful, and thoroughly feminine in form andfeature, while in disposition they are sprightly, ingenuous, andtruthful. Their carriage and movement are marked by elegance and grace, their voice is of melodious softness, and they are altogetherdistinguished by a peculiar charm and fascination. 

Most of our women are brunettes, with rich black silky hair and eyes--large and beautiful as those of the gazelle; but the fair with blue eyesare considered the more beautiful--probably on account of their rarity. 

The beauty of the woman, like the muscular development of the man, isgreatly aided by the care now taken of children from their birth. Womenwere formerly left to themselves, and many, either from ignorance orwant of thought, neglected to do justice to their proper qualities andcharms, whilst they became enamoured of ostentation and indulged in athoughtless extravagance which served to kindle the envy of theirneighbours, and to bring ruin to their husbands. Whilst seekingextraneous aids to beauty, they neglected the simplest precautions forits preservation, though, when their charms had faded, they eagerlysought means to repair what were incorrectly called the ravages of time, but were only the unavoidable consequences of their own neglect. Theheavenly light of their eyes had become dim; their complexions, originally of a warm purity, had become of a yellow tinge; their skin, soft to the touch and beautiful to the eye, had become shrivelled andhard; their dark and beautiful hair had become grey or fallen off, deprived of the nourishment which had been prodigally wasted, and theundulating and elegant form had often sunk into a misshapen mass. 

We have now a belief that the harmonious development of the body is notonly physically and aesthetically desirable, but assists in thehealthful development of the mind, to which, for a time, that bodybelongs; beauty being regarded as "a precious gift from Heaven which itbehoves every woman to preserve and improve. " The exceptions to beautyare now rare, and women are scarcely less lovely in age than they werein youth. In many cases time has actually enhanced their attractions, improved, through the additional charm impressed on the countenance, bythe sweetness and gracefulness of their nature. 

Cosmetics for the reparation of beauty are not needed, but women of allranks are enjoined to use various precautions for its preservation. Wehave cosmetics very efficacious for protecting the face from the burningsun, for keeping cool the natural moisture, for preserving thecomplexion, and for preventing wrinkles. In our climate the heatdistends the skin, and by inducing excessive perspiration, reduces thefat required to support it. But for our cosmetics, wrinkles would beformed at an early age. As it is, the skin and complexion, as well asthe form and features, are now preserved to the last period of life. 

The hands and feet, and indeed all the details of beauty, are much caredfor. The toes of the feet are exercised in a variety of ways, and arealmost as elastic and pliable as the fingers, being, as well as theankles ornamented with jewels. Soles, secured with sandals protect theunder part of the foot. On many great occasions the sandals aredispensed with, the sole being secured by a preparation renderedadhesive by the warmth of the foot. This preparation is easily removedby the application of a sponge and water. 

CHOOSING BY HANDS. 

A lady's hands and feet form so great a feature in the estimation of herbeauty, that they are made a distinctive test for deciding preferenceson certain occasions. 

Thus, partners for the dance are sometimes chosen in a way that excitesa great deal of mirth. The custom is called "choosing by hands. "

A large round screen, made expressly for the purpose, stands at one endof a ball-room; behind this a certain number of ladies--generally twelveat a time--place themselves, accompanied by the master of theceremonies. The opening in the doorway is then closed. The screen, though not closed at the top, is sufficiently high to completely maskthe ladies, and there are in it twelve or more small apertures, lined orfaced with a soft crimson or other warm-coloured velvet, sufficientlylarge to admit of a hand being passed through, so that it may be seenand criticised on the exposed side of the screen. Through one of theseopenings each of the ladies passes her right hand, and the gentlemenchoose the hand they prefer, each by touching a spring nearest the handselected, and at the same time announcing his name. The chosen one isimmediately led out from behind the screen and presented by the masterof ceremonies to the gentleman, in the midst of the applause ormerriment of the company before the screen, and of the rest of theladies behind it. Ladies are very particular about their hands andnails, and, as may easily be conceived, give them a little extraattention before going to a party. 

CHOOSING BY FOOT. 

There is another peculiar mode of choosing partners--"by foot"--butthis is conducted in a different manner, and is made to depend on thesuperior beauty of the foot, as decided by an arbiter, who is chosen bythe company, and who is, of course, a man famous for his taste andknowledge of the beautiful. 

While the arbiter pursues his duties, the ladies are concealed behind ascreen, which is, however, open sufficiently at the bottom to disclosethe foot and ankle. She to whom the palm is awarded has the first choiceof a partner, and the others follow in succession in the order in whichthey have been ranked. This diversion, though exciting great interest, is not so happy as "the choice by hand. " The ladies whose feet areplaced in a lower rank often think themselves aggrieved, and areslightly jealous of their rivals, for in spite of the efficacy of mylaws, I could not--whilst giving just triumphs to superior beauty--altogether prevent a feeling of disappointment in ladies who saw thepalm given to others by one recognised as an honest and able judge, --aman whose taste was known to be irreproachable. 

When the hand and foot of a young lady are inclined to coarseness, whileat the same time her talents and goodness entitle her to a superiorposition, the fingers or toes, and afterwards the hand and footthemselves, are bound up, for a certain number of hours each day. We donot like "contradictions, " or, as I have before observed, we object to agarment partly of rich brocade, partly of common stuff. 

GIRLS' DORMITORIES. 

At the head of all the means for preserving beauty are cleanliness, frequent ablutions, and a habit of early rising. In these girls of allranks are well schooled, and to show you that in their education we donot neglect what are erroneously called trifles, I will tell you of oneof the modes of treatment commonly employed in connexion with suchmatters. 

In the colleges each girl has a separate sleeping-room, as we have agreat objection to young girls sleeping together in one room, andinhaling each other's peculiar gas thrown off in the form of breathduring their slumbers. Besides, when that practice prevailed, as it didformerly, the girls were in the habit of talking to each other uponsubjects which often suggested inconvenient thoughts, even to the bestdisposed, and confirmed others in tendencies which eventually grew intoconfirmed vices. 

On the pupil's retiring to rest, the door of her sleeping-room isfastened from the outside by one of the matrons. The girl has no meansof opening it herself, but by touching a little spring at the head ofher couch she can at any moment communicate with the matronnight-watchers. These matron night-watchers--two for a certain numberof girls--are on the alert during the night, remaining in a place calledthe "watch, " where are suspended the electric bells, underneath each ofwhich is the name of the girl occupying the room to which itcorresponds. 

Light is supplied to every dormitory by means of a lamp inserted in thewall, and opening from the outside. Half an hour after the door has beenclosed the matron extinguishes the light, without entering the room. Theexternal red light of night is also excluded; for, as with you, darknessis thought much more conducive to refreshing sleep. 

In consequence of the warmth of our climate, girls, being naturallyrather luxurious, are not inclined to rise early. They are, however, allrequired to rise at the same hour, and this is the mode adopted forrousing them. At the end of each room, opposite to the sleeping-couch, is a kind of gong made of metal and formed like a pair of cymbals, united at the base by a hinge, and kept together by a bolt at the top. 

At the hour of rising these cymbals are set in motion by the matron inthe watch room, who touches a spring by which the bolt fastening thecymbals together is removed. Thereupon the cymbals immediately clashtogether, and produce loud discordant sounds. The girl, not liking thediscordant noise, loses no time in stopping it, which is beyond herpower unless she leaves her bed and fixes the bolt that keeps the twocymbals together. 

This done, she goes into an adjoining room, in which are a bath andother preparations for her ablutions. The door communicating with thesleeping-room closes of itself, whereupon the matron enters theapartment, pulls off the bed-clothes, and opens a large skylight at thetop, to admit the fresh air. 

The ablutions of all the girls ended, they descend to their repast, after which they say a very short and simple prayer. In this thanks fortheir refreshing sleep and for the food they have partaken are unitedinto one petition that the labours of the day may be blest by theSupreme. 

The practice which formerly existed of saying long prayers before thegirls partook of their first repast is abolished. Many young people havekeen appetites after a night's rest, and when the old custom prevailedtheir thoughts would be wandering in a direction very different to thatostensibly taken by their prayers. 

Although saying set prayers before the early meal is now not required ofthe young girl, gratitude to the Dispenser of all good is successfullyinculcated. On the walls of the repast room are inscribed in largecharacters appropriate precepts adapted to the young intellect--such as"Think of God before you eat. " In the meaning of these the young areinstructed at an early age, and by various devices are imperceptiblyled, through the medium of the eye, the ear, and the understanding toacquire the habit of directing their thoughts in conformity with thespirit of the precepts. 

A careful discipline prevails, as I have intimated, in all mattersrelating to the education of girls of every rank, but, as soon as theyattain one amongst the higher positions and marry, they are allowed, nay, encouraged, to indulge in many luxurious habits, to dressbeautifully, and to wear magnificent jewels, but only according to theirmeans. 

As an instance of luxury in simple things, I will mention a peculiarsoft reclining cushion, or settee, particularly adapted to exhibit thelady and her costume to the greatest advantage. As the lady sits down, however gently, it yields to the pressure, leaving her surrounded by theportion not pressed, which thus forms a background, and, as it were, aframe to the living picture. When she rises, the elastic cushion resumesits pristine form. The least movement is sufficient to cause the seat torise or fall, and I have often seen ladies amuse themselves with thisgentle exercise. 

To these settees a pad is attached. On a spring being touched thisopens, and forms a fan which by its own movement fans the lady, and atthe same time emits a refreshing perfume, continuing to act until thelady closes it by touching a spring. 

These settees are covered with silk of various colours, adapted to theladies and their costume; a peculiar crimson ornamented with gold is thefavourite colour. They are allowed to be used by the married ladiesalone, and are much liked by them, the more so perhaps that in thecolleges girls of all ranks are not allowed to use any seats but thosewithout backs. 

XX. 

CHOICE OF A HUSBAND. 

 "Women are the mothers of the nation. The happiness of our life depends on theirs. They have much to bear. If we neglect them we neglect ourselves. "

Having taken care by means of education to eradicate all incipientfaults in woman, to confirm her health, to increase her powers ofattraction, and fit her for the station which her talents and virtuesentitle her to fill, we take the best means to ensure that the maidenshall at the proper age marry the man most pleasing to her, and mostlikely to secure the happiness of both. 

In every district a council of ladies, who have passed through certainordeals, and a council of elders, regulate all matters relating tomarriage. Over each of these presides a man of a certain age, and ofspotless character, whose qualities, actions, and mode of life have beenobserved and recorded from early youth. 

Let me more particularly describe how the lady makes choice of ahusband. 

During thirty-one evenings in succession the girl intended for themarriage state is placed in an assemblage composed of eighty-five youngmen, one of whom she is expected to choose, but however quickly her mindmay be made up she is not allowed to announce her decision till thethirty-first evening has arrived. 

The eighty-five young men are selected by the councils from those onlywho have declared their intention of marrying. Any man of the same rankas the lady, who is desirous to be one of the eighty-five, is generallynominated at once, and if the girl has any especial liking for oneparticular person, she is allowed to communicate the fact privately toone of the ladies of the council. 

In cases, however, where both the councils are of opinion that there isany serious objection to the eligibility of the young man, they have theright to withhold the summons. This right they rarely exercise, andnever until after communicating with the lady where she has named thegentleman. Every contingency is well considered; besides, theregulations which govern every step connected with these meetings, andthe sacred feeling with which the councils regard the delicate trustconfided to them, prevent any inconvenience which might otherwise arisefrom their proceedings. 

At these meetings the girl wears a peculiar headdress with a star infront, to distinguish her from other ladies who are allowed to bepresent, but who however are expected not to pay court to the gentlemen. It would have been unreasonable to require the exercise of so much selfdenial under the old system, but an acquisition of the power of selfdenial forms part of the training prescribed by my system of education, and is now ordinarily practised when needed. This privilege of beingpresent is highly prized and eagerly sought by ladies, if only for oneof the thirty-one chosen evenings. 

The gentlemen who wish to have their pretensions favourably viewed, paycourt to the young maiden of the star, and any gentleman who it isthought may prove agreeable can be called by the lady of the council, one of whom is always seated near the girl. 

On occasions when some of the gentlemen present would rather not beamongst the aspirants, it is amusing to see them retire behind theothers, hoping to escape without offence against the rules of goodbreeding. Should one of these be called by the lady superior, he willprobably give himself awkward airs, and endeavour to be as littleengaging as possible. The maiden generally looks modest and blushing, and needs the assistance of the lady superior, who is not unfrequentlyobliged to represent her in conversation. 

Before a week has elapsed the maiden of the star has generally intimatedby look, who is likely to be the selected one. Sometimes, however, sheis fickle, and when one, encouraged by her expressive glance, has paidher court, she will encourage another and another, and another, --for onthese occasions she has full liberty of action. 

It is amusing to see the efforts of pretenders, and the expression puton, whilst overwhelming the lady with amiabilities when her thoughts andperhaps her glances lie in another direction. She in turn may be obligedto use all her power to attract the one she desires to select. If she bea coquette, each one of many will think that he himself is the fortunateswain on whom her choice will fall. The doubts existing in theseinstances cause great excitement and amusement, and between the meetingspearls against rubies, diamonds against diamonds, and other preciousstones are staked on the event. 

Great is the agitation on the thirty-first evening, when the maiden isexpected to declare on whom her choice has fallen. She proclaims it bypresenting the chosen one with an appropriate flower, and thus is sparedthe pain of a verbal declaration. A band of music then announces by aparticular and well-known strain that the choice is made, and a march isplayed, to the measure of which the chosen one leads his intended to athrone on a slightly raised dais. 

Each of the gentlemen then approaches, successivelypresenting to the maiden a flower, [1] which he lays onthe table in front of the dais, wishing her at the sametime happiness and joy. 

 [Footnote 1: See p. 126. ]

The lady will perhaps kiss the flower presented when anxious to showregard for the giver, whom, however, she has not been able to choose. This ceremony of presenting flowers having been concluded, the futurebride and bridegroom lead the way to the banqueting-room. 

On the evening following, a meeting of three hours' duration takes placebetween the chosen one and the maiden, who is accompanied by the ladysuperior of the marriage council. The two converse, and if after mutualexplanation anything incongruous is found, either party is at liberty toobject, and the marriage does not take place; but if the three hourspass without objection no further question can be raised. The two arethen looked upon as betrothed, and after a certain interval the marriagetakes place. 

It sometimes happens that at the meetings of the eighty-five the maiden, distracted between contending aspirants, is unable to give thepreference to any. In that case she is put back for another year. 

At the end of the year another assembly of young men is called; thenumber invited is limited, however, to forty-five, and the evenings arereduced to twelve. Should the lady again fail to select--a veryimprobable occurrence--another and final assembly would be called forthe following year, the number of gentlemen being reduced to twenty-one, and the evenings to seven, and if the lady should still remain undecidedshe must be content to enjoy single blessedness during the rest of herlife. For my own part, I do not recollect more than one case where theselection was postponed beyond the second year. 

XXL. 

THE DRESS OF SHAME. 

SUN-COLOURED SILKS--THE ART OF PLEASING. 

"Let not the ranks of the good be defiled by the presence of him who has betrayed his trust. "

I never knew an instance of the trust confided to the Marriage Councilsbeing in any way abused. None are selected for the office, who have not, after years of probation, shown themselves in every way worthy of thesacred trust. 

A severe punishment would attend any deviation from the strict path ofhonour; the offender, condemned to wear "the dress of shame, " wouldprobably be degraded from his rank. After a time had passed, sufficientto exhibit his punishment as a warning to others, he would, perhaps, bebanished to a distant country. It should be understood that every otherpart of our world is less agreeable than Montalluyah. 

The dress of shame to which I have just referred, is a common robeformed of one piece, and of sombre colour, on which dress are placedmarks indicating the nature of the offence and the name of the offender. Similar marks are likewise placed over his house, and are wellunderstood by the people. 

Independently of the deep degradation implied by this costume, theentire privation of his ordinary dress would alone be a punishment tothe offender, for the people are very fond of dressing well. Iencouraged the love of dress particularly in woman, for I thought thatwhen properly regulated it was good, and heightened the beauty of thepicture. With us the style of dress and the taste of its arrangement arethought indications of the mind within, but none are allowed to dress orwear jewels beyond their station. 

After marriage ladies, according to their rank, are allowed to wear veryrich costumes. The textures are beautiful and the colours verybrilliant. 

SUN SILK. 

The sun gives lustre to fabrics and imparts colours which can besupplied by no other means. In your planet such brilliancy is never seenexcept in the sun itself. We have, for instance, a silk of a veryremarkable colour, which is highly prized by the ladies. Of this you mayform a remote notion if you imagine a bright silver green radiant withall the vividness and brilliancy you sometimes see in the sunsets ofyour southern climes. 

Some of our silks in the natural state are of a chalky white. Thissilver green is obtained by exposing the silk, when woven into thepiece, to the rays of the sun during the half-hour after noon; no othertime of the day will answer as well. If the silk were kept beyond thehalf-hour, the tint given would be unequal. The material is exposed tothe influence of the sun in a machine, which has two different actions;by one, that lasts for a quarter of an hour, the silk is unrolled, andby the other, which is of exactly the same duration, it is rolled back, the two operations being so regulated as to finish in the half-hour two"pangartas, " equal to about twenty of your yards, the quantity requiredfor a lady's dress. The colour penetrates through the silk, but the sideexposed to the sun is the more brilliant. 

Our Ladies also wear a silk most beautiful in texture and colour, called"Sun Silk. " To obtain this silk, the sun is made to bear on silk-wormsat particular hours of the day, and the result is, that the silk of thecocoon is of a colour resembling that of a bright sun. 

There are numerous other beautiful colours prepared in different waysunder the influence of the sun, and, by the action of the same luminary, fabrics for ladies' dresses are endowed with the power of repellingheat. 

THE ART OF PLEASING. 

Women are instructed in the art of pleasing, and the handsomest and mostgifted exert themselves to this end. They are required to attend totheir personal appearance abroad and at home. The married especially areenjoined to attend to this as much in the presence of their husbands asbefore strangers. A different custom prevailed in former times, whenwomen after they had been some time married, thinking that theirhusbands' affection was secured, gave themselves no further care toplease him, though still taking pains to appear handsome and fascinatingto others. It was for visitors and strangers that the most comelyapparel and the most engaging manners were put on; the consequence was, that the husband often preferred the society of those who in appearanceat least seemed to care more for him than did his own wife. This was thecause of much of the immorality which formerly existed in our world. 

The example, too, on children, was most injurious; it schooled them indeceit and disingenuousness. My laws declare that those, whether man orwoman, are dishonest, who wear a behaviour to each other after marriagedifferent to what they did before, for they have gained the affectionsof their victim by deceit--pretending one thing and doing another. 

XXII. 

COSTUMES. 

 "The harmonious beauty of dress gives often indication of the mind of the wearer. "

While speaking of materials for dress, I will venture to interrupt "thepreparations for the marriage" by giving a short description, of some ofour costumes. 

As certain of our manners and customs, besides having a character oftheir own, may be said to partake both of your Eastern and Westernusages, so do our dresses partake both of your oriental and classicalcostumes. 

LADY'S COSTUME. 

The costume of the lady is loose and flowing. A jacket or bodice ofpurple tissue covers the right arm, and one side of the body to thewaist, leaving the left arm, shoulder and part of the bosom exposed. 

A small waistcoat, made of a crimson tissue, is worn underneath thebodice. 

The tunic is of white tissue, beautifully embroidered with a goldthread. The short skirts show trousers of golden tissue, full, and notunlike those of your Turks. They are confined at the ankle by anklets, made of plain gold for the middle classes, whilst those worn by theupper classes are of ravine metal, ornamented with precious stones. 

There are fringe trimmings to the tunic made of precious metals of everyvariety of colour, selected for their lightness and beauty, and enrichedat their extremities with precious stones. The colours of the costumevary with the taste of the wearer, but are selected to harmonise onewith another, and all with our brilliant light. 

The feet are protected by a sole secured either by sandals or by meansof an adhesive material. 

Women are not allowed to wear stays, or in any way to confine the waist. Indeed such encumbrances would serve no good purpose, inasmuch as theirforms are actually beautiful; their spines, in consequence of theirphysical education, are strong, and every part of the person, whichmight otherwise possibly require support, is in its proper place. 

HEAD-ORNAMENTS. 

In the hair is sometimes worn an ornament forming two wings, eachconsisting of a single diamond, which moves on small fine hinges, and isso arranged that the least breath of air will set it in motion. In thecentre uniting the two wings, is a small crimson stone surmounted by alarge round stone of purple-blue, from which sprouts out a very finedagger of a greenish-gold colour. The rest of the head-dress is made offine metal, chosen for its lightness, of the same tints. These metalsare of equal, perhaps greater value, than gold, but are chosen for theirqualities. The necklace and anklets correspond in character to theheaddress, with the addition to the former of one large pearl, whichhangs to the wings and rests on the lady's bosom. The bracelets are madein your Greek style--bands of gold set with large pearls. The soles toprotect the feet are gilded with ravine metal. The sandals, which are ofpurple enamel of a peculiar kind, are often ornamented with jewels. Thefan is composed of the choicest feathers of our native birds, and set inravine metal of the most beautiful kind, studded with pearls and otherprecious stones. 

We have pearls, diamonds, and other precious stones of a very remarkablekind, whose electricities are supposed to have a certain influence overthe wearer. Thus, diamonds in Montalluyah have, it is thought, atendency to increase the circulation; and when I have been fatigued byexcessive study, a chain of peculiar diamonds has been placed near myskin to revive me. 

Ladies sometimes wear a small turban with a gold tassel on the crown ofthe head. For the open air the head is covered with a turban, in frontof which is a small shade, which, by means of a spring, falls down andprotects the eyes and face from the sun. 

Ladies of superior quality rarely wear turbans, for they seldom goabroad in the heat of the sun, and when they do, they are shaded by acanopy, supported at each corner by a pole, and borne by four men. Whenwalking in their grounds ladies use long veils, covering them from headto ankle, which they also wear when on horseback, but they never mountin the heat of the sun. 

Every unmarried woman, without exception of class, wears a distinctivefeature on her dress. The drapery is fixed with a jewel to the rightshoulder, and the right arm is bare. On the other hand, the marriedwoman's arms are always covered with falling drapery, though by certainmovements she shows the arm. It is not till after marriage that the ladyis allowed to wear very elaborate costumes. 

GENTLEMAN'S COSTUME. 

By men an elastic linen case or chemise, made of a material which willstretch to any size, and cling to the form, is worn next the skin. This, reaching just below the knee, is short in the sleeves, and veryornamental about the neck, leaving the throat bare. It is changed dailyby the poor, and twice a day by the rich. Over it is worn a tunic ofrich material, with sleeves differing from each both in form and colour. 

The trousers of the men consist of a large mass of drapery of very finelight material finer than cambric, prepared from leaves which havepassed through a certain process, and are afterwards woven. This iswound round and round the leg. As many folds are required to protect thebody from the scorching heat, it will be seen that lightness is anessential quality. The trouser, otherwise full, is narrow at the ankle, where it is confined by a band of the same material, of gold or ofjewels, according to the quality of the wearer. Gloves are not worn bymen, but their trousers being so massive they can place their hands inthe ample folds when walking in the sun. 

Another important article of male attire is a large piece of drapery, which, fastened in front and on one shoulder with a jewel chain, iscarried to the back, and being attached to the opposite arm, falls ingraceful folds below one knee, where it may be fastened. It may also bethrown back and worn as a cloak or covering; in any case it descends ingraceful folds. 

The feet of our men are bare, and are rubbed with an oleaginouspreparation, which keeps them lithesome, and prevents them from beingbrowned by the sun. The under part of the foot is protected by a solesecured by sandals. The hair, whether of the head or beard, is nevercut, and we have no shaving, but we have means to prevent the hairgrowing on any part of the face. 

The colours of the costume vary greatly; each man selects according tohis taste, but they always harmonize. To give an example. If the draperywere crimson on the outside, the inside would be blue; the tunic, a veryrich brown; the legs of the trousers, one red the other blue. 

The only ornament worn by the men is a chain of ravine metal, sometimesplain, sometimes set with costly gems, and we have costumes all brown, relieved by this chain alone. 

Out of doors the men wear a turban or head-covering, made of a verylight material, beat out to the thinness of the finest wafer, andrepellent of heat. It is very large, that the face and eyes may beprotected from the sun; and, moreover, it is furnished with acontrivance by which a current of air is kept constantly playing on thetop of the brain. 

XXIII. 

PREPARATIONSFOR THE MARRIAGE. 

 "Cling to each other, concentrate your hopes in each other, and if peevishness on either side arise, chase it away by a smile. "

Shortly after the choice of a husband has been confirmed, preparationsfor the civil marriage commence. Night and morning the bride is purifiedwith baths of choice herbs and flowers. During the fortnight prior tothe solemnity myrrh and choice spices are added to the baths, and thehair, to which great attention is given, is combed with a comb thatemits a peculiar perfume, which retains its force for months, attractedby the warmth of the head. 

This comb is made out of one small part of the wood of a rare tree, therest of which has no particular virtue; so that from a whole tree, onlya single comb is obtained. Such combs are used solely for the brides, and for every bride a fresh one is provided. The hair is combed downloosely, the long hair hanging about the neck, shoulders, bosom, andwaist. 

The marriage costume is generally purple and gold, the rich beingmagnificently attired, and wearing beautiful jewels in the hair, on asmall turban worn on the crown of the head, on the bosom, waist, hands, arms, and one of the feet, which is bare, while the other foot iscovered with what may be called a silk sock, bearing variousinscriptions, such as--

 "May thy footsteps lead thee to virtue. " "May thy footsteps bring thee and thine to glory. "

The bride is radiant with light and beauty; her face is not allowed tobe hidden, and her neck, shoulder, and bosom are left bare on one side. 

The parties meet in a great public hall, and in presence of witnesses, after stating their wish to be "doubled, " _i. E. _ married, sign a scroll, which the friends present subscribe. 

The names of the newly-married pair are written in large clearcharacters, and affixed to the wall, that all passing by may see them. 

The size and height of the hall are immense, but when after a certaintime the scrolls accumulate, they can easily be rolled and raisedhigher, and with equal facility be lowered when this is requisite. 

The civil ceremony over, we have feasting and rejoicing, and certainobservances not unlike what formerly took place in some of the marriagesamong the more cultivated Eastern nations in your planet. 

Seven young maidens wait at the bridegroom's house to receive the bride. The room intended for the reception of the married pair is beautifullyarranged, various-coloured ornamental glass reflecting subdued tints onthe objects around. 

