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diff --git a/.gitattributes b/.gitattributes new file mode 100644 index 0000000..6833f05 --- /dev/null +++ b/.gitattributes @@ -0,0 +1,3 @@ +* text=auto +*.txt text +*.md text diff --git a/16503-8.txt b/16503-8.txt new file mode 100644 index 0000000..2062aa2 --- /dev/null +++ b/16503-8.txt @@ -0,0 +1,9212 @@ +The Project Gutenberg EBook of Another World, by Benjamin Lumley (AKA Hermes) + +This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with +almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or +re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included +with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org + + +Title: Another World + Fragments from the Star City of Montalluyah + +Author: Benjamin Lumley (AKA Hermes) + +Release Date: August 10, 2005 [EBook #16503] + +Language: English + +Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1 + +*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK ANOTHER WORLD *** + + + + +Produced by Clare Boothby, Donald Perry and the Online +Distributed Proofreading Team at https://www.pgdp.net + + + + + + +ANOTHER WORLD; + +OR + +FRAGMENTS FROM THE STAR CITY + +OF + +MONTALLUYAH. + + +BY + +HERMES. + + +[Illustration.] + + +LONDON: +SAMUEL TINSLEY, 10, SOUTHAMPTON ST., STRAND, +1873. + +[_The right of Translation is reserved._] + + +LONDON: + +PRINTED BY WILLIAM CLOWES AND SONS, STAMFORD STREET, +AND CHARING CROSS. + + + + +PREFACE. + +The fact that there is a plurality of worlds, that, in other words, the +planets of our solar system are inhabited, has been so generally +maintained by modern astronomers, that it almost takes its place among +the truths commonly accepted by the large body of educated persons. As +two among the many works, which bear directly on the subject, it will be +here sufficient to name Sir David Brewster's 'More Worlds than One, the +Creed of the Philosopher and the Hope of the Christian,' and Mr. B.A. +Proctor's 'Other Worlds than Ours.' + +A fragmentary account of some of the ways peculiar to the inhabitants of +one of these "star worlds," and of their moral and intellectual +condition is contained in the following pages. + +When the assertion is made that the account is derived, not from the +imagination, but from an actual knowledge of the star, it will at first +receive scant credence, and the reader will be at once inclined to class +the fragments among those works about imaginary republics and imaginary +travels which, ever since the days of Plato, have from time to time made +their appearance to improve the wisdom, impose on the credulity, or +satirize the follies of mankind. + +Nor can the reader's anticipated want of faith be deemed other than +natural; for, although tests applied daily during a period extending +over nearly a lifetime have proved the source of the fragments to be +such as is here represented, the Editor feels bound to say that, +notwithstanding much confirmatory evidence, many years passed and many +facts were communicated before all doubts were completely removed from +his mind. + +One great obstacle to the reader's belief that an authentic description +of another world is before him will arise from the circumstance that the +means by which such extraordinary experience was acquired are not +included in the sphere of his knowledge, and that any attempt to explain +them at present would only increase his incredulity. He would only see +one enigma solved by another apparently more insoluble than itself. The +Editor, therefore, would call especial attention to the practical value +of the revelations here communicated, convinced as he is that they are +so replete with instruction to terrestial mankind, that the difficulty +of giving credence to them ought not to be augmented by premature +disclosures. Ultimately satisfied as to the origin of the fragments, he +entreats the reader not, indeed, to surrender, but simply to suspend his +judgment until he has carefully examined them, conceiving that, apart +from all external proof, they rest upon an intrinsic evidence, the force +of which it will be difficult to resist. Nay, he is even of opinion that +an impartial student will find it easier to believe in their planetary +origin than in their emanating from an ordinary human brain. The +practical value of the facts, considered apart from their source, will +excuse his request not to be too hastily judged. + +The people to whom the fragments relate are, it will be found, not only +human, but constituents of a highly civilized and even polished society. +Their notions of good and evil, of happiness and misery correspond to +ours, and though they employ different means, the objects they pursue +are the same with those sought by terrestrial philanthropists. Health, +education, marriage, the removal of disease, the prevention of madness +and of crime, the arts of government, the regulation of amusement, the +efficient employment of physical forces--themes so often discussed +here--have equally occupied the attention of our planetary brethren, +although, as will be seen, in the results of our studies we differ not a +little. This is not a story of Anthropophagi, or men whose heads do grow +beneath their shoulders, which can merely excite wonder, but a record of +actual men, who, widely separated from us in the ocean of space, are +beings with whom we can sympathise much more than with the inhabitants +of the uncivilized portions of our own globe. + +The reader will now begin to understand what is meant when the Editor +calls attention to the practical value of most of his communications, +and invites consideration of the fragments, as suggestive of much that +concerns the welfare of mankind, the question as to their source being +provisionally left open. The man of science, the poet, the +metaphysician, the philanthropist, the musician, the observer of +manners, even the general reader who merely seeks to be amused, will, it +is hoped, find something interesting in the following pages. Let all, +therefore, taste the fruit and judge of its flavour, though they do not +behold the tree; profit by the diamonds, though they know not how they +were extracted from the mine; accept what is found to be wholesome and +fortifying in the waters, though the source of the river is unknown. + +Lest, in thus expatiating on the value of his communications, the Editor +should be thought to have overstepped the bounds of good taste, he would +have it perfectly understood that he is not speaking of his own +productions, and that whatever the merit of the fragments may be, that +merit does not belong to himself. He is an Editor and an Editor only; +and he therefore feels himself as much at liberty to express his opinion +of the contents of the following pages as the most impartial critic. + +He will even admit that he is not blind to their defects and +shortcomings. If the fragments had been less fragmentary, and fuller +information had been offered on the various subjects which fall under +consideration, he would have been better satisfied. Nevertheless, he +reflects that it would be hardly reasonable to expect in facts made +known under exceptional circumstances, that fulness of detail which we +have a right to demand, when on our own planet we essay to make +discoveries at the cost only of labour and research. He looks upon the +fragments as "intellectual aerolites," which have dropped here, +uninfluenced by the will of man; as varied pieces detached from the mass +of facts which constitute the possessions of another planet, and rather +as thrown by nature into rugged heaps than as having been symmetrically +arranged by the hand of an artist. Want of unity under these +circumstances is surely excusable. + +One observation as to a matter of mere detail. Words, in the language of +the Star, are occasionally given in letters which represent the sounds +only, and will often be found to resemble words in some of our ancient +and modern languages. The very name of the City "Montalluyah," to which +all the fragments refer, is apparently compounded of heterogeneous +roots, one of Aryan the other of Semitic origin. These seeming +accidents, if such they be, must not be attributed to either +carelessness or design on the part of the Editor; nor does he attempt to +explain them. The reader may, if he please, account for the causes of +resemblance by considering that the number of articulate sounds is +limited, and that, therefore, the variety of words cannot be altogether +boundless; or he may take higher ground, and assume that in whatever +planet spoken, all languages have the Same Divine Origin. + +In conclusion: When these revelations or others derived from the same +source have succeeded in establishing a confidence between the Editor +and his readers, it is more than probable that the secret of the source +itself will be disclosed. That disclosure made in due season will bring +to light some unprecedented, but most interesting facts, and will +establish the important truth, that the soul of man is IMMATERIAL and +IMMORTAL. + + + + +CONTENTS. + + +INTRODUCTION Page xxiii + + +I.--MONTALLTUYAH. + + One of the Star worlds--Strangeness of its customs--The Narrator + and his aspirations--Former state of Montalluyah--Wars--Increase of + population and decrease of supplies--Can man be brought to seek + knowledge as ardently as money?--The Narrator's meditations, + labours, and advancement--Faith + + +II.--VYORA. + + The beggar seeks admission to the Palace--The incident which brings + him to the Narrator--Some account of Vyora--Appointed Chief of the + Character-divers--Reflection + + +III--PERSEVERANCE. + + Maturing plans--How received by the Counsellors--Narrator's + resolution--Prepares for death--His triumph--Subjects of + Legislation + + +IV.--LIGHT FROM DARKNESS. + + Secret powers in Nature--Effectually wielded by the Good + only--False Prophets--Narrator carries out his plans without + bloodshed--Great feature of the System--Mighty consequences--Evils + forced to contribute to Good--Examples--Insects--Hippopotami--The + Fever Wind--Lightning--The Sun--Seasons of Darkness--Fears of the + People--Darkness changed to Light--The City radiant--Music and + rejoicing + + +V.--CHARACTER-DIVERS--EDUCATION. + + Grave duties entrusted to them--Stronghold of evils to be + eradicated--Men of Genius following antipathetic + occupations--Early eradication of faults and development of + qualities--Visits to Schools--Defects--One routine for all + characters--Neglecting minor qualities in Boys of + Genius--Precept-cramming--Bad habits--Character-divers + created--Sole occupation to discover Child's early + tendencies--Duties distinct from those of Preceptors or Fathers of + Knowledge--Germ of evils destroyed + + +VI.--CORRECTION OF FAULTS. + + Remedies employed vary with characteristics--Absence of violent + punishment--Children to be raised, not degraded--Animals not + corrected by blows--Example--Pupil not corrected by the imposition + of tasks--Child encouraged to regard study as a + privilege--Correction effected by gentleness--Time, labour, &c., + bestowed unsparingly--Even when fault seems eradicated fresh tests + applied--Adult offenders--Child of genius watched with reference to + superior refinement--Economy of sparing nothing in educating the + future man--Lists of faults occupying attention of the + Character-divers--Results--Small beginnings lead to incurable vices + and disease + + +VII.--CHARACTER-DIVERS. + + Secondary position of Tutors in former times--Now honoured--Aid + given by the Character-divers, &c., to Narrator--Young men of + special aptitude educated for the office--Their + astuteness--Example--Subjects of tesselated pavements--Zolea--Early + evidence of artistic talent often deceptive--Narrator's early + talent indicating him as a harpist--Guided to other studies + + +VIII.--THE STAR CITY. + + Power of the Sun--Colours and forms in the sky--Situation of + Montalluyah--External World Cities--Reasons for uniting them-- + Peculiarities--Straight lines--Variety of colour, &c.--Subterranean + seas--Great cataract and water-lifts form background of palaces and + statues--Hanging bridges--Health studied--Baths--Violet streams-- + Trees--Birds--Artificial nests--Perfumes--Harmonious + sounds--Chariot wheels and horse's hoofs noiseless--Red light--City + full of animation--Recurring change of scene + + +IX.--THE SUSPENDED MOUNTAIN. + + Elevation of tides immense--The aerial mountain--Electric + agencies--Sea carries away the heart of the mountain--Receding + waters leave upper part suspended--Mountain arm stretches out + through the air over land below and over the sea--THE GREAT + CATARACT--Upper City built on Suspended Mountain--The Middle and + Lower Cities built on indent and foot of mountain--PAST + CATASTROPHES--Threatened dangers--Terrible consequences--Principle + of preventing evils--Stupendous work undertaken--The wonder of + Montalluyah + + +X.--THE MOUNTAIN SUPPORTER. + + Dimensions--Thickness of walls--Interior area--How utilised--Means + of ascending and descending--Stages constructed at different + heights to facilitate works during progress--Materials, provisions, + &c., raised by electric power--HUGE HEAVY BLOCKS LIGHTENED BY + ELECTRICITY--Ornamentation of the Tower--Ravine-metal--Episodes of + the Narrator's reign--Ascent and descent--Great difference of + atmosphere above and below--Peculiarity in Electric + Telegraph--Colour of atmosphere at different heights--Animalculae + and ova--Grandeur of the Mountain Supporter---Curious effect when + viewed from a distance + + +XI--ELECTRICITY IN MONTALLUYAH. + + Important facts formerly unknown--One electricity only supposed to + exist--Not then utilised for locomotion, &c.--Paucity of + contrivance for collecting electricities--How the scientific men + supported their theory--Like causes produce like effects--Many + kinds of electricity--Means of drawing out and concentrating + electricities discovered--Man, beasts, birds, &c., possess an + electricity of their own--All differ--Huge fish--Docks for + extracting electricity from--Electric store-house--Non-conducting + pouches--The attracting electricity adapted to each body is well + known--MODE OF CATCHING WILD BIRDS + +XII.--THE PAIN-LULLER. + + Means formerly employed--Vivisection and surgical operations + painless--Nerves of sensation only, affected by the luller--Energy + of the functions considered essential--Pain-luller, how + discovered--The Nebo bird and the child--The broken limbs and + absence of pain--Discovery + + +XIII.--THE MICROSCOPE. + + Properties of optical instruments increased by electricity-- + CONCENTRATED LIGHT--The illuminated worm--Light attracted by the + enticer-machine--Concentrated light in Music--Human voice and + musical instruments--Union between the soul and perishable portions + of man--Concentrated light within us--Similarity of terms applied + to the brain and to vision--Strength to the intellectual + powers--EXPERIMENT ON LIVING MAN--Electrical currents in brain--How + agitated--Rarity of the experiments--Serious consequences to + patient--Conditions imposed, and advantages secured, to him--Not + allowed to marry + + +XIV.--PHYSICIANS--DISEASE GERMS. + + High rank of Physicians--Former and present duties--Periodical + visitations--Microscopes--Perspiration indicating disease--Exact + nature of disease not shown--Example--Ordinary appearance of + perspiration--Lung disease and consumption--Lung dew--"The + Scraper"--The breath + + +XV.--MADNESS. + + Minute divisions of brain examined by microscope--Former + neglect--Early indications rarely noticed--Supposed lunatics often + wiser than their keepers--An instance--The man's statements laughed + at--World believe him a confirmed madman--Madness not now assumed + from seeming absurdities--Thoughts formerly scoffed at, now + acknowledged facts--Minute divisions of brain responding to trains + of thought--Effectual remedies for earliest symptoms--Cure of + developed madness--Former error which prevented cure--The disease + does not exist in the _overworked_ portion of the brain + + +XVI.--THE DEATH SOLACE--INSECTS. + + Insects contain valuable electricities--Whole crops destroyed by + them--Mode of capturing, &c.--Impurities removed by insects--The + DEATH SOLACE + + +XVII.--INTERNAL CITIES--SUNSHINE PICTURES + + Special precautions against excessive heat in the extreme + season--_Internal cities_ built in galleries--Their advantages--How + light admitted--Flowers--Beauty and odours increased by + electricity--Communication between the palaces in the External and + Internal World--Narrator's summer-palace--The pictures + representing principal events of his reign--Sun power + utilised--Sunshine: how _fixed_ on the canvas + + +XVIII.--THE PICTURES. + + Subjects of some of the pictures in the Narrator's "Internal World" + Palace + + +XIX.--WOMAN. + + Tendency of her education--Happy and contented--Marked difference + in education of the two sexes--Beauty aided by early care--Former + practices and consequences--Ravages of time--Women now lovely in + age as in youth--Beauty regarded as a precious gift from + Heaven--Cosmetics for its "preservation"--Wrinkles--Skin and + complexion--Hands and feet--CHOOSING BY HAND--How + effected--CHOOSING BY FOOT--Expedients used when hand or foot + inclined to coarseness--GIRL'S DORMITORIES--Cleanliness--Separate + sleeping-rooms--Reasons--Communication with + night-watchers--Precautions--Mode adopted to ensure early rising-- + Prayer not till after repast--Reason why old custom + changed--Careful discipline until marriage--Luxurious habits + permitted to married ladies--Instance of the elastic "frame" + cushion--The self-acting fan + + +XX.--CHOICE OF A HUSBAND. + + Means taken to secure congenial husband--Marriage councils--Choice + of husband, how arranged--Maiden's right to nominate--The + thirty-one evenings--The girl, how distinguished--Gentlemen who + wish their pretensions to be favourably viewed--The + unwilling--Efforts of pretenders--Agitation on the thirty-first + evening--How the maiden proclaims her choice--The presentation of + flowers--Subsequent meeting of the parties--Betrothal--Consequence + of maiden failing to declare preference--Second meeting--Third + meeting rare + + +XXI.--THE DRESS OF SHAME--SUN COLOURS. + + Trust reposed in marriage councils never abused--The dress of + shame--Rich costumes of married ladies--Brilliant colours imparted + by the sun--The silver-green silk--Sun silk--Women instructed in + the ART OF PLEASING--Former habits of married women--Example on + children--Deceit + + +XXII.--COSTUMES. + + LADY'S COSTUME--The + waistcoat--Tunic--Trousers--Anklets--Trimmings-- + Colours--Sandals--HEAD ORNAMENTS--Soles to protect the feet--The + fan--Precious stones--Turbans--Canopy--Long veils--Distinctive + feature for the unmarried--Elaborate costumes allowed after + marriage--GENTLEMAN'S COSTUME + + +XXIII.--PREPARATIONS FOR THE MARRIAGE. + + The civil marriage--Purification of the bride--The hair--The + tree-comb--Marriage costume--Marriage ceremony repeated after + birth of each child--Religious ceremony--Suspended in case of + dissensions--Efforts for reconciliation--Contