De L'Ester—Good-morning, Gentola̤. Our satisfaction over the departure of your early visitor quite equals your own. You have forgotten to lower the shades over the south window, and soon the sun will be shining through the blinds. Sit in the armchair, it is more restful than this armless one. Now, render yourself passive. That is well. As we are late, we will swiftly and directly pass to the country of the Soûvanallo.
Yes, that is Giant's dwelling and we now are moving directly southward. From this low altitude we have a fine view of the country, and we desire that you shall speak of whatever may to you appear noticeable.
Gentola—In all directions there are extensive plains, with here and there forests heavily timbered with enormously large trees and undergrowths of shrubbery. Toward the west are numbers of small lakes or, perhaps, they may be reservoirs connecting with each other through channels on which are small boats passing to and fro. Far eastward is a river, flowing southward, and it is the only flowing water within range of my vision. The entire region is dotted with residences and other structures. Some are very like the one occupied by Giant and his family, others are more pretentious and picturesque and all are surrounded by orchards, gardens and cultivated fields, in which are many men busily engaged. I see, too,
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 immense herds of grazing animals which are quite unlike any you yet have shown me.
De L'Ester—George, we will alight near the herds toward our left, and you, Gentola̤, will describe the creatures.
Gentola—What gentle looking, pretty animals they are. They are twice as large as our domestic sheep, and from their heads to the tips of their short tails they are covered with a close growth of long waved, silken wool. Some herds are white, some brown, others of a light reddish, brown, and their hornless heads, large pointed, erect ears, and large wide open eyes, give them such a surprised expression that it really is amusing. Even to their cloven hoofs, they resemble, but are handsomer animals than sheep.
De L'Ester—Your description is accurate. Yes, the creatures, naturally, are hornless; that is why they are known as the Angossa. Having already informed you as to their uses, we will not devote further time to them. Those bodies of water are, for the most part, reservoirs for the retention of the spring over-flow of the river you have seen in the distance. Indeed, all are reservoirs, though formerly some of them were diminutive lakes which have been enlarged. Along the entire length of the river at intervals its banks are pierced by channels through which its surplusage is conveyed into reservoirs to be used for irrigation and other purposes. Inidora̤ informs us that previous to his father's visit to these people their methods of irrigation were very imperfect, but quickly they were taught a better system.
Apart from general irrigation, which is a necessary process on this leveled planet, you have been informed that there is what is termed the Irrigating and Waterways System; as we journey toward the equator we will cross the northern half of this System, which is about 1,400
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 miles wide, and at present nearly 5,000 in length. The central waterways traverse the equatorial and temperate regions, and in time the system will, through connections with natural water divisions, encircle the entire Planet. During the time allotted to our mission it will not be practicable to visit the entire planet, so only such portions and features of it as may best subserve our purpose will be shown you.
Throughout the north and south temperate regions the lands, wherever practicable, are cultivated, and densely populated by highly civilized and cultured people. Further northward and southward, even within the frigid zones, and under most unpromising conditions, the lands are well occupied by educated and refined races, who, possessing a knowledge of natural forces, do not so much accommodate themselves to their environments as that they, to a degree, oblige their environments to yield to their requirements. They are not at all nomads, but the vicissitudes and exigencies of many centuries of warfare with nature's pitiless and at times unconquerable forces has developed in them a migratory tendency, hence during the long winter season, through the agency of air and other transportation, they in large numbers flit to other climes, returning in the spring to their homes and occupations. These races are most interesting and some time you shall visit them.
We now will move southward. The plateau over which we now are passing is the southern boundary of Esvenemo, and a vestige of a once great mountain chain extending in a southwesterly direction and forming the northern boundary of Indoloisa̤, which is one of Ento's largest salt seas. Is not this a beautiful country? Certainly you have seen nothing surpassing it.