On each side of the bridal couch is the figure of an angel holding ascroll exhorting to wisdom, purity, love and truth. Hidden in thedrapery of the couch are self-playing instruments, whose soft music, awakened by the agitation of the air, and accompanied by delicateperfumes, sounds like the song of angels. 

The bridesmaids undress the bride and throw over her a silver-gauzetransparent lace, which gives her a fairy-like, vapoury appearance, asshe reclines on the couch, with her long hair partly covering thebeautiful outline of her figure, and the bridesmaids strew flowersaround her. 

When all is ready, the young maidens send to bid the bridegroom enter, who, clad in a silken garment, is conducted by two friends to thethreshold of the bridal apartment. The seven maidens then chant a shortprayer, wishing the married couple all joy, and, each having kissed thebride, depart. 

The day of the civil marriage is one of unalloyed joy. In the selectionof the day even the elements are studied by men specially devoted tometeorology, who, with perfect infallibility, can predict the weatherfor a fortnight. 

Three months after the birth of each child the marriage ceremony isrepeated, the same assembling of friends, the feasting, and the samepurification and adornment of the bride taking place as when the partieswere married. 

No religious ceremony, with the exception of a short prayer, takes placeon the day of the civil marriage. The bride and bridegroom are supposedto be too much engrossed with the thoughts of their coming joys to giveproper attention to prayers pronounced by others. The bride andbridegroom, however, are each expected to pray in private as their ownhearts may prompt, and some days prior to the marriage a paper is givento each, in which some of the leading responsibilities andconsiderations are noted, to the end that, if necessary, their piousthoughts may be directed into the right channel. 

The religious ceremony takes place at a convenient period, when a yearhas expired after the civil marriage, and we are justified in hopingthat the newly married pair, by their conduct to each other, have givenevidence that they are worthy of the blessings now to be solemnlyinvoked. When the day arrives the bride is dressed in white without asingle jewel. Both she and the bridegroom prostrate themselves whenreceiving the blessing. As the ceremony is supposed to be exclusivelyreligious, there is no feasting. 

If the couple have had any serious dissension during the year thereligious ceremony is postponed, but great efforts are made to reconcilethe difference, and if these are successful the solemnity takes place. 

When, on the other hand, a reconciliation cannot be effected, the lawinsists on a separation of the parties, who, however, may be reconciledat any time. As neither is allowed to marry again, polygamy isforbidden, and as irregularities are out of the question, areconciliation can almost always be effected, unless, indeed, there issome cause sufficiently grave to render a separation necessarily final. Such causes are exceptional in the extreme. 

 * * * * *

The precautions taken in the selection of a husband and the watchfulnessof our system, prevent any great incompatibility of disposition, and theexistence of those evils which formerly were of daily occurrence. Provision is made even for those accidents which sometimes occur aftermarriage, and which of old had often led to disappointment and misery. For example, when it happens that a child is still-born, or for somereason must be put out of the way, neither the father nor mother is atfirst made aware of the fact, but the loss is immediately supplied. Every birth is instantly communicated by telegraph to the centraldepartment, at whatever hour of night or day it may take place. Thenumber registered every instant is great, and the birth of twins is afrequent occurrence. When a child is born dead, one of a pair of twinsis transferred to the mother, and placed in her arms. If she ask anyquestion the nurse and doctor answer her gently and kindly, but are notallowed to mention the substitution. 

It is not until the patient is completely re-established, and all is inorder, that she is informed of what has passed, and she has then theoption of retaining the child, or of allowing it to be taken back to itsown mother. Cases of premature birth, or of deformed infants now howeverrarely occur, except as a consequence of accidents which cannot beprevented. 

Husband and wife are now really considered and treated as one. At placesof amusement, and in public conveyances, they pay for one only. Incalculating the number of persons present, we say, for example, "thereare 200 doubles, and 100 singles;" this with you would make 500--wecount them as 300 only. 

XXIV. 

FLOWERS. 

 "In the celestial spheres, flowers breathe music as well as fragrance. "

Allusion has been made to the use of flowers at the "choice" meetings, as the medium through which the maiden indicates the gentleman on whomher choice has fallen. 

Flowers are very beautiful in Montalluyah. They are highly cultivated, and great pains are bestowed upon them; their names are given to starsand to women, so that often a lady will at once be associated with abeautiful flower and a brilliant star. 

Every flower has a well-known language of its own; many conveycomparatively long expressions of emotion, both pleasing and thereverse, and the meaning of each may be qualified or increased by itsunion with others. In the language of flowers all at an early age areinstructed. The meaning associated with each flower is universallyunderstood, its name at once conveying its language as distinctly asthough the whole of the sentence were spoken in so many words. Indeedmany interesting, and even long conversations are carried on between agentleman and lady through a floral medium. 

A young lady, instead of entering into conversation or expressing hersentiments in words, may present a flower either in the first instanceor by way of answer. A married lady receiving visitors has generallyfresh flowers at hand, which she often separates to present one to thevisitor. 

The following are instances of language associated with flowers:--

Vista Rodo. --A plant bearing a little flower like a diamond intransparency and brilliancy, and exhaling from every green leaf abeautiful perfume. 

"The stars in heaven thou makest to blush by the sweetness of thy breath. "

 "I deny not that they possess thy brilliancy, But thy fragrance they deplore. May I hope for the boon of thy lustre near me Through the journey of life, To teach me to be happy, To cultivate my admiration of the beautiful, To bid me seek the joys of home, And teach me the greatness of my Maker!"

Oronza. --A flower unknown to your planet. It is white, the centre studdedwith little spots in relief, so closely resembling turquoise and pearlsthat unless touched they might be mistaken for real stones placed on theflower. 

 "At sight of thee, malignity flies away and the spirits of peace and goodness surround me, encouraging me to all great and noble deeds, making me forget to look back on my folly, and bidding me gaze forward into the future and the realms of hope. 

 "You exalt me; you purify me; say you will part from me no more. "

Mosca. --The moss rose. 

 . .. . "Come to me, Thy virtues are more brilliant than precious stones; Thy breath exhales intoxicating perfume; Thy beauty is a continual feast. Tell me thy heart shall be my haven, To my bosom I will press thee, And thy leaves shall embrace me with their fragrant affection. "

Each kind of rose has its separate language. Thus, Javellina, thesingle-leaf hedge-rose, is associated with lines indicative of "thesweet purity of youth. " Angellina, the white rose, is associated withlines indicative of "gentle endurance and pure love;" and Orvee, theyellow rose, with lines indicative of "affection combined withjealousy. "

 * * * * *

Some flowers have qualified, some disagreeable meanings attached tothem. 

No man, however nearly allied to a lady, or however great his cause fordispleasure may be, is allowed to say to her anything unpleasant exceptthrough the medium of flowers. 

The only exception is in favour of the husband, whose privilege isseldom used; not only because it is thought more civilised to useflowers as the medium on such occasions, but more especially becausemarriages are now so well assorted that occasion for complaint scarcelyarises on either side. 

At the marriage meetings flowers having the slightest disagreeable wordsattached to them are strictly forbidden. 

As an example of flowers having a qualified or disagreeable import takethe following:--

Ragopargee. --The white lily. 

"Cold but truthful, and as constant as the drops of Mount Isione. "

In a small recess of Mount Isione two drops of water, clear as crystal, constantly fall, having percolated the rock above. As soon as two dropshave fallen two others succeed, two being the invariable number. Theinterval between the fall of each pair of drops is equal and scarcelyperceptible. 

These drops never cease to fall night or day, and they have already bythis accumulation formed a lake at the base of the mountain. 

Voulervole--Convolvulus. 

 "False allurements! Thy beauty is to please but for a day, Like the magnet it attracts us, And then thou wouldst make us weep By fading before our eyes. 

 "Go, fickle flower, For thou shalt not be mine Until more lasting; thou canst learn to be. "

Mooreska. --Fuchsia. 

 "Thy beauty is dazzling; But, alas! its bloom will fade The nearer we approach. For thy external attractions find no echo within. I can never take thee to my bosom. "

 * * * * *

Romeafee. --The pink lily. This flower is associated with excessivelove of dress, and the language attached to it ends with the words. 

 "As glaring to the eye as Kiloom. "

The gorgeous appearance of sunset is personified inpoetical legends by a master spirit, called "Kiloom. "

The colours of sunset are gaudy and vivid beyondmeasure, and cast intense hues on all objects. Oursunsets, though grand, are far from being so agreeablysoothing as those in your planet, but they leave anafter-glow, which gives light during the night whendarkness would otherwise prevail. 

 * * * * *

Flowers are profusely used in our great festivals. Icollect a fête given to me on the occasion of an anniversary, when there appeared a cavalcade of one hundred camelopards, bearing each on its back a kiosk, in which was a beautifulwoman. All the camelopards were united together, as it seemedto the eye, by wreaths of flowers, though in fact theseconcealed strong thongs, with which the animals were reallysecured. Each animal was attended by a swarthy native of thecountry whence it came. 

XXV. 

FLOWERS IMPROVED BY ELECTRICITY. 

 "Marry nature's gifts the one with the other, amalgamate sympathetic electricities in their due proportions, and give increased beauty to loveliness, even as ye give increased strength to iron and marble, by welding their particles into one imperishable mass. "

We discovered the mode in which nature operates in the production ofplants and flowers, and our discovery has enabled us to give them newforms and varied colours, to increase their natural odours and to endowthem even with fragrance of which in their natural state they aredevoid. 

Enclosed in every seed is a portion of electricity, and on this depend, in the first instance, the life of the plant, its form and colour, itsleaves and blossoms. If any crack or injury to the seed has allowed theelectricity to escape, the growth of the plant is prevented. 

When, after some time, the seed having been sown, its electricity hasattracted a sufficient quantity of the electricity of the ground, andthe two electricities are, as it were, married, their united heat andpower force the seed to burst. 

Part of the united electricity serves for the leaves, and when itssupply is deficient the leaves wither and die, despite every effort topreserve them. 

Another part serves to give form and impart colour to the plant. Greenis the colour that the earth, in connection with the electricity oflight, has the greatest tendency to generate. 

In many plants, after the electricity has thrown off its principalstrength in the leaves and blossoms, what remains sinks exhausted intothe root, there to repose, and, like a child forsaken by its mother, theleaves become sickly and fade. When in due season the electricity againbecomes invigorated by repose, and by union with the electricity of theground, the united essences go forth again to seek the light and busythemselves in the reproduction of foliage and flowers. 

The essence of the combined electricity having acquired additional powerfrom the contact with the electricity of light and of the sun, is forcedto the extremities and joints of the stem, where the forms of the flowerare permanently developed and preserved. 

The electricity concentrated or, rather, coagulated at the joints andextremities of the plant there forms hard gatherings, which, after beingsaturated with the electricity of light and of the sun, ripen and burstinto flower. 

There are, as you know, great resemblances in many of the operations ofnature. From observing the mode in which electricity thus coagulates andforms gatherings or tumours in flower-plants, we acquired valuableknowledge, including the secret of the formation of gatherings ortumours of all kinds in the human body. 

The sap of the plant is the repository or reservoir of the unitedelectricities, from which every part of the flower is to be nourished. 

PROCESS FOR CHANGING FORM. 

This is an outline of our process when we would change the form offlowers:

A slip from a plant, according to the kind of flower desired, is placedin a flower-pot filled with mould, the bottom of which can be unscrewedand removed at pleasure. 

As soon as the slip has taken root, and the smallest fibres have sprungfrom the stem of the plant, the form of the desired flower is made outof a piece of ravine metal as thin as a piece of silk. 

This metal-flower, after immersion in a solution which attracts theparticular electricity to be used, is enclosed in a hollow block of thesame metal, corresponding to the flower form, from which it rises in ashape somewhat like that of a funnel, till it ends in a very fine pointor orifice as fine and as hollow as the finest hair. This point isinserted in the root of the plant. 

Underneath the metal-flower form is placed a bag of sympatheticelectricity, and the mouth of the bag is so arranged as to fit closelyround the form of the metal-flower in such a way that the electricityhas no escape but into the hollow metal block and through its fine, hollow point. The metal point, previously to its insertion in the rootof the plant, is prepared with a solution to prevent the escape of anyof the electricity through its pores. 

As soon as the bag is opened the electricity is attracted into the metalform, and having no other escape, proceeds instantaneously through thefunnel and through the hair-tube into the plant. In doing this, itretains the form implanted by its contact with the metal model, and bythe forced passage through which it has become married with anotherelectricity. 

As soon as it is attracted by the solution with which the inside of themetal is covered, a shock is produced which materially assists theoperation, by causing the electricity to imprint itself with greaterforce and certainty on the embryo plant with which you will recollectthe hair-point has been connected. 

It is essential that the charge should be sufficiently strong to modifyor overpower the electricity already existing in the plant, in order tochange the form which this would otherwise take; but, at the same time, care is taken that the charge is not too powerful, for in that case, andparticularly if an antipathetic electricity be employed, the flowerwould be instantly killed. The electricity is therefore applied ingentle proportions at first, and then the operation is repeated severaltimes. 

PRODUCTION OF COLOUR. 

It is electricity that, as I have said, gives colour to plants. Theirvaried tints depend on the sympathy or attraction of their electricityto sun and light electricities. Particular parts of the plant, from thenature of their fibre, have the power to attract larger portions thanothers of the colouring electricities. 

When it is wished to produce different colours in the flower otherelectricities are used, with or without those producing variety of form. The electricities for producing colours are contained in small pouches, as many in number as the colours we desire to produce. Then, beingplaced together at the base of the flower-pot, each on the particularpart of the "flower form" which is to be affected, their orifices areopened and the contents of each one are instantaneously emitted. 

Most plants are susceptible of every variety of colour; thus areproduced roses, pink, blue, green, lilac, brown, fire-colour, andsun-colour, which last is a colour so brilliant that the eye that haslong gazed upon it stands in need of repose. 

Amongst the electricities for giving colours is sun electricity, received in different ways. Again, the electricities of some birds givelovely colours; and so does that of the gold-fish. Moss gives a colourresembling fire-sparks. Frogs produce a beautiful violet. 

Where the flowers and leaves have not a decided perfume of their own, wecan give a beautiful fragrance to either, though not to both on the sameplant. To produce this result, we inoculate the plant with certainfragrant gases. Our dahlias, unlike yours, yield a highly fragrant anddelightful perfume. 

 * * * * *

The plants treated by us in these ways are fitly called flowers, presenting as they do a mass of blossoms and exhaling deliciousperfumes. They act, mediately or immediately, on the concentrated lightof the organization through the nerves of smell, as beautiful soundsthrough the medium of the ear, or as beautifully harmonised coloursthrough the eye. You will recollect that a modification of concentratedlight is supposed to be the link through which the soul communicates itsimpressions to the brain, on whose divisions it is made to act inelectric forms. 

Besides an infinite variety of flowers, we produce every variety ofcolour and perfume in the leaves of the evergreens which adorn ourstreets and habitations, emitting healthy and refreshing fragrance, increased by every movement of the wind. 

 * * * * *

CREATION OF FORMS. 

Not wholly unconnected with this subject is the creation of electricforms for amusement at a distance from the operator. This is effected bythe aid of tubes made from the membranes covering the eyes of birds, which are invisible to the naked eye even when at a short distance fromthe observer. 

In the mouth of one of these tubes, which spreads out slightly, isplaced a small form made of grains of powder obtained from the colouredseeds of flowers, and, a bag of electricity being applied, the fluidrushes through the tube. Instantly, at the other end, appears the figureor form traced at the mouth, but of ordinary or gigantic stature, proportioned to the power or quantity of electricity employed. 

The forms can be varied or changed at will, and have so life-like anappearance that I have seen persons go up to the supposed gentlemen orladies and speak to them, and only discover that they were shadows whenthey have come up close to them, or when the operator has at will madethem vanish. 

I should tell you how our attention was first called to the subject ofreproducing forms by electricity. 

We had observed numberless instances in which copies of forms werereproduced by electricity, as in the case of pictures in water, reflections in mirrors, mirages, apparitions, and pictures in the air;and had noticed that lightning would frequently imprint, on substanceslike trees, pictures of surrounding objects. These appearances have, Ibelieve, been observed even in your world. 

SUN-FORCING. 

There is a highly beautiful flower called Luania, a name of which theapproximate translation is the _soirée_ or "assembly" flower. Itscolours are most brilliant, but its blossom only lasts about ten hours. When that short term has expired, the leaves fall, and nothing remainsbut a small pod, containing seeds. 

In the following year, but not before, the flower blossoms again, andfalls in like manner. 

The seeds of the Luania do not mature for three years, --that is to say, until after the flower has blossomed three times; but we have, however, the means of producing flowers from the seeds in three days. 

The seeds are placed in handsome vases, which contain fine sand and somenew goat's-milk, and are covered over with perforated zinc, taken fromthe great ravine, the metal having been previously prepared to attractthe rays of the sun. 

The vase, with the metal thus prepared, is exposed to the light of thesun, between the hours of seven and eight in the morning. 

The power of the prepared metal is great, and so strongly attracts andretains heat, that it renders the surrounding atmosphere quite cold. 

One hour in the sun is sufficient to bring leaves from the Luania. Themetal covering is then removed, and the vases are placed under aforcing-glass, the power of which is doubled on the second day, andfurther increased on the third. The flowers then appear at once clad inall their brilliancy and beauty. 

The forced flowers, like the natural blossoms, which they excel inbeauty, live ten hours only, but they so far differ from them thattheir pods do not contain seeds. 

The colours of the flowers are bright pink, golden, lilac, lilac stripedwith white, and a beautiful green striped with white gold. The leaves ofthis, instead of being green like the others, are of a coral colourmixed with purple blue. 

The perfume of these flowers surpasses every other fragrance; it is mostrefreshing, and a lady will have no other for a _réunion_ when she canobtain this flower. 

XXVI. 

SONG OF ADMIRATION. 

 "The beautiful is an attribute of heavenly perfection. 

 "Give vent to your emotions in words, in flowers, in music, and above all in good and noble acts. "

The enthusiastic admiration of the lover has modes of expression besidesthe graceful presentation of flowers, and the soul-stirring breathingsof the harp. 

The following, to which I have added the explanation of certain terms, conveys as nearly as may be the meaning of some verses addressed by alover to the object of his admiration. Many of the expressions willprobably be thought hyperbolical. You will, however, remember that ourpulsation is more rapid than yours. 

 * * * * *

Like Lertees[1] at sunrise, opening into life, are thine eyes;

Sparkling and darting like Zacostees[2] the most rare. 

Their light overpowers as the air before a storm, when Raskutshi spreadshis wings across the temples of his people. [3]

Soft as the Kamouska[4] thine eyes penetrate and search the soul withingenuity exercised by Orestee[5] to find a treasure. 

Sweet as the milk of the Meleeta[6] is thy breath. 

Thy breasts are like the electricity of Turvee. [7]

Thy laugh is like the shooting of the stars, [8] silvery and wondrouslycharming. 

Dangerous art thou, for thou allurest mankind from every pursuit, and, like to the electricity of the whale, [9] dost thou draw us far and near. 

Then as the Martolooti[10] dost thou fascinate us to the spot. 

Graceful as the Castrenka[11] move thine arms. 

More playful than the Chilarti when it smiles, [12] and more lusciousthan the juice of the Tootmanyoso's fruit[13] is the balm of thy lips. 

The charms thou displayest are like the perfume emitted by theeverlasting gulf;[14]

Durable in their attraction as the Yurdzin-nod. [15]

As surely dost thou penetrate the heart as the venom of the serpentpermeates the blood. 

Precious as the fat on the serpent's head[16] is the marrow of thybones. 

Firm as the Mestua Mountain[17] is thy will. 

In thy goodness thy maker must rejoice. 

Thy constant love doth make me live many lives in one; a day seemeth ayear, and a year but a day. 

Rise, wet thy feet, [18] and onward let us go to Stainer's fount. [19]

There to calm our thirst before singing to our Maker's praise. 

And even as that sweet source ever flows, So may our lives flow to the end of time, as constant and as bright. 

Then come to my arms, and twine thyself about me, and I will supportthee with strength and power, as the Mountain Supporter[20] sustains theair-suspended cities of Montalluyah. 

 * * * * *

EXPLANATION OF CERTAIN TERMS USED IN THEPRECEDING SONG OF ADMIRATION. 

1. Lertees. --A lovely mountain spangled with transparentstones, which is so resplendent at sunrise that none can look at itwithout putting gauze before the eyes. Many of the stones were used toornament the Mountain Supporter. 

2. Zacostees. --Precious stones found near the tomb of acelebrated and beautiful woman, named Zacosta, whose loveliness, goodness, and varied talents, created for her many bitter enemies, andexposed her to cruel persecutions. She died heart-broken, and her tearsare said to have been petrified into these precious stones calledZacostees which are greatly prized as ornaments for turbans and forladies' bosoms. 

Though reviled and persecuted, Zacosta suffered without a murmur, androse superior to oft-renewed temptations, and to the bitter taunts ofthe many incarnate evil spirits who called her an idiot simply because, lovely and accomplished as she was, she patiently bore privations andsufferings when many were ready to pour riches into her lap. To the lastshe resisted the tempter, however fascinating the form he took, andnever lost faith to the day when she calmly closed a life in which shehad so greatly suffered. 

The legend adds that Zacosta was wafted by angels to one of thecelestial stars, there to dwell in love, peace, and joy, and that shedaily prays for the alleviation of the sufferings of her persecutors, doomed to pass through bitter ordeals, so pure and magnanimous is herspirit. 

It should be added, that according to the prevalent belief, the higherorder of spirits, those of the truly good, blessed in their owncelestial spheres with every joy, occupy themselves by seeking tobenefit others in the nether worlds. Their prayers are necessarilyunselfish, unless we regard as selfish the joys, to them great indeed, which result from the delight of doing good. 

One of the leading principles of the system which I gave to Montalluyah, namely, the promotion of those possessing superior talents, goodness andindustry, was intended to imitate the mode in which, according to ourbelief, the spirits of the good are elevated to superior ranks ofspheres according to the manner in which they pass through their severalprogressive states. 

In Montalluyah slander is regarded with horror. A person of either sexwho slandered a woman, and even one who gave credence to a slanderwithout careful investigation, would be severely punished and condemnedto wear "the dress of shame, " on which would be exposed the nature ofthe offence, and the base motives of the traducer. 

In the cases of slander that occurred at the beginning of my reign theoffence was generally traced to envy, to the inferiority of theslanderers to the standard of their victims whom they sought to reduceto their own level, rarely to a desire for good. 

Our horror of slanderers had been increased by the persecutions whichnumbers of virtuous persons like Zacosta had suffered from themalevolent; the very anxiety of the innocent to repel accusations havingformerly been looked upon by our hot-blooded people as evidence ofguilt. Many had preferred to suffer in silence rather than seem to givelife and consistency to a charge by their efforts to repel it. 

We have a saying in Montalluyah that to attack beauty and goodness is toattack Heaven itself, from whose attributes they are derived. 

3. Raskutshi. --Supposed to be the king of the air, and rulerof all the zephyrs and spirits of the region. According to our poeticallegends Raskutshi comes near the Earth when angry, and his advent isfollowed by a terrific storm. The air preceding certain storms in ourclimate has a peculiar effect in creating a species of torpor. It isthen supposed that "Raskutshi spreads his wings over the temples of hispeople. "

4. Kamouska. --A loving little animal like a bird, verybeautiful and gentle, with an eye of jet black, and of great brilliancy, but softened when the little thing wishes to be petted. She likes muchthe electricity of the mouth, and puts up her face as though wishing tobe kissed, at the same time emitting a beautiful musical sound. Her bodyis covered with the softest down, finer than that of the ostrich or themarabout. The feathers are of the richest gold and crimson, mingled withgrey, her breast of the richest crimson conceivable. The top of her headis gold, the rest of her body greyish white, her beak pale pink, hertail of green and gold, intermingled with touches of greyish-white andred. She feeds on the blossoms of a flower growing amongst a peculiargrass, and on all kinds of fruit. She does not drink, but is satisfiedwith juices from the rich fruits which we have all the year round. Kamouska, I should say, is the name of the female bird, who alone ispetted, the male being vicious and without feathers. Frequent referenceis made to her by our poets. 

5. Orestee. --The name of a man who invented an ingeniousinstrument for discovering diamonds in the bowels of the earth, and forpenetrating to the spot where they lay. 

This instrument possesses an electricity sympathetic to diamonds only. The presence of them is indicated by an exceedingly sensitive arm of theinstrument which being retained on the spot indicated, puts forthtendrils that gradually perforate the earth, and do not stop until aprecious stone is reached. 

6. Meleeta. --A pet animal of most peculiar formation. Its bodyresembles that of a beast, and is covered with hair of a light hue, interspersed with dark chestnut spots. Its belly is white, as likewiseare the feathers of its bird-like wings and tail, though these arevaried with touches of crimson, blue, and gold. Its eyes are large, andof a jet black, its neck is long and graceful like that of a swan, itsback is short and sleek, and its legs and feet, which are armed withclaws, are small, graceful, and mobile. But its most remarkablepeculiarity is the resemblance of its face to that of man. The males, which have horns like polished white ivory, are not petted. 

The female yields a delicious milk, sweet and refreshing to the smell asto the taste, and with peculiar qualities when taken fresh from theanimal. Meleetas are brought into the room during the early morning or"fruit-meal" repast, and each answers to her name, and stands still tobe milked. 

I had one much attached to me, who would come of her own accord, flutterher wings, and crouch at the top of my chair. The attendant was obligedto milk the animal close to my chair, and the affectionate little thingwould watch the man until he handed me the milk, as though she feared hemight give it to one of the guests. Infants are suckled by these tameanimals. 

At the beginning of my reign the animals were very rare, and indeednearly extinct, their only food being the nut of a tree then extremelyscarce, for before the discovery of the application of electricity thetree had been burnt for use. By my order large tracts were planted withthese trees, and there are now large enclosures in which herds ofMeleetas are preserved. 

The young are very precocious, and can soon be fed on nuts, andconsequently taken from the mother, who remains in milk for a longtime--nearly a year and a half. 

Great interest is taken in the Meleetas, and they are treated with muchgentleness, each having a small house to itself, lined with soft down, and furnished with a perch. 

They are very intelligent and grateful, and I well recollect theastonishment of my favourite when she laid her first egg. She would takehold of my robe and pull me, that I might look at the novel production, and she would make all the time a pretty noise like a laugh, seeming tobe astonished and overjoyed. 

I sometimes wore long flowing robes, and was often accompanied by thislittle creature when I strolled through my grounds. If it was at alldamp she would hold up the hem of my garment with her mouth, that itmight not get wet. When with me in my study, she would crouch down andremain quiet at my bidding. 

The Meleetas resent ill-treatment, though not spitefully. They can onlyraise themselves a small distance from the ground, but I have seen onewhen offended flutter, fly up quickly, and descend, giving the offendera smart box on the ear with her wing. 

7. Turvee. --An insect whose electricity forcibly attracts andsubdues the power of man. 

8. Shooting stars are, in our legends, said to be companies ofgood angels, linked in brightness and despatched from one star toanother, on messages of love and peace, sometimes to protect an inferiorworld from the too great inroads of legions of evil spirits. 

9. Whale electricity. --Of all, the most powerfullyattractive. 

10. The Martolooti. --A basilisk, or serpent, possessingwondrous fascinating power over its prey. 

11. Castrenka, or Flower of Grace. --A plant with two branchesonly, which spontaneously or at the slightest breath move alwaystogether in a most graceful manner. 

12. Chilarti. --A little pet animal, always playful andsmiling. 

13. The Tootmanyoso's fruit. --That is to say the Allmanyuka--the fruit invented by me, of which hereafter. 

14. The perfume of the everlasting gulf. --A gulf the waters ofwhich emitted a delicious fragrance, and when taken from the gulf wouldnot keep together, but separated into drops like tears. 

In our legends it is supposed that a lovely woman had for some grave sinbeen turned into a gulf, and that her breathings were continually waftedtowards Heaven in prayer. 

15. The Yurdzin-nod. --The hide of the hippopotamus, which isof extraordinary durability, and when prepared for use may be said to beimperishable. 

16. The fat of the serpent's head is very precious, and isused for many important purposes. Prepared in a certain way it is evensupposed to strengthen the intellect. 

The "mind-tamers" attending madmen--who were numerous when I began toreign--carried with them this fat, and sometimes the head itself, as anantidote against the contagion of insanity. 

17. The Mestua Mountain. --The largest in Montalluyah, supposedto be the firmest and most lasting of mountains. By her firmness thesea's mighty inroads have been arrested in their progress, and thewaters have been driven back. The "will, " which is likened in firmnessto the mountain, is "the will to overcome evil. "

18. Wet thy feet. --This ablution is required before prayer. 

19. Stainer's fount. --Stainer was a good man, who was neverknown to harm or pain any one by action or word, and from whom, as hedrank of its waters daily, the spring derived its name. The water, wholesome and cooling, is said to be the purest in Montalluyah. 

Water, a thing of hourly use, and moreover supposed to enter largelyinto man's organization, is in Montalluyah treated as of the utmostimportance to health, and its quality is watched with great care. Thewater for the especial use of the city is collected in reservoirs, andis always examined before the people are allowed to make use of it. Ifcertain electricities are wanting, though it might be faultless in otherrespects, both the supplies, within and without, are stopped until meanshave been taken to infuse the deficient electricity. The water fromStainer's fount never required testing. This was always pure, neverchanged its component parts, and never ceased to flow. 

20. The Mountain Supporter. --Reference to this great work ismade in nearly all our poems, which invariably refer to the beauty, splendour, strength, firmness, durability, grandeur, and usefulness ofthe work, and to its resemblance to my polity. 

XXVII. 

SYLIFA. 

 "Here the soul has illumined its temporary dwelling with rays of light--the gift of Heaven. "

Among the children of poor parents taken care of and educated by myorders, there was a beautiful girl named Sylifa, the daughter of alabouring man who worked in the ravines. 

In the early part of my reign I had been struck with her beauty andintelligence, and directed that she should be brought up and educated inmy palace. 

Her eyes were almond-shaped, large, long, lustrous, and languishing; andmight be pictured by fancy as beaming with ethereal flowers, crystallinefountains in all their brightness, painting, sculpture, and poetry. 

Her lovely mouth never gave utterance to a thought that was not kind andgood; indeed, all her features were beautiful, and the soft andluxuriant hair hung down to her feet in graceful curls--the back hairwas much longer, and, when unbound, fell to the ground in rich masses. 

She had a musical, merry laugh, which, whether they would or not, couldset all present laughing, however seriously inclined. 

Her talents were many, her versatility was great; for she wasaccomplished in various pursuits, and in most of them excelled. Whensinging or playing the harp, her dreamy eyes were more than earthly, andseemed as though beaming with poetry inspired of Heaven. 

The beauty of her mind could be read in her face; she looked soheavenly, that when grown into womanhood I have, in a moment ofenthusiasm, been almost tempted to fold her in my arms; but I neverforgot my great mission, even in the most perilous moments. 

I took particular care of the lovely girl, and selected for her husbanda very handsome man and a great poet, who was chosen in due form bySylifa at one of our marriage "choice" meetings. 

The union was happy, though, perhaps, they loved each other too well. 

The married couple resided in my palace, and Sylifa continued to affordto me and my guests the greatest recreation and amusement. 

She was very luxurious, and very particular in her habits. I have seenher, while amusing us, suddenly (perhaps designedly), stop short, anddirect her attendant to bring the golden salver, telling us at the sametime that her hand (and she had exquisite hands) was a little soiled. She would moisten them with the perfumed water, and then resume her taskof amusing us; our attention having, in the meantime, been kept inbreathless suspense. 

In my palace under the sea (for I had a submarine retreat, of which Imay speak hereafter) there was a large sheet or basin of water, in whichshe would sport most gracefully, modestly attired, as a nymph of thesea. 

She always identified herself with the part she sustained. As a seanymph, she could never be induced to speak; but, when we addressed her, she always replied in musical tones, because, according to our legends, mermaids always discoursed in song. 

In the basin of water there were willows, hung with small lyres, throughwhich Sylifa would show her face, and then, taking one of the lyres, would play and sing exquisitely, always keeping up the illusion. 

She was very fond of a lion brought up in my palace, with which, as acub, she had played when a child. As a woman, she had complete masteryover the noble animal. Both as a child and as a woman, she, with thelion, formed the subject of many of the beautiful pictures that adornedmy palaces. 

For a particular reason, we once separated Sylifa from her husband for aday. She refused to eat; neither would she retire to rest. As the daywas ending she walked into the room where I sat with my numerous guests. 

She said, "Do you love Sylifa?" "Yes, " was my answer. "Then give me backmy Oma. Without him I die; already I droop; to-morrow I shall be nomore. "

When asked to amuse us, she said she could not; her heart was too heavy. We tried to console her, but it was useless; she wept, and her long hairwas wet with her tears. 

After two days, we were obliged to restore Oma to the devoted Sylifa. 

Sylifa was enthusiastic in her love of flowers. It was she who suggestedthat, at the _fête_ of which I have spoken, the camelopards should beunited by wreaths of flowers. She sought and obtained my permission tomount the tallest of the stately animals, and appeared, resplendent inbeauty, amongst the beautiful women who graced the _fête_. 

XXVIII. 

THE YOUNG GIRL RESTORED. 

MADNESS. 

 "A sleep of sorrow. "

Formerly, as before observed, many were pronounced mad who wereperfectly sane, but madness itself was scarcely ever recognised until byviolent actions or incoherent words the patient had excited fear inothers. Numbers, afflicted with incipient madness, might have beeneasily cured had its presence been detected; but they were allowed toinflict great injury upon their neighbours. This they did the moreeffectually as their madness was not even suspected until the symptomsof the malady became too glaring to be disregarded. 

I will relate to you a case which presented some remarkable features. Alittle girl about four years old fell down some stone steps, andreceived a violent blow across the nose, which swelled enormously. Sheprobably was otherwise injured, but the injury on the nose was the onlyone then observed. After some time the effects of the accident were toall appearance completely cured. 

As the girl grew in years, she gave signs of marvellous talent. Butapparently unable to apply herself to any particular pursuit, she becamewearied of one thing after another, and continually thirsted fornovelty. This incessant love of change extended to everything, tofriendship, love, dress, amusements; to the most serious and mosttrifling matters. She was happy and melancholy at intervals, and alwaysin excess; nay, in her fits of extreme despondency she would evenmeditate suicide. 

Though disliked by some for her wayward and capricious disposition, shewas a great favourite with others. I should add that she was extremelybeautiful, indeed lovely, very witty, highly gifted, and withal sofascinating that she never failed to charm every one at the firstinterview, the novelty of the excitement, and a natural desire to pleasegiving impulse to her will. Although possessing so many gifts, she wasvery jealous and envious of others. 

Many were the offers of marriage which she accepted in succession, abandoning one suitor after the other without any adequate reason or anyfeeling of compunction. At length she unexpectedly accepted a man ofwhom she had scarcely any previous knowledge. 

The marriage, made at her request in a headstrong fit of impatience, took place a few days after the proposal had been made. A child wasborn, but long before its birth she had become tired of her husband. Thechild she loved passionately at first, but soon became weary even ofthis object of her tenderest affection, and looked upon it withindifference! All these events had taken place during the reign of mypredecessor. Under my laws such a marriage would have been impossible. 

At the age of twenty-six a frightful accident happened to this lady--shefell into a vat of scalding liquor--a beverage prepared with honey. Wehave a very effective remedy for scalds, and, though severely burnt, shewas eventually cured, but the fright had sadly shocked her nerves; aviolent fever seized the blood, she fell into a trance, her eyes werefixed and glassy, and she gave no signs of movement except by swallowingthe little nourishment that was offered her in a liquid form. 

This trance lasted some days. On awakening, the patient asked with thetone and manner of a child, how old she was? She was extremely calm, anda remarkable change had come over her. On the doctor's asking why sheinquired about her age, she replied that during her sleep she had beenin what seemed a long, sad, and changeful dream! She then related somedetails of the injury she received when at four years old she fell downthe stone steps. Those around her at first thought that her mind waswandering, but this notion was soon dispelled. She spoke of incidents ofher life extending over many years, as though they passed in a dream;one incident of this dream being that she had given birth to a child, and suffered acute pain. At one moment she saw herself in a family ofstrangers who were very kind, but she knew them not, --then she saw herfamily in great grief. 

One of the impressions that this seeming sad dream made upon her was, that swarms of insects had followed and enveloped her on all sides, stinging and causing her excruciating suffering, which had extended overa series of years of more than lifelong duration. 

Sometimes in moments of despondency she saw the beautiful form of anangel radiant with light, who spoke to her in soothing tones, andentreated her to be patient, assuring her that her sufferings wereordained for a good end, and that by patience and the sweetness of hernature, she would attain the power of casting from her the torments sheendured, and that after doing much good during her mortal career shewould, when her time came to quit the world, be placed high amongstmyriads of angels. She said that whenever urged by despair to relieveherself from her pains by a desperate course, this bright and beautifulangel would stand before her and pour words of consolation and hope intoher ear. 

In relating the incidents of her supposed dream, her whole manner was sodifferent from the former state of excitement, to which her friends hadbeen accustomed, that all saw she was perfectly rational, althoughrelating as a dream what had occurred during twenty-two years of heractual life. It seemed as though all the time that had elapsed since shewas four years of age belonged as it were to another and differentlyconstituted brain; and that she had now resumed the thread of her lifefrom the time when she was four years old, the period of the firstaccident. 

When the husband and child were brought to her she knew them not, thoughshe had some vague notion of having seen them in her dream. The husbandprayed her to return to him: she said she was not his wife, and couldnot accept him as a husband; that she felt no love for the child, andcould not even like it as a playmate. She recollected her parents whenthey were twenty-two years of age, and could not understand how theycould be so much changed. 

In all her occupations and amusements she acted as a young child, butshe gradually increased in understanding, and in sixteen years after herrecovery she became a most accomplished person, without, however, possessing the varied talent of former times. She lived seventy-twoyears after the trance (in all ninety-eight years) now a short life withus; but never, till the day of her death, could she understand that shehad lived during the twenty-two years which filled up the space betweenthe first and second accidents. Strange to say, during that interval, noone had suspected that her brain was affected. Nearly the whole periodhad elapsed before the commencement of my rule, or the evil would havebeen detected and remedied, not by confining the patient and driving herinto madness, but by gentle means. 

The medical officers had no doubt of her complete re-establishment:besides, shortly after her return to calmness they applied the testsrecently discovered, and the result furnished conclusive evidence thatthe malady had been eradicated. On an examination after death there wasindeed, as the doctors thought, an unhealthy absence of certainmicroscopic animalcula, the effects of whose continued presence inexcess in one portion of the brain to the detriment of others, lead tomadness. The substance of the brain was poor and watery, and it seemedas though at other times there had been more brain than was then found;the lining of the brain was coated with a substance in outwardappearance not unlike the fur which sometimes accumulates on the tonguein a fever. The doctors had reason to believe that this fur was composedof the remains of the insects which, probably, had been killed at thetime of the second accident, either by the shock or the fumes of theboiling liquid, and it was to this accidental circumstance that theywere inclined to attribute the recovery of those parts of the brainwhich had remained, as it were, slumbering since the first accident. 

XXIX. 

THE LITTLE GOATHERD. 

 "The flower is hidden until the electricities of the sun and light draw it forth into life and beauty. "

In speaking of the "choice of a husband, " I referred to the only case Irecollected where the lady's hesitation rendered a third meetingnecessary. The exception was interesting. 

Early in my reign, whilst one day walking near the sea-shore, I wasstruck by the appearance of a little girl who was attending a flock ofgoats. A kid had fallen over a rock into the sea. The child was a lovelycreature, with a beautiful complexion, handsome and expressive eyes, small hands and feet, and silken hair flowing over her shoulders. Herbeauty was heightened by the expression of tenderness and grief at theloss of the kid. I was greatly interested, and watched her movementsunperceived. She showed great intelligence and presence of mind. 

Near the sea grows a peculiar kind of stringy reed, very strong andpliable. She tied several of these reeds together, made a noose at oneend, and with the other end tied herself to a rock near the edge of theprecipice, that she might not overbalance herself, and be dragged downin her endeavours to recover her kid. She then threw down the noose atthe other end of the line, and after one or two attempts succeeded withgreat dexterity in getting it round the body of the kid, which shegradually hauled up to the rock where she stood. Her movements were mostgraceful, and her address and dexterity truly astonishing. As soon asher success was complete she fondled and embraced the kid as though ithad been a favourite sister whom she had saved. 

In straining over the precipice she had drawn the knot that secured herto the rock so tight that she could not liberate herself until I came toher assistance and set her free. I then talked with her, and found thatshe had remarkable capacity, tenderness, and sweetness of nature, butwas altogether uninstructed. I said to myself, it is impossible that acreature could be found so beautiful and intelligent unless Providencehad intended her for something better than her present occupation. 

By my orders she was thoroughly educated and cared for. She showed greataptitude for her appointed studies, and having passed one ordeal afteranother with great honour, she was ultimately, thanks to ourinstitutions, deemed worthy of a superior rank, and became one of ourgreat ladies. In mind, form, and feature, she was a remarkable person, and her manners were most sweet and fascinating. She was a frequentguest at my palace. I delighted in her discourse on the rare occasionswhen my occupations gave me the opportunity of conversation. 

Gratitude to her benefactor had given rise to a deep affection. Observing this I told her that the peculiarity of my position, and thenecessity for completing my great work, had decided me not to marry, andthat the affection of a friend was all that I could give her. Marry, Isaid, and I will always watch over you. Had I married, she would havebeen my choice. In obedience to my wishes, she allowed the "marriagechoice meeting" to be called. She was so beautiful and engaging that thenumber of competitors was far beyond that required to complete themeeting. The suitors selected were the most promising young men in thecity, and held the highest positions, but all the three several marriagemeetings remained without result, except to confirm her resolution notto marry. 

By our laws every woman, however high in rank, who elects to remainsingle, is obliged to follow a calling adapted to her capacity andinclination. This interesting person possessed a peculiar talent forinventing and improving ciphers for telegraphic correspondence. Thistalent was turned to account. She was also entrusted with thesuperintendence and examination of the reports made by those chargedwith the instruction of the clerks engaged in the telegraph department, and proved superior in every important quality to any of the menoccupied in similar pursuits. 

XXX. 

DECORATIONS FOR AGE AND MERIT. 

 ". .. The gate of future success, honours, and riches is always open to you. "

The ornaments, of which I have before spoken, are independent ofdecorations worn by women as distinctive marks of age; for the age of awoman entitles her to peculiar privileges above others younger thanherself, and her decorations are so worn, that these privileges may beat once recognised. At the end of every five of our years, she isentitled to a decoration indicative of her age, and the mode in whichthe last five years have been passed. Strange as it may appear to you, with whom old age is associated with feebleness, loss of beauty, anddecayed powers--it is by our ladies looked upon as a privilege, of whichall are very jealous. If such a thing were possible, it would be a grossinsult to say that a lady was younger than was indicated by the lastdecoration which she had received; and even the five successive yearsare marked by five small appendages, one of which is added each year, sothat she may not lose even one of the years to which she is entitled. 

Amongst other marks of respect shown to age--a younger woman, passingher senior in years, is expected to give her the inner side of the path, and to salute her in passing. 

No mistake can be made as to the particular nature of the decoration, and consequently of the number of years to which the lady is entitled. Each of the numerous decorations differs entirely from the others. Adecoration called the "Matterode, " consists of the model of a verybeautiful bird, that has the peculiarity of always looking upwards, asthough its thoughts were borne to the celestial stars. The wings of thisbird, --from which the Order derives its name, --are fixed in a peculiarway, and move in graceful motion, so as to suggest the movement of anangel's wings. 

The plumage of the Matterode is as though it were studded with preciousstones; so bright are the dots all over the body and the wings. 

The decoration is of exquisite workmanship, and made of our choicestmetals, varied in colour, and set with precious stones, to imitate thebird's plumage. 

This decoration is presented to a lady who, having by her conduct andyears earned successive decorations, has passed the last five yearsunexceptionally and uprightly in all things, and has, besides, shownintelligence of a high grade. 

If, during the five years succeeding that in which she won the"Matterode, " this lady remains unaltered in greatness and goodness, sheis entitled, in addition, to a decoration of considerable value, inwhich the "Mountain Supporter"--which gives its name to the Order, isfaithfully copied in the purest and most beautiful metals. And as the"Matterode" is an intimation that the beauty of the wearer's actionsjustifies her in looking upwards to a future home in the celestialstars, so does the Mountain Supporter indicate her firmness, power, andstrength, that nothing in Montalluyah can surpass. 

When either of these decorations is worn, the greatest honour andrespect are paid to the wearer. All know that none can possess itwithout having gained it by sterling merit and goodness of the highestorder. The checks used in our system are of such a nature, that nofavouritism, no accident--nothing but the wearer's years and conduct--can obtain this, or indeed any other Order. 

If the conduct of the woman during the five years she wears theMatterode had been marked by any deviation from goodness, an occurrencescarcely heard of, a qualified decoration would be presented to her, which, though beautiful, and indicating the age and position beyonddoubt, would give evidence that a little cloud had sometime during thepast period, affected the vivid colours of the illumined sky! There arevarious ways of modifying the Order so as to show the estimate ofconduct, all differing according to the degree of the offence. But ifthe wearer's conduct during the five years of the qualified term isunexceptionable, the decoration for the subsequent five years would bethe same as though nothing had occurred in the meantime to interrupt thelady's title to the highest decoration. 

Again, if any person, even one who had gained the Matterode, were tocommit something--a decidedly wrongful act--the decoration, during thefollowing five years, would perhaps consist of a Foot trampling on ahippopotamus or on a serpent, thus indicating the necessity for bearingdown sin, which is symbolised by both of these creatures. 

You will at once see how easily the two first decorations I have namedare distinguishable from each other, and how the last is distinguishablefrom both; and so it is with all the others, too numerous to mentionhere. 

However, by their education, and the laws and customs I introduced, Woman possesses so high a sentiment of honour, and so much becomingpride, that the instances of degradation from the two first orders hasbeen remarkably rare--scarcely worth referring to except to show that wenever hesitate to put the laws in force against the highest personages, even in those cases where, under another system, our sympathies mighthave led us, perhaps unconsciously, to screen the offenders. In my lawson this subject, it is declared, that whilst mercy and goodness are onone side, might and justice are no less on the other side of thecelestial throne. 

What I have said of these orders is applicable in a great degree to allthe others. 

In our world all particulars of conduct and goodness, as well asdeviations from them, are known; nothing on these heads is, or indeedcan be concealed. I am now speaking of an advanced period of my reign;for at first, and in what I may call the intermediate or transitionperiod, it was otherwise. Then there were many laws and preceptsestablished which are now all but obsolete, --for since, the occasion forappealing to them scarcely arises. As an example, the love and practiceof truth are amongst the very first things inculcated in the child, andare now everywhere and by all classes practised in Montalluyah. Laws, then, which suppose the possibility of a deviation from truth arescarcely ever appealed to--such as, for instance, the precept, "Ask notyour neighbour what you know he wishes to conceal, lest he lie, " and theaccompanying law preventing one person from annoying another withimproper questions, and thus probably drawing forth untruths. These, like the laws and precepts enjoining all to industry, and many others, belong to a bygone age, and to another state of things, and were onlyneeded in the intermediate epoch, just as particular remedies were thenrequired to cure the diseases of those who, having been born before myreign, had in their childhood and youth been weakened by disease, or hadreceived into their systems the germs of future intense suffering, which, had the child been born later, would have been completelyeradicated in their incipiency. But as these maladies existed in theintermediate epoch in their virulence, we were for a time obliged tocontinue the principle formerly adopted, --that of expelling one poisonby administering another. 

The fact that everything belonging to women is now known and adequatelyrecognised and rewarded makes them contented and happy. Under the systemexisting before my reign this was not so, --the most beautiful were oftenthe most discontented; they were more easily acted upon by evil spirits, who assumed the fairest and most seductive appearances to lure theirvictims; they were often the most susceptible to flattery, and easiestled astray; and when once drawn from the proper path, they were the mostcruelly persecuted by a class of inferior persons, who, had their ownsecret conduct been known to man as it is to a superior order of beings, would never have dared to throw even the smallest stone at their poorpersecuted sister, who had, as was often the case, been led astray bythe very excess of a virtue which defective education had leftunbalanced by its regulating qualities. 

Although it was one of the best known precepts of our religion that thefold should always be open to receive the strayed sheep, thesepiety-professors, with this precept on their lips, took care that thestrayed ones should be cruelly worried and scared from the fold. 

This, however, is not surprising when it is recollected that those whowere themselves most impure were ordinarily the first to vilify andpersecute the offending one. From tests, the accuracy of which left nodoubt, I learned that this acrimonious bitterness against theirsuffering sisters was nearly always instigated by a desire to concealtheir own defects, to raise themselves, as they thought, by depreciatingothers, and to lay hypocritical claim to a superior austerity andgoodness which was not theirs. The really pure--and for the honour ofthe past age of Montalluyah, I must say there were some few who weretruly good--were those only from whom the sinner received sympathy andencouragement to return to the path which had been for a time forsaken. 

Even she who receives a qualified or indifferent age-decoration can, ifshe pleases, bring her case before the kings, and strict justice isinvariably done to all. None rebel in word or spirit, but all invariablyuse their efforts to recover lost ground before the time arrives forreceiving the next decoration. In these laudable efforts they areassisted; all means being used to cure the patient. When, from testsofttimes repeated, we are satisfied that the penitent's reform iscomplete, she is received with open arms by the highest of her rank, asthough she had been ever spotless; and at any time to remind her of thepast, or even to make to another the slightest allusion to what hadoccurred, would be looked upon as a heinous offence, and punishedaccordingly. Thus, a qualified order acts at the same time as a censureand a protection. 

ADVOCATES. 

I ought to mention that there are advocates selected by the State fromamongst the most eloquent and able men, charged specially to bringbefore the proper tribunals every case where any persons, men or women, think themselves wronged. There are also able men, advocates torepresent the interests of society. The former, or people's advocate, ifhe thinks right, advises his client by the gentlest means to desist fromher cause; but if his efforts prove ineffectual, which seldom happens ifhe is right, he is bound to proceed with the case, and if necessary tobring the question before the kings. Did there prove to be any realdoubt or serious difficulty, the case would be referred even to me. Theadvocates of society, like the people's advocates, are disciplined inthe practice of truth and justice, and if they think that there isanything in the case in favour of the appellant they are honourablybound to state it to the tribunal. This is done in the interest both ofjustice and of society itself, which might otherwise be injured in theperson of one of its members. 

Both classes of advocates occupy very high positions, and would notcondescend to take fees of their clients. They are wholly remunerated bythe State. They have no interest in the issue, and are equally honouredwhatever the result may be, for society always gains by a just decision. 

 * * * * *

I may here mention a privilege belonging to every woman of every rankand of every age, viz. , that, when a man meets a woman in the street, heis expected to bow, and, unless accompanied by a lady, he must step offthe principal path till she has passed. Any one omitting either of thesemarks of respect would be considered vulgar and ill-bred. He would beseverely censured, and a repetition of the offence would render himamenable to more decided punishment. 

XXXI. 

BEAUTY. 

HEALTH--LONG LIFE--INFANTS. 

 "A precious gift from Heaven. "

"How rare is beauty!" was formerly a common exclamation in Montalluyah. It _was_ rare indeed; for although children were generally handsome andwell formed, the adult too often became misshapen and ill-favoured. Deformity was the rule, beauty the exception. 

Even amongst those who were called handsome there were scarcely any whofulfilled every condition of the beautiful. A critical observer wouldhave found defects in the beauty of the features, in the form, in thefoot, the leg, the arm, the hand, the fingers, the teeth, the neck, thethroat, the head, the hair, the complexion, the contour, the carriage. One, and generally more, of the many essentials constituting theperfection of beauty would be wanting. 

Hence, when our great artists required an ideal of beauty in painting orin sculpture, they would take several models, each supplying somebeautiful detail not to be found in the rest, --one model furnishing thefeatures, another the general outline, each a separate limb. Sodifficult, if not impossible, was it then to find perfection of detailin the same person. Nay, even this expedient did not ensure success; themodels differing from each other in size, complexion, and generalproportions, complete harmony was rarely obtained, and, judging from ourold painting and sculpture, I should say that no ideal was then producedequal to that which in Montalluyah now exists in the living form. Beauty, formerly the exception, now constitutes the rule, the illfavoured and deformed being more rare than were the handsome inpreceding reigns. 

To beauty is now added longevity; for, as I have before stated, theduration of human life is extended to a period which formerly would havebeen thought fabulous. This assertion will probably be received by youwith an incredulity, which will not be diminished when I add that, notwithstanding the great increase in man's years, all his faculties arepreserved in a state scarcely less perfect than that of pristinemanhood. The eye is not dimmed, there is no deafness, the limbs arestrong and agile, the teeth remain free from decay, pleasing to thesight, and valuable for the chief purposes for which they were given. Ina word, whatever can contribute to beauty and health in man and womanremains all but intact to the last. Decadence in any particular, if soit may be called, is scarcely less marked than is the almostimperceptible decline by which man descends, or rather ascends, peacefully to another state of existence. 

The facts I state would appear less extraordinary, nay, they would beregarded as the natural and inevitable result of an actual state ofthings, if you knew all that is done and prevented in Montalluyah toprotect the health, strength, beauty, and intelligence of the child fromits birth, indeed prior to its birth; for with us the care of the motherprecedes that of the child. Nor is our care confined to infancy; it isextended to later years, and does not cease until the limbs, both ofmale and female youth, are developed, and their joints well knitted;until their features and person have received the impress of beauty, andtheir intelligence is matured to the healthful extent required bynature. 

You should also be conversant with the means that are taken to securethe health of the city, the purity of the water and air, and thewholesomeness of food, the extreme cleanliness, and the generalprecautions taken for the prevention of disease, and of that prostrationand waste of vital force by which disease is preceded, accompanied, andfollowed. You should realise, in thought at least, the blessed resultsof the employment of all in congenial occupations, and the contentmentof each with his lot! You should also be able to realise theever-multiplying inventions and discoveries resulting from our system, all tending to promote human perfectibility and happiness, everysuccessive step being assisted by the one preceding, as well as byinnumerable co-operations, all tending to one grand result. 

You should also bear in mind that these inventions and their resultingforces had originated with and were governed by none but natures proneto good; powerful men from whose organization early education hadeliminated the germs of evil propensities. 

You should also realise the advantages arising from the fact, thatwhilst elevating knowledge, and rendering the rich happy in thepossession of their wealth, my laws protect those who formerly wouldhave been called poor. As there is no misery resulting from the neglectof society, or from the selfishness or oppression of man, poverty inyour sense of the word does not exist. They, who are qualified for a"poor" grade only, are nevertheless the objects of solicitude and careto so great an extent that, whilst under my system the happiness andenjoyments of the rich are greatly increased, the poor are far happierand have keener enjoyments than the rich of former times, when theacquisition of money or its indifferent expenditure was the dominantthought in the minds of all. 

You should also appreciate, in part at least, the effects of thenumberless sights of beauty everywhere in Montalluyah, within andwithout, in the houses and the public thoroughfares, all by theirinfluence on the mother, the child, and the adult contributing towardsperfection of form, beauty, intelligence, and length of life. 

Amongst other things, one result of the labours of the Character-diversmust not be forgotten. The mobile countenances of our people are easilyimpressed with the marks of their emotions, and formerly nothing wasmore plainly furrowed on the countenance than signs indicating badpassions and evil propensities, the eradication of which with thedevelopment of good qualities (one of the principal duties of theCharacter-divers) has had a remarkable effect in adding to loveliness ofexpression, in improving the features, and even in increasing theelegance and gracefulness of the form and bearing. 

Had I been content with a mere ordinary increase of beneficial results, any one or more of the numerous precautions taken would have done muchgood; but my object was to establish my laws on so broad a foundationthat no adverse gale could shake the edifice, --that the laws should bestrengthened one by the other, that every one should be interested inobserving and supporting institutions under which he enjoyed the largestamount of happiness, and that, strange and visionary as it may seem toyou, the necessity for punishment might be diminished, and eventuallyremoved. 

I should have as little thought of erecting the tall and graceful buthuge Mountain Supporter without a broad and solid foundation as ofestablishing my laws, all tending as they did to the perfectibility andhappiness of the people, without spreading their base in all directions, and taking care that the human instrument through which the soul actswas fortified and prepared to respond to its noble ends. 

I had early perceived that to obtain the desired end, every particularmust be studied and provided for, so that all elements of enduringsuccess should be united, and all obstructive elements removed. I feltthat no effort, care, or thought would be too great if it would onlyproduce the desired results, by securing health, beauty, intelligence, and long life in man, to the utmost extent that nature permitted. 

I felt that the boon of long life would greatly lose its value, even ifit could have been otherwise obtained, unless man's forces wereeconomized, and the senses and faculties preserved in health and vigourto the last; that without these the happiness of man in every stage, andeven his obedience to my laws, and my power to dispense withpunishments, would be greatly impaired. For I had observed that thesufferings and degeneracy of the man would make him discontented, restless, and miserable, notwithstanding the blessings with whichProvidence had surrounded him. 

Discontented men--and discontent and wickedness are not far apart--wouldhave used the new powers for their own wicked purposes, just as formerlythey rent the veil that concealed from the uninitiated the secrets ofpowers in nature; having been admitted under the guise, or rather whilein temporary possession of all the great qualities of will, undauntedcourage, energy, and perseverance. 

Had I not reflected on this danger, I should only have allowed numbersof persons to receive an education which, neglecting the paramountprinciple of eradicating the faults of men of talent, would have laidthem open to the promptings of evil spirits, by whom, perhaps, under theguise of beneficence, they would have been led to use the powers of goodfor purposes of evil. Our very progress would have given strength topowerful bad men, and my system, in spite of improvements, would havecarried within it the cause for its own eventual destruction. 

Many beautiful systems had been tried in Montalluyah, but, frominattention to small details, they had perished. The men who used forevil purpose powers given them for good, have unknowingly laboured totheir own destruction and that of the highly civilized communities wherethey dwelt; which have thus been swept from the face of the earth. 

They had tasted the fruits of the Tree of Knowledge before they had beenthoroughly disciplined in the powers of resistance and of self-denial. Hence the wholesome food was changed to poison; the sweet waters weremade bitter; the stream, which in its fullness bore fertility andrefreshment, burst its banks, and carried destruction everywhere. 

So was it even with the priests of one of our ancient religions, who hadthe custody of great secrets intended for good. During a time extendingover some generations, they practised the virtues they inculcated, andused their power for a beneficial end. They increased their power bytheir virtue and goodness; but their successors, from whose natures theminute germs of physical and mental perversity had not been removed, used their increased might for evil purposes, enervating to thegoverning will, and to the directing powers necessary to guide anirresistible force. 

It is known that the results of every act, whether good or evil, will befelt for all time. The result of evil was likened in Montalluyah to avirulent disease, which had its beginning in a minute germ; a good actto an ear of nourishing corn, that goes on propagating till it hassupplied nations with food. 

It was not enough that my laws worked with the beauty, regularity, andunity of a well-balanced machine, the parts of which assisted each otherin attaining the immediate object of its construction. The political andsocial machine possessed also the faculty of acquiring at every movementincreased powers of production. 

I had satisfied myself that amongst the numerous precautions to be takento secure the highest degree of beauty, power, and intelligence inadults, on which so much depended, was the care of the infant, and thatthis should commence from the earliest period, before the features, form, and organization had received the first approaches of enduringoutline, since then all would be in a malleable or plastic state, readyto take any impressions caused by accident or design, whether tending togood or evil, to beauty or deformity. 

RIDICULE ATTACHING TO THE SUBJECT OF BABIES. 

Before my reign eminent men, statesmen, legislators, and philosophers, scarcely _condescended_ to notice such "trifles" as were comprisedin the nurture and care of infants. Perhaps in a worldly sense they wereright, for those who had attempted to instruct others in theseall-pregnant "trifles" had been invariably ridiculed for the interestthey took in "babies, " and such-like "trivialities, " which, in spite ofmany lessons, the people would not regard as possibly prolific of seriousresults. 

The contempt thus thrown even on eminent men was the more extraordinary, inasmuch as our sages had familiarized the people with the grand truththat the greatest effects are often produced by trifling causes; thatout of the little egg came the large eagle of the country, and the hugeboa-constrictor; that innumerable mighty operations in nature have theirorigin in small beginnings; that the narrow rivulet goes on gatheringstrength till it becomes the Great Cataract; that the minute plague-spotgenerated the virulent disease; that the acorn produces the oak; thatthe impaired seed failed to produce goodly fruit; that a small drop ofleaven affected a huge mass. Lessons on the fecundity of little thingshad indeed grown into commonplace household words. 

Besides these lessons of the wise, love and respect for children weremingled with the religions feelings of the people; for Elikoia, thefounder of our earliest civilization, was a child when he led the peoplefrom idolatry to the worship of the living God. 

All these considerations, however, were insufficient to shield great menfrom the contempt thrown on them and on their words, when they had thecourage to let it be known that they occupied themselves with thingswhich, to an ordinary observer, seemed beneath notice. 

From the first, however, I had been convinced of the importance of thedespised "little" things, and looked not so much to the dimensions ofthe instrument as to the amount of good or evil it was capable ofeffecting, having learned by experience that the magnitude of resultswas often in an inverse ratio to the means employed, more especiallywhen applied in due season. 

Soon I discovered that many of the maladies incident to children, toyouth, and to adults, owed their origin to the neglect and injudicioustreatment of the infant. I had seen numbers of interesting children, with handsome features and well-formed limbs, who in their riper yearshad become ugly, with ill-favoured features, sallow complexions, badexpressions of countenance, misshapen forms, and crooked limbs. Many whoin early years had displayed great intelligence had become positivelystupid. It was not that the intelligence had been prematurely developed, but that the organization had been prematurely injured, and thebrain-machine rendered incapable of giving proper expression to theyearnings of the soul. None suffered more keenly from early physicalneglect than children of genius. 

Satisfied that my observations were accurate, and that everythingcontributing to husband the health, strength, beauty, and intelligenceof the child, would likewise contribute to the beauty, happiness, andcontentment of the adult, as well as his obedience to my laws, Iresolved to occupy myself with what proved to be the very importantsubject of babies. In meditating on the mode of obtaining the desiredresults, I considered nothing too insignificant, --not even so "small" athing as the scratch of a pin, sufficient at all events to make aninfant cry. The acts of crying and making wry faces disturb the lines ofthe plastic clay of the child's countenance, and even the lines of theform. The state of suffering calls off the vital electricity from itsduties in other parts of the organisation, and is attended with otherinconveniences, slight indeed in immediate perceptible effects, but sopowerful in their cumulative and germinating effects as to lead toresults which, were they related, would seem incredible. 

I must content myself by saying, that although the march of thesecumulative effects is not one-tenth as visible as the almostimperceptible movement of the hand that marks the seconds in one of oursmallest electrical watches, they nevertheless eventually show in theirresult great and increasing evils, seriously affecting the child, theyouth, the adult, and the man. It would not be too much to say that thetraces of an injury, however slight, are never altogether obliterated, whilst every successive injury and deprivation of force renders thesufferer more open to every new inroad. 

Although the minute hand of our electric watches moves almostimperceptibly, marking minutes, hours, days, and years, it advances inmeasured, limited progression; whereas the effects of suffering on thechild go on advancing in an increasing--nay, multiplying--ratio, bywhich, up to a certain point, that of geometrical progression is farexceeded. If you can realise the fact, which in Montalluyah isincontestable, that even a scratch, however slight, will injure a child, it will require little stretch of imagination to form some conception atleast of the injury caused to the beauty, form, health, strength, andmind of the adult, by the many diseases and sufferings which wereallowed to leave their imprints on the young, impressionable clay anddelicate organisation of the infant. Our children were formerlyafflicted, like yours, with diseases resembling whooping-cough, croup, measles, small-pox, and other maladies, forming an almost endless list, and although the child survived the attacks and the incidental sufferingand waste, the evil consequences could never be effectually removed. 

The precautions now taken are very numerous. Many by themselves alonewould be productive of great good, but when all are carried out, somecontemporaneously, others successively, a result is scarcely lesscertain than the solution of a mathematical problem, based on accuratepremises, save of course in the case of inevitable accidents. My lawsprovide for the protection of the child from its birth, nay, as I havebefore stated, prior to its birth; for the protection of the parentprecedes that of the child. I knew that if the mother was sickly, orindulged in injurious habits, the child would suffer. I enjoinedattention to these laws as a portion of the religious duties of thepeople. Amongst other things I explained the value of beauty in thehuman form, and how, when united with other qualities, it tended to thehappiness of the individual and the well-being of the world. This I didat length, and in a manner to secure conviction, because it had been thefashion to decry beauty as a matter of minor importance. 

At the risk of repeating myself, I assert that I omitted nothing, however seemingly insignificant, looking as I did upon my system as uponone large continuous volume, in which every page had its value. Theabsence of a single leaf would somewhat mar the general effect, butstill the remaining pages might retain their worth if pregnant withgood. On the other hand, if every leaf that was torn out had the effectof loosening the rest, and causing them to be lost, till but a few wouldbe left in the cover, the effect would be far more serious. 

XXXII. 

INFANTS' EXERCISE-MACHINES. 

 "Does a man throw his precious pearls and diamonds into the sea?"

 "Why, then, do ye cast the priceless health and beauty of your children to the winds?"

I cannot undertake to relate at present one tithe of the precautionstaken in the care of infants. Did I venture so to do I should have to"descend" to the minutest particulars, such as the dispensing with"pins, " and the making the baby's dress in one piece, the nursing, andform of the cradle, to the mode in which the baby is to be placed at theside of the mother, to prevent its being overlaid or injured, --everything, in fact, which in Montalluyah is thought essential toprotect infants and save them from unnecessary suffering, in order thattheir young strength may be husbanded for the future requirements of theman. 

To give you some notion, however, of the minutiae to which our careextended, I will explain to you one series of precautions which hasgreat influence on the child's health, beauty, and intelligence. 

Young children formerly suffered greatly from fits and various diseases, caused by the want of healthy circulation. When more advanced, andwhilst learning to walk, they were subject to falls. This was amongstthe most serious evils of early neglect, for it was demonstrated beyonddoubt that accidents to the infant, prominent amongst which were blowsreceived on its head, not only affected its after-growth, and laid thefoundation of nervous and other disorders, but were often attended withthe sadder result, that the child's intellect was impaired. Nevertheless, so little was this danger apprehended, that many peoplelong indulged in the foolish habit of boxing children's ears, unawarethat the shock produced on the nerves of the head, which are theconduits of electricity, often made a child stupid, if, indeed, theeffects of this brutal practice were not in after-life attended by moreserious consequences. In learning to walk, also, the weight of thechild's body, pressing on the legs too heavily, has a tendency to makethem crooked or bent, and to affect other parts of the body. 

To obviate these evils, a man named Drahna invented, at my suggestion, certain mechanical contrivances, which were so efficacious, andprevented so much suffering, that his name will never be forgotten asone of the great benefactors of our world. 

These contrivances are respectively adapted to the infant when it cannotsit up, when it can sit up, when it has acquired strength beyond thesecond stage, and, lastly, when the limbs have acquired sufficientstrength to support the increased weight of the body. 

The contrivance, in the first stage, is calculated to give the infanthealthful exercise, circulate the blood, and, at the same time toprotect him from injury. It consists of a soft spring-cushion, on whichthe baby is laid; two little elastic bands on this cushion secure thearms, whilst other bands secure the head, ankles, and waist. By turninga small handle the machine is very gently set in motion, but by pressingdown a knob its velocity may be increased at will. So agreeable is theaction of the machine, that when the motion is altogether stopped thechild will often cry, or rather coo, that the movement may be repeated. 

For the second stage, the instrument is similar to the first, but largerand stronger. 

The third stage is adapted to the time when it is judicious to begin toteach the child to walk. The legs, and, indeed, every part of the body, are supported by the instrument, which cannot be overturned. When thisis put into motion, the child's left leg is first moved, then the right, and so on alternately. A perfect idea of walking, with the necessarymovement of the joints, is thus given to the child, without theslightest strain on its limbs, as yet unfitted to bear the weight of itsown body. The machine continues in motion for a time sufficient toexercise without causing fatigue. 

As soon as the child has acquired the knowledge of the motion, and hislimbs are strong enough to support the weight of the body withoutinjury, these machines are put aside, and the fourth contrivance isused. In this, the mechanism consists of a framework with very light andsoft bandages, made with the plumage and down of birds. With thesebandages the child's head, knees, elbows, wrists, shoulders, and loinsare gently bound. The framework to which the bandages are attached has aprojection from every point, on which the child, in case of accident, can possibly fall, and he is thus effectually protected; for, as theprojection allows of his falling only slightly out of the perpendicular, the concussion is but slight, and the young one is only pressed gentlyon the soft down. 

As the child increases in strength, the projections are removed atintervals, one by one, commencing with those corresponding to the knees, the last removed being those protecting the head, which are retained fora long time. Even when they have been removed, the head is still guardedby a light turban with inside springs, made so as to yield gently to ablow, and thus save the head; so important is it considered to protectthis superior portion of the human frame. 

When the bandages are first removed from the knees, the child hasperhaps some falls; but these, the head and other parts being protected, are not attended with any serious consequences; and if the childactually falls, the sensation of pain he may experience may teach him tobe more careful in future. Such lessons would, indeed, be valuable atall times; but they would be purchased at too great a cost if learned atthe price of injury to body and mind. 

The use of these four instruments was followed by remarkable results;and they are thought of such great value to the community that thedistricts supply them gratuitously to the poor. Those thus charitablybestowed are less ornamental than the others, but equally efficient. 

THE TEETH. 

The teeth are also subjects of great care, and the infant is spared allpain in cutting them. When the teething-time is near, and before thepains attending it have even commenced, the child's gums are rubbednight and morning with a bulb or root so softening and relaxing in itseffects, that after a short time the teeth make their way through thegums with perfect ease. When the teeth are too numerous the redundantones are extracted, without causing the patient the slightest pain. Ahot solution of the same bulb is applied to the portion of the gum whichencloses the tooth to be extracted; causing the gum to separate from theroots of the tooth, which is then removed with perfect ease. None areextracted after the last have appeared, for decay is effectuallyprevented. In seeking remedies for the maladies of those who were bornbefore my laws came into operation, the immediate cause of decay wasdiscovered; but we did not rest until we had detected the remote causeand the means of preventing the evil. 

By the aid of the microscope and other scientific appliances thediscovery was soon made that decay in teeth is produced by a minute wormresulting from the absence of the proper electricity, necessary forpreserving in the tooth a healthy action. When this electricity isdeficient, the circulation in the bone becomes sluggish, the fattymatters stagnate, and through the warmth of the gum acting on thestagnant accumulation, a single worm is generated. 

Though we had discovered the existence of the worm and the cause of itsbeing bred, some time elapsed before we were able to discover whetherthe necessary electricity was wanting, and, by supplying the deficiency, to prevent the generation of the worm. At length a professor, by nameJerronska, invented an ingenious little instrument, of a formcorresponding to the upper and lower jaw, and furnished above and belowwith small points or minute spikes; the instrument in a contracted shapeis introduced into the mouth and is there expanded to correspond to theform of the jaws. It is charged with an electricity that can escapethrough the spikes only, and is opposed to the electricity of the teeth, which if healthy will cause a slight shock to the patient, without anyother inconvenience. On the other hand, if any of the teeth do notcontain the proper kind or quantity of electricity, they will turn to acolour like fire, leaving the healthy teeth untouched; for theinstrument affects those teeth alone whose electricity is defective. 

We have then the means of impregnating the unhealthy teeth with theproper electricity, and thus destroying the incipient ovum, which cannotlive in an electricity healthful to the tooth. 

In like manner, minute precautions are taken to preserve the beauty andpower of the eye. Formerly, in consequence of the intensity of light inMontalluyah, and through other causes, the sight suffered severely. 

Our physicians also found out the means of tracing and removing thegerms of defects in the ear, the nostrils, the tongue--in short, everything that, if neglected, might impair the adult's energies andbeauty. 

Great attention is paid to the quality of the air in which children arebred, for air affects both the blood and the nerves. Its effect on theblood was long known, through the fact that air is one of its importantingredients; but its effect on the nerves was first demonstrated byobserving that nerves taken from a person recently dead shrivel andcontract in a vitiated atmosphere, and revive and expand when broughtinto the open air. 

The proper mode of rooting out incipient evils is thoroughly understoodin Montalluyah, there being eminent men, who make each division andsubdivision of various sciences their sole study and occupation. Thesight, for instance, is a great subject of study, and affords a strikinginstance of our subdivision; for although there are scientific men whohave a general knowledge of the eye and of the human system, these makeparticular subdivisions of the subject their peculiar study and soleoccupation. Thus, one great subdivision is the "Bile of the Eye;"another is the "Moisture of the Eye;" another the "Concentrated Light ofthe Eye;" another "The Relations of the Eye to the rest of the System, "and so forth. 

To resume: these matters, and, indeed, many more, receive effectualattention from the moment when the child is born. Every good attainedgoes on increasing under direct and collateral influences, until by aprolific and cumulative process, extraordinary and beneficial resultsare obtained in lieu of the evils that would otherwise have arisen. Inshort, to understand fully the extent of the good achieved, one musthave been, as I was, a witness of the means and their effects--of themarvellous consequences of our attention to "little things. "

XXXIII. 

GYMNASTICS. 

 "Let your statue be beautiful, but neglect not the pedestal, lest with every adverse wind it receive a shock. "

Our care of the future man is not, as I have said, confined to hisinfancy, but is extended to all the critical periods of life. The properdevelopment of the frame and of manly qualities is looked upon as anessential part of the boy's education, and much of the strength, beauty, and longevity of the people is due to the physical training of thestudent. 

Formerly little discrimination was used in the selection of bodily as ofmental exercises; the same exercises being allotted to the brave and thetimid, the weak and the strong boy. 

Now, on the other hand, the exercise is adapted to the boy's strengthand physical organization, which often differ as much as his genius fromthat of his companions. Exercises beneficial to one constitution areprejudicial to another, and would, perhaps, develop a part of the bodyalready having a tendency to exaggeration. 

Thus a youth inclined to be tall and lanky, or whose limbs are disposedto be too long for symmetry, is not allowed the same exercises as thoseof a youth with short limbs or inclined to be corpulent. 

We have numerous gymnastic exercises. Some parts of our apparatus aremuch like yours, as, for instance, a cross-bar, on which the boy swings, holding on with his hands. 

In the case just mentioned a tall, thin, long-limbed boy would not bepermitted to use this bar; whilst a boy with short limbs and inclined tocorpulency would be encouraged to use it daily. 

A medical man attached to the college attends on the gymnastic ground toobserve the efforts each boy is obliged to make in performing hisexercises. When the exercises are ended, the doctor examines the boy'spulse, and, with the aid of an instrument invented for the purpose, tests the heat of his brain. The boy with whom the exercises agree willshow a healthy heat and a strong, full pulse; whilst others will havethe brain extremely hot, with the pulse very quick, but feeble. Thedoctor having formed his opinion, orders that these boys shoulddiscontinue the exercises antagonistic to their system, and they are ledto those more adapted to their capabilities. The weaker boys are alsooften separated from the stronger, to prevent that overstraining towhich a weak but high-spirited lad is frequently impelled by theemulation of example. 

In the allotment of exercises our aim is to develop thoroughly themuscles, and to give a regular and general action to all the members, but not to overstrain them. The power of each boy being thus carefullyremarked and regulated accordingly, all gather strength rapidly, andmost are soon able to resume the exercises for a time abandoned. Indeed, by the precautions taken and the exercises selected, the body isfortified and rendered so firm, that in after years it will bear verygreat fatigue without sustaining injury. 

BATHING IN THE SEA. 

As already mentioned, ablutions are in great favour in Montalluyah, andbathing is in constant use. At a certain period of the year--about sixweeks in the whole--our boys are made to bathe every morning in the opensea, into which they are taught to leap from adjacent rocks. Having beentold off according to their strength and capabilities, they aregradually led to higher and higher rocks, till at length they becomeaccustomed to jump from a vast height with ease and without fear, andthus to dive in the sea. 

When there is a timid boy, six or seven of the bravest are selected toaccompany him. They are directed on no account to urge him to jump offthe rocks, or to taunt him for not doing so, but to let him act as hepleases. If he does not imitate their example by jumping off the rock, the overlooker who has the care of the party will say, "As you have notbathed from the rock, you had better bathe below;" and the boy is thensent to bathe with the younger ones from the beach. Ere long, of his ownaccord, he becomes desirous to imitate the braver boys of his own age;though I have known twelve or more mornings to elapse before the higherleap has been attempted. 

When at last the boy has resolved to jump from the rock, great care istaken neither to praise him too much nor to reproach him withawkwardness. On his return to the school, he is examined by the doctor, to see if his nerves have received too great a shock, and directions aregiven accordingly. After a time all traces of timidity vanish, andnumbers of children have thus been cured of their first aversion to jumpfrom great heights into the sea. 

No boy is allowed, under any circumstances, to taunt another with anyweakness or failing; and, consequently, the boy himself scarcely knowsthat it is fear which has prevented him from doing the same thing as hiscompanions. 

Every day throughout the year the boys are required to take a batheither in the sea or at the institution, unless the doctor orders thecontrary. 

Besides the consideration of cleanliness and its effect on thecomplexion and health, the water used contains iron, which in ourclimate is of itself very beneficial to the system. 

TREE-EARTH BATHS. 

Where a boy's aversion to study arises from physical weakness, we do noturge him to persevere any more than we urge him against his inclinationto leap from a high rock; but, on the contrary, when a boy's bodilystrength fails him, and more especially in a case of superiorintelligence, his studies are suspended until the weakness is remedied. Were the boy forced to persevere, he would probably suffer both in bodyand mind. He is merely placed in a separate department of the college--akind of infirmary for strengthening the young, and promoting theirhealthy development. 

For giving the desired strength we most commonly employ "Tree-earthBaths, "--that is to say, baths of fresh earth taken from beneath theroots of certain trees, in which the boy is as it were buried, everypart of his body being covered, with the exception of his head. Thisearth bath is placed in another bath containing hot water. The effect ofthis operation in renewing the boy's strength and repairing the waste ofhis body is marvellous. 

When removed from the bath the boy is washed with tepid water, mixedwith a solution of bark, and on the following day a cold _douche_is administered. The bath, in which the boy is kept for about an hour, is administered at intervals of about ten days, and is so efficaciousthat not more than twelve are required for the worst cases. 

Previously to being immersed the boy is made to walk sharply for half anhour, and, while he is in the bath, warm liquid food is administered. The pores being opened facilitate the reception of the fresh exhalationsfrom the earth and the expulsion of the impure gases from the body. Theboy often sleeps whilst thus immersed, as it is considered highlybeneficial to inhale the fresh fragrance of the earth. 

The electricities proper to the earth and trees being very sympatheticto the human frame, they readily mingle with the electricity of thepatient and assist in repelling the unhealthy gases and impurities inhis body. 

