De L'Ester—Madame, we offer you our warmest greetings, and are highly gratified to perceive that a night of profound sleep has quite restored your exhausted vitality. We have felt somewhat solicitous as to the result of yesterday's prolonged stay on Ento, and are delighted that you have not suffered through our imprudence.
Gentola—I retired early and fell asleep immediately. This morning I feel quite restored, and am ready for our starward journey.
De L'Ester—Then at once we will depart for Ento, where in the City of Palms, nearby the palm tree fountain, our friends will meet us. For a reason we shall remain there for perhaps an hour, and Von Humboldt will speak to you in relation to a question you recently asked.
Gentola—Another question to which you kindly may reply, is, do Spirits released from the physical body find their perceptions greatly enlarged?
De L'Ester—Yes, if sufficiently unfolded to realize that they are on the Spirit side, and, alas, myriads of Spirits are not so unfolded. Spirits progressed to an advanced plane of Being, are so in harmony with the Infinite Mind, that they know all relating to that plane, hence, in a sense, are partakers of that mind. But we near Ento, and—yes, yonder swiftly revolving, tiny moons, Entola̤ and Emantola̤ are interesting objects, the more so as they are a terrible
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 menace to Ento. Why? For the reason that some time, aye, at any time, one and the other will rush onto and rend the bosom of the mother who gave them birth. At another time you will learn more concerning those frisky satellites. Yonder near the fountain, our friends are observing our arrival, and Inez and Bernard are coming to meet us. Hail, hail, bright ones.
Bernard—Mother, dear, it makes me so happy to be by your side.
Gentola—And I, dear son, cannot express my joy that once again your strong arms embrace me. Yes, from afar we saw you and this sweet sister Inez approaching.
De L'Ester—Friends, we greet you all, and hope for favorable word from Da̤o.
Inez—Within a half hour I have returned from a visit to Valloa̤. Save that her vital energy gradually decreases, and her Spirit vision grows clearer the situation is unchanged.
De L'Ester—Then while we await—I should say that we shall remain here for an hour, and you, Von Humboldt, kindly will occupy the time by replying to Gentola̤'s question of yesterday.
Von Humboldt—Madame, in replying to your question, relating to a remark of mine, concerning a race of comparatively diminutive Entoans, I shall include other of your unanswered questions. The poles of Planets inclined as are those of Ento and Earth receive comparatively a small amount of solar heat, hence, the crust surrounding the poles of either newly formed Planet, cooled and thickened at an earlier period than did areas nearer their equators. In time the areas known to us as the north and south temperate zones of either Planet became fitted for the germination and habitations of earliest life-forms, which as you are aware first appeared in the tepid
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 waters of the new worlds. Man, being a warm blooded animal, in early ages on either Planet, his natural habitat was in their warmer divisions, which in the fullness of time became suited for the entertainment of the evolved, Spiritualized human, who through succeeding exigencies of existence, has learned to adjust himself to manifold conditions which may apply to the race under consideration who, since a remote time, have occupied localities extending from the southern limit of Ento's south temperate zone, to near the south pole. Owing to the rigor of the climate, and their occupation of mining, their habitations, like those of all Ento polar peoples, are subterranean and very comfortable and attractive abodes they are. Climatic conditions somewhat incline this race to an indulgence in flesh food, which with the products of all lands, Air Transports abundantly supply them. The summers of Ento's arctic and antarctic circles being, what may be termed, phenomenally mild, in the spring the released waters of the polar regions teem with myriad life forms upon which the diminutive Da̤hova̤s and their polar neighbors largely subsist. In those antarctic localities are vast deposits of precious and other minerals, and of various gems, all of which find disposition in the marts of the Ento world. Notwithstanding their inhospitable climatic surroundings, the Da̤hova̤s number some millions of educated, refined persons, whose occupation in no way interferes with their social standing. The fair-skinned, blond-haired, blue-eyed persons whom frequently you have observed were Da̤hova̤s, who are greatly inclined to travel, the facilities of Air Transportation encouraging them in their desire for change of scene. Their average height is about six feet, and they are a handsome featured and finely proportioned race. The average height of other fair-skinned Ento races is about
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 six feet ten inches, which is quite one foot less than that of the dark-hued Orientals, of whom our friends, Inidora̤ and Genessano are examples. Yes, it appears singular that, though genial climes invite them elsewhere, humans submit themselves to such inhospitable environments; but, in their affairs force of circumstances and an inclination for certain pursuits or gains are forceful potencies. The natural tendency of the genus homo is away from, not toward, inclement regions, but through upheavals or subsidences of portions of planets, or perhaps through the fortunes of wars, surviving peoples, in opposition to tendencies and desires, may be compelled to submit to the unavoidable.