Gentola—Truly, I have not, and I wish that I may be able to retain a memory of the wonderfully beautiful
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 land which seems a very paradise. There are fields cultivated like gardens, and gardens amid which are fountains and statuary, and there are groves and groups of gigantic trees. The finest, I think, are those great Bûda̤s trees, whose feathery foliage is ever in tremulous motion. There are reservoirs like miniature lakes, and all are bordered by small, pretty structures, with statuary, trees, shrubbery and blooming plants, and all are surrounded by wide paved roadways, over which people in motor vehicles or on foot are passing, and overhead air transports, like huge humming birds, are rushing in all directions. What an amazing, bewildering scene! I cannot conceive of even spirit realms being lovelier than this enchanting view.
De L'Ester—Of its kind it is very attractive; but you will be shown other views much finer. You have mentioned the tremulous motion of the foliage of Bûda̤s trees. They are so named because of the tremulousness of their leaves.
We now will move slowly onward. As you perceive, the scenes vary, but everywhere are indications of high intelligence, luxury and refined tastes. George, again we will pause for a little. What do you now see?
Gentola—What do I see? I cannot say. The scene is so unlike anything I ever have beheld that I cannot even attempt to describe it.
De L'Ester—We have reached the northern limit of the Irrigating and Waterways System, and are 700 miles from the equator. Within the limits of this system, the civilization of Ento manifests its highest expression in sciences, arts, literature, mechanics and all that constitutes a very advanced social condition. As we move onward we perceive two parallel waterways running diagonally across the equator, and they at greater or lesser intervals are intersected by smaller, but navigable, waterways. Those lofty structures are the stations containing the
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 machinery through which the waterways and irrigating system is controlled. To such perfection has hydraulic and civil engineering been brought, and so adequate are the receiving reservoirs that little if any difficulty is experienced in regulating the water supply of Ento.
As we already have intimated, owing to Ento's excessively humid atmosphere and rather high temperature, as spring approaches and advances, the vast accumulations of ice and snow at the North Pole, and throughout the Arctic, Antarctic, frigid and temperate regions, melt with phenomenal rapidity, and water courses, lakes, rivers, canals, and waterways are filled to overflowing. Were it not that the soil to a great depth is as porous and absorbent as a sponge, even Ento's advanced methods would inadequately cope with its annual floods. The generally cloudless skies might lead you to suppose that necessarily rains must be of rare occurrence; quite the contrary, throughout the irrigated equatorial belt and temperate regions you will have occasion to observe sudden, frequent, heavy showers, but the porous soil so quickly absorbs them that they serve merely as additions to irrigation.
Previous to the introduction of the Irrigating and Waterways System, the entire equatorial regions largely were arid and unproductive; but as the great and beneficent work progressed, and the soil was supplied with life giving streams, vegetation was quickened into immediate growth, and gradually the then very infrequent rains came to be of common occurrence, and the lands of the progressing System prolific to a high degree.
Inidora̤ now will speak of matters which I doubt not will be interesting to all.
Inidora—Ere I attempt to continue the conversation I propose that we shall pass directly to the height overlooking
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 the City Camarissa̤. With your approval, friends, I will lead the way.
Ah, here is a pretty vine covered arbor, in which we may rest while I shall endeavor to entertain you. The imposing edifice so grandly crowning this portion of the height marks the site of Genessano's and my ancestral home, of which at another time I may further speak. As an introduction to other themes I shall presume to speak of matters relating to personal history. This eminence was in a remote age, a lofty spur of the mountain range, a vestige of which we crossed on our journey hither, and for centuries its levelled summit was beautified by the residences of the governors of this Province of Ondû, and by other structures quite as admirable. After the death of our parents, my brother and I resolved to carry into execution a work contemplated by them, and left to us as a sacred trust. In pursuance of this resolve we decided that our home which had sheltered so many generations of our kindred should be demolished, and the height lowered to afford a suitable site for an institution which should be of lasting benefit to many generations of Ento's sons and daughters, and a fitting monument to perpetuate the memory of our beloved parents. We lived to see our work only well begun; but in yonder stately edifice we find our plans and desires embodied. It is an institution devoted to science, art, and other educational purposes of a most comprehensive nature, and is what our parents contemplated that it should be, the best equipped and richly endowed Galaresa̤ of Ento.
After the death of his father, our father became hereditary governor of this Province of Ondû, and it was he who conceived and carried into execution the plan of the Irrigating System. The Waterways were an afterthought, the result indeed of obvious necessity. You will make a distinction between the Irrigating and Waterways System,
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 and the imperfect methods of irrigation, which for many centuries previous to its introduction prevailed over a large portion of the arable lands of Ento, and which, owing to adverse conditions ever were unsatisfactory. The new and improved method revolutionized the old practices, and our father lived to witness the successful inception and assured progress of an undertaking which promised perpetual prosperity to the children of Ento, then with a mind at peace with himself and all men, he followed our dear mother, the Lady Camarissa̤, into our world of spirits.
The great and beautiful city covering the slope, and spreading far eastward, northward and southward, is named Camarissa̤, in honor and memory of our mother. It is at the head of what is termed the Great Central Waterway, and as you perceive it is intersected by canals, on which small boats carrying passengers, or laden with various wares, pass to all parts of the city. Over intersections of the canals are light, beautifully constructed bridges, affording passageways for pedestrians and vehicles of various kinds.
Yonder huge vessel coming into view is one of many coming or going on the Central Waterway. Electricity is the motive power urging it swiftly forward. Our friends inform me that on your planet, electrical appliances are only coming into general use. On Ento, during many centuries of our time this force has been so well understood that aside from vibratory and atmospheric forces it has, as a motive power, nearly superseded all other applied energies. Now the vessel approaches the calloisa̤ (landing) and draws alongside. While the busy crew attend to their duties the numerous passengers disembark and greetings and embraces are exchanged with friends awaiting them.
Now a number of men, women and children also are dis
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embarking and under guidance of an official of the Galaresa̤ they are coming this way. It is apparent that they all are natives of a Southland town, known as Kyfû. They will attend courses of special instruction in the Galaresa̤, and, when qualified, will return to their own people to serve as teachers in industrial and other vocations. This is a custom which has long existed on Ento. You perceive, Gentola̤, that they are fair skinned, blue or brown eyed, brown haired, of medium height and of a more vivacious manner than are our darker complexioned peoples. Yes, they will reside in the Galaresa̤ until sufficiently educated to assume the duties of instructors. What did I mean by medium height? Why, that they are not so tall as are Genessano and myself, whose altitude is above seven English feet.
Looking downward over this terraced slope, with its many statues, fountains, and stately and beautifully picturesque dwellings, embowered amid trees and flower laden vines, it is difficult to realize that once near this spot was our home. All is changed, but, as the improvement is as great as the change, my brother and I experience no regret. At the time of our passing into our spirit world this beautiful city was scarcely a promise of what it long has been, one of Ento's finest and most populous cities.
The imposing structures crowning the height to the north and south are devoted to educational and beneficent purposes, and all, in their several ways, are very admirable, but through personal reasons my brother and I are more interested in yonder Galarēsa̤ than in other institutions, and we feel assured that within its walls we all shall find much that will be pleasing and instructive. If it may please you, friends, we will turn our steps in that direction.
Nowhere on Ento is there a more beautiful or imposing
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 edifice than is this great Galarēsa̤. The grand flights of steps leading up to the spacious porticos, with their golden domed roofs, supported by many lofty, massive, flower crowned columns, present a most harmonious and pleasing effect. The group surmounting the roof of the central portico represents the forms of eminent Entoans. In the admirable statue at the front of the portico is a faithful representation of our father Genessano Allis Immo, as he appeared during the middle years of his mortal existence. He was, and is a man of noble and gracious mien, with features as harmoniously beautiful as a musical chord, and though of unusually lofty stature, he is so finely molded as to leave nothing further to be desired. As you may perceive my brother Genessano closely resembles our father, and in spirit they are two entities, with one thought. Nay, my brother, I do not overrate you, for like our father you are an embodiment of all the virtues and graces.
This Galarēsa̤, having been built nearly four Ento centuries ago, its architecture is unlike that of the more modern style of some of the structures to the north and south, but to my taste it compares more than favorably with either of them. The rotunda, which we now are entering, De L'Ester will be good enough to describe.