Earth electricity is of itself most beneficial, but its curative andinvigorating effects are vastly increased when impregnated with treeelectricity, which is strongest about the roots. 

There are men whose sole occupation it is to collect the tree-earth, andwho become skilful in digging and removing the soil from underneath theroots, without in the slightest degree injuring the tree. 

The earth under many trees is good for the purpose above described, butthat about the roots of the oak, especially when of a ripe middle age, is exceptionally efficacious. 

The roots of another tree that you have, viz. , the weeping willow, offers a good earth for girls and also for boys of a susceptible nature, for whom the oak-root earth might be too strong. 

The elm, horse-chestnut, and lime-earths are all more powerful than thatof the oak, and therefore are rarely used, for their exceeding strengthwould overpower the natural electricity and leave a lassitude in thepatient. The tree-earth baths are rarely used for adults, except incases when, earlier in my reign, the mental powers of several personshad been overtaxed at the expense of their physical strength. 

XXXIV. 

THE AMUSEMENT GALLERY. 

 "The simplest electricities are often meet to discover the most precious. "

The Amusement Gallery constitutes an interesting feature in the child'seducation, and so admirable have been its results, that the opening ofthe first institution of the kind--recorded, as I have said, in one ofthe great pictures in my summer palace--is regarded as a memorableevent, and is celebrated by the people in a yearly festival. 

In a very long gallery, attached to each college, is a collection ofinstructive toys adapted to all ages and dispositions. Amongst these areharps and other musical instruments, made on a small scale to suit thecapacity of children, materials for drawing, painting, modelling, andsculpture; maps, in relief, of cities and other parts of our world, andall kinds of small birds and dwarf animals. I should not omit to statethat we have living horses and deer _in miniature_: they are about thesize of an ordinary lap-dog, though in many other respects resemblingthe larger species. These with their little clothes and harness areplaced in the gallery, which likewise contains fresh fruit and flowers, indeed almost everything that can be imagined for the recreation andenjoyment of the child. 

In the Girls' Amusement Gallery there are various kinds of fancy-work, lace-work, and basket-work. Our basket-work is very beautiful, thebaskets being elegant in form and elaborately painted. Indeed, eleganceof form and harmony of colour are studied in all the objects selected. 

Boys, being trained by manly recreations, necessarily have theirAmusement Gallery separate from that of the girls, though many of themore elegant and refined amusements are to be found in both. The girlsattend their gallery, whatever may be their age, until they leaveschool. On the other hand, the boy ceases to attend when the Characterdivers and Judges think his attendance no longer desirable. 

At each of the stalls in the gallery is stationed an intelligent personskilled in some particular art. Of these some play on musicalinstruments, some paint or model, others give oral instruction, according to the nature of the compartment or the wishes of the child. 

There are also "Walkers, " who perambulate the gallery, encouraging thechild to amuse herself with what she likes, explaining the use ofdifferent objects, answering the young inquirer's questions, and notingin her any particular qualities or peculiarities. The results of theseobservations are drawn up in the shape of reports for the use of theJudges. 

No restraint is put upon the children when in the gallery, but they areallowed freely to follow the bent of their own inclinations. I haveoften observed some of these little creatures ardent for amusementresponding to their own predilections; others taking interest infrivolous things; others, again, listless, and interesting themselves innothing. Whilst many would examine with breathless attention, otherswould ask questions, more or less intelligent, of the persons at thehead of each stall. 

I have seen some children with an engrossing taste for painting, music, and sculpture, who would rush straight to their favourite pursuit, without being diverted by anything else, and who, if they found thedesired place already taken, would show disappointment, and perhapsrefuse any other occupation. Many, on the other hand, as soon as theyentered the gallery, would simply play with the little animals andbirds, or perhaps do nothing but eat fruit till the last minute, whenthe bell announced that the time allotted for recreation was ended. 

Some would do nothing but talk, and, in their simplicity, would findfault with everything, after the too frequent fashion of adults, eitherimagining they could do most things better than the rest, ordepreciating pursuits which they knew were beyond their ability. 

Natures of this kind, where vanity is so predominant, require thegreatest care, for the failing is difficult to eradicate and would, ifnot cured, be a source of great unhappiness in after life. To preventsuch a result, generally, means are taken to refine the taste of thepatient (if I may use the word), and call out the quality most opposedto the infirmity, viz. , that of looking out for beauties instead ofdefects. 

I have seen a little one change her amusements several times during thehour. When a child, particularly a girl, continues to do this duringmany weeks, it is regarded as a sign that if the disposition be notchecked she will grow up a capricious woman, and a treatment istherefore adopted to stop the growth of the infirmity. Many a girl, whowould otherwise have proved a misery to herself and to others, has, bythe precautions taken, become a reasonable and meritorious woman. However, children of a capricious temperament, even when seeminglycured, require constant watching during some time, since they are veryprone to return to their old inclination for incessant change. 

Versatility, it should be understood, is not confounded with caprice, the difference between them being easily detected by the Characterdivers. I have seen children show a love for seven or eight differentthings and go from one thing to another, not from caprice, but tosatisfy the natural yearnings of their genius. I recollect a girl, andshe was but one amongst many, whose versatility was marvellous. One daymusic would occupy her, and, although untaught, she would give promiseof becoming a brilliant performer; another day she would commencesculpture, and at once go readily to work. She first made a ball withthe plaster, and then, on the second or third attempt, she would executesomething really well. So was it with painting and other arts. This loveof variety would formerly have been called caprice, and strenuousefforts would have been made in a wrong direction to the discouragement, perhaps to the ruin of the pupil; but I acted on a contrary principle, knowing, as I did, that in giving varied talents Providence intendedthat they should be exercised, and that, therefore, it would not bedecorous "to care for one part of the garden, and leave the othersovergrown with weeds. " The girl was treated in accordance with thisview, and taking the highest honours and position, became a veryremarkable woman. 

Judges are not expected to form an estimate of the child's characteruntil a certain time has elapsed and the reports of the differentofficers have been examined and compared. Their decisions are thenregistered, to be again examined and compared with subsequent reports. 

The results obtained through the medium of the Amusement Gallery greatlyaids the Character-divers and others occupied with education, in rightlydirecting the child's steps. The imposition of useless tasks, fatiguingto the children and perhaps injurious to the young intelligence, is thusavoided. 

XXXV. 

PRAYER. 

 "Forget not the source whence all blessings come. "

While stating that the prayers said by girls after their early meal areshort, I ought to have added that the same rule is followed with regardto children of both sexes. 

We even vary our forms of worship and services to suit different ages. Before my reign adults and children went to the same places of worship, repeated the same prayers, and listened to the same discourses, most ofwhich being perfectly unintelligible to those of tender years, the evilsand inconveniences resulting from the practice were very great. Thechildren, finding the routine irksome, the constrained decorum requiredof them during a time which seemed to them never ending (for theservices were then very long) was painful in the extreme, though theywere sometimes relieved by turning their thoughts in other directions, perhaps to subjects irrelevant if not opposed to the ostensible objectof the meeting. 

Thus pain and weariness became then and in after life naturallyassociated with the most sacred of duties, and generally those, who atan early age had been obliged to attend most regularly to anunintelligible and irksome routine, were in after life those whoabsented themselves most frequently from the place of worship. I haveknown some, and this will scarcely be credited, who from an early agehad in obedience to their parents' commands attended church with whatwas to them painful and monotonous regularity, and who, as soon as theywere old enough to leave the parental jurisdiction, never entered aplace of worship again until the day of their death, so great had beentheir stifled repugnance, created by the unnatural surfeit which hadbeen inflicted upon them. 

This was not all: the repugnance thus engendered often extended even tothe faith itself which the prayers and discourses had been intended toinculcate, and led the way in after life to doubt and disbelief. 

There was another though a secondary evil, attendant upon these oldformalities. In our climate, where children are very susceptible, ithappened that when on rare occasions any striking observation attractedtheir attention, they would put questions very difficult for theirparents or preceptors to answer. 

The forms of worship and service are now adapted to three several agesand classes of intelligence. The first series is for children of fromseven to ten years of age, the second for children from ten to sixteen, the third for adults. If the children, however, show any deficiency ofintelligence, they are kept in the first or second series, though thestated age has been passed. 

The discourses addressed to the young people are adapted to their ageand intelligence, and ordinarily bear reference to their own passingactions, and consequently to their hours of play and of study. They areintended to inculcate lessons of self-control, love for parents orassociates, contentment, and the mode of showing gratitude for benefitsreceived, by cultivating the faculties which God in His goodness hasbestowed. The discourse often points out the mode of contending againstany bad feelings that might possibly be awakened. They might be told, for instance, that if during play any dissatisfaction with theircompanions arose, and they felt they could not control themselves, theyought immediately to retire from the game, in order that their feelingsmight have the opportunity of returning to their proper channel, and onno account to urge anything against the supposed offender until they hadadvised with some friendly adult, or more especially a Character-diver. 

The children are encouraged not only in their affection to their parentsand immediate associates, but in brotherly love to all, and the wholediscourse, which is very short, is pointed to their duty to God, beingcalculated to instil feelings of love and adoration for His goodness. 

In the first series, for very young children whose intelligence isundeveloped, we have forms and ceremonies, the tendency of which is tofix their attention and inculcate thoughts and habits of a goodtendency. 

In the second series the addresses are of a more elevated character, andare accompanied by fewer forms and ceremonies. 

In the highest series there are scarcely any ceremonies, and althoughthe service and discourses are short, every one is expected to pass acertain time each day in voluntary prayer and meditation in the privatecabinet which in every house is set apart for devotion only. 

Though the prayers for children are short, the preacher is greatlyassisted by our method of education, inculcating the worship of theSupreme by habits which the child is led to form. Thus we require thegreatest attention to cleanliness, to the mode of eating, sleeping, talking, and indeed to all the daily practices of life. 

The inculcation and exercise of good habits is considered to form, as itwere, a perpetual living hymn to the Creator. 

LECTURES. 

Besides all this, twice a week, amusing lectures are delivered, onfamiliar subjects, to explain and illustrate the power and goodness ofGod. 

A flower, for instance, is taken, and, in simple terms, intelligible tonearly every capacity, attention is called to its thousand fibres, itsconstruction, growth, perfume, colour, delicacy of texture, loveliness, and to the wonders associated with its birth, death, and resurrection tolife. 

Another day, perhaps, the subject may be a child, a fly, or some otherfamiliar object; but, whatever be the subject, the discourse is of agood tendency, and youth are early imbued with love and admiration forthe Supreme Being. 

Our objection to children repeating or listening to words which they donot understand is not confined to those of sacred import. During theeducation of their young minds the subjects taught and the expressionsused are adapted to their intelligence. Even though they may repeatevery word of the lesson set with minute accuracy, they are not allowedto quit it, or to attend a lecture on another subject, until they havepassed through examination in different forms, and often by differentmasters, and the result has clearly shown that they thoroughlyunderstand what the words of the lesson are intended to convey. 

So important is this considered that, on the occasion of the publicsolemn ceremony, when in presence of the Kings the preceptor isappointed to his responsible duties, one of the obligations to which heis required to subscribe is, that he will teach the pupil to understandthoroughly, and not merely by rote, --"monkey-like, " or as you wouldprobably say, "parrot-like, " were the same obligation imposed in yourworld. 

XXXVI. 

FLOCKS AND HERDS. 

TREATMENT OF ANIMALS. 

 "Why are the poor hungry?--Why do not your flocks and herds multiply and increase?--Why do ye maltreat the sire and kill the mother of many progenies. "

 "Obey my Laws, and your flocks will equal in number the drops of water in the great Cataract, which ever flowing, ever merging in the mighty Ocean, is constantly supplied with new increase for the refreshment and delight of Montalluyah. "

Amongst the numerous precautions for the promotion of the general healthis the attention given to the subject of animal food, the care taken ofthe beast, the mode of slaughtering, and the rigour with which everybeast having the slightest tendency to disease is rejected as unfit forfood. 

All animals, and particularly those intended for food, are now treatedwith great kindness, gentle treatment and cleanliness being thoughtessential to the excellence of the meat. Formerly, when the beasts wereimproperly treated, the growth of the young was impeded and the qualityof the meat deteriorated. They are now watched over with the utmostcare, the greatest attention is paid to the most minute particulars, andso well are they treated, that, notwithstanding the heat of the climate, they are quite tame. When any one goes into a field, the sheep and lambswill come round him and lick his hand. Their pasture is changed everyweek, for it is found that, when in our climate grass is eaten tooclosely, noxious insects are bred by the accumulation of stale manure. In or near every pasturage are pools of running water, to which theanimals are conducted daily. These are supplied by a very high jetwhich, when in action, throws its water from a reservoir to a longdistance, which may even be increased by means of pipes, and thusfertilizes the field. Much of the water proceeds in the first instancefrom the cataracts, which begin high above the level of the meadows. Assoon as the animals are turned out, the jet is made to play on thefields they have quitted. Then the moisture, mingling with the freshmanure, and our glorious sun enrich the land, and luxuriant grass isquickly produced. 

In former years diseases prevailed amongst our flocks and herds. We hadone amongst the sheep, not unlike the smallpox of your world. Thesediseases were generated partly by the filthiness of the pasturage, andpartly by a want of change, which I believe to be principal causes ofmany of your cattle diseases. We now give far more attention to thecleanliness and health of the animal than in our world was formerlybestowed on the poor. 

In every field is a shady spot, contrived to protect the animals fromthe sun during the heat of the day. The ground being very undulating, ashade is obtained by merely throwing out, from the higher land above, some wood or other material to serve as a roof. 

In case of illness among the animals, the great remedy used is aparticular kind of electricity, which gives an impulse to the blood andchanges the humours. This, with diet and care, is the only expedientemployed to restore the animal to health. If a female animal is of asickly nature and likely to give birth to inferior beasts, she isquietly put out of the way. 

THE MALE ALONE KILLED. 

To the care taken of the beasts is greatly due the perfection of theirbreed and to a certain extent their numbers; but the law thatcontributes most to the marvellous increase of our flocks and herds isthat which forbids the slaughter of the female. In every species themale only is used for food. If we killed the mother we should, as itwere, kill the progeny that would otherwise be bred from her, and ourimmense stocks would not then be a hundredth part as numerous as theyare at present. 

The cow, after she has ceased bearing, is used to carry the women'sbaskets, or for very light draughts. The ewe, when she has ceasedbearing, is trained to assist in field and garden operations, to pull upcabbages, carrots, and other vegetables, being, in short, more useful tous than the dog. 

SLAUGHTERING ANIMALS. 

In killing animals for food all painful processes are avoided. Under theold system the cruelty with which the animal was treated, and itssuffering from the violence of the death-struggle greatly affected thequality of the meat, lessened its nutritive powers, and rendered it lessdigestible, and very often exciting and injurious. Now, when an animalis to be killed, it is placed in a large lighted stable, over which is aloft, communicating with it by means of a grating. In this a man isstationed, who thrusts through the grating a long stick, baited with abunch of fresh grass, in the middle of which is contained a smallglobule endued with the property of depriving the animal of allconsciousness and sense of feeling. As soon as the beast has eaten thegrass, and consequently swallowed the pill, he staggers and falls; and, before he has time to recover, the butcher despatches him by cutting histhroat and letting out the blood, whereupon he dies a painless death, without a struggle. Only one animal is despatched at a time in the samestable, so that one does not see another killed. There is reason forthis precaution. 

A lamb takes the ball of grass from the hand, for it is thus ourshepherds sometimes feed them. Poultry are killed by very smallquantities of the preparation being mixed with their grain; the fowlssometimes take up two or three grains not impregnated with the material, but as soon as the smallest particle is swallowed they stagger and fall. It is interesting to see this, the effect is so instantaneous. Theingredient used does not in any way injure the meat and is indeedconsidered beneficial, even to the human system, when administered insmall quantities, since the torpor it causes at the moment is succeededby increased vitality and strength. 

THE BLOOD OF ANIMALS. 

When the animal is killed we are very scrupulous in pouring out theblood, which we avoid using for any purpose connected with food. On_every_ occasion of the kind "field doctors" are present to see that alldue precautions are taken. They analyse the blood, and if it does notcontain the proper ingredients, the animal is looked upon as diseased, and its flesh rejected as so far unwholesome; in our climate it would bedifficult of digestion, and produce heaviness, disinclination to study, despondency and other inconveniences. Blood is said to contain theelectricity that, in connection with the electricity on the nerves, gives action, feeling, pleasure, and pain. Blood, indeed, contains as itwere the material through which the life of the animal carries on itsoperations. 

PROTECTION OF THE MEAT FROM INSECTS. 

The animal as soon as killed is cut up into different portions, each ofwhich is placed for a few minutes in a large vessel containing aninfusion of a certain herb, to which flies and winged insects of allkinds have a great antipathy. The steeping of the meat into thispreparation effectually protects it against their approach. There areimmense numbers of winged insects in our climate, but none will approachfood which has been steeped in an infusion of this herb. By these andother precautions they are kept within certain limits and driven to theuses for which nature intended them. It is not necessary to keep themeat in the vessel for more than a few minutes, nor does the liquiddeteriorate the quality or taste of the meat. Far from being noxious tothe human race, the herb, which is free from smell, contains a healthybitter, is cooling and refreshing, and cleanses and preserves the poresof the skin. 

Formerly numbers of persons were affected by the deposits, which, leftby flies on meats and provisions generally, caused irritation of thebowels, diarrhoea, and vomit, and were otherwise very injurious to thesystem. 

I may here mention that a preparation of the herb to which I havereferred is used for fruits and provisions generally, which areprotected by a light gauze steeped in an infusion of the herb and thrownloosely over them; though, indeed, it is only necessary to place thegauze at the side of the provisions to prevent the approach of theenemy. 

This infusion is also used in our houses, and during repasts; couches, bedding, and coverings are sprinkled with the liquid. A preparation isalso used for the toilette, in order to protect the head and face fromthe flies. 

CRUELTY TO ANIMALS. 

Cruelty to an animal, even when not intended for food, entails so muchdisgrace that it is an offence of the rarest occurrence. My laws providevarious punishments according to the grade of the offender and thenature of the offence. 

If a common man were really cruel to his horse he would be compelled todraw his merchandise by hand. If the offence were committed by a man ofhigh position the punishment would be more severe, and not only would hebe treated as though he were unworthy of exercising power over goodanimals and consequently deprived of all his horses, but he would besupplied with a vicious horse, which, perhaps, he would be obliged toride along a dangerous path, that he might thus be made to appreciatethe superior gentleness of the one he had maltreated. If the offencewere repeated, he would be degraded from his position or condemnedduring a certain period to wear "the dress of shame. "

XXXVII. 

THE ALLMANYUKA. 

 "Improve Nature's gifts, and with her elements form new compounds. .. . 

 "Were man's faculties given that they should slumber?"

Nothing engaged my attention more than the health of my people. I hadsatisfied myself that the most virulent diseases took their developmentfrom minute, nay, almost imperceptible causes. 

As I had determined to find out the germs of faults in children, which, when neglected, led to confirmed vices in the adult; so I was determinedto discover disease in its incipience, and wherever possible, to removethe exciting cause. 

I have already referred to the creation of a new fruit-vegetable, as oneof the subjects of a series of pictures in my summer palace. I will nowrelate to you some facts regarding the production of the fruit, theoffspring of my anxiety for the health of the people. 

In the early part of my reign, before the means had been discovered fordetecting the incipient germs of disease, the people were afflicted bythe return of a painful malady, with which they had often been afflictedbefore. It was attended with irritation of the intestines, and carriedthe sufferer off rapidly; for, although all the doctors were familiarwith the symptoms, none of them had been able to discover the cause ofthe disease, or its cure. 

I remarked that the children at the colleges were not attacked by thisdisease, and therefore thought that it had probably originated insomething used by adults and not by the young. 

The truth of my hypothesis was soon tested. A person of robust frame, whom I much esteemed, died suddenly of the malady. I entreated hisfriends, in the interest of humanity, to allow his body to be examined. 

The people at this period indulged in the use of sauces, seasoned withstrong stimulating spices. These were excluded from colleges, andconsequently were used by adults only. 

I communicated my opinion to the doctors: viz. , that in the case theywere about to examine, it would be found that these burning condimentshad inflamed the intestines, and impeded nature in the discharge of herfunctions. My impressions were correct. With the aid of the electricmicroscope upwards of forty minute ulcers, highly inflamed, werediscovered in the intestines of the deceased, and in each of theseulcers were seen several minute grains of some very hot condiments muchin use, which had affected the inner membrane, generated the ulcers, andcaused a hasty but painful death. 

Assured of the baneful effect of the condiments, I determined to forbidtheir use, though I knew this would be a serious infliction on thepeople, inasmuch as the extreme heat of our climate made stimulantsnecessary. The condiments were much liked, and amongst all the manyfruits and vegetables we possessed there were none that could be used assubstitutes. 

On forbidding their use, I made known publicly the discovery that hadbeen made, every particular being clearly explained, that the peoplemight be convinced that I was acting for their good. 

In obedience to my orders, the spices were collected from every quarter, and placed in large warehouses secured under lock. The "bolts" weredelivered to the kings, who were astonished at the rapidity with which Ihad obtained obedience to a decree depriving all of what had become adaily want. 

I saw, however, that unless the people were supplied with a substitutefor what they had lost, they would soon return to the deleteriouscondiments in spite of my decree. 

Having made known to all about me that I wished some hours for seriousthought, I shut myself up in a little cabinet at the summit of mypalace, where I could see only the heavens. All around me was silent andcalm as night. 

Having prayed the aid of the Great Power, I endeavoured, by intensemeditation, to discover what healthful condiment could be substitutedfor the deleterious spices of which the people were deprived. 

After many hours of deep meditation, a ray of light burst on me and Iwas inspired with a happy thought. I could not as yet see the resultclearly, but nevertheless I felt that in the end my efforts would beblessed with success. I did not hesitate to publish the fact that I hadmade a discovery which, when perfected, would repay the people twenty-foldfor the loss of the condiments they had given up in obedience to mydecree. 

In the mean time, until I could fully carry out my intention, I allowedthe people a particular kind of cordial; for I found that, after theextraordinary heat of the day, many persons required stimulants, especially mothers, who had been educated before my laws had come intooperation, and whose health and constitution had not consequently beenproperly fortified. 

I proceeded with my work. We have a small vegetable, called Jappeehanka, that hangs from its stem like a fruit and has a rich creamy taste, without any other flavour. I grafted this vegetable on a tree calledKlook, the fruit of which, used generally by persons of delicatedigestion, had a sour aromatic flavour. 

After many disappointments and unsuccessful attempts to obtain thevegetable I wished, I succeeded, by artificial means frequentlyemployed, in growing a small vegetable, combining the flavour of adelicate cream with the piquancy of lemon. 

The most difficult part of my task had however not been accomplished, namely, to give to the vegetable all the aromatic and stimulatingflavours of the prohibited spices. 

A fine specimen of the seed of each of the spice plants having beenprocured, I took from the heart of each seed the smallest possibleparticle, and, having with the greatest care made an incision in one ofthe finest seeds of my new vegetable, I inserted therein one specimen ofeach of these minute particles. 

The incision was made in the centre of the seed, but not deep enough toenter or injure its heart. 

The seed of my cream-lemon vegetable, containing the spice seedparticles, I confided to the care of my principal gardener, a man ofgreat scientific skill and intelligence. 

I must not omit to say that we extracted the oil out of the roots ofeach of the spices formerly in general use and mixed the oils with theearth in which we planted the newly-compounded vegetable seed. 

We watched the precious seed night and day with anxious solicitude. Ihad other seeds ready prepared and planted, in case this should fail. 

One night in my slumber I was disturbed by my attendant telling me thatthe gardener had an important communication to make. I bade him enter. He came to make known to me that my labours had been so far successful, that, in the vase of earth in which the seed had been planted, a littlewhite bud was bursting from the ground. He brought the vase in his arms, and I will not deny that I shed tears of joy. 

About three years from that time, to my delight, fruit made itsappearance. I watched with greedy eagerness the day when it would ripen. 

I cannot tell you with what anxiety I tended its growth. I fancy at thismoment I feel the heart-beatings that always accompanied me as Iapproached the spot where the plant was placed. 

The gardener, desiring to save me some of the pain of deferred hope, told me that the time of ripening would be later than I had anticipated. 

A little in advance, however, of the time I had foretold, the gardenerentered my study, with a face radiant with joy, and placed before me oneof the prettiest little baskets I had ever seen, though the beauty ofour basket-work is, as I have said, remarkable. I thought it must be apresent from his wife, for she was very skilful and often presented mewith baskets of her own work. Loving my people as I did and looking onthem all as my children, I saw the nervous state of the man, and toreassure him, I said, "This is kind of your fair Lineena. " At the sametime I admiringly examined the basket, but its weight indicating thatthere was something inside, I raised the lid, and beholding its contentsI uttered a cry, such a cry of joy as might escape a parent on finding along-lost child. 

The basket contained a specimen of the precious fruit quite ripe. Iturned it on every side with anxious interest, and, having congratulatedmy faithful gardener, who had so zealously carried out my wishes, Idescended to the culinary department, for I would not trust the precioustreasure to others, and I immediately proceeded to cook the vegetable ofmy creation. 

I directed a small bird to be prepared with which to eat the newcondiment, that I might thus test its properties; when it had beenserved, I directed the gardener to sit at my table. The success wasbeyond my best hopes. By the process of cooking, the fruit-vegetable hadbeen dissolved to the consistency of a jelly, and formed the mostrelishing sauce ever tasted, --aromatic, stimulating, and appetising. 

To a richness like cream was added the pungency and aromatic flavour ofspices, with the relish of salt and the piquancy of fresh lemon-juice--in a word, the combination presented the finest flavour for a condimentthat could possibly be desired, surpassing all the spices and sauceshitherto known in my world. Indeed, it was so exquisitely appetisingthat an epicure might easily be tempted to eat the vegetable without theaddition of the meat. 

During the growth of the tree, many slips had been planted, which werethen in a flourishing state, so that in a very short time the vegetablefruit was cultivated extensively, and became a household necessity. 

On examining the Allmanyuka (for so we called this fruit-vegetable, meaning, that it combined every valuable quality), and observing itseffects, the doctors pronounced it very wholesome and nutritious, andadmirably suited to persons of dyspeptic habit, inasmuch as it dispelledall symptoms of flatulency and, by its tonic and digestive qualities, gave a feeling of lightness to the senses. 

The people wondered, and were loud in the manifestations of theirgratitude, but my joy was even greater than theirs; for I hadaccomplished a lasting good for the subjects I loved. 