You have expressed surprise over the absence of social distinctions among the Entoans, who consider labor of whatever kind as elevating. Very properly they regard idleness as a species of crime against the common weal, and only when incapacitated, do either men or women cease to labor either with head or hands. They understand that all well balanced minds require a certain amount of active occupation, and that idleness induces pernicious conduct. One of their aphorisms is, to labor righteously is to emulate the example of the ever active Deific Ones, and I quite agree with them. If instead of the yearly expenditure of millions of money for the maintenance of armies of men engaged in murdering each other, and for the erection and support of prisons, reformatories, almshouses and the like, Earth's several governments would, as does the government of Ento, oblige every able-bodied man and woman to engage in some useful occupation, how quickly would poverty, degradation and discontent disappear and the wealth now worse than wasted would produce great and beneficent public utilities, would erect and maintain majestic institutions for the free education of all peoples,
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 would supply elevating amusements for the masses, and also would construct and maintain public baths, gymnasiums, excellent roadways, in short, all the admirable features of the civilization of Ento, which yet is but a promise of a higher, grander civilization of a coming time.
No, we have not found any planet overpopulated. When sufficiently evolved, humans elevate the offices of paternity and maternity above the merely animal plane; then children are not inconsiderately begotten. You may not have observed that, in Ento families, seldom are there more than four children; generally there are no more than two.
Yes, certainly, a period will arrive when Earth's peoples will have advanced far beyond their present uncivilized condition. Really civilized peoples do not murder each other, do not in any manner wilfully injure each other. Though one person's opinions may differ from those of another, civilized peoples do not, for that reason, fly at each other's throats. Everywhere civilized peoples do as they wish others to do unto them. So you may perceive that even Earth's most advanced peoples have not wholly emerged from barbarism; no, not even those who pompously profess to follow the precepts of Earth's Divinest Teacher, the meek and lowly Nazarene, have arrived at a clear perception of what constitutes Christian or other civilization, else they, too, would be so meek and lowly as to shrink from attempting to force upon others their very crude beliefs and superstitious observances. Yes, like all freed spirits, I have found occasions to change my views, and to endeavor to outgrow my errors.
Unlooked for occurrences having brought about changes in our programme, for the present we must forego the pleasure of showing you and Bernard certain interesting portions of Ento's South Temperate and Antarctic regions; but we anticipate that this slight mention of some of the
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 inhabitants of Antarctica may stimulate in you a desire for future exploration in their direction. I yet have some moments I may devote to you.
Gentola—Then will you inform me as to the origin of the Eskimos and other polar races of our planet? Are they direct descendants of a primitive ancestry.
Von Humboldt—Neither the Eskimos or other polar peoples are direct descendants of primitive man. Of course, all peoples, indirectly, are descendants of early races, whose low, retreating foreheads, misshapen forms and features offered slight promise of evolvement into the shapely humans of to-day. Though the Eskimo is somewhat uncouth of form and feature, compared with primitive man he is a God. Are you aware that when primitive men first essayed to walk erect they used as a means of support and for offense and defense, clubs, which to this day are perpetuated in the staff or walking stick? As the feat of walking erect is accomplished through a series of threatened falls and accomplished recoveries, primitive men do not in a day learn to walk unaided, and from the period when through infoldment of the Divine Spark man becomes a conscious, living soul, until unaided he walks erect, time may be reckoned by ages. Yes, in a sense, all humans are descendants of primitive races, but so far removed from their primitive ancestry, that the fact is unrealizable. No, madame, in no sense is the human related to the anthropoidal races. Through environment and survival of the fittest, all life forms continuously evolve and re-evolve into higher expression, but man alone is capable of becoming Spiritualized. Constantly the positive law of evolution impels all life forms onward and upward toward higher planes of existence; it is quite as true that the little less forceful negative law of degeneracy is a perpetual obstacle and menace to human advancement. By some of Earth's
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 advanced thinkers these opposing laws are recognized, filling their minds with disquiet and apprehension for those who, besotted by the love of power and luxury, are approaching the line of demarcation between progress and degeneracy.
Madame, the Eskimos and other peoples of Earth's frigid regions are descendants of races once of vast numbers, who, in an early age, inhabited the then temperate northern and southern climes; but Earth's crust cooling, thickening and radiating an ever lessening degree of internal heat, its great fiery heart could not perpetually vivify its extremities, and at the poles gradually ice and snow accumulated, the preponderant accumulation being at the North Pole. Slowly, but surely, human and animal races were impelled toward the equator, multiplying prodigiously, and warring upon each other with ferocity indescribable. Your scientists have not yet declared the certain existence of preglacial man, thus my assertion that Earth has experienced two glacial horrors, and that previous to the last one the genus homo was distributed over nearly all portions of the inhabitable globe is not likely to be received as a conclusive statement, which however is a correct one. It also is true that the survivors of the catastrophe were as mariners cast upon unknown shores, for they and other life forms experienced such a redistribution that your ethnologists and naturalists are unable to solve some problems which, on passing to the Spirit side, will be made plain to them. The remote progenitors of the Eskimos and other peoples of the frigid north and south were survivors of the awful calamity which swept out of physical existence entire races of humans and many species of animal and vegetable life. Gradually, through isolation and extreme privations, the descendants of those remote ancestors experienced nearly arrested mental and physical development,
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 and until comparatively a recent period, they were as lost members of the human family. Through inherited qualities and long usage they are so inured to their wretched condition that to a degree they do not realize its discomforts; but steadily advancing agencies are approaching their lands, and at a not very remote period their present inhabitants will have disappeared, and for the same reason that Ento's polar regions are, I may say, well populated, ere long Earth's polar regions will sustain a large number of inhabitants.
Gentola—Sir, I thank you for your replies to my not very coherent questions. You are aware that I have not been permitted to acquire such knowledge as would have unfitted my skeptical mind for the work in which we are engaged, but certainly I do not doubt the correctness of your statements. If the hour has not quite expired I should like to ask——
Von Humboldt—The hour has expired, and a pleasant surprise for you is at hand.
Gentola—Truly, sir, this is a pleasant surprise, and with my heart in my hand I greet you. It has been a long time since you bade us adieu.
Ha-Moufi—Gentola̤ ēmana̤, though absent in Spirit not so have I been in thought. And you, dear friends, how gladly I exchange with you loving embraces and words of kindliest greeting. You are aware that your movements and events relating to the Mission are known in our and other Spirit Worlds, and anxious hearts and eager eyes hope and watch for the success of the near culmination of the struggle between Spiritual and material forces. I have longed to be with you that I might share with you the preparation for and the anticipation of the approaching Spiritual enlightenment of my people. Scarcely have I been able to restrain my impatience, and only that my duties as
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 a teacher have fully occupied my time, ere now I would have been with you. Now I rejoice to say that I shall be with you until the culmination of the Mission. But where is Zenesta̤ Ha̤o? I had thought to find him with you.
De L'Ester—I am pleased to say that soon he will join us, and also I desire to assure you that in again having you with us, our delight quite equals your own. Continually we have missed your genial presence and engaging conversation; so indeed you are more than welcome. Ere now Zenesta̤ and Aaron Poole should have arrived; doubtless they soon will appear. You have been informed that in the person of a gentle girl Re-embodied on this Planet Inidora̤ has found his other Self. Frequently Genessano visits them and gives favorable reports of their harmonious relations. When we shall be summoned to Da̤o Inidora̤, too, will join us.
What can so delay Zenesta̤ and Poole? Even as I speak of our wingless Angels they are approaching, and as usual are as radiant and joyous as two Seraphs. Ah, you tardy ones, you have completely upset our plans. Through your and Ha-Moufi's simultaneous arrival we had thought to overwhelm Gentola̤.
Poole—Should we offer the whys and wherefores of our late arrival you would not find yourselves edified. So I shall only say that it was unavoidable. Gentola̤, I am delighted to learn that your interest in these journeys from Earth to Ento and still more in our Mission of loving endeavor increases and also I am delighted to perceive that your Psychic Senses are unfolding and that your vital energy is not yet greatly lessened, all of which rejoices all of us. From your dearest ones in our Spirit World I bear to you fondest greetings and measureless love, which, with my own, I express in this embrace. But tell me, my sister,
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 have you at any time regretted having given yourself to this grand Mission?
Gentola—Indeed no. Not for a moment have I regretted that I have been chosen as an instrument through whom loving Spirits may bring to a sorrowful people the priceless knowledge of the continuity of existence. It is true that such constant association with Spirits who have outgrown the frailties common to the physical plane has not enhanced my enjoyment of mortal existence, in which I find myself so painfully sensitive that I shrink from much that previous to this experience, scarcely, if at all, disturbed me. Still I do not regret having given myself to this service, for through it I have learned that I am my brothers' keeper, and that from this duty neither I or any one can, if they would, escape. Having learned this lesson, I cannot, if I would, escape knowledge of the injustice, cruelty, ignorance and degradation prevailing on our Sorrowful Star, and at thought of it my Soul grows faint. You assure me that through evolution Earth's immature peoples will, as have the Entoans, become elevated in their ideas of right, and I do not doubt it, but in the meantime one must lament the miseries of to-day. Nearly all of Earth's peoples believe more or less in a continuity of existence, in Heaven, Hell or in some unknown condition of rewards and punishments, yet neither that or any other belief prevents them from persecuting and even killing each other. How then is it that possessing neither a belief or a hope of continued existence the Entoans are so far advanced in all that constitutes a high standard of ethics, and is it thought that a knowledge of continuous existence will render them a more just or moral people?
De L'Ester—Observation of the peoples of various Planets, including Earth and Ento, leads us to the conclusion that religious beliefs exert but a very limited influence
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 upon the inner life and conduct of either individuals or peoples, such limited influence being of a reflex character. Certainly Spiritual ideals are the outgrowth of evolution of individuals, and in a tardier degree of peoples, and are the natural sequences of the unfoldment of the infolded Soul. Morality is not a grace of some mental process, but a Principle inherent in the Soul of man. It is the objective consciousness of subjective righteousness, and when the Soul and the Ego are in harmonious relation each with the other a high moral standard is the result. Spiritual ideals enunciated by such exalted men as Buddha, Jesus, Confucius and others, were, and yet are, in advance of the masses who do not comprehend them, and by some who dimly catch their meaning they serve as ignes fatui with which they mislead the minds of the ignorant. Here and there are those whose Souls are irradiated by the light of the Divine Spirit. These do not kill, or counsel murder of their brethren, neither do they steal, or lie, or indulge in the baser traits of the unevolved human, and in time all of Earth's children will so evolve that gladly they will practice Ento's golden rule, "I will do unto my neighbor as I would have my neighbor do unto me."
No, simply a knowledge of the continuity of existence will not make the Entoans juster or more moral, but it will bring to them happiness immeasurable. They, as it were, now exist within a circle outside of which is nothing. No anticipated renewal of loving ties, no reunion with parents, with children, with consorts or friends. Naught for the dead but perpetual Silence; naught for the living but hopeless longing for the beloved dead, forever lost to sight, to touch, to all but undying memories and to measureless sorrow.