De L'Ester—From foundation to apex its height is quite two hundred feet, its diameter little less than half its height. Looking upward we perceive that the upper portion, including the domed roof, is filled in with glass of a soft opalescent tint, through which the sun's rays fall with a pleasing radiance. As we cannot avail ourselves of the lifting apparatus we will, like mortals, try the experience of ascending the staircase, which winds and climbs upward around the walls to the landings, opening into balconies, until this topmost one is reached, and as it encircles the dome it affords a comprehensive view of the
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 landscape. Yes, the view is really fine. Far westward and southward extends the waters of yonder inland sea, which is but little less than the largest salt sea of Ento. So tranquil are its waters that scarcely a ripple disturbs its sparkling surface. What a number of small boats are gliding hither and thither. Some of the occupants appear to be on pleasure bent, and the western breeze bears to us musical notes of stringed instruments.
The great vessels coming, going or lying by the piers, extending far outward from the eastern shore, are of the same class as those traversing the waterways and large bodies of water with which they connect. They are most scientifically and stanchly built, and as on Ento's waters dangerous gales seldom occur, and their motive power is electric, they rarely are exposed to the destructive forces of storms, or of fire. Then, too, Ento's ethereal signal system is so perfect that collisions never occur. Indeed, by the Entoans accidents are regarded as little less than crimes. Life is considered so sacred, and death so deplorable that all possible precautions are taken to preserve the one, and ward off the other. Inidora̤, you will kindly resume.
Inidora—Genessano and I remember seeing the same kind of vessels plying between this and other ports. At that time Indoloisa̤'s eastern shore was further away, and with surprise we note how its waters have encroached upon the land. I am informed that in your tongue Indoloisa̤ would be quiet or tranquil water. Compared with other large bodies of water it is tranquil, yet I have seen it very tempestuous indeed. Yonder massive sea wall is being constructed for the purpose of arresting its aggressive waters, which have bitten deeply into its eastern and northern shores. De L'Ester says that some of your astronomers have decided that the surface of Ento is about
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 equally divided between land and water. In a sense, this is true, but its natural divisions of water fall far short of occupying one-half of its surface. Considered as a whole, the made areas fully equal one-third of the natural water areas of our planet. At other times we may call your attention to this matter, so for the present we will pass it by.
Indoloisa̤ is a very salt body of water, but during the season of floods its volume being enormously increased, it, of course, is less so. Were it a fresh water sea long ago the plateau would have been pierced to form a connection between it and the Central Waterway. As it is, it is included in the System, interchange of transportation being as you perceive, effected by means of both air transportation and soitzēna̤ (tramways). We now will descend, but before proceeding further De L'Ester has something to say to you.
De L'Ester—I indeed have something to say to you, and am somewhat at a loss how to word it. From time to time we have intimated to you that our purpose in bringing you to Ento, is that we may use you as an instrument through whom we hope to accomplish a certain mission, trusting that its gradual unfoldment might induce in you a willing acquiescence with our desires until now we have deferred acquainting you with our entire purposes. Be assured, Gentola̤, that your personal safety and welfare is to us as sacred as is our mission, and we pray you to trust yourself unreservedly to our care and guidance.
Gentola—I confess that you startle me, but as I already have said, it is my nature to trust all, or not at all, and I hope that the success of this mission may be as unbounded as is my faith in you all.
De L'Ester—Then understand that in the lecture hall we now are entering an important step is to be taken,
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 and now we will attempt it. On yonder slightly raised platform are several scholarly, dignified, fine looking professors, one of whom has just ceased addressing the youths and maidens about the hall. With their spiritual and mental states we have made ourselves acquainted, and we know that three of those youths are highly sensitive. As a subject for our first experiment we have chosen the handsome, grave looking youth, clothed in dark blue. Remain where you are, we will approach and address him. You perceive that he is not aware of our presence. Now you, who are not so etherealized as ourselves, will stand by his side, repeating to him what I shall say to you.
Gentola—Commista̤ estandû, Ento lisson?
De L'Ester—He starts, looks about him in great surprise, and involuntarily replies, "Rēvol antissa̤, Ento ēmana̤." Professors and students stare at him inquiringly.
Gentola—Indoloisa̤, esto a̤ fondû, comprano gardo, ēvon non ista paro mano. Ga̤-fon vos tran ista̤ Gandûlana̤. Gandûlanos inos esta̤ companista̤ rēmondû. Illo ēmano, Illo.
De L'Ester—Trembling and amazed he springs to his feet, crying, "Who speaks to me? Who speaks to me?" This youth, Lēta Verronadas, is both clairvoyant and clairaudient, but cannot yet perceive wholly freed spirits. Neither does he quite clearly perceive you, but he is developing rapidly, and soon will both see and hear in a manner that will greatly surprise himself and others. You wish to know what you said to him, and the sense of his replies? You asked, "How are you, Ento lad?" He replied, "Very well, Ento friend." You remarked, "Indoloisa̤ oversteps its bounds. Like some huge serpent it stealthily crawls onward. Serpents are treacherous. Remember, friend, remember."
The commotion is disturbing conditions. Quickly ap
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proach the student clothed in purple. He is Dano Andûlēsa, son of Prince Basto Andûlēsa, and is destined to be one of the chief instruments for the spiritual enlightenment of Ento's sorrowful peoples. He is so highly sensitive that already he perceives your presence, and glances about in an inquiring and perplexed manner. Touch his head with the tips of your fingers. Now he sees you, and oblivious of his surroundings, he tremblingly exclaims: "Emana ûtsa̤ istan ta̤ ûfan val? Efon foistû lana̤ ēdosa̤."
Gentola—Emano, Ento nouista̤ mûa̤ vilo. Efon para̤ nos oirandû lûtza kiafû zētos antista.
De L'Ester—Confusion reigns. The professors imagine that Lēta and Dano have been attacked by sudden illness, and with much solicitude they question the youths, who are greatly agitated, and who are gently advised to walk in the open air until they regain composure. What did Dano say? He asked, "From whence come you, friend?" Then he regarded you very earnestly, and remarked, "I do not recognize you." You replied, "Friend, Ento is not my home, I am of another world than this." Later on, Gentola̤, you and these youths will know each other better, for both Lēta and Dano are instruments chosen to assist in the accomplishment of our mission, and the result of this experiment gives us assurance of a degree of success we scarcely have dared to anticipate. At present conditions are too disturbed to attempt further experiments.
Observe this large assemblage of students, for they fairly represent the various races of Ento. Sitting somewhat apart from the others, and near yonder great vase of flowers, there is a golden-haired, blue-eyed, fair-skinned son of a race dwelling in a Northland, known as Quend. His name is Favēon Myssonda, and he also is both clair
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voyant and clairaudient. The average stature of the Quends is a trifle less than that of the darker races of Ento. They are a very symmetrically formed and handsome race, and they excel in intellectual and artistic pursuits. Their women are exceedingly gracious and graceful, and are known as Rudēvos Quenda̤a̤. (Beautiful Quend women.)
As far back as their history can be traced, this race has guarded its purity of lineage, permitting no intermarriage with other races. Genessano has related to us a characteristic event which occurred during his mortal existence. Adjoining Quend Province on the east is the province named Zandû. The Zandûs are also a fair-skinned race, who for many centuries have been noted as manufacturers of rich textile fabrics. A Quend woman, and a Zandû gentleman, both persons of distinction, loved and desired to wed. This the Quend custom utterly forbade. In this strait the lovers appealed to the Supreme Ruler, Tyvon Oiranza̤, but it was not within his province to interfere in a domestic affair. Being more ardent than prudent, the lovers resolved to defy consequences, and the lady fled with, and wedded the man of her choice. The Quends demanded her restoration to her own family. This the Zandûs refused, and a bitter strife ensued, during which the husband and some others were killed, or injured, and the lady was recovered and consigned to perpetual seclusion. This affair put an end to exploits of this nature, and up to this time the Quends remain an unmixed race.
Dano and Lēta are returning, but their nervous, disturbed manner indicates that they have not quite regained composure. It is not desirable that they shall still sense our presence, so we will draw further away from them.
To all Entoans this is a memorable day, for it is the
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 anniversary of the birth of one of the most noted personages of comparatively modern times, and as it will be observed by all connected with the Galarēsa̤ you will be afforded the privilege of seeing male and female representatives of the various races of Ento. The great hall is filling to repletion with youths, maidens and their relatives and friends, and professors and teachers are crowding the spacious rostrum. One of the professors is about to address the quiet, attentive assemblage. You also will be attentive, while to the best of my ability I shall attempt to translate into your language, what he may say.
Professor—Children of the Supreme One, through whose will you and all things have come into existence, it is my privilege and my pleasure to address you this day upon a theme ever dear to the hearts of the children of Ento. You are of various races, and your diverse surroundings have to a degree engendered in your minds a diversity of ideas, still, I doubt not that all present yield ready obedience to the will of Andûmana̤, whose laws control all things. Although our Holy Religion permits a certain freedom of thought and action, it is of paramount importance that the unformed minds of our youths and maidens shall be trained to think and act aright. To this end all instruction should tend, and all examples of right living should serve as incentives for righteous endeavor.
In the beginning it pleased Andûmana̤ that his children should be unlearned, beyond what might be necessary for self preservation and for their happiness, well knowing that knowledge acquired through laborious and painful experiences would be to them as valued treasures earned at great cost. Since remotest times these treasures have been accumulating, until now, we, who are the inheritors of all the past, are rich, not only in knowl
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edge, but in memories of noble deeds of great and admirable men and women. On this commemorative occasion I shall attempt to repeat the story of one whose name ever will be set above and apart from all other names. It is the story of one whose deeds ever will call forth the loving homage due to an illustrious benefactor of Ento's children. It is the story of one of the greatest men of any time. To him not only do we owe the prosperity of our beautiful lands, but to Genessano Allis Immo and his most admirable wife, the Lady Camarissa̤, we also owe our love and gratitude for the creation of this, the greatest of Ento's institutions. True, ere even its foundations were laid, they were in the voiceless silence, but it was through their wise and generous munificence that means were provided wherewith their two sons, Inidora̤ and Genessano, might carry into effect their wishes, thus perpetuating the memory of their beloved parents and conferring upon the children of Ento an inestimable benefit.
Genessano Allis Immo's greatest achievement, which, as I have said, will set him above and apart from the renowned ones of the past, present and future, was his conception and execution of the Irrigating and Waterways System. It is a subject of history that many Ryzo-enteva̤a̤ (centuries) preceding the period in which Genessano Allis Immo's father, Apsidon Genessano Allis Immo, was governor of this province, Ondû (which then, as now, extended from the western shore of Indoloisa̤ to the eastern shore of Gandûlana̤ Loisa̤ and northward and southward from Bascama̤ Loisa̤ to Ta̤imon), not only this province, but the provinces of the entire central regions had, through the action of natural forces, grown more and more arid and unproductive, and that gradually, in despair of a betterment of their condition, multitudes had deserted homes and country for more hospitable regions. Eventually it
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 became lamentably apparent that if the lands could not in some way be retrieved, at no very distant time the central regions must become entirely depopulated. The peoples who still tenaciously clung to homes and country, having, through no fault of their own, grown impoverished and unable to longer passively silently endure the hopeless situation, became not only discontented but to an extent rebellious against the ruling powers, ascribing to them lack of wisdom as well as lack of interest in the general welfare. At this critical juncture Apsidon Genessano Allis Immo passed into the silence, and his son Genessano Allis Immo became hereditary governor of Ondû.
At the very outset of his official career, two grave matters confronted him. Gradually, during the past centuries in Indoloisa̤'s basin had been deposited the disintegrated substances of the lessening mountain range and the wreckage of other parts carried into it by the annual floods. As its bed raised, its waters encroached upon the lands to the west and south and Genessano Allis Immo realized that this disastrous and alarming condition must be remedied. The other and more momentous matter was the ever increasing aridity of the lands of the central regions. Genessano, the wise one, rose equal to these perplexing conditions. Hastening to the capitol, he conferred with the supreme ruler, Tyvon Oiranza, and his Council of State, who, being impressed not only with the necessity for immediate and vigorous action, but by his comprehensive grasp of the very serious situation, at once issued a proclamation to the Rûha̤s (governors) of all the provinces, eminent engineers and other learned ones to imm............