Accompanied by my harp, I sang praises, with all the fervour of my soul, to Him who had inspired me with the thought, and had endowed me withpatience and strength for its consummation. 

Fruits had often been increased in size or improved in quality andproductiveness, by grafting one tree upon another; but no new fruit hadpreviously been created. There were instances, where trees of differentkinds, the one grafted on the other, had borne two kinds of fruit. This, however, was the first instance where other means, besides grafting, were employed, and where an entirely new fruit had been brought intoexistence. 

The Allmanyuka grows like a tree, and its stem is supported by sticks. The fruit, which hangs from its branches, is in shape, but in shapeonly, not unlike your vegetable-marrow, being covered with littlecircular divisions, each containing others still more minute. 

Its colour, when raw, is of the brightest violet, which through theculinary process becomes a beautiful red, though I should observe, thatthe first compound vegetable in the seeds of which I inserted the spiceparticles was yellow. 

It may not be uninteresting to know that the Allmanyuka is cooked in avessel over steam. Indeed, everything with us is cooked by steam, thisbeing especially serviceable, on account of the steadiness of itsaction. There are machines to regulate the force and action of thesteam, and the attendant has only to obey mechanically the simplestinstructions. 

The Allmanyuka is used in some sick-rooms as a fumigator. For thispurpose it is cut into slices, and the exuded juice which it bleeds isaccompanied with an agreeable aromatic odour. 

The fruit possesses many other valuable properties. After its discoverymy people were never more afflicted with the maladies for the preventionof which it had been created. It was sometimes called by the name givenby me, --often by a term signifying, "Inspiration of the Father of theWorld. " [1]

 * * * * *

 [Footnote 1: Although it may appear incongruous to refer to a philosopher of this earth as illustrating the work of a philosopher of another planet, the Editor cannot help quoting a passage from a man possessed of wondrous prescience, who, to use his own words, "held up a lamp in the obscurity of philosophy that would be seen ages after he was dead. " It will also in a measure convey the difference between the process of grafting and the course pursued by the Tootmanyoso in the creation of the Allmanyuka. 

 The inspired philosopher says: "The compounding or mixing of kinds in plants is not found out, which, nevertheless, if it be possible, is more at command than that of living creatures, for that their lust requireth a voluntary motion; wherefore it were one of the most noble experiments touching plants to find it out; for so you may have great variety of new fruits and flowers yet unknown. Grafting doth it not; it mendeth the fruit or doubleth the flowers, etc. ; but it hath not the power to make a new kind. For the scion ever over-ruleth the stock. "--_Bacon's_ 'Sylva Sylvarum. ']

XXXVIII. 

PAPER. 

 ". .. A handmaid and messenger of Memory. A recorder of the aspirations of Genius. "

There is a peculiarity in the leaf of the Allmanyuka which I will nowmention; but, to make myself intelligible, I must give you some fewfacts about our paper, of which we have an unlimited supply, and whichis made from the leaves of nearly every kind of tree, gathered justbefore they begin to fade, but whilst still green. Dead leaves are usedfor other purposes. 

The leaves of some trees make finer paper than others, and, though everykind of leaf is available, one kind only at a time is used to make paperof the finest quality. Mixed leaves are used to make paper of a commonand coarser kind. 

All papers, when dried in the sun, have a glossy surface, and none canbe torn, or ignited by the application of fire; the paper will smoulder, but not burst into flame. Our paper is transparent, and is besides sovery light, soft, and pliable, that in warm weather it is used forchildren's dresses. Very pretty it is to see the graceful movements ofthe little creatures' limbs through the pellucid costumes, which aremade complete without a seam, the material being most beautifully fine, like one of the silk gauzes of your India. 

In our world it was well known that paper could be made from rags, butthis material was not as plentiful as leaves, and we discovered, moreover, that it was injurious to the workmen, whilst the manufacturefrom leaves not only produces a paper far superior to that made withrags, but is a most healthful occupation. 

Our trees are, I believe, more numerous than yours; but you have manytrees even in Europe from the leaves of which excellent paper of a kindsimilar to ours could be made, as, for instance, the horse-chestnut andoak. The horse-chestnut leaf makes some of the best paper; the leaves ofthe lilac-tree and of the apple-tree are also excellent; but perhaps thebest leaf of all for very fine paper is the vine leaf, which has lessmoisture, and gives less trouble in the preparation. 

In the manufacture of paper the leaves are subjected to a greatpressure, and the fragrance emitted from the crushed leaves isdelicious, and considered very wholesome, so much so indeed that youngchildren are often sent to reside near the place where the leaves arebeing crushed to inhale the fragrance. 

The original moisture is removed by a substance, chiefly consisting of avery fine sand, beautifully compounded with other materials, and spreadover a hard pliant stuff. This laid on the pressed pulp sucks out allthe original moisture. The fine sand material, though possessing quite asmooth surface, is like a sponge in its power of suction, and, whenused, is unrolled and pressed over the pulp by a machine. 

This done, the plate containing the paper is moved to an adjoining partof the building, which is roofless, and is there exposed to the rays ofthe sun, which finishes the drying process and gives a beautiful glazeor polish to the paper. Nothing so well dries the paper as the sun, aswe have proved by frequent experiments. After the sun, fire is the mostefficacious agent; but this gives the paper a dead and chill appearance. 

Our paper is as good as yours, though not better to write upon. I havealready informed you of some of the points of difference between them. Paper can be made to almost any size, and without any seam. One otherpeculiarity is that our paper makes no more noise when doubled up than apiece of linen. 

The colour principally in use is that of cream or a very light yellow;for though we can produce a chalky white, we do not use it in ourstuffs, except for linen. 

There is a paper which we call "natural, " because its green colourexceptionally resembles that of the leaf, although it is purelyartificial, being produced by the use of a powder obtained from aparticular fruit which hangs from a tree in the shape of small eggs, andcontains a white powder of a sticky consistency. This powder is mixedwith the leaves, and the paper thus prepared is very transparent. Atfirst it has a kind of primrose tint, but, when subjected to heat, or tothe sun, turns green. The egg called "Brulista Tavi, " or "Lime Egg, "follows a small blossom, but the fruit alone is used. The trees areplentiful, growing on marshy ground, a long distance from, the city, forthere are no marshes in its vicinity. 

GOLDEN-COLOURED PAPER. 

Some paper is of a pure gold colour, the result of a property inherentin the leaf itself and needing no extraneous application. 

I have told you that the coarse paper is made with leaves of everydescription mixed together. On one occasion some of the paper, whendried, became speckled with gold in different parts, presenting abeautiful appearance, which astonished the overseer and workmen. Thepaper was brought to me, and I directed the overseer to endeavour todetect in future processes the cause of these beautiful specks. Manytrials were made, but he did not for months find any gold in the paper. 

I meditated much on the subject, and one night I retired to rest withthe singular phenomenon still in my mind. In my sleep I saw my tree, theAllmanyuka, all gold. 

On awaking I immediately sent for the overseer, and, without relatingwhat I had seen in my sleep, I told him that I was impressed with thebelief that it was the leaf of my tree that produced the gold specks, and requested him to have some paper made entirely from the Allmanyukaleaf, and to use the most delicate machine for the experiment. 

Though accustomed to obey my orders in implicit faith, the overseerconfessed to me afterwards that for certain reasons he had great causeto doubt whether the experiment would succeed. It, however, wascommenced without delay. The pulp, or jelly, after having passed throughthe process of boiling, was of a neutral tint, without the leastappearance of gold, and all hope of the desired colour vanished in thethought of the workmen. It was, indeed, reported to me that no goldentint was apparent; but I did not yet despair. 

When the pulp was spread out with the trowel, it remained stillcolourless, but after it had undergone the process of pressing, whichgenerally took place immediately before sponging, it presented to theastonished workmen the appearance of one sheet of gold; and when it hadbeen exposed to the sun, it acquired the highest golden polish possible. 

The material thus obtained is finer than cambric, and is used forbeautiful scarfs, sun-turbans, neckties for ladies, slippers, covers, cushions, and various ornamental articles. 

XXXIX. 

CONSUMPTION. 

THE ÉMEUTE. 

 "The huge poison-tree once lay concealed in the heart of the minute seed. Why seek ye not the germs of disease poison in their minute receptacles?"

Formerly, in certain parts of the low marshy lands, the moist andnoxious exhalations generated various diseases, particularly oneanswering to your phthisis, and called by us karni-feroli, that is, "absorption of the vitality. " Numbers lingered, with energies depressedand faculties impaired, till cut off by death. In its early stages, thedisease gave no indications of its presence beyond the signs common tothe most ordinary illnesses to which, indeed, they were attributed. However, no remedy was found by the doctors. 

Even where the possible presence of the disease was suspected, therespiratory organs of the sufferer were subjected to various tests; butif certain symptoms were absent, and the patient breathed easily, thephysicians concluded that there was no danger in the case. The signsthey sought were in reality those belonging to an advanced state of thedisease and, when these appeared, the malady was generally beyond cure. 

No effectual measures were taken for discovering indications of theearlier stages of the malady before the beginning of my reign, when Iobserved that many young girls, who at first seemed to suffer only fromdebility and lowness of spirits, soon afterwards withered, and died ofwhat was then called by a term answering to your expression of "rapidconsumption. " This often happened where the patients had been previouslypronounced free from organic disease. 

I knew that, in the physical as in the moral constitution, evils, however grave, have their origin in some incipient germ of smallproportions, and I would not believe that the confirmed ulcers, which Ihad seen during the examination of diseased lungs in the Theatre ofAnatomy, had arisen suddenly, for I reflected that the operations ofnature are gradual. These ulcers, which are, I think, called "tubercles"by your physicians, had been the immediate cause of many deaths. 

After much meditation, I concluded that the actual beginning of themalady was unknown, and that the inability of the doctors to master thedisease arose from the inadequacy of the means employed for its earlierdetection. 

I had frequently expressed my convictions to the ablest medical men, butthey held to their opinions and practice with unyielding tenacity. Ourdoctors at that time thought that there was no science beyond what theythemselves knew, just as there were many able men who maintained thatthere was no other world but Montalluyah, until the invention of mytelescope brought your earth and other worlds within the limit of theirvision. 

A young and interesting girl, a penitent, from a course of incontinenceand excess, suffered much from weakness and lowness of spirits. Thedoctors examined her in the usual approved way, with and without theirinstruments, and declared that her lungs were healthy and sound; allthat now ailed her, they said, was the depression arising frominvoluntary regrets and longings for the excitements of her former life. I had a strong impression, however, that this was not the cause of herprostration, firmly believing that her lungs were affected, though thedoctors assured me that they had used every test with scrupulous care todetect disease and had arrived at a contrary decision. Not beingconvinced, I requested them to give me a daily report of the girl'sprogress. 

As she grew weaker, the doctors determined to administer a powerfulpotion, which would lay the foundation of her cure, if their estimate ofthe malady was right, but would accelerate death if the lungs werereally affected. Persuaded that, in the then state of medical knowledge, the girl's life could not be saved, if the disease was really phthisis, and knowing that, if it was not the case, the potion was calculated todo good, I did not prevent the doctors from acting according to theirown convictions. 

The potion was administered accordingly, and the girl soon fell into acalm and tranquil sleep, from which, to the surprise and consternationof the physicians, she never awoke. 

The body was examined, and on the right lung were found pimples, smallindeed, but visible to the naked eye, which, on closer examination withthe microscope, proved to be incipient tubercles; the left lung wassimilarly affected. These incipient tubercles, though sufficient tocause languor and debility, by attracting the vitality of the body, hadnot yet become of sufficient size and virulence to affect her breathing;hence her lungs were considered sound by the doctors, who only regardedthe usual tests. 

I called together the principal physicians, chemists and heads ofscience, and requested them carefully to study this formidable disease;and, after a time, the discovery was made that all the most fatal casesof consumption were ushered in by the appearance on the lungs of minuteincipient spots, which attract and feed on the vital juices of the body. These spots swell gradually into pimples of a reddish hue, on whichultimately a small yellow head appears. This breaks in due course, andthe matter discharged spreads, combines, and assists in the growth andaccumulation of other and larger tubercles, which cause much pain, greatly impede the passage of the air, and eventually carry off thepatient. 

Although pain is sometimes felt in the earlier stages of the malady, thepassage of the air through the lungs is not as yet affected to any veryperceptible extent. It was also found that the ordinary symptomsaccompanying the presence of these spots were similar to those producedby many other causes; so that the symptoms of one disease might easilybe mistaken for--as was actually the case--those of another. 

The tests hitherto used were thus clearly shown to be insufficient fordetecting the disease, until the tubercles had assumed a size andvirulence sufficient to affect the breathing, --until, in fact, themalady was too often beyond cure. 

After some time and many experiments, most efficacious means werediscovered for detecting and curing this dreadful disease while still inits incipient state. 

I ought to mention, that on the death of the girl to whom the potion wasadministered, her friends learning that I had not opposed theadministering the fatal potion, were very violent against me and, instigated by those who had at first opposed my law, openly declaredthat she had been put to death by my orders. They thus succeeded inarousing the passions of the multitude. At that time many young personswere dying of consumption in a marshy valley, while others wereafflicted with disorders, which baffled the skill of the physicians andwere accompanied with the same symptoms that attended the malady of thedeceased girl. During the popular excitement to which I have referred, the parents of these sufferers were made to believe that potions similarto those which had already been administered with such fatal results, were now to be administered to their own sick children, and that similarresults would ensue. 

I lost not a moment in summoning before me the heads of families andfriends of the sufferers, at the same time announcing the subject onwhich I wished to discourse. 

The meeting took place in the great hall of my palace, which is capableof containing many thousands, and I explained to the assembled multitudethat when the potion was administered to the deceased girl, the maladywas so far advanced that there were no means of saving her life, andthat in administering the potion the doctors had hoped to do good, believing, contrary to my own convictions, that the complaint was notorganic. I explained that her death, and the knowledge gained by theexamination of her lungs, would be the salvation of most of theirchildren, of the nature of whose malady the doctors were now convinced. 

Asked by the girl's friends if I would myself take a potion similar tothat administered to the girl, I offered to drink double the quantity, in the presence of the assembled multitude. When the cup was close to mylips, and I was about to drink the potion, a woman in the crowd calledout that the liquid I held in my hand was innocuous, and very differentto the poisonous draught administered to the girl! So convinced was sheof this, that she offered to let her own child drink the potion out ofmy cup!

This child being, as I believed, afflicted with incipient consumption, Icautioned the mother, explaining to her what would be the consequencesof her rashness. Still she insisted, and adhered to her opinion that ifI could drink the potion with impunity, the child could do the same. Iresisted, until at length many in the crowd, who had before beeninfluenced by my words, inferred from my hesitation that what the womansaid was really true! Perceiving that further hesitation on my partwould result in great evil, and in many deaths, I allowed the child todrink a quarter of the potion, and I swallowed the rest myself. My lungsbeing perfectly sound the potion only stimulated my system, but theeffect on the child was the same as it had been on the girl: it slept, and woke no more. 

Having addressed the people for a long time and calmed their anger, Irequested them to proceed to the place where the girl's body lay, toconvince themselves of the advanced state of the disease under which shebad suffered. They were then marshalled by the officers of my palace, and proceeded to the Anatomical Theatre, where they satisfied themselveswith their own eyes of the truth of what I had told them. Publicconfidence was restored, and many sufferers were saved from prematuredeath. 

Effective means were afterwards taken to detect the minute incipientpimples with which the disease was always ushered in, and neverafterwards was it allowed to reach serious proportions. It was destroyedin its earliest germ, and thus much power and vitality and thousands oflives were saved to the State. 

XL. 

THE HARP. 

 "Music. .. . The emanation of the concentrated light of the soul. .. . The language of the angels. "

The harp is our principal musical instrument. We have one that isportable and in form like a lyre; but our great harp is much larger thanyours, differently constructed, and far more effective, combining, as itdoes, in its tones all the delicacy, expression, and oneness of a singleexecutant, with the brilliancy and power of a combined body ofperformers. 

It rests on a ball firmly placed on a massive pedestal, which is easilymoved from one place to another by means of small wheels. The ball onwhich the harp rests revolves in a socket, so that the instrument caneasily be placed in the position the performer desires, and then, bymeans of a bolt, fixed firmly in its place. No support from theexecutant is needed. The harp does not rest upon him in any way, and hehas, at the same time, entire power over every part. 

The instrument is divided into fourths, that is, into four sets ofchords. The first only of these four sets is touched by the player, buton any of the first set being intoned, each corresponding string of thethree other sets, all of which are stouter and more powerful than theset played upon, resounds in harmony. 

The power given out by the three sets of strings is proportioned to thesound produced on the first set by the performer, as the force of anecho is stronger or weaker according as the sound producing it isincreased or diminished in volume. 

In the framework of the harp there are conducting strings ofelectricity, which unite all the rest with the first set and with eachother. The electricity is generated by a liquid contained in a smalltube, and is set in motion by the movement of the strings of the firstset of chords. The tube can be placed in or removed from the instrumentwith the greatest ease; without it, the first set alone responds to theplayer's touch. 

The musician has the power of varying and depressing the notes of theinstrument in a marvellous manner, so as to produce instantaneously themost delicate or the most powerful sounds, with endless modulations andvariety of tone. I have heard echoes and responses given out as thoughthe music had been breathed from a great distance;--the gentlestwhispers were alternated with all the force of a band of music. 

I could not, without much expenditure of time and labour, and withoutexplaining our science of music, which is altogether different to yours, convey to you an adequate notion of the effect produced by a skilfulplayer. I have seen a multitude turned away from evil designs by theexquisite playing of the harpist--their passions calmed, their thoughtsraised from earth to heaven. 

By the aid of little knobs on the instrument, the diapason can bechanged to an extent that you would not credit, for it has reference toa system different to yours. The compass and extent of sound given byour harps is very considerably higher than the notes produced by yourviolins, and deeper than the lowest notes given by your contrabassi. 

We do not count by octaves, but by touching twos or threes differentcharacters of sounds are produced, indicated by names such as--gaiety, joy, melancholy, truthfulness, fickleness in some things, fickleness inall things, an exalted mind, poetry, domestic peace, hatred, jealousy, morbid sensibility, pardon, receiving again into favour, flowers, decayof health, sickness, returning health, love in a gentle degree, love ina sublime degree, doubting, also trusting love, loneliness, disappointment, ambition. 

These and many other sentiments are expressed by strains that godirectly to the soul, and without the need of words. As all inMontalluyah understand the language the music is intended to convey, theplayer, without opening his lips, can express himself on the harp asclearly as by discourse; and two persons playing can hold aconversation. 

As you have certain sounds responding to _do, re, mi_, &c. , so have wecertain sounds and harmonies that convey certain expressions; forinstance: "I esteem you;" "I feel you in the pulsations of my blood, "_i. E. _ "I love you. " Or perhaps the vibrations of the same harmony wouldbe varied so as to be higher or lower, sharp or flat; and the playerwould convey that he felt the presence of his beloved in the appropriatevibration of his nerves. 

In another harmony, he would compare the admired object to somebeautiful soft bird like the Zudee, or a pet like the Kamouska. [1]

 [Footnote 1: See p. 145. ]

On the occasion of a love scene between a great harpist and a lady, Ihave heard the following, amongst many other sentiments, expressed bythe harp: First Lenordi the harpist expressed his glowing sympathy, hisadmiration of beauty, of goodness, his pleading to be heard, his hopethat no other occupied the lady's thoughts, his despair if his prayerswere not listened to, hope, expressions of eternal devotion; in short, all the possible outpourings of a loving heart. It would be too tediousto tell you all he conveyed, but he ended thus, "Thou art pure as thedew upon the leaf of opening day . .. But like to that dew wilt thy lovepass away!"

Giola--the lady--took her place at the harp, and played a responseexpressing the following:--"Would I might believe these flatteringvibrations, and the bright hopes raised within an hour to wither in aday. 

"Could they but last, the skies above would pale beneath theirbrightness. 

"Yet I would not doubt thee; thy every look makes life a dream of love. "

The player then made excuses for her seeming enthusiasm, by declaringthat even inanimate matter is moved by his soul-stirring strains. 

"Every flower and every tendril is moved by thee, for, like thee, theyare fresh and gently gay. ". .. 

This led eventually to a "choice" meeting, and the marriage was attendedwith many interesting incidents. Their history would of itself form acurious romance!

Every one competent is educated in the meaning of the harp-sounds, andthe instruction in this branch of study commences at an early age. Certain sentences are written, and a sound is given out and repeatedtill the young person thoroughly understands what he has heard. Then thesentence is renewed, perhaps, in connection with another sentence, theaccompanying sound is given, and in a short time the student says theword or sentence accompanying every sound, and thus he soon learns howto use these sounds, and how to vary and combine them, just as analphabet or series of words would be used by an able writer. 

When the instrument is used as a subsidiary agent, and the playeraccompanies his own or another's voice with words, he plays anaccompaniment implying words, but not so as to attract attention fromthe singer. There are certain accompaniments which are adapted toanything that might be sung. These, however, the player can vary, if histalent is sufficient. 

Our songs are generally spontaneous effusions, but there are songs withwhich certain words are permanently associated. 

The harp itself is beautiful as a work of sculptural art. Around itsframework most elegant and tasteful ornaments are executed with theminutest perfection--small birds of variegated plumage perched ongraceful foliage of green enamel, with flowers in their natural colours, so executed as closely to resemble nature. The birds, flowers, andfoliage are connected with the chords of the harp, and conceal from viewsmall vases or reservoirs set in the framework of the instrument. Fromthese with every touch of the chords a beautiful fragrance is exhaled, the force or delicacy of which depends on the more powerful or gentlerstrains produced from the instruments. 

The instant the player strikes the chords, the little birds open theirwings, the flowers quiver in gentle action, and then from the vases arethrown off jets of perfume. The more strongly the chords are touched, the more powerfully does the fragrance play around. 

In tender passages the perfume gradually dies away, till it becomes sofaint as to be appreciated only by the most delicate organisations. Theresult, however, is, that the sense is gratified, the heart touched, andthe whole soul elevated. I have seen the most ardent natures calmed andrendered gentle by the divine strains of this angelic instrument. 

It is said that in the angelic spheres flowers breathe music as well asfragrance, and that the sound itself has form, colour, and perfume. Thisbelief suggested the thought of uniting them in harmonious concert forthe gratification of those who had exercised the gifts accorded them byHeaven to a good end. As they had gained their position by their ownmerit, it was sought in every way to increase their happiness and theirenjoyments. Nothing that art could produce was thought too good forthem. 

I loved the world. The wicked only are impatient and discontented. Iknew that blessings are everywhere about us, though we are expected toexercise our intelligence to make them available; and whilst Iinculcated that "intemperance is not enjoyment, " and that "intemperancedestroyed the power of enjoyment, " I did not hesitate to tell my peoplethat the world and the blessings everywhere abounding are given us toenjoy, and that, like guests invited to a banquet, we were neither torun riot nor to reject the good things offered us in love. 

XLI. 

SOCIAL INTERCOURSE. 

 "The contact of society is necessary for the nurture and preservation of the generous feelings implanted in us by the Great Spirit. "

In the system I inaugurated, where every man pursued his occupation withenthusiastic delight, because he was engaged in that for which natureand education had fitted him, it became necessary to enjoin recreationand amusement as a duty, particularly in the case of learned men, whoseattention was concentrated on one particular subject. 

Before my reign learned men had been sometimes prone to secludethemselves from the world, while the opulent indulged in amusements toexcess, and had indeed need of laws rather to restrain than to enjoinindulgence. Now, however, few, except the "humble" classes (for we haveno "poor" in your sense of the word), would have sought after diversionshad not my laws enjoined them as a duty. 

As regards learned men, I knew that if one part of the brain was undulyexcited and overworked, the other portions would lie dormant and suffer. All classes therefore were required to "undergo" amusements, and manywere the precepts to encourage them in the pursuit. I added to these theforce of my own example; for, though occupied incessantly with the caresof government and with abstruse meditations, I nevertheless attendedamusements of all kinds, and often gave fêtes of great beauty andmagnificence for the recreation of the people. I was a frequentattendant at places of amusement, public games, and races, and refreshedmyself almost daily with the sympathetic contact of the numerous societywhich my hospitality brought round my table. 

When my laws on the subject of social intercourse were first promulgatedthere were many wise men who questioned the wisdom of my requiring thelearned to cultivate social relations. These addressed to me manyarguments in support of their views and objected that, without havingtheir thoughts interrupted by the clang of society, simple changes ofsubject, or at least the simplest distractions, would amply suffice togive the necessary repose. I always encouraged the learned tocommunicate to me their opinions, to which I invariably listened withattention; and in this case the arguments they adduced in support oftheir views were so plausible that I resolved to convince them by anactual experiment. 

To satisfy them, and confirm the belief of others, I allowed the chiefopponents of my doctrines to select ten learned men who desired topursue their own idea of seclusion, and ten others were selected by mefrom those who were converts to my views in matters of recreation andamusement. The twenty men thus selected were, as nearly as possible, equal in point of talent, and were all engaged on the same engrossingsubject--one which required great concentration of thought. The utmostcare was taken that the experiment might be fairly and conclusivelytried. 

The result of this experiment, which extended over many years, provedindisputably that I was right; for whilst the productions of the"amusing and amused" men were equal in all, and in many respectssuperior to, those of the "seclusionists, " the latter showed visiblemarks of the evils of their abstinence. 

After a few years their indifference for the world had grown intopositive misanthropy. They refused to receive any visits, becamenegligent of their personal appearance, and centred their wholeaffection upon the object of their study. 

Among those who had lived in seclusion seven out of the ten had losttheir hair and the freshness of their complexion, both of which with usare highly valued. They were very sallow, and their figures betrayed theincipient decrepitude of old age, though for our world they were but inthe prime of life, if not of early manhood. Besides which they hadformed contracted notions on many subjects, some of them being what iscalled eccentric. 

On the other hand, the collected works of the ten men who had profitedby contact with the world and its amusements were equal in all respects, and indeed superior in some, to those of the "seclusionists. " They werefor the most part large and liberal minded. There was but one who mightbe called narrow-minded and eccentric, but his exceptional state wasgreatly owing to the fact that the origin of this tendency had not beenattended to in childhood. He had, indeed, been educated under the oldsystem and consequently before the establishment of the office ofCharacter-divers. This man was the only one who was subject, thoughpartially, to the physical accidents which had affected the"Seclusionists. " The remaining nine "Society-sympathisers" remainedfresh, vigorous, and gay. 

What, however, satisfied my wise men the most was, that the works of thelearned men who had lived in contact with the world were actually inmany respects superior to the works of the Seclusionists, although thesealso were more than remarkable. 

In requiring learned men to mix with the world, I did not forbidfrequent solitude and retirement for meditation. I only objected to thepassion being indulged in to the exclusion of the refreshing sympathiesdeveloped by a contact with society. 

The result of the experiment I have referred to seemed to satisfy eventhe ten Seclusionists, who at least changed their habits in obedience tomy law, The effects of the seclusion on some of the ten were, however, not got rid of, until a certain time had elapsed, and, but for increasedknowledge of the malady of monomania, these effects on one of the tenSeclusionists would have been even far more serious than theyfortunately proved to be. 

THE MONOMANIAC. 

This man, eminent in the highest degree, believed that another learnedman, his friend and greatest admirer, was his bitter enemy. All effortsto convince him to the contrary were fruitless, for although remarkablyclear-sighted on most other subjects, he obstinately refused on this tolisten to the truth. Indeed, the remonstrances of his friends had theeffect of strengthening his conviction that the reptile, as he calledthe supposed enemy, assumed the appearance of friendship, the better tomask his infamous designs. 

This delusion went on for some time, but did not show itself beyondwords, and even those were never addressed to the supposed enemy, whosedesigns he said "he would meet with simulation and the reptile's owninsidious weapons. " Greatly as all this was to be regretted, the man wasso venerated, and was usually so calm, that none suspected any tendencyto a deranged intellect. His strong feelings were ascribed to mistakenimpressions, until a very disagreeable occurrence opened our eyes to hisreal state. 

Both he and his supposed "enemy" were present at a dinner, given by ahigh official, the chief Knowledge-tester or Examiner. Our dining-tablesare semicircular, and the guests are seated on the convex side only. TheMonomaniac, being a particular friend, honoured by the host, sat next tohim in the centre. The supposed "enemy" happened to be seated at theextreme end of the semicircle, and consequently in a position to be seenfrom the centre of the table. All went on well till about the middle ofthe repast, when suddenly the Monomaniac rose, pointed to his supposedenemy, and addressing himself to the guests, said, "Look there! Do younot see the grimaces he is making at me?"

Every one marvelled! The host addressed the Monomaniac in a gentle tone, entreating him to have more control over his temper, Those seated closeto the supposed "enemy" declared loudly that he had made no grimaces;but their denial only increased the fury of the accuser. A bird--considered a great delicacy--had just been placed before the host. Itwas arranged, as were our dishes generally, to please the eye as well asthe palate, being ornamented with olives, sweetmeats, and otheringredients of varied colours. Birds, I may incidentally remark, arecooked without the bones; these are skilfully taken out and serve toenrich the gravy. 

The Monomaniac again rose suddenly and, before his arm could bearrested, seized the fowl, larded as it was with accessories anddripping with gravy, and with all his force hurled it whole, withunerring aim, at the face of the supposed enemy. So great was hisexcitement, and so rapid his movements, that he had seized one of the"knife-spoons, " and had he not been arrested, would probably have hurledthat, and, indeed, everything within reach against the object of hisfury. 

At private dinners the number of guests never exceeds twelve, and at theback of each, corresponding to every seat, is a small closet, ordinarilyused by each guest for his ablutions. Into one of these the Monomaniacwas placed with considerable difficulty, everything with which he couldinjure himself having been previously removed. By the doctor's order hewas treated as a patient and, after some time, the result of theapplication of the tests, then only recently discovered, showed that hewas much affected with brain animalcula, which had been generated by theexhaustion of one part of the brain, in consequence of the incessantoccupations of another portion, by one all-engrossing subject, withoutthe relief of sufficient air, recreation, and bodily exercise. 

The "supposed enemy" and the Monomaniac had been both occupied on thesame subject; the latter was much superior, and had consequentlyattained greater distinction. Nothwithstanding this, he was fearful thatthe "enemy" would ultimately excel him. 

At the end of a few months the Monomaniac was completely cured. It wasnot, however, until after a year's travel and change of scene that hewas allowed to resume his old studies. He now became more brilliant thanever, and we were indebted to him for some valuable discoveries. He hadlearned that his supposed enemy was a real friend and true admirer ofhis great talents. He never suffered again from the affliction, which, had it not been arrested in time, would have ended in confirmed madness. He became more than ever a strong advocate for the observance of my lawsin favour of recreation. 

XLII. 

THEATRES. 

ELECTRICAL ENTERTAINMENTS--AMUSEMENTS--INTRODUCTIONOF STRANGERS. 

 ". .. . Even the daisies of the field grow in company. .. . "

Besides theatres of another kind, there are large arenas, where theentertainments principally consist of feats worked out by electricityand produce effects far beyond anything as yet known in your planet. These arenas are open to the sky, for electric effects are not exhibitedin roofed buildings, from fear of the explosions which would probablyoccur were antagonistic electricities brought in contact with each otherin a covered space. 

The games exhibited are varied; but, in all, electricity has some part. As I have already said, we have electricities, some attractive, someantipathetic to the human frame, --and by the aid of both kinds manyinteresting feats are performed. 

I have seen a man and horse in the arena, who, at a given signal, wouldrise gradually and gracefully to a distance of more than fifty feet fromthe earth. When suspended in the air a cloud, like fire, would encirclethem, and then after a certain time, sufficient for the spectators toobserve and admire them, they would alight on the earth as gradually andgracefully as they had ascended. 

THE FLYING CHILDREN. 

In one of these arenas is a large sheet of running water, supplied by acataract in the neighbourhood; and I have seen the most beautifuleffects produced by children gliding over and as it were dancing on itssurface. The children are selected from the most graceful and beautifulof those, who, not having sufficient intellect to learn, give no signsof making a progress which would fit them for more importantoccupations. 

These children are taught and _willed_ to move in the most gracefulforms. Joining hands and forming exceedingly beautiful groups, they willglide over the cascade and over the surface of the agitated lake, walking, dancing, or reposing. 

WILL. 

In assuming these graceful forms, the children are aided by a personskilled in the use of the Will, who, with the assistance of our"sympathetic-attracting machines, " [1] can _will_ the children to takethe most varied and graceful positions. The effect is fascinating, elevating, and refining. 

 [Footnote 1: See p. 265. ]

The man who directs the sympathetic machine, _wills_ the figures fromhis imagination or memory, this being part of the art in which he isskilled. 

In your planet, you do not know the extent of the power of the Will; andyet it is the Will--the Will of the Soul--which sets our vitalelectricity in motion, directs it on particular parts of its ownmachine--the brain--or on the sentient faculties of others. This samevital electricity can be used with greater force and certainty ofdirection, when assisted by the instrument which I have called "thesympathetic machine. "

THE DEAF AND DUMB CHILD. 

I have seen one little girl deaf and dumb--the only instance in mytime--in consequence of a fright her mother had experienced. The childwas of so nervous a temperament, that she could not be taught anythingintellectual. She was lovely, with long hair that fell about her ingraceful curls, and in whatever way she sat, moved, or reclined, herposes and movements were angelic. 

It was found that the only thing which would awaken her dormant senseswas electricity; and that, under its influence, she would be well andhappy. 

This child was at length taught to remain for some time together in oneof her beautiful poses. 

The circus in which I saw her is built close to a mountain or steepascent, which rises almost perpendicularly to a great height. By thepower of an attractive electricity, she would be made--whilst in one ofher beautiful poses--to rise gradually, and to be borne flying, as itwere, in the air. She would then be made to alight on the top of thehigh rock, where a halo of concentrated light was thrown on her; thisclung about her, attracted by a solution with which her dress wassponged. The light was calculated to remain undissipated for half anhour. 

After some time, and having taken the most graceful poses, encircledwith the lovely halo, the child would glide off the rock and descendslowly and gracefully through the air--with the varied colours of thehalo about her--as though she were a being of the celestial stars. 

Of all exhibitions, I have never seen any more beautiful than this. Itserved admirably to raise, refine, and rouse the spectator toenthusiasm. 

THE MONKEYS. 

On the other hand, some of our electric exhibitions produce mirth. Forinstance, the effect of electricity on the monkeys in Montalluyah--whoare very sagacious, having faces white like a human being, and talkinglike parrots--is ludicrous in the extreme. When engaged in chewing andeating their favourite nuts, they find themselves, in spite of theircunning, raised to a great height, without seeing the man underneaththeir pedestal, who impels them upwards with antipathetic electricity. 

When they are thus in the air, and, in spite of all efforts, unable todescend, their antics are of the drollest kind. They, in turn, threatenand entreat the audience, but are soon reassured and liberally rewardedfor the parts they have played in amusing the public. 

Apart from the contemplation of electrical effects, these amusements mayappear somewhat puerile. It should therefore be observed that our peoplegenerally retain to the last an almost child-like freshness of feeling, which renders them keenly susceptible to the most innocent pleasures. The tragic drama is for us extinct. Towards the middle of my reign, plays based upon crime ceased to be heard with pleasure, as the newgeneration, trained under the wholesome influence of my laws, couldscarcely understand a plot relating to passions entirely foreign totheir nature. The writers for our theatres, properly so called, havesince that period confined themselves to subjects illustrative ofcountry life in plain and mountain, and to incidents which, thoughhappening at a distance, are known to occur. 

No accidents arise. Our professors are very skilful, knowing the exactquantities of electricity required for a given time, and at what rateits power will decrease. Electricity in all its variations is thoroughlyunderstood by our electricians. 

Electricity, indeed, now forms part of the studies of youth in general, and its leading features form part of the early knowledge taught to bothgirls and boys. 

There are races and public games of all kinds, and, besides the fêtesand amusements given by private persons, there are balls and socialreunions given by the districts. 

Even children have their parties and balls, to which they are taken fromfour years of age and upwards. The labouring people, or poor, havetheirs. They go to work more cheerfully when they know that amusementsare to follow, and return to their labours with redoubled energy. Theyare now contented and happy. 

Old people, although allowed to attend the soirées of the young, haveparties of their own, to which none who have not passed a certain ageare admitted. 

One day in the week is set apart for amusements of all kinds. 

To the reunions given by the districts, all who have passed a certainage are invited, every seven days, until the age of forty; after forty, once in three weeks; after sixty, once in every six weeks. All who havenot passed their fortieth year are expected to attend these reunions. Those who have passed forty may attend as often as they please. 

INTRODUCTION OF STRANGERS. 

Amongst these reunions there are balls and parties given on certain daysin every month, for the introduction of strangers coming from otherparts, who are received in a separate room by the Master of theCeremonies, or, as we say, "Introducer of Strangers. " Having satisfiedhimself of the status of the strangers, this officer announces the nameof the eldest and conducts him round the great room, where all thecompany are assembled, which duty performed, he conducts the guest backto the strangers' room, and then, having returned into the assembly-room, asks if any one wished to make objection to the stranger'sreception. If none is made, the visitor is escorted back and presentedto the whole company, and the most distinguished amongst them areexpected to take him by the hand and seat him by their side. 

This ceremony over, the stranger is allowed to visit every personpresent at their residences, where he is received with greathospitality. 

When, however, in answer to the Introducer's question, any one says, "Ido object to be introduced to that person, " he is required to state hisreasons, which the "Introducer" writes down, and which the objector isrequired to read and sign. 

The "Introducer" then proceeds to the strangers' room, and says to theproposed guest, "We find it will not be agreeable to terminate thepresentation to-night, so we reserve it for another day, " which is fixedaccordingly. 

On the following day, the most effective means are taken to test thevalidity of the objections, and it has been found that the few cases ofobjection that have been raised have been almost invariably based onerror, or on exaggerated trifles, which would scarcely bear a moment'sexamination. 

As a record of every one's career is faithfully kept, we have readymeans of making ourselves acquainted with every one's antecedents and, consequently, of testing the validity of the "objections. "

The objections being removed, the stranger is received with a heartywelcome. When conducted into the assembly-room, the person who made theobjections having been pointed out to him, he is addressed asfollows:--"In all this great assembly, this is the only person who urgedanything against you, and we find that all he imagined arose frommisconception [or as the case may be]. This we have taken every pains torectify, and we leave to you to do what may be pleasing to yourself, inorder to convince him still more completely of his error; and you haveour best wishes that unity, harmony, and peace may exist between you. "This done, the newly-received guest is seated between the principalpersonages, and is treated with, if possible, more kindness andconsideration than if no objection had been made. In each class wefollow the same custom, which we find works admirably well. It ispeculiarly adapted to our system. 

THE ATTRACTING-MACHINE. 

I have spoken above of our sympathetic attracting-machine, and I maymention here that by means of certain acids acted on by the sun's rays, a person can be compelled to move even from a great distance towards agiven point in the way willed by the operator. It is, however, necessaryto discover, first; the particular acids that have most affinity withthe person to be attracted. To ascertain these with certainty, there isa little instrument with many separate cells, all communicating by meansof its tube with one little ball, and each containing a different acid. 

Unless some attraction, or power in sympathy with the acids, is appliedto the ball, the acids remain quiescent, each in its separatecompartment. To discover what acids have most attractive force with agiven person, the ball is placed against his breast, whereupon theportions of those acids which have affinity with him rush forth fromtheir respective cells up each tube into the ball, where theyimmediately commingle, forming one compound liquid of unequal componentparts. The scientific man charged with the operation then notes theexact quantities of each of the component acids, and all pertinentparticulars. 

This is an easy process. Each principal acid is weighed before beingplaced in its cell, which is open from the top; and before the ball isremoved from the chest, what remains of each acid is taken out from itscompartment and re-weighed. The difference between the weights, beforeand after the operation, gives the exact weight of each acid, formingone of the component parts of the amalgamated fluid in the ball. 

It is rare that the exact proportions of the same acids are applicableto any two men, though, as in the case of faces, the difference may beso slight as almost to approach identity. In some it is very great; butthe same kinds of acids suffice to ascertain the attractive power ofevery individual. 

The particular sympathetic acids and their proportions having beenascertained, the attracting-machine is prepared and charged with a largequantity of the sympathetic compound, sufficiently powerful to attractthe person selected, although placed at some distance. To be effective, however, the operation must take place while the sun is shining; and itis also necessary that the person directing the machine should exercisea certain amount of will tending towards the end desired. The power ofwill is great, and there are a few persons who can make others docertain things without the aid of the instrument, by the power of willalone; but, in such cases, the person "willing" must be near the personacted on. 

XLIII. 

SHIPS. 

 "Would ye triumph over the seas in all their fury? Would ye spare the lives of those who toil for you? Let your ships he harder than the rocks, swifter than the message-bird, more buoyant than the swan, and as enduring as the Mestua Mountain. "

Our ships are of peculiar form and construction, and of all butexhaustless strength and durability. In ancient times the form of a fishhad been taken as a model for their construction, and the same form wascontinued for centuries. The ships built on this principle, however, often foundered at sea, or were broken to pieces, when driven againstthe rocks, by the violence of tempests. 

Moved by the loss of life and consequent suffering thus occasioned, Isought to construct a vessel that could neither founder nor be broken, at whatever speed it might move. 

I reasoned that a fish, formed to live and to act principally under thewater, was hardly a fit model for ships intended to float on itssurface, and certainly not to sink. 

After much consideration on the part of our scientific men, the form ofthe swan was successfully adopted as best fitted for sea-going ships. 

Our "Swan-ships, " as I may call them, are constructed of timbers, previously seasoned to prevent insect breeding and to resist alltendency to shrink, and are completely covered with the hide of thehippopotamus, which, it should be observed, is impervious to water, and, when prepared for use, is so tough that no knife or machine, howeversharp or powerful, can cut, pierce, or indeed make any impression uponit, until it has passed through a process, in which fire has a greatpart, and is thus purposely deprived of its impenetrable nature. 

In the construction of the ship, the outline of the swan is followed asnearly as possible. The prow rises out of the water, shaped like thebird's neck and head; the keel is rounded like the belly; the stern isan imitation of the tail; the legs are supplied by two large adjuncts inthe shape of webbed feet, with the addition, however, of numerous wheelsfastened round the swan's belly, which are partially immersed in thewater and moved by powerful machinery within the vessel. 

On each side of the swan's body is an auxiliary platform, forming, as itwere, a wing. These platforms are raised in fine weather, and serve asopen-air promenades for the passengers, in addition to another terraceon the swan's back, immediately above. 

The ship has no masts, and is thus available throughout for passengersand merchandise. The apertures between the decking, that admit light andair, can be closed up at a moment's notice, and the vessel, being thusrendered water-tight, will ride through the most violent storm. No rockscan break her, and no sea can swamp her. 

During hurricanes the seas rise so high and in such large masses, that, in descending, they sometimes submerge her; but she is too buoyant tosink, soon regains the surface, and floats on as buoyant as ever. 

The navigation in our world would on your earth be considered verydangerous, if not impracticable. The swan-ship, even when driven by thetempest, must often pass through narrow inlets between dangerous rocks, sometimes _under_ the rocks, through channels scooped out by thesea. The force of the hurricanes and the violence of the seas aretremendous. Your most powerful ships could not live through them, yet noserious accident has ever befallen one of our vessels. On one occasion, when the ship was submerged for a time, the people suffered greatly fromwant of air, as the sea was too terribly rough to allow of any windowbeing opened. After remaining covered by the waters for a length oftime, she righted herself as soon as the violence of the waves hadcalmed. 

On their return to Montalluyah, some of the passengers related to metheir acute sufferings from want of air, and as their narrative affectedme much, I resolved to discover a remedy. 

Telescopic funnels to admit air were suggested by me as a provision forsuch a contingency as I have described. These are so constructed that incase of need they can be sent up to a great height above the surface ofthe sea. The principal one is placed in the head of the swan. Severalexperiments were made with air-pumps in the ship to draw in and diffuseair, and they fully answered this purpose. 

Air can still be admitted through the head and neck of the swan, if thebody only is submerged; but if this also is covered by the sea, thetelescopic funnel is sent up to the required height and a new current ofair is obtained. Light and air are, under ordinary circumstancesadmitted by means of windows made with a transparent composition ofgreat strength. 

The swan's head is reserved for the captain's quarters. His rooms arespacious and well suited to his work; his windows are, some plane, someconcave, some convex, so that he can see both near and distant objects. As the swan's head is high above the body of the swan, the captainoccupies a very commanding position. Outside the head there is a terracefor his use. 

Our ships are very large, that each passenger may have the utmostaccommodation, for we do not like to imprison our people in a narrowspace; and an ordinary vessel holds several hundred passengers, besidesmerchandise. 

To propel our vessels we use electric power, and they move as fast asyour quickest railway trains; but nevertheless can be stopped almostinstantaneously. The wheels outside the body of the swan, set in motionby internal electric machinery, revolve with extraordinary rapidity. Toset the machinery in motion it is necessary to wind up powerful chains, and a strong horse is used for the purpose. One horse is sufficient forthe longest voyage, but four are kept on board in case of accidents. Themachinery could be so constructed that the horse would not be necessary;but for this arrangement much more space would be required. If even allthe horses were disabled--a thing which hitherto has never occurred--themachinery could be kept in motion by manual power and leverage. 

Though the propelling power is great, it can be reversed, moderated, orentirely suspended with the greatest ease. As soon as the ship isstopped, the two large "web-feet" attached to the keel fall down andassist in checking her headway. 

To steer our vessels we use a winch or rudder, which runs from stem tostern underneath the swan's belly, and is connected with a wheel belowthe water. This rudder, which is made of metal and covered withhippopotamus hide, is sharp and slightly rounded. The mode in which itis fixed gives the steersman great control over the vessel, the more soas it moves the swan's head as well as the tail by direct action. 

TIMBER FOR SHIPS. 

Before timber is employed for ships, or indeed for constructions of anykind, it is thoroughly seasoned by being exposed to the sun atparticular hours of the day. Timbers that have passed through thisprocess never shrink or warp. 

In accordance with my directions, wood cannot be used in shipbuildinguntil so prepared that no insects will touch it. 

In certain parts of the bottom of the great ravine is a liquid, theadmixture of refuse of all kinds. After some years this liquid becomesof a golden colour for the depth of about two inches only; beneath, itis of a muddy brown. It was accidentally discovered that the goldenliquor so hardened wood that no insect could make any impression uponit, and no moisture could penetrate the fibres. There is some difficultyin skimming and obtaining the liquid in a pure state; but the operationhaving been performed, it is carefully preserved in large vats andremains ready for use. 

The timber having been thoroughly seasoned in the sun, each plank is cutand shaped to the exact form required, and is then soaked in thisliquid. If the process of cutting were delayed till after the timber hadbeen soaked, the parts where the cuttings had been made would beunprotected from the insects. If the soaking were delayed until afterthe ship had been put together, the four sides of each of the timberswhere it is joined to other timbers, would in like manner beunprotected, and the insects would eat their way between. The careexercised was the more necessary, as it was essential that the woodunder the hippopotamus hide should be preserved from internal as well asexternal influences. If the wood had shrunk after it had been oncecovered, parts of the hide would become slack, and seriousinconveniences would have ensued. I never knew one of our Swan vesselsto spring a leak or to wear out. The vessels built under my rule willexist unimpaired for many centuries, whilst those built under the formersystem were broken to pieces on account of their foulness and leakage, chiefly caused by the ravages of insects. 

THE COMPASS. 

The compass used in our ships is different to yours, being based on thefact that each country has a different attraction to certain liquids. Inshort, we apply an electrical power entirely unknown to you. 

THE ANCHOR. 

The anchor is made of iron-marble, which is the strongest composition wehave, and which, you will recollect, was used in the construction of theMountain Supporter. 

In shape the anchor resembles a body with six legs, like a fly--three oneither side. Each leg has a crook at the end, which will grapple firmlywherever the least hold can be obtained. 

The anchor is let out and hauled in by machinery made on a principleresembling the machinery of the ship itself, but, of course, on a verymuch smaller scale. 

The rope holding the anchor is made of Bisson hair, a very strongmaterial; and although there is little probability of its breaking, there are four other ropes of the same material secured to the body ofthe anchor, to serve in case of accidents. There is no strain whateverin the meantime on these reserved ropes, which hang slack, and wouldonly come taut and into play in case of the principal rope being broken. 

XLIV. 

PICTURES FROM WATER. 

 "The records of your actions are borne in the waters, in the air, in electricity, in the unknown powers that, by the command of Him who made them all, pervade infinite space. His might is everywhere; and the man who transgresses, sins in the presence of myriads of witnesses. "

In my reign some interesting discoveries were made with regard to water. 

From a source situated in the midst of a lovely scene flowed a spring ofremarkably pure quality, some drops of which, taken at a distance, presented, when viewed through a microscope, a true picture of thelandscape close to the source from whence they came. Rocks, trees, shrubs, sky, were there faithfully delineated with their varied formsand colours, together with the resemblances of two persons, lovers, seated on the banks. As we afterwards learned, they had been attractedby the beauty of the scene, had sat for a long time in the same place, and their portrait was, as it were, fixed on the water. 

The electricity of the sun and light had thrown the shadow or picture ofthe scene on the fluid, whose electricity had been sufficiently strongto retain it, and bear it to the spot whence the drops of water had beentaken. This circumstance, and our knowledge that the reflecting power ofthe water is the result in part of its peculiar electricity, led to avery interesting discovery. 

With the assistance of a powerfully attracting electric machine we canproduce, together with the surrounding landscape, the likeness of aperson, or of a group, actually many miles from the machine, if near thewater. The image is received on the reflecting mirror of the machine, and an artist immediately copies outlines and colours. 

With the aid of the attracting machine we have obtained pictures of ourSwan-vessels, though a long way out at sea, with the passengers on thedecks; who, on arriving, have been surprised to find their likenesses, with a similitude of the costume they wore while on board. 

The machine, through the medium of the water, throws its attractingpower many miles out through the sea, and reflects objects back on alarge plate of a kind of ground-glass. The objects reflected are notfixed permanently, but remain on the plate for about an hour and a halfafter the connection with the machine has ceased. During this time anartist traces the picture which it is desired to retain, and fills inthe colours. The reflection thrown is indeed little more than apale-coloured shadow, but we make of it a reality at will. 

Our knowledge of the properties of water enables us, with the aid of anelectric-attracting machine, to see the bottom of the sea. Images of thedeepest parts are thrown upon the mirror, the force of the machine beingincreased according to the depth of the sea, and the distance from themachine. 

Some parts of the bottom of the sea reveal nothing but uninhabited, uneven ground, whilst other parts present the appearance of an inhabitedworld. We have seen the entrances to large caverns with what may becalled doors, and immense moving masses; flowers and parterres of mostdelicate and lovely beauty; varieties of precious stones, formingdevices and figures of different kinds; and large shrubs that glistenedas diamonds in the sun, and thriving and blossoming, seemed replete withlife. In other parts of the sea lie strewn in irregular masses things ofevery description in incredible quantities, heaps upon heaps, as thoughthese parts had at some time been dry land, where riches of everydescription had been congregated. A description of the wonders seenwould fill many volumes. 

XLV. 

THE HIPPOPOTAMUS. 

 "Ye seek Elikoia's life. .. . Ye watch to make sure of your prey, when the boy is alone, his thoughts fixed on high. .. . Ye shall wear hideous forms, ye shall wander on the land, as well as on the water, but nowhere shall ye find rest. Ye shall dread and be dreaded by all; ye shall constantly be put to death, that your hide and carcase at least may serve for useful purposes in the land that ye have denied. .. . Ye shall be slain with no more compunction than when a man cuts down a tree with which to make his hut. " [1]. .. . 

 [Footnote 1: The above belongs to the ancient mythology of Montalluyah. ]

Hippopotami are very numerous in my planet; their breed is encouraged, for they are found to be invaluable. 

They are of a cruel nature, and there is much antipathy between them andhuman beings. Apart from the valuable uses to which they are madesubservient, these beasts are regarded in our planet with a feeling akinto that with which you regard the serpent, it having been supposed inthe early ages of our world that the hippopotamus embodied a portion ofthe spirit of the enemy of mankind. 

THE HIPPOPOTAMUS HIDE. 

The hide of the beast is of remarkable strength and durability, and isimpervious to water; indeed, its toughness is, if possible, increased byimmersion. It is used for a variety of purposes, forming a covering forour vessels, the want of which nothing could supply in our tempestuousand rocky seas. It serves most effectually to insulate and protect ourelectric telegraphs both by land and sea. It resists the most violentusage, and no force, without the application of fire, can break it, forit is so tough, even in an unprepared state, that it can only be severedor penetrated by the application of fire and red-hot penetrating-irons. 

The nearest approach to the hide of the hippopotamus is that of therhinoceros; but this is not so tough or so durable, and it is inferiorin other qualities. 

The value of the hippopotamus is incalculable. Whilst alive, we canextract from him a powerful electricity. When dead, besides theinnumerable purposes to which the hide is applied, his bones, marrow, oil, fat, and, indeed, every part of the carcase, are of great value. 

Some portions of the ugly beast are made subservient to the beautiful, for they are used in the arts to give additional brilliancy to colours. 

The bones, which are susceptible of a beautiful polish like ivory, andare transparent, are used for articles of elegant furniture andornaments of varied beauty. 

At some distance from Montalluyah is a large tract of country, called"Hippopotamus Land, " where there is an abundance of everything that thebeasts like or need, such as sand, moss, nut-trees, and a peculiarplant, which is their favourite food. 

Numerous herds are kept on this land, and also in enclosures, as deerare preserved in your parks. In charge of them are numerous herdsmen orkeepers, who may be compared to so many shepherds looking after thesheep, though the animals they tend are far more valuable. 

From habit, the keepers understand all the ways and movements of theirflock. 

With a view to startle the animals as little as possible, the keepersare clothed in a dress made of hippopotamus-skin, the outside of whichis preserved in its natural state, and it is so arranged that the menmay appear like familiar figures to the mothers and the young, and notexcite their fear. 

It is known in Montalluyah that wild beasts often attack man from fear, lest he should do them harm. 

The skin worn by the keeper is saturated with a solution made from astrong-smelling herb, to which the animals have great antipathy; andeven though they may approach and smell the skin, they soon turn away, without hurting the watcher. 

The beast's antipathy to this herb was discovered by accident. Ithappened that a herd of hippopotami were driven on land where it grewabundantly; they instantly rushed furiously into the water, and, inspite of every effort and stratagem, could not be made to return to theshore. 

Suspecting that this herb was the cause of their contumacy, we took ayoung hippopotamus, and kept him without food till he became quiteravenous. Some of the tender herbs were then brought, but he would nottouch them, and evinced other symptoms of antipathy, while he showed hisravenousness by trying to seize the keeper. He was still kept withoutfood, and the herbs were left within his reach, but he would notapproach them, though, as soon as some of his usual food was brought, hegreedily devoured it. 

These beasts formerly infested the rivers which run through our cities;and a very powerful solution from the herb, which they could scent at aconsiderable distance, was prepared by our chemists. We have great locksat the entrances of our rivers. In these are concave places in which thepreparation is deposited, and the dangerous beasts are thus kept at agreat distance. 

In our world the hippopotami are very fond of freshwater rivers. Thereis a large stream called the Aoe, the waters of which have a peculiarattraction for these beasts, and I have seen it covered with them formiles. 

The waters of this river are very prejudicial to man; perhaps thequalities which make them agreeable to the beast render themantipathetic to man's constitution. 

In their native state, the beasts like the land as much as the water, preferring it indeed during the prevalence of certain winds. I couldtell, by the direction of these, whether few or many of the animalswould come ashore. From my observatory, I have seen thousands together along way off, looking like countless swarms of flies, and all moving ina compact mass, as though they were gregarious to the highest degree. When seen from a short distance, they look like a moving lead-colourbog. I have sent to caution the hunters, for on occasion the large herdsare dangerous. 

HABITS. 

There are times when the hippopotami seek to be invisible; they thenbury themselves in the sand, and not one can be seen. At other times, miles of country are covered with them. 

When the wind is in a particular quarter it causes a remarkable musicalsound in its passage through the hollow rocks, which seems particularlysympathetic to the hippopotami. If, at the time the "musical sound" isheard, the sun shines, they with great rapidity place the young onestogether, running round them as round a central point in a succession ofcircles. They jump and bound, pass and repass each other, and as it weredance with joy, in a state of great excitement continuing theirenergetic gambols all the time the musical sound is heard, until, exhausted with their exertions, they lie down and sleep. 

It is a grand sight to see large herds of hippopotami so joyfullyexcited. They never act thus when stimulated by fear, but stand doggedlyfor some time, as though examining the cause of the disturbance, and assoon as the terror has mastered them they rush away, running at a greatspeed. 

When they pair, they are generally constant to each other, and thefemale usually remains at the side of her mate: but some are capricious, and go about as if seeking other males of the herd. When the female isthus inconstant, her partner, after a time, tries to destroy her and heryoung, though pains are taken to prevent this result. 

To save the female and her young, we have occasionally been obliged tokill the male with arrows steeped in a poison so powerful, that theslightest graze will cause instant death. 

The mother is generally much attached to her young. She buries it in thesand, leaving an aperture through which it may breathe, and she lies atits side. If the temperature changes, or she fancies the calf has notsufficient heat, she will cover the aperture for a time with her head, or some part of her body. She gathers nuts, which the young one likes, and will sometimes wander for miles along the strand of rivers to seek asmall fish, which she kills, and brings back to the spot where the calfhas been left buried in the sand. 

When the young one is sickly, and does not respond to the signs of themother, she fancies the little creature does not like her, and leaves itto die. 

REARING HIPPOPOTAMI. 

In Montalluyah there are large lakes, protected and enclosed by iron-work, where hippopotami are reared. 

These are interspersed with land, on which we deposit large quantitiesof sand and moss. 

We are very successful in rearing the animals, but we take care thatthey should have facilities for following their natural habits. 

I believe you have not been able to rear these beasts in Western Europe. You might do so by observing their habits, and even by attending to afew simple precautions. If you were once successful they would increaserapidly, and you would soon discover their inestimable value. 

This is the course we pursue when the animal is reared in confinedsituations:

As soon as the female has conceived, a quantity of sand and moss isplaced on the ground at the side of the water. This is done without lossof time, that the beast may be accustomed to the sight. Shortly, if leftto herself, she will wallow in the mixture, and as soon as the young oneis born, will place it in the sand, covering it over with moss. 

As already observed, the female, when running wild in a state of nature, lays the young one in the sand as soon as it is born, covering everypart of the body, and then overlaying it with moss. On this account, wetake care to deposit the sand and moss where the animal can easily findthem. 

The beasts are of a very suspicious nature, and if the sand and mosswere not placed near the female until after her young one was born, shewould be afraid of them. 

The mother is treated with great kindness, and is not allowed in any wayto be teased or used harshly. 

The hippopotamus is a very nervous animal, and is besides very viciousand irritable. The female does not easily forget an injury, particularlywhen with young. If in any way used unkindly, the effects of thevexation will endure for a long time after the birth of the young one, which will come into the world in a weakly state, and will not thrive. If it does not soon die, the mother will kill it; for, when ill-treatedeither before or after parturition, the mother is ordinarily impelled todestroy the calf. She is often so nervous, that, when with calf, shecannot bear to be looked at and is then placed apart in an enclosurereserved expressly for the purpose, which is hoarded round, and no onebut the keeper is allowed to approach her. 

In a state of nature, the beast is accustomed to wander over largetracts especially favoured by sun and light; even the water he swims inis warmed by the sun. In the gardens in which you strive to rear thesebeasts, they are kept in dark miserable places, where the water is cold, and which the sun rarely penetrates. You are not kind to themyourselves, and, besides, you allow visitors to tease them. 

These errors alone are sufficient to prevent the mother bringing forth acalf that will thrive. 

In your cold and variable climates you would do well to have an enclosedplace, a kind of conservatory covered over with glass, arranged so as tobe opened in warm weather, particularly when the sun shines, and closedduring the greater part of the winter, at which time the water, in whichthe beasts swim, should be warmed by a genial heat diffused through thebuilding. This plan would be much more profitable than your actual deareconomy. 

If from any cause it is found judicious to separate the mother and theyoung one, care should be taken to effect the separation immediatelyafter the birth, before the natural food has been tasted, or at leastbefore it has become familiar to the young one, and the calf should beplaced where it cannot hear the mother's moaning call. 

Warmed sand and moss should be in readiness, in which to immerse and allbut cover the little one. 

Goat's milk, or other substitutes for the mother's milk, must beadministered whilst quite warm and just drawn from the goat. If allowedto stand, the liquid would injure instead of doing good, and even ifartificially warmed would not be so beneficial as the new milk. 

It is not improbable that the calf will at first refuse the profferedbeverage. The expedients for causing the animal to drink should bedevised so as to avoid all unnecessary annoyance, and if this precautionbe attended to the animal will of its own accord soon drink the warmmilk, and take other proper food. 

The room where the young one is kept should be of an equal warmth bothday and night. In a state of nature the mother obtains this equalizationof the temperature, and protects the young one from the comparativechilliness of the night air by lying across the sand in which she hasplaced the object of her care. 

The removal of the young one from the mother is effected with ease; andas this process is with you accompanied by many inconveniences, besidesbeing very difficult and dangerous, a few hints as to our mode ofproceeding may be of use. 

We have four very long sockets peculiarly formed at their base, so thatthey can be thrust for a long distance into the sandy ground, and theretake the firmest hold. They are placed at certain distances about thespot where the mother lies, and into them are inserted four poles ofgreat strength, so arranged that they stand at the angles of a square orparallelogram, sustaining a framework surmounted by planks sufficientlystrong to support four men in case of need, though sometimes two onlyare required. The men, who are very skilful, are stationed one on eachside of the plank, armed with a large strong net, made of a soft andagreeable material, which, as soon as the young one is born, they letdown very gradually, so as to disturb the mother as little as possible. Should she be annoyed at the appearance of the net, they hold theirhands, keeping it suspended, and as soon as she is appeased and closesher eyes, let it down again, still very slowly, almost imperceptibly, until it has reached the ground, close to where the young one is lying, so contriving that when the little creature moves it will be upon thenet. 

As soon as the young one is fairly on the net, the men apply severallong canes furnished with grappling-hooks, and draw up the netcontaining the young one. While doing this, they throw over the mother amaterial which impedes her movement, and which we call by a name thatmay be freely translated, "Clinging Flannel. " The animal thus encumberedcannot disentangle herself for a few minutes, more than sufficient tosecure the capture of the little one, which, as soon as it has beenraised is let down into a vehicle ready to receive it. The instant thisis done, the driver and all being in readiness, the horses start off atfull gallop, and the calf is secured in a place far out of hearing ofthe mother. 

We can almost invariably tell whether the mother is likely to destroythe young one; and if from this or other causes a separation isnecessary, a similar course is pursued, even when the mother is atlarge. If we had not effective means of driving off the rest of theherd, the difficulty of the operation of removal would be greatlyincreased, for, strange to say, as soon as the calf is born numbers ofhippopotami assemble at certain distances and form a wide circle roundthe spot where the mother and little one are lying. They do notinterfere with or annoy them in any way, but, on the contrary, theystand still, look at them, and utter wild, joyous sounds, as though theywere pleased with the mother and the little visitor. In Montalluyah wecall this "the hippopotamus's visit of congratulation. "

Before I describe the mode adopted when we wish to take one of thehippopotami from the herd, I should first premise that these beasts havethe sense of hearing, acute to the highest degree, and could note eventhe fall of a pin. As, therefore, it is useless to try to approach themby stealth, the keepers approach them openly. 

These men are, however, clothed with a dress which covers every part ofthe body, head and extremities indeed even the face, with the exceptionof the eyes, but which is made of a very pliable material, so that thewearer has free use of his body and limbs. It is saturated with theantipathetic solution, of which I have spoken above. 

There is a three-cornered nut called the "lava-nut, " of which theanimals are very fond, and they will go a long distance in search of it. The keepers are provided with a quantity of these nuts, and the man withwhom the animals are most familiar throws a few to the one selected. Assoon as the animal has tasted them, he advances a few paces. The keeper, throwing more nuts, retires a few paces; and as he continues throwing, the animal advances, the keeper receding and throwing the nuts until hehas attracted the beast for some distance from the herd. 

Near the keeper is a party of men furnished with a low caravan, who, while the animal is engaged eating the nuts, throw large nets over him. He struggles violently--it is, indeed, fearful to behold him; but, inthe meanwhile, a very skilful man approaches, and throws over his head acap or covering of a particular kind of wool, which for the timecompletely blinds him. So utterly is he cowed, that in a few minutes heis quite quiet, and it is surprising to see the difference that a simplecontrivance has effected. The caravan immediately approaches with leversattached to it, by the aid of which the animal is easily put on thecarriage and carried off to the place of his destination. 

It is surprising to see the immediate effect on the animal when the capis taken off. He is for the time quite docile, and as easily managed asa child. 

An animal thus captured is never so wild and vicious as when with theherd, and often becomes comparatively tame. 

On the other hand, the animal increases in cunning, and if again set atliberty, he still remembers how he was once served, and utterlydisregards the nuts with which he may be tempted. 

In our world a plant grows wild, which is much liked by thehippopotamus. It forms a bulb which contains a sort of meal, while thestem contains a juice. In my planet large patches of ground, particularly in the vicinity of rivers, abound with these plants, whichgrow thickly together like wheat, and in long blades. 

The beast eats these plants in the green, the ripe, and the over-ripestates; and as they are thrown up in some places when others have beenexhausted, the herds will pass over large tracts of country to get attheir favourite food. 

The nearest approach to this food in your world would be parched flourmixed with water. It would of course be preferable if the plant itselfcould be found. 

In confined situations, when the young are sickly, we feed them withturnips and new milk boiled together. This compound is with us asovereign remedy, and almost invariably restores them, but cannot besafely administered till the animal is at least a month old. 

XLVI. 

WILD ANIMALS. 

 "The hippopotamus exceeds the mite in size, strength, and usefulness to man far less than do the riches yet concealed in the air, in the earth, in the waters, on the land, exceed those already possessed by Montalluyah. "

I may mention here, that although the hippopotamus is to us the mostvaluable of all the wild animals, nearly all other beasts furnish uswith materials that are turned to account. 

The serpent, and particularly the boa, possesses wondrous properties. Birds of prey, many insects, and, in fact, nearly all that has life, isturned to some use. The living animals generally contain electricity ofmore or less value. 

A large body of professors are kept by the State solely for the purposeof examining the various medicinal and other qualities found in the fat, marrow, oil, bones, and carcases of animals. 

This is the mode of capturing lions, tigers, and many other wild beasts, when it is desirable to take them alive:

The huntsmen selected are men of a fearless, daring nature, and of greataddress and agility. 

A net of iron-work of very large dimensions is taken into the wilds mostfrequented by the beast. This net is placed on the ground and coveredover with leaves and other, materials so as to be concealed from view. 

Close to one extremity of the network a pit is dug, in which is placed ahut large enough to contain two men. The pit is then covered over, though an aperture is left sufficiently large to admit air and to servefor observation and egress from the hut, from the top of which is anopening corresponding to the aperture above. 

In the centre of the net some dead goats have been previously placedwith a stuff of a very savoury odour, which the beast can smell formiles off, and which is so strong that when he approaches, he does notscent the men in the hut. 

The rest of the hunters lie in wait in a secure place. The two concealedin the pit are on the watch, and as soon as the beast has seized thegoat or is fairly within the net, they give the alarm by hoisting a longpole, and the men in ambush slip out, and by a dexterous movement closeall sides of the net, which is constructed with this view, so as to formone large cage. 

The efforts of the animals to break out are useless; they first rageabout in all directions, but the joints of the net are so constructedthat they yield without breaking. 

When it is not desirable to take the animals alive their capture is moreeasy. One mode of killing them is as follows:--A man stations himselfamong the branches of a high tree, near the haunts of the animals, andholds a long pole which hangs downwards, and at the end of this a deadrabbit is fixed, in which, besides a strongly-smelling stuff, is placeda deadly poison. As soon as the wild beast sees the rabbit, he makes adash at the pole, seizes the rabbit, eats it and, the effects of thepoison being instantaneous, falls down almost immediately to expire. 

Dead animals are not allowed to be brought into the city, but are flayedin the country, where are also our manufactories and otherestablishments, in which everything valuable in the carcase of the beastcan be readily utilised. 

Some of our beasts are unlike yours, but the greater number are similar, though in many of these, the nature of the animal may be somewhatdifferent. Tigers, for instance, are in form like those on your wilds, but are not without generosity. Thus, they seldom attack each otherexcept when the females are young, and after a fight, when one of themales has prostrated the other, the victor will lick the wounds of thevanquished in order to heal them. After this the two will be friendly, the vanquished tiger resigning his pretensions without further struggle. 

I will relate to you a "Tiger" incident that occurred in our world, along distance from Montalluyah. 

THE TIGER AND THE CHILD. 

Our hurricanes disturb wild animals, numbers of which approach theoutskirts of the towns bordering on the prairies. People are on thewatch, for sometimes they have entered the habitations. 

A curious incident occurred on the confines of one of these towns. Amother had gone into the next house to fetch something required for herhousehold use, leaving her young child, about three years old, playingon the ground. The door of her cottage was open, and she little knewthat a large tiger was prowling near. The watchers had gone into thefield, and the tiger approached the outskirts of the town, close to thehut where the child was playing, entered through the door, and found thelittle innocent, who, not knowing what danger was, allowed the animal toapproach, and even patted him. The tiger crouched down close to thepillow on which the child had been playing. 

The mother returned, and, to her horror and bewilderment, saw this hugetiger, with her darling child fast asleep, its head resting on the bellyof the animal. She was for a moment paralysed with fear, and was unableto utter a single cry, but, recovering herself, she ran and gave thealarm. No time was lost in communicating with the officials, and verysoon hunters and men skilled in pursuit of wild animals were on thespot; but the comparatively short time that elapsed was to the poormother, who saw the child of her affection, beaming with health, in thepower of the monster. 

The huntsmen viewed the great beast, but they were at a loss what to do;for the chief said, that if they shot him, even in the most vital part, he would most likely, in his death-struggle, kill the child. After someconsultation, they procured a hook, fixed it firmly at the end of a longrod, and then took hold of the child's dress and pulled it by the hookgently towards them. The movement roused the tiger, who caught the rodin his mouth and broke it, as though desirous to retain the child. Thechild woke and cried, but the tiger licked him, and whilst so engagedthe men managed to get partly over him the iron network (used, as I havedescribed, to secure wild beasts), so as to disable him, and to get thechild away. When the beast saw the child removed he uttered a piercinghowl, such as had never been heard before, and, strange to say, thechild was also grieved to leave the tiger, or, to use his own words, the"large beautiful cat. "

The animal having been killed, the skin was dressed and presented to themother of the child. 

THE UNICORN. 

There exists an animal in my planet like your heraldic unicorn. He isvery graceful, but very ferocious, not heeding kindness, whilstharshness increases his ferocity. 

One mode of taming him for a time was discovered--namely, to feed himwith oranges! I saw one who, a few minutes previously had been dashingabout with restless fury, and who, after eating some oranges, lay downquietly, and even licked the hand of the keeper who had fed him with thefruit. 

Particular hurricanes bring swarms of insects, which never come near theunicorn; they seem to have a great antipathy to him. 

XLVII. 

THE SUN. 

THE ELECTRIC STAR-INSTRUMENT. 

 "The infinity of the universe of worlds is but a faint reflection of the Infinite Power that created them. By His will they were called into existence. By His will they, and all that they contain, could be swept away in an instant!"

 "Not even in thought can ye grasp the boundlessness of His works. How then can ye measure the infinite might of their Creator?"

My palace stands on the highest ground in the uppermost city inMontalluyah. It is of circular shape, and has twenty floors and terracesraised one above the other, the circumference of each graduallydiminishing from the lowest to the highest. There are no stairs, in yoursense of the word, but we are raised from one story to the other withease by electric power. Besides the internal communication, there isanother circular tower of considerably smaller dimensions contiguous tothe palace, with each floor of which it communicates by a species oftemporary bridge, so that persons can be moved at once to the floor theydesire to reach, without the necessity of entering the palace by a lowerfloor. This communication can be suspended instantaneously by stoppingthe electric generating power which acts from within the palace, andcommunicates subterraneously with the "Lift" Tower. 

On the highest terrace of the palace, and dominating every part of theupper cities, and many of the other cities of Montalluyah, is erected myObservatory, whence I could observe the various worlds suspended inspace. 

We had for a long time possessed instruments through which we could seemany of the most distant stars, but with none of these was electricpower combined, and their scope was not sufficient to solve certainproblems of great interest. 

Electricity, chemistry, the knowledge of sun electricity and of thesciences generally, had, under my system, made such marvellous stridesas to convince me that an instrument might be made not only to see thestars more plainly, but to view, in some cases, their interior. 

As was my wont on such occasions, I assembled together all the greatelectricians, scientific sun-attractors, mathematicians, oculists, opticians, and the heads of science generally; and, after many years, myown particular Star Instrument was constructed. 

Although this instrument is circular, and has numerous glasses, itdiffers materially from your telescopes. Electrical combinations play animportant part in its operations, and for the minute examination ofdifferent worlds, a different diffusion of electricities is necessary. The variation is regulated not by the distance, but by the difference inthe attracting power of the star, and often, through the peculiar natureof its electricity, greater power is required to view minutely a planetmuch nearer to Montalluyah than is needed for one more distant. 

The secrets revealed to me were so great, that when I first lookedthrough the instrument in all its power I fainted. 

With the aid of the Star Instrument I discovered the constitution of thesun, and of many of the stars and their inhabitants. Numbers of thestars have atmospheres different from that of the earth and Montalluyah. Many are inhabited by beings, of whom some partake of our nature; someare of a nature and consistency entirely different to ours; some canonly give effect to their will through a material medium; some possesscreative powers, and can, by the sole exercise of will, invent the mostlovely forms of beauty, and transmit themselves to immeasurabledistances with the rapidity of thought. 

The superiority of these in power and intelligence over man in hispresent state is far greater than is the superiority of man over theinsect, which can as little understand the human soul as man withunaided powers can comprehend the Beings of whom I have spoken. 

My Star Instrument, however, can only bring to light those Beings who, to a certain extent at least, possess a material form, though of aconsistency as subtle as electricity. But the instrument does notpossess the power of rendering visible those Superior Beings, whom noman in his ordinary state is permitted to see through a material medium. He only can see them even in visions who is blessed with a superiororder of light--light in power and beauty far excelling the concentratedlight known to us--a light like that which was sometimes vouchsafed toyour Holy Prophets! And unless a person be inspired with a portion atleast of that immortal light, the brightness, power, and glory of theseorders of Beings, or their ways, can neither be seen, understood, noreven imagined. 

The discoveries made through the Star Instrument, however, are toonumerous to relate at present. I must limit myself now to little morethan a few particulars relating to the sun. 

THE SUN-OCEAN AND MOUNTAINS. 

The Sun is a mass consisting of an immense ocean, surrounded by burningmountains of fire so huge that it would be difficult to speak of theirextent, each mountain seeming to be a world in immensity!

I could perceive some portion of the mountains at intervals disengagedfrom the fire. The rocks seen between the flames are, with, their variedcolours, magnificent beyond anything that your language can convey;though I have seen similar colours, but of far less intensity, in someof our gorgeous sunsets. 

CONTINENTS. 

In the midst of the Sun-Ocean there is a very large continent, besidesmany of smaller size, which, relatively to the larger, might be calledislands. These continents are separated by seas from the large continentand from each other, and are all thickly populated by beings which, though human, are somewhat differently formed from ordinary man. 

The continents, though immense, are, even in their aggregate mass, smallin comparison with the hugeness of the Sun-Ocean. The nearest is at animmeasurable distance from the mountains; and the ocean is onlynavigable at certain distances from the outer continents. 

HURRICANES. 

From a circle surrounding, but at an immense distance from the mostextreme of the continents, this great Sun-Ocean throws off currents ofwind, terrific in their fury, in the direction of the burning mountains. Your tempest would give but a puny idea of the force of these winds, which indeed exceeds anything known even in my planet, where thehurricanes are terrific. 

The winds are attracted, and their fury is increased, by the extremeheat of the burning mountains. 

The ocean struggles, as it were, to quench the fire, while the firecontends with the ocean, which raises its head, as though threatening tocover the topmost mountains. However, the wind, blowing with redoubledforce, supports the energy of the fire. The power and brilliancy of theburning mass are intensified by reflection in the huge Sun-Ocean. 

There are reparatory powers always at work to supply the waste caused bynever-ceasing combustion. There is, besides, a constant interchange ofelectricities between the ocean and the burning mountains, the upheavingfrom the ocean bed having probably some connection with the reparatorypowers. 

It has been ascertained, I should say, in Montalluyah that fire isproduced by the union of certain electricities with a peculiar gas; andit is believed that these electricities are constantly attracted to themountains, where they maintain combustion, and that when their nature ischanged by the process, they attract other electricities with which theycombine, and the compound electricity assists in replenishing thematerial that attracts the necessary elementary forces to supportcombustion. 

The effect of the burning mountains on the continents in the Sun-Oceanis mitigated by the direction of the winds and other causes, but theheat is nevertheless fiery in its intensity. 

Every planet has an electricity of its own, more or less sympathetic tothe sun, and, consequently, more or less powerful in attracting hisrays. Many planets at a greater distance feel his heat more than othersless remote. There are stars where the sun is not even seen, but where, through the effect of his influence, there is perpetual spring. 

In my planet the sun, even in material form, presents to the naked eyean aspect different to yours. It not only seems to be much larger, butone of its extremities has a globular form, whilst the rest presents theappearance of a large mass ending in three long peaks or indentations. Although so different in appearance, it is the same sun that illuminesyour earth. 

Most of the stars are wholly or partly girded and intersected by seas, which assist in giving them, their luminous and twinkling appearance. Tous your earth has the appearance to the-naked eye of two separatebrilliant stars. 

COMETS. 

Comets are stars where large bodies of the waters have overflowed, rarefied and distended by electrical attractions and repulsions. Theoverflowing of the waters often makes the star visible when it wouldotherwise pass unperceived. 

Some of these overflowings take place periodically; others are theresult of what may be called accident. It is probable that your world, at the Flood, appeared like a comet to the inhabitants of otherterrestrial stars where, till then, it had been invisible. 

There are huge masses of water in space corresponding to the expressionof "the waters which are above the firmament, " and many of these massesof water appear like stars when seen from our planet. 

 * * * * *

The great Star Instrument had brought to my view the palpable featuresof the Sun and the other planets. By means, not unlike those to whichyou are indebted for these communications, I acquired the knowledge ofother facts which from their nature are not within the immediate scopeof the instrument, but which were often confirmed by and served toexplain many facts which the instrument itself had revealed. I used forgood ends the knowledge thus vouchsafed me, and was from time to timerewarded with further revelations rich with hints which greatly aided mein perfecting the measures I had initiated for the REGENERATION of theWORLD entrusted to my charge. 

THE END. 

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LONDON: PRINTED BY WILLIAM CLOWES AND SONS, STAMFORD STREET, AND CHARING CROSS.