Bernard—Good-morning, mother, dear.
Gentola—Good-morning, my son, a thousand kisses for my dear boy.
De L'Ester—We, too, greet you, and regret that mentally you are so disturbed. Pray console yourself; affairs seldom go so awry that they cannot be righted. Soon yours will be so adjusted that you will not be subjected to interruptions, which are harmful to you and vexatious to us. Your west window is not sufficiently shaded. Be pleased to arrange it. Now try to tranquillize yourself. Join with us in Invocation to the One who is the Spirit of Harmony; thus we also will grow harmonious.
Infinite, Divine Intelligence of the Universe, we, the children of Thy Love, aspire to grow into a more conscious realization that we are, because that Thou art. As step by step, we strive to climb the ever ascending heights of progress, Thou art our support. When, through our weakness and lack of wisdom we go astray, Thou leadest us into straight paths. Ever are we reaching toward Thee, who art our Father and our Mother, and Thou givest Thy Angels charge concerning us. So will it ever be, and lovingly we adore Thee, in Whom ever we will abide. Amen, amen.
George, we are ready. Nay, dear lad, you will require all your strength, for we are late and must journey quickly, but you shall remain by your mother's side. Gen
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tola̤, previous to these visits to Ento you could not have conceived an idea of the rapidity with which we are traversing space.
Gentola—No, and I cannot yet realize it. We must be moving with the velocity of lightning, still I perceive but a slight sensation of motion. It seems as though we are nearly stationary, while space glides away from us. As I grow accustomed to this sensation, I, too, at times lose consciousness of time and space.
De L'Ester—To fully freed spirits this sensation is even less emphasized. This leads me to mention that, upon becoming wholly freed, Spirits, as a rule, are not for a time able to recall vivid memories of their mortal existence. Upon attempting to manifest through some Sensitive almost invariably they are asked, "What is your name? Where did you live? When did you die?" The Spirit endeavors to place himself or herself en rapport with physical conditions involving time and space, and becomes too bewildered to give a correct reply. Should some other Spirit be present, as is usual, the bewildered one may be instructed as to how to make a proper statement. Those who have made a study of the spiritual philosophy and phenomena possess some understanding of the process of communication between the two worlds, and though both their premises and conclusions may be faulty, such knowledge as they may have acquired will, when they exchange the physical for the spiritual, serve them well. Not only will it prepare them for the surprises in store for them, but also for a more intelligent and intelligible return into the conditions of their mortal existence.
Gently, gently George, we must not forget that neither your sister or Bernard are as strong as some time they will be.
There are our friends awaiting us. Lohaû, ēmentos.
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 Ah, Zenesta̤, you are ever punctual, and you, Humboldt and Bruno, shame us for our late arrival. It seems very ungallant to say that Gentola̤ belated us.
Gentola—Nevertheless it is true, and I beg your indulgence. I am learning that things temporal are likely to conflict with things spiritual, and this morning I have had an unpleasant demonstration of the fact. However, I believe that it was less my fault than my misfortune to be unprepared at the appointed time.
De L'Ester—As we, the jury, are in possession of the facts, we unanimously pronounce you not guilty, and now we will proceed to the department we visited yesterday. Here is the venerable antiquary still patiently poring over the story of the Da̤-Hûlos.
Zenesta—I sympathize with the earnest, gentle looking man, for I recall having passed many days and sleepless nights in similar undertakings. For many minds there is a peculiar fascination in striving to translate an unknown language. I well remember what delight it once afforded me, and the charm of it yet clings to me. But here is our geologist who will afford you further instruction in relation to these gems.
Hugh Miller—Madame, we first will observe this magnificent collection of sapphires which are so varied in their hues, so large and beautifully cut that they challenge our highest admiration.
Gentola—They are indeed wonderfully beautiful gems. It is a delight to only look at them. You say that oriental rubies are a species of sapphire. Why, I supposed that all sapphires were blue. And this, you say, is an oriental amethyst, which also is of the sapphire family. I fear that you think me, as indeed I am, very ignorant in this direction.
Hugh Miller—My dear madame, we do not expect you
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 to be learned as to the varieties or qualities of these collections of gems; I am only concerned in instructing you for a purpose. The blue varieties are the true sapphires, as they alone possess both quality and color. They bear to both the oriental amethyst and ruby the same relation that the true white diamond bears to stones off color.
Gentola—Pardon me if I am interrupting you. Here is a gem—that one resting on the white cushion—that is so large, so radiantly beautiful, that one can imagine it of Celestial origin. Is it not a true sapphire? Yes? Ah, I thought so; it possesses such a living radiance. Since I have learned that gems are both Spirit and matter, I shall admire them all the more. How very lovely those rainbow-hued gems are; are they not opals?