Yes, ancient Ento spirits have informed us that long antecedent to the establishment of their religious system
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 Ento's various races held various religious beliefs and violent religious differences were of common occurrence. Like the peoples of our own and other planets they created Gods on a level with their evolvement, and loyally fought for their supremacy, but at the time of the establishment of the national religion this chaotic condition was regulated. The creeds of the various sects with their attendant legends, as far as practicable were harmonized and formulated, and thus the Sacred Writings, the Ento Confession of Faith, became the Sacred Law from which there was no appeal. These Sacred Writings contain many admirable lessons, but so inwrought with cruel Commandments, puerile conceptions and chimerical legends, that during later centuries the evolved intelligence of priests and peoples gradually has brought about a tacit disuse of rites and ceremonials once strictly observed. The worst feature of these Sacred Writings is the doctrine of utter annihilation of the Life Principle, inducing in the minds of the people the hopeless attitude of one ever walking in the shadows of death and despair, but having outgrown some of the worst features of their religion the Entoans now are prepared for still larger liberty of thought, and soon they will be released from the bondage of ecclesiastical tyranny. Of course, there are priestly zealots, who as far as they may dare, will oppose the introduction of a new religion, but so overwhelming and universal is the desire for relief from their ever present despair that as thirsty travellers in a barren land eagerly the people will drink of the life giving waters of hope and joy held to their lips by hands of their dear ones whom they had consigned to the Silence. Gentola̤, you little realize the joy that will fill your Soul when you shall behold the smileless faces of the gentle Entoans irradiated through the consciousness that like a worn garment the dread past has fallen away from them, and that
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 from glorious Spirit Realms radiant Angels have proclaimed for them life, life, life forevermore, is the heritage of all of Andûmana̤'s children of Ento, and of countless worlds in space.
Nay, Gentola̤, not another question, for inevitably soon we will be called to Da̤o, so we must improve the hours remaining to us. There are features of this city that would interest you and Bernard but we must defer the pleasure to a more opportune time. I now may say to you that the approaching climax of our Mission will not at all end it, and although it will not be necessary that you shall continuously accompany us, emergencies are likely to arise in which your services will be of vital importance. At such times we may take advantage of your presence on the Planet to observe much that now we cannot even glance at. In pursuance of our plans we will survey other irrigated regions and adjacent waste lands, thus you and Bernard will acquire a general knowledge of a large portion of Ento.
Gentola—Do not make too much of my now seeing this or that. I am not over curious and can wait for times that may be more propitious for observing whatever may be instructive or interesting.
De L'Ester—It is my opinion that curiosity is not strictly a feminine trait. As for you, you are incurious to a fault. You would have been an admirable Eve.
Gentola—I am not so sure of that, but certainly I never would have looked at, much less have listened to such a monstrosity as a talking serpent.
George—Gentola̤, Bernard is resolved to share with me the pleasure of assisting you. Dear boy, you grow so strong that I suspect you soon will oust me altogether.
Bernard—I wish I were strong enough to assist you unaided, and, mother, dear, soon I shall be.
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De L'Ester—If you two boys have arrived at a decision as to who shall assist our traveller, we will rise a little higher so as to gain a more comprehensive view of this large and very beautiful city, which is one of the greatest manufacturing centres of Ento. Below us now is an extensive shipyard where are built and launched into that extensive Basin many of Ento's largest vessels; thence they find their ways through nearly all the navigable waters of the planet. Toward the southeast you may observe a series of large buildings. In them are constructed Air Transports and various motor vehicles.
As you have seen many rich silken stuffs it may interest you to learn that this city is the principal centre of Ento's silk industry. Those wide spreading groves, to which at times we have called your attention, afford sustenance for the myriads of cocoon producing worms, which, structurally, are exactly like the silkworm of our Planet. Zenesta̤ informs us that since very ancient times the silk industry has for the most part been in the hands of certain peoples, and as an inheritance is transmitted from generation to generation of the same families who have become experts in all pertaining to it. Dyeing processes are similar to some in use on Earth, though Ento chemists also produce exquisite dyes from atmospheric substances as yet unknown to chemists of our Planet, but during the coming century in this direction they will make surprising discoveries.
On the further bank of the river, embowered amid great palmlike trees and other greenery is a group of imposing buildings, their white walls and domed summits presenting a very picturesque and handsome appearance. George, we will approach them more nearly. Gentola̤, in those commodious structures are housed all the homeless infirm and homeless aged persons of this province, and truly in the fullest sense possible it is a home, for the care of the in
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mates is regarded as a Sacred trust, and they receive every attention that love and a high sense of duty can suggest. You have been told that the Entoans regard life as the most precious of all possessions, and that it may be prolonged to the utmost is their chiefest desire. Those who live to an unusual age are regarded as being specially favored by the God Phra (death), and they receive tenderest care and marked consideration. This and like beneficent institutions are known as Roûva̤ nû Vastimo Odallissa̤a̤. Translated into your language this would mean home for the fortunate. Zenesta̤ says that my translation is not quite correct. I should have said favored, not fortunate, ones.
Yes, I am aware that on our Planet, particularly among so termed civilized peoples, there is small sympathy for such unfortunates as fill insane asylums. In such institutions we often witness fiendish cruelties perpetrated by semi-savage attendants upon helpless unfortunates. Cruelty in all its manifestations is the unerring indication of savagery, hence individuals or peoples who entertain low views as to their duties toward the aged, the helpless and unfortunate are still in an unevolved state and of necessity upon entering the Spirit World will find themselves on a low plane of Being. As there is no escape from the consequences of one's acts, the fate of undutiful children, of unfaithful friends, of cruel and selfish guardians of the poor and helpless is not an enviable one, for on the Spirit side, to their lasting regret they must learn the full meaning of personal atonement.
In every province are Roûva̤ nû Vastimo Odallissa̤a̤, and nowhere on Ento is one man, woman or child homeless or without ample care and kindliest protection.
What a glorious day this is. The atmosphere is vibrant with life giving forces and how grand it is to be conscious
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 of one's existence and of the ever unfolding capabilities inherent in the ego. At thought of it my exultation is beyond expression.
Gentola̤, is not the view wonderfully fine? The engineering skill which has so perfected the vast Irrigating and Waterways System in itself is marvellous, all the more so when one considers the peculiar difficulties encountered and surmounted. See that huge vessel coming so swiftly from the northeast. Consider the enormous energy of the motive power impelling it through the quiet Waterway at a rate of speed unattained by the swiftest ocean steamers of our Planet.
Gentola—Certainly such results of applied electricity and of vibratory force are amazing, and while observing vessels great and small rushing along at what to me appears dangerous speed, continually I anticipate accidents, which thus far have not occurred. Transports, too, traverse the air apparently as secure as birds on wing, and great trains of Tuzamos, at a speed that to me is appalling, come and go without exciting more than passing attention.
De L'Ester—Naturally these features must impress you, but at this time I cannot more than repeat that the speed and movements of all vessels and other conveyances are carefully regulated, and that the Entoans regard it as a supreme duty to guard from injury themselves and others.
George, that we may afford our travellers a view of Wa̤na̤ Vinostû yarû (expiatory fire fountain) we will move toward the northeast. We are nearing the phenomenal marvel from which clouds of steam are rising and violently swirling as they are dissipated in the atmosphere. Sunbeams falling athwart the vaporous clouds tint them with rainbow hues, and like those of a kaleidoscope, ever the shapes are changing into new forms of loveliness. Now we perceive a boiling, bubbling lake, at intervals pulsing
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 upward, upward to the rim of the massive stone wall inclosing it, and now slowly it subsides to again and again repeat the singular movement. Once the basin of the lake was an active volcano, but through a seismic convulsion an underground channel was opened between it and a large spring fed lake whose volume of water poured into the crater, whose ever lessening diameter is little more than a mile, but whose depth is so incredible that I hesitate to state it. Von Humboldt, will you further inform us concerning this expression of nature's ever surpassing handiwork?
Von Humboldt—Soon after entering the Spirit World I became acquainted with Lief Bjornson, a learned Norwegian, who informed me that frequently he had visited this Planet, and that with some ancient Ento Spirits he had thoroughly explored it. Also, he informed me that among other interesting features of Ento, near the northern boundary of the Irrigating and Waterways System, there was a hot water lake which periodically overflowed, occasioning engineers and laborers much annoyance and destroying all adjacent vegetation. Later on he again visited the locality and found the lake inclosed within a substantial wall of masonry. Through these ancient Spirits he learned that the convulsion which converted an active volcano into a hot water lake occurred long previous to the centralization of Ento's Government and the Establishment of the National Religion. My natural tendencies augmenting my curiosity I took advantage of a recent visit to the Planet to investigate the phenomenon. The diameter of the nearly circular lake is, as De L'Ester has said, a little over one mile, its depth varying with the flow and ebb of its volume of boiling water, which at regular intervals sinks downward, downward, until to mortal vision it becomes imperceptible. During the day the pulsating
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 lake is at flood, but with the decline of the Sun it ebbs downward, and twilight falls over an abyss whose depth more than equals its diameter. As I with my Ento friends hovered over the emptied crater, listening to the strangely uncanny noises far down in its depths we felt no sense of surprise that in ancient as in modern times the Entoans have shunned the lake, believing it tenanted by offending Gods, condemned by Andûmana̤ to dwell there as an expiation of some misdemeanor. Will our friend Hugh Miller, who has examined the geological formation of this locality, give to us the result of his observations?
Hugh Miller—We are aware that on Ento, as on other Planets volcanic activities afford a vent for the surplusage of interior energies, which ever are more or less phenomenal, but as I must confine myself to our present subject, I only shall say that a personal examination of this locality assured me and those accompanying me, that in a remote age in this and the adjacent region a volcanic group existed, which as Ento's interior heat lessened, became inactive and at length this, the greatest of the group, alone remained intermittently active, and at the time of the seismic convulsion this was its condition. To explain its present phenomenal features would consume more time than we can afford, but on some other occasion, if desirable, I may do so. I, however, may say that the energies which have levelled the once elevated cone of this crater have obliterated all surface traces of its lesser neighbors, whose location only Spirit vision perceives. Where was the spring fed lake? At no great distance northward, and its extent was from north to south about thirty miles, from east to west quite twenty miles.
Gentola—I am greatly interested in this peculiar scene, and in what has been said concerning it. I cannot conceive of a more beautiful spectacle of its kind, and I can
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 liken those volumes of heaving, swirling, tumultuous, iridescent vapor to nothing but an enormous fountain of all manner of jewels, tossed hither and thither in bewildering confusion.
George—Well said, well said, Gentola̤. Your simile is so well chosen, that not even my brilliant imagination is equal to conjuring up a fitter one. Beauteous wonder, may time touch thee so lightly that when centuries hence we again may gaze on thee not one of thy jewels shall be missing.
De L'Ester—Bravo, bravo, George. Now we all are convinced that the quality of your imagination and the quantity of your modesty are equally balanced, and altogether admirable. Our chaffing at an end we now will move southward, then eastward. Higher, George, still higher, so that we may obtain the widest view possible of the underlying regions and of Fondorûveh, which soon will come under our observation. Fondorûveh (named after its founder, Tamon Fondorûveh) contains about two hundred thousand inhabitants and possesses some of the largest chemical works on Ento in which are prepared great quantities of condensed foods, the product of grains, fruits, vegetables and atmospheric substances. That statement need not so surprise you, as some of your scientists are of the opinion that your atmosphere holds all the elements composing your varied food supply, and in time Earth's chemists will learn, as the Entoans have learned, how to utilize these elements, thus greatly simplifying domestic cares, and adding to the general welfare of the peoples. No, the Entoans do not adulterate their food supplies. They are not given to taking or administering poisons under another name.
Yes, these regions present a sameness of landscape, yet once the surface was as varied as is the larger portion of
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 our Planet. The same forces that have levelled the surface of Ento gradually are levelling the great snow crowned mountain chains of Earth. The towering Alps, the vast mystery laden Himalayas, the tremendous Sierras, to mortal mind appear as indestructible as the globe itself, yet during every passing moment their disintegrated particles, through the agencies of melting snows, of rains, or of tempestuous winds are being borne to all parts of the ever changing surface of Earth. The existence of a Planet being of such inconceivable duration, the passing of a thousand years is as the passage of a fleecy cloud across the sky, leaving no traces of its va............