Hugh Miller—Yes, they are opals, in whose depths the Spirit of the gem glows like fire. Some persons regard these gems as uncanny. Some time I will tell you something uncanny concerning them. No, not now; it would be unwise. A sober-minded scientist would declare that it is through the arrangement of the silicious matter largely composing these gems that the iridescent effects are produced. Such an assertion would be but part of a fact. Spirit is infinite in its modes of expression, and were it withdrawn from those gems, bits of flint would be quite as valuable as those glowing, scintillating jewels, which are lovely enough to adorn the Crown of an Empress. Now, madame, what do you suppose these green gems are? Emeralds? No, they are beryls; and these are aqua marines; they are of the same family, the aqua marines being the transparent variety. Yes, both are pretty stones. In this adjoining compartment is an admirable collection of—but perhaps you know what they are.
Gentola—From their color I should think that they are topazes. I do not greatly admire yellow jewels.
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Hugh Miller—Do not make the mistake of thinking that all topazes are yellow, for there are other colors of the same gem, but the pellucid yellow stone is considered the most desirable variety. These are garnets, and are fine specimens of the stone. Here are deep red ones holding in their hearts imprisoned flames and yellow stones like bits of sunshine. And here are green, brown and black varieties, all more or less attractive and useful for various purposes. The next compartment contains carbuncles and some of them are beautiful enough to grace a coronet. Yes, there is a resemblance between the carbuncle and the red garnet, but their qualities are dissimilar.
You have been shown this collection of jewels as a demonstration of their existence on this planet, and be assured that the Entoans, like our Earth peoples, regard them with high favor. For lack of time we cannot critically examine this wonderfully fine and comprehensive collection of stones and minerals, whose exact counterparts are portions of Earth's treasures.
You express surprise that this enormously valuable collection is not better protected against evil-minded persons. Perhaps Inidora̤ or Genessano may enlighten us as to that and other features pertaining to this department.
Inidora—Previous to the death of our father, he made known to my brother and me that he possessed a large and valuable collection of jewels which were the accumulations of generations of both his and our mother's ancestry, and that some of them, through certain associations, were especially prized. The ruby which Gentola̤ held in her palm belonged to our dear mother, who received it as a bridal gift from her mother, and it was worn sometimes on the arm or bosom, but generally as a brow ornament. Our maternal grandparents possessed a remarkably fine collection of gems, which, at their death, our dear
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 mother, who was their only child, inherited, and as with our father gem collecting was a passion, and as he also had inherited many rarely fine gems, it came about that at his death my brother and I found ourselves possessed of these joint accumulations of Ento's most beautiful and valuable jewels. As neither my brother or I desired to marry, we entered into an agreement concerning them that was mutually satisfactory.
I need not more than refer to the desires and plans of our parents to found at Camarissa̤ a great Galarēsa̤ which should be of lasting benefit to the children of Ento. But I may say that our minds were as one in our desire to carry out their wishes, and that we might speedily accomplish our purpose, we resolved that our vast inheritance should be devoted to accomplishing the object so near our hearts. As we were young and inexperienced, we counselled with our Supreme Ruler, Tyvon Oiranza̤, who was a man of most generous views, and he encouraged and aided us in various ways. So with the enthusiasm of youth and with ample means at our command, we began to prepare for the inception of our work, and soon, to our boundless joy, we saw our cherished plans taking form. As the massive walls began to rise, our hearts were filled with exultation and as the great structure assumed proportions and the various outer departments began to environ it, we grew so excited, so absorbed, that we scarcely ate or slept. Day and night we counselled together and planned for the glory and usefulness of the Institution which for all time should stand as a reminder of our honored and adored parents. As though it were but yesterday, I recall the last conversation between my brother and myself relating to this Galarēsa̤. The day had been sultry and the darkening clouds gave intimation of a storm, but in our eagerness to hasten the work we had labored until the day was nearly
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 ended, and as we slowly walked toward our nearby home, the lurid Sun was dropping below the further shore of Indoloisa̤'s quiet waters. Suddenly Genessano passed an arm about my shoulders, and in a voice tremulous from emotion, said, "Inidora̤, what if death should come to one or both of us ere our work shall be completed? May Andûmana̤ preserve us, for what should I do shouldst thou be taken and I left? Should I be taken, thy wisdom would suffice for thy needs, but I, alas! I dare not further speak of it."
As we gazed into each others' startled faces tears filled our eyes, and sadly, silently, we entered our home, the dread shadow of Phra (death) falling over our hearts like a pall. But I strove to be courageous, and at once set about arranging our affairs so that should Phra, at an untimely hour, claim me, Genessano would understand my wishes which I well knew he would make his own. Ere long Genessano was left to execute our mutual wishes which he did with faithfulness and zeal. Heavy hearted he labored until death claimed him, and to others was left the fulfillment of our plans. That they did so faithfully and efficiently no one can question.
Concerning the security of the gems, I have only to say that the Galarēsa̤ and all pertaining to it belongs to the peoples of Ento and they are not so foolish or so evil minded as to despoil their own possessions.
De L'Ester—Gentola̤, the time allotted for this series of object lessons has expired, and to the Galarēsa̤ and our friend the antiquary who is tranquilly dozing, we will say au revoir.
We now will view Camarissa̤, so that you may form an idea of its extent, its architecture and other features. Observe this slope largely is devoted to detached private residences, and that the wide, beautifully paved streets in
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tersect at right angles. At each intersection is a statue or group of statuary, or a fountain, or column, or other ornamental feature. This group of heroic size represents Genessano Allis Immo and his wife, through whom this great city honors itself by bearing her name. These statues are faithful representations of two of the most admirable spirits I ever have met. Yes, Genessano is very like his father, and Inidora̤ resembles his mother, who is a marvellously lovely woman.
From the slopes eastward the city extends about ten English miles, but from its northern to its southern limit is quite twenty English miles. Being the head of the Irrigating and Waterways System, naturally a large population has centred here and it is, with the exception of one other, the most populous and wealthy city of Ento. The population is about one million seven hundred thousand, and it is the greatest manufacturing and commercial city on the Planet.
Beneficent, indeed, was the conception and execution of the System which has recovered for the uses of the people lands which long ago would have become deserts. The system now extends more than four thousand miles, and rapidly is progressing toward encircling the planet. On our planet the undertaking would not be considered feasible, but with the means at command of the Entoans, it is not now regarded as extraordinary. With them the science of engineering in all its expressions is far in advance of what is known of it on Earth. Then, too, they so well understand the energies of electricity and vibration that, if they desired, they might shatter their planet into fragments. Looking along the waterway we see lofty columns whose massive bases are of stone, but the columns are of a metal known to the Entoans as Flaûen. It is very light and very ductile. As yet it is unknown on Earth. The
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 elements do not corrode it, and it is a non-conductor of electricity, which renders it suitable for this and some other purposes. Those columns are used as electric light towers, and so high is the illuminating power that it well nigh turns night into day. Electricity as an illuminant and for all possible purposes is so cheaply procured as to be within the means of all requiring its use. Throughout the irrigated belt and on most portions of Ento there are Stations where thoroughly trained persons attend to the production and distribution of electric currents, and so valued is life that accidents are of very rare occurrence.
Were we not obliged to hasten our movements, we would take you through some of those stately as well as through some of those less pretentious residences. As you perceive there are no mean or squalid homes. Nowhere on Ento are there impoverished persons, and everywhere there is cleanliness, comfort and more or less of the elegancies of culture. Ento has progressed beyond the crime of privileged classes, those generators of debauchery and poverty. Industry is made obligatory upon all able to work and few, excepting the very aged, are unable to labor. Right living engenders health and aside from their dread of death which depresses them mentally, consequently physically, the Entoans live righteously and enjoy length of days.
No, there are no jails, penitentiaries, or almshouses. Those whom age, accident, disease or other causes have rendered helpless, are cared for, not as paupers, but as hapless children of Andûmana̤ for whom it is a pleasure and a duty to provide. Alcohol in its various forms is a commercial commodity, but drunkenness is forbidden and unknown. Chastity is universal. Polygamous relations do not exist. Official corruption or betrayal of a trust are reckoned as heinous crimes against society, and no one
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 seems inclined to sin in either direction. Have I answered all your questions?
Gentola—Yes, all that occur to me at this time, and while paying close attention to your replies I have been gazing at this great and beautiful city and those wonderful Air Transports, rising like huge birds, then moving away so steadily, so noiselessly, save for that singing sound which is rather agreeable. I am curious to see their mechanism, but first allow me to see more of Camarissa̤. When all those great light towers are ablaze, from this elevation the view must be magnificent. You have said that some time I should see Ento by night. Pray do not forget your promise.
With all my heart I wish that some of our Earth architects might see some of those grandly beautiful temples and public buildings. I miss one feature of our temple architecture, which is the spire, but I consider those great shining domes with their delicate ornamentation, far more beautiful.
What flower lovers the Entoans must be. Wherever we have gone there is such an exquisite display of blooms that constantly I am wishing that I might carry some of them home with me, and really it seems odd that I cannot.
See that great vessel coming so swiftly along the waterway and what a swarm of smaller ones go darting along the street canals. De L'Ester, how are they propelled?
De L'Ester—By an electric appliance. On Ento an understanding of the science of mechanics is far in advance of the same on Earth. You may have observed that in persons who have lost or never have possessed the sense of sight, there is an abnormal development of other senses, for nature ever is striving to maintain an equilibrium. Thus, the Entoans, whose religious beliefs have for so long stood as an impassable barrier between them and an
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 understanding of certain sciences, notably of astronomy and to a degree of geology, have developed in other directions.
You have expressed a desire for a closer view of the Air Transports, so we will visit yonder Station. I will assist you. Look downward now. Is not Camarissa̤ a wonderfully beautiful city? Ah me, it will be a long time before Earth will possess a city so free from the blemishes of poverty and degradation. The architecture, the statues, fountains and other features form such a harmonious and charming picture that one is constrained to admire the genius and culture of a people capable of presenting such fine effects. I have said that the Entoans make small use of more than two motive powers. I must correct that statement, for, to a very considerable extent, for certain purposes, they also use compressed and liquefied air. We now will descend to the Station. None of our present party are learned as to electrical appliances, but we may enlighten you a little. One of a line of Transports is about to rise, and it is laden with passengers and merchandise. Stored electricity is the motive power of this and of most Air Transports, but all are provided with Generators, to if necessary, increase the supply. It is not advisable to attempt a detailed description of the form and dimensions of this Transport, which is one of average size, but I shall call your attention to its principal features. You perceive that underneath and running its entire length is a cylindrical shaft of the metal known as Flaûen. Around it, arranged spirally, are huge Flaûen fans, which are set in motion by the swift revolutions of the screw like cylinder. At the rear is a fan shaped Flaûen structure, which presently you will see revolving with tremendous velocity. Across the front is this great horizontal Flaûen rod, which is held in place by strong metal sockets, in which
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 it revolves. The ends or arms of the rod, extending on either side, are surrounded by Vossala̤a̤ (climbers). When the Transport rises you will better understand this part of its mechanism. All Transports are cigar shaped, so that they may offer slight resistance to the atmosphere and when they alight, those compressed air cylinders prevent concussion.
The doorways are being closed. From the windows the passengers call Info Oovista̤a̤ (adieus) and now the Transport is about to rise. Now the fan encircled, cylindrical shaft and the arms of the Vossala̤a̤ begin to revolve, the climbers, like great wings, open out and the Transport, with long sweeping undulations rises, rises, and at an altitude of a thousand or more feet, goes eastward.
To at all understand the construction of these truly wonderful Air Carriers one must be versed in both mechanics and electrical engineering, and we are not learned in either of them. Do not make the mistake of thinking that Spirits know everything; we know only what we have learned, and we are and ever will be students in a school which never graduates its pupils.
Another transport is about to rise and we will be invisible passengers. All aboard, friends. Now we rise for a hundred feet or so; now we dip a little; again we rise, and with an undulating movement we have ascended far above Camarissa̤, which sits among the shining waters and under the silvery mist veiling, but not concealing its beauties.
Genessano—Gentola̤, let me ask you to turn your gaze toward the Galarēsa̤. Is not it a grandly beautiful structure? And even at this distance, you may perceive the majestic form and benignant face of my father smiling us a farewell.
Gentola—It is indeed grandly beautiful. Its lofty, cream-tinted walls surmounted by those magnificent
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 statues, and its great, shining dome towering toward the blue sky, present a most charming spectacle. I clearly perceive the statue of your father, whose majestic form and benignant face will retain a place in my memories of Ento.
De L'Ester—The leaves of the climbers and the fans of the cylindrical shaft are revolving with tremendous velocity, and the Transport is moving through the air, nearly a hundred miles an hour; yet one perceives only a slight vibration. The entire mechanism is under perfect control of the engineer and his assistants, and not for a moment do they relax their alert attention to their duties. The passengers, who appear quite at their ease, converse or gaze from the windows at the widespread panorama. We will repair to the rear platform, which will afford us a finer view. No, accidents scarcely ever occur to these aërial conveyances.
Gentola—How marvellous this all is. This swiftly moving Transport, like a great bird flying through the air, and yonder wonderful System of Irrigation and Waterways on which vessels great and small are passing in all directions. At night, when those great light towers illumine cities, towns and country, the scene must be enchanting. Two features of Ento strike me forcibly. One is the universally apparent prosperity of its peoples, the other is the architecture of cities, towns and country places. Even the country houses are picturesque and very pretty. I do not recall that I have seen one squalid, mean dwelling. I shall not soon forget the first time I stood in the Court of Honor of the White City of our World's Fair. It looked so familiar, so like some scenes that some time, somewhere, I had beheld, that a sense of bewilderment came over me, and for a time I thought that I must have dreamed of some similar scene. Then you, De L'Ester, spoke to me, and I
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 recalled that on Ento I had beheld structures and scenes similar to, but far more beautiful than those presented by the Court of Honor. No, I do not as distinctly remember these Ento experiences as I remember some dreams which really sometimes come true.
Bruno—By some persons dreams are regarded as the reflex of incidents and impressions of waking hours, and frequently they are the result of more or less related and distorted images, which from time to time are impressed upon the Animal Soul, or so termed objective consciousness. But there are dreams and dreams. A genius, so called, is a Sensitive whose waking dreams are the conceptions of exalted Spirit minds, reflected or projected upon his or her aura, which, like a mirror, receives the impression and in turn reflects it upon the brain of the Sensitive. To the great poet Sensitive come the words and rhythm of songs which stir the hearts of the world. To the great sculptor comes a waking dream of beauty, and from marble he releases a form so flawless that through centuries it commands the adoring admiration of artistic souls. To the great painter comes a conception of enchanting scenes or of forms and faces whose witchery enthralls all beholders. To the great architect, the true builder, come ideals so exalted that neither human intelligence or human hands have yet executed them. Ask the great architect and builder of your time, if he has even once succeeded in embodying his highest ideal of his art, and I do not hesitate in saying that he will answer no, no.
Be assured that all so called geniuses are Sensitives, whose births were not of yesterday, for to spirit there is neither beginning or ending.
Ento's fine architecture is the result of impressions received not only from exalted Ento Spirits, but also from Spirits of other Planetary Spirit Realms. As there can be
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 but One Mind in the Universe, all its expressions must vibrate in harmony with either its major or its minor chords; thus, the architects, designers and other artists who spoke into form and color, your beautiful White City, were as truly inspired as were some of olden times, who declared, Thus "saith the Lord."
De L'Ester—Below us is Gandûlana̤'s shining waters, extending from north to south, a little more than one hundred miles. From its western to its eastern shore its length is quite sixty miles. You perceive that its outline is nearly oval, and that at intervals its shores are dotted with towns and villages, whose inhabitants are engaged in the various pursuits of well conducted communities. In the larger towns are manufacturing and commercial interests, but residents of the villages are engaged in cultivating the surrounding lands. For the convenience of transportation and for the retention of the yearly over-flow, Ento's lakes and rivers have been greatly enlarged; thus, the depth of Gandûlana̤ Loisa̤ nearly equals that of Indoloisa̤. Ento's atmosphere being extremely humid, and the rain and snowfall of both the northern and southern hemispheres being very heavy, since time immemorial it has been necessary to provide means of protection against the annual inundation, which comes and goes with phenomenal rapidity.
All over the cultivated portions of the planet are artificial lakes of considerable extent, which really are storage receptacles, at times, of much needed water. What were the principal causes leading to the aridity of the Equatorial lands? We have informed you that largely it was through the levelling of the planet, which led to extreme porosity of the soil. But another factor contributed to the calamity. Previous to and for centuries after the establishment of the national religion, the Entoans were so unwise as to, for
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 various purposes, denude the equatorial forests. In time they perceived their error, and during later centuries they have been endeavoring to restore them, thereby increasing the rainfall and oxygenating the impoverished atmosphere. Yes, we know that ages ago the equatorial regions were traversed by mountain ranges that now are mere vestiges of their once lofty grandeur, and where now are desert lands, were lakes and abounding water courses. Once Gandûlana̤ Loisa̤ was one of a series of great fresh water lakes, extending far toward the northeast, but for many an Ento century previous to the inception of the Irrigating and Waterways System it had been an ever lessening and isolated lake. Since then it has been greatly deepened. Naturally, the equatorial lands have suffered from the levelling process to a greater degree than have the lands of the temperate and colder regions. The temperature of the equatorial regions being high, induces rapid evaporation, and the soil to a great depth being very porous, it so quickly absorbs water that the flood of to-day is the drought of to-morrow. Thus the necessity of water storage is apparent.
Beneath us is the eastern shore of Gandûlana̤ Loisa̤, which marks the boundary line between the Provinces of Ondû and of Wya̤mo. Camarissa̤, the capital city of Ondû, is a little south of the equatorial line, which at this moment we have crossed, and now the Transport is descending to the large town on the lake shore. Down, down, we are dropping. How carefully the descent is regulated, and with what precision the Transport alights upon the platform. Gentola̤, observe the passengers as they descend from the transport.
Gentola—That is what I am doing. That magisterial looking personage, wearing a white robe, bordered with purple, has exceedingly fine eyes, so large, so brilliant, so
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 full of expression. And that swarthy gentleman, robed in dark blue, with gold embroidered collar and sleeves, is a very striking figure. What a number of passengers there are. Some are very dark complexioned, others less so, and here are two men and a woman, who are blue eyed, very fair complexioned, and they have the loveliest blonde hair, waving quite to their shoulders. I must say that of all the Entoans I have seen, not one could be called ill-favored, and very few less than handsome. Then their sincere and gentle expression, their nobility of carriage and pensive gravity of manner inspire me with both admiration and sympathy, especially so, since I have come to understand their hopeless religious belief.
Yes, I greatly admire the clothing worn by both men and women. The Robes worn by those gentlemen add much to the grace and dignity of their appearance, but the Robes worn by the women, to my mind, are still more admirable. They are not so voluminous as to conceal the outlines of the form, and at the waist line they are loosely confined by beautiful girdles of various designs and materials. As to fabrics, style of cut, and ornamentation, there is much diversity, but all are more or less attractive, and certainly they must be comfortable. No, I have not on Ento seen one shabbily clothed person, which is more than I can say of our planet, for among the many millions of earth there are multitudes of poor, degraded, wretched beings, whose poverty, misery and rags are a continual protest against the selfish inhumanity of those of higher estate. It seems strange that although the peoples of our planet for the most part believe in a continuity of existence, they live as though the present existence is the end of all. Each man's hand is against his brother, and among nations the struggle for place and power drenches our world with blood and our prisons, almshouses, asylums for
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 the insane are filled with criminals and other unfortunates. Compared with the gentle, civilized, unbelieving Entoans, we are uncivilized, believing savages. I no longer wonder that to the Spirit Worlds our Planet is known as the Sorrowful Star.
De L'Ester—Patience, patience, Gentola̤. Although the contrast between Ento's and Earth's social conditions is very marked, evolution means progress, and slowly, but surely, the peoples of our planet are emerging into higher conceptions of truth. Inevitably, a period will arrive when the surface of Earth will have become as level as is the surface of Ento. Just so surely a period will arrive when the unequal social conditions of Earth will be a thing of the past, and there will be a universal recognition of the rights of all. What is it, Genessano?
Genessano—I wish Gentola̤ to observe the person who, at this moment, is ascending the steps of the Transport. He is a Priest of the Inner Sanctuary of the Temple Zim. One of those with whom the Gods commune. One whom we would term a Sensitive. Accompanying him are several Novices, who have not yet made Vows of Consecration. I recall days of long ago, when as youths, Inidora̤ and I knelt before Priests of this Order, receiving from them instruction relating to our religion. To us they then appeared too holy to share the common fate of Andûmana̤'s other children. Indeed, outside of their Order, no one ever learns of their death. They disappear and no one questions as to what has become of them. Knowing this, our boyish imagination invested them not only with uncommon sanctity, but, as did our parents, with a certain mystery. You have become aware that usually Spirits can read the thoughts of mortals, and thus I can say that, as a rule the priesthood of Ento, especially the Sensitive Priests, serve sincerely their conception of the Infinite One. It
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 may interest you to learn that the Ento name of this order is Oimû vosten-da̤ fanûlista̤, which in your language, De L'Ester says, would mean "consecrated to the mystery." It is true that they are consecrated to a mystery which they wholly misunderstand. Being Sensitives, they commune with Spirits on a level with or possibly above the level of their own spiritual evolvement, who still cling to and encourage them in an observance of the old superstitions.
For the reason that a peculiar qualification is requisite, the number of Priests admitted into this Order is quite limited. Of course, we understand that the qualification is the Sensitive condition.
De L'Ester—Friends, as the Transport is about to rise, we will embark. George, George, you are incorrigible. Gentola̤, if you lend yourself to participation in his mischievous pranks you will demoralize those staid Entoans. By your touches on his face and hands, you have so disconcerted that Official that he has quite forgotten the dignity of his position. It is amusing to see him turning this way and that, in a vain quest for the person who has taken such uncourteous liberties. Gentola̤, with all your gravity you, too, are inclined for a bit of fun.
Gentola—It is the old story: George did tempt me and I weakly yielded. That Official looked so serene and so very dignified that I felt a strong desire to startle him. His expression of dismay as he looked at his hands and rubbed his face and found no one near him, who could have touched him, was most laughable. He still looks disturbed and thoughtful. If he could hear me, I would ask his pardon.
George—Upon my word, I think he might hear you. I perceived that he is a very sensitive person, else I should
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 not have asked you to touch him. Shall we test him, De L'Ester?
De L'Ester—Not now. The Transport is rising and we must not delay our journey. We will remain on the balcony, so that Gentola̤ and Bernard may view the country.
We still are passing in a direction north of east, and across the Province of Wya̤mo, which is more extensive than is Ondû. You perceive that the surface of the country grows a trifle more rugged, and now we are passing over the diamond bearing locality, spoken of by Inidora̤. Though unlearned in the sciences of civil and hydraulic engineering, one realizes the wonderful skill through which this vast area of irrigation and navigation is controlled, so that even during the season of floods, no disasters occur. The elevation we are crossing is a vestige of an ancient mountain range. Not seriously interfering with the System, it was because of its picturesqueness, left undisturbed. Its length is about one hundred miles and at intervals there are natural rifts through which this Waterway and canals have been carried. Later you will observe that Ento's Waterways are double; that is, there is the Waterway proper and its Feeder, which at times furnishes such supplies of water as may be needed to keep the main Waterway at a proper depth. Yes, the Feeder is for small vessels navigable, but as you will see a large portion of the System, you will better understand this matter. You perceive that the height is clothed with verdure and dotted with residences, istoira̤s and other structures. How prolific this region is, yet not so very long ago it was nearly a desert. Now its large population obtains from its rich lands not only ample sustenance for themselves, but great quantities of grains, vegetables and fruits are exported to other localities. All manner of tropical fruits are
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 grown, and I can assure you that some varieties are very like some fruits grown in our own tropical countries. I know your fear of ridicule through making such statements. Do not concern yourself. Your astronomers and other scientists of less than half a century hence, will have obtained information concerning Ento that now they do not even dream of.
Our journey of to-day embraces a portion of the Irrigating and Waterways System, which is continuous toward the east. I have mentioned that the system is about 1,400 English miles wide, and that at this time it is more than 4,000 miles long. Understand that I now am speaking of the system embracing the equatorial desert lands, and other arid lands adjacent, for, as you will have occasion to observe, irrigation is general all over the arable portions of the planet, and I do not wish to have you confound the general with the special System, which is a most scientific work and quite apart from ordinary methods of irrigation. The waterway which now is beneath us, runs in a straight line to Loisa̤ Taimon, which we are nearing. On its shores are many towns, villages and a not very extensive city, named Gûlnoyas (crescent shaped). There is another city—but of that I shall not now speak. A feature of Ento is that wherever there is a body or stream of fresh water, there the people congregate. Thus, around Taimon there is a dense population, many of whom farm the rich and fertile lands beneath us. Next to death, the Entoans dread isolation and darkness. By a residence in cities, towns and villages they escape both.
Gentola—Why is it that to-day we have seen no animals?
De L'Ester—For the reason that Ento's orientals seldom, if ever, eat meat. For other purposes they do not require animals. No, there are no positive religious restric
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tions relating to the eating of meat, but orientals do not seem to care for it, and then nearly all Entoans shrink from taking life, even of animals.
Climatic conditions on this, as on other planets, exercise a strong influence in the selection of human foods. In the colder regions an oleaginous diet is necessary. In temperate climes this requirement is less marked, and in oriental countries generally there is a positive aversion for animal food. Aside from climatic influences there is another factor to be recognized. As humans evolve beyond the influence of the animal plane, they grow less inclined to kill that they may eat. This is a universal, though generally unrecognized law. In earlier ages, the Entoans, to a greater extent than now, were meat eaters, and at present, in colder climes, the people consume larger quantities of various fishes, which rather illogically, they scarcely regard as meat. As air transports bear to them the products of all lands, they do so from choice.
Yonder is Taimon, the beautiful, reflecting in its placid depths, fleecy clouds and sapphire sky. That it might serve as part of the System centuries ago, it, like Gandûlana̤ Loisa̤, was greatly deepened; otherwise the huge vessels traversing the waterways could not ride on their waters. On your first visit to Ento you saw in the distance something resembling railway cars. You now may have a closer view of Ento's Tuzamos, for yonder is a long train drawing into a station, nearby the Transport Station to which we are descending. Those tramway carriages traverse a large portion of the Planet, the motive power being electric. We will not await the landing of the transport, but will proceed to the Tuzamo Station, where doubtless we shall find matters of interest to you two voyagers. First, we will visit this telegraphic station where dispatches are being sent to and received from all portions
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 of the Planet. We are not learned in this marvel of atmospheric telegraphy, which is the system generally in use on Ento. By means of this delicate mechanism, which appears so simple, but is so complex, messages instantaneously reach any designated point. The clumsier method of ground currents, still to a limited extent, connects rural Istoira̤s with Temples. Not for many centuries have wires been used. Ground currents superseded that system, which in turn has been set aside by the atmospheric system. We have informed you that the entire public service of Ento is under the supervision and control of the general government, which holds all officials and employes to a strict account of their several duties. The general government not only controls, but also owns, the Tuzamo System, the Transport System, the Irrigating and Waterways System, the Telegraphic and other Systems in which the interests of all the peoples are concerned. The lands, too, are owned by the general government, and no proprietor occupies more than a specified acreage, which in no case exceeds the needs of his or her household. On occupied lands there is a rental, or taxation, which is so slight as to be far from oppressive, and the revenues derived from this and other sources are used for the support of the general government, and for the prosecution of enterprises for the general good. Always, residences and other improvements, belong to the proprietor and may be sold or transferred.
Bernard—Mother, dear, although this spacious Station and all pertaining to it is new to you and to me, and those people of various races are, in size, dress and other peculiarities, somewhat unlike our earth people, still there is such a strong, general resemblance to them and to this scene that I scarcely can realize that I am on another
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 Planet. Then, look at those Tuzamos, are not they in appearance, very like our Railway Cars?
De L'Ester—Certainly, their construction is similar to that of our railway cars, but if you will observe closely you will perceive that they present several striking differences. For instance, the driving wheels are enormously large, and there are three sets of truck wheels, the middle set running in the groove of the central rail, and the rails are not in sections, all being firmly welded into continuity, which greatly adds to their permanence and to the safety of those connected with the Tuzamo service, or who travel in those elegantly appointed carriages. Genessano, can you inform us as to when Tuzamos first came into use on Ento?
Genessano—I am not quite certain, but Inidora̤ may know. Inidora̤, ino intessa̤ varo mûya̤ Tuzamos inga fosdû?
Inidora—At the time of the Establishment of the National Religion they were known, for in the Sacred Writings they are referred to, and not as though they then were a modern invention. I recall that during my mortal existence I saw pictured representations of those ancient conveyances, which were quite unlike these admirably constructed and artistically finished carriages.
George—I have been looking about the city and if you are through with your observation of the Tuzamos, I can promise Gentola̤ and Bernard a view of something that may interest them.
De L'Ester—Come, friends, and learn what our enterprising Englishman has discovered. Gentola̤, allow me to assist you. Ah, a temple, and how beautiful it is. In form it is perfectly circular, with great flights of steps surrounding about two-thirds of its circumference. It is built of white marble, and from base to dome its walls are
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 so covered with intricate and delicate sculpture that it presents the appearance of beautiful filmy lace. George, this will interest more than Gentola̤ and Bernard, for this is the first time that Inidora̤, Genessano or I have seen this somewhat noted Temple Soya̤von Telissa̤. (Name of Andûmana̤'s cup bearer.) Gentola̤, you will attempt a description of its interior, but as you are not apt at estimating dimensions, I will say that its diameter is about one hundred and twenty feet, and that its height from the floor to the apex of the dome is quite one hundred feet. You now will proceed.
Gentola—Though it is not so spacious or so magnificent as some of the temples of Camarissa̤, to my mind it is the most beautiful temple I ever have seen. The walls are marvels of decoration in tinted woods, paintings and sculpture, which I cannot attempt to describe. The seats are arranged as in an amphitheater, thus affording a full view of the altar, which is in the centre of the temple and directly under the dome. The altar of pure white marble is circular in form, and it rises tier above tier to a height, I should say, of thirty feet, and is surmounted by a wonderfully lovely life-size female figure, whose marble lips are parted by a smile of adorable sweetness. The three tiers are supported by flower-wreathed marble columns and male and female forms, their drapery falling about them in such filmy folds that it seems as though a breath of air might stir it.
Each tier of the altar is sculptured in designs of grains, fruits and flowers, so delicate, so exquisite, that one scarcely can believe it the work of mortals. On the lower tier are great golden bowls filled with grains and fruits, and the air is perfumed with the fragrance of flowers, whose yellow and crimson blooms are in vivid contrast with the snowy altar and its adornments. The floor is a mosaic,
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 realistically representing the azure sky, and radiating from the base of the altar of sun rays in shades of red and yellow. The temple is lighted through the great crystal dome, whose blended sun-rays, falling downward onto the whiteness of the altar, produce an indescribably beautiful and peculiar effect. Over the temple entrances are inscriptions which you, Zenesta̤, will be kind enough to translate into my language.
Zenesta Hao—I shall do so with pleasure. Over the eastern entrance is inscribed, "To Andûmana̤, the Supreme One, Who giveth life and all that is." Over the northern entrance I read, "Divine Messengers of Andûmana̤, we implore you to bear to Him our ceaseless supplications for prolonged life." Over the southern entrance is a prayer which is the keynote of all Ento prayers. "Sorrowfully, but submissively, we yield ourselves to Thy decrees, oh Thou Who at Thy pleasure createst and destroyest."
Gentola̤, you have come to realize that love of life is the dominant desire of my people, and I who remember the desolation which death brought into my own mortal existence can well understand their ever increasing dread of the certain approach of the unseen, relentless God Phra (death).
Observe that the western doorway opens into a lofty and wide hallway, leading to the residence of the high priest and his attendant Priests and Priestesses. It now is on the stroke of the noon hour, and in all the temples of Ento prayers and offerings will be made to Andûmana̤ and His Messengers. You now will resume your descriptive remarks.
Gentola—In the gallery over the western doorway male and female voices, accompanied by the low tones of a voûhoida̤ (resembles a pipe organ) chant softly and continuously. Now the wide doors slide into the wall, and
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 six boys clothed in red garments enter, bearing golden bowls filled with grain. They are followed by six girls clothed in yellow, who bear golden trays of various fruits. Ranging themselves around the altar, these children place upon it the bowls of grain and trays of fruit, and retire backward a short distance. Now six youths and as many maidens approach; the youths bear vases of red, the maidens, vases of yellow blooms, which also are placed on the altar, and all retire to near where the children with an expectant air are standing. Quietly the worshippers have entered, and the chanting of the singers and the strains of the voûhoida̤ have grown so mournfully pathetic that I cannot refrain from tears.
Now the music swells into fuller tones, and with stately tread a majestic looking Priest advances through the western doorway. He is clothed in a rich silken red robe, and around his head, holding back from his forehead his dark, abundant, waved hair is a gold fillet ornamented with red jewels. Over his forehead the fillet supports a Sun of red and yellow jewels which are dazzling in their splendor. In his left hand he carries a long golden rod tipped with a Sun of red and yellow jewels. As he approaches the altar the people rise, and with bowed heads stand motionless. Attending him are priests and priestesses robed in red and yellow, wearing gold fillets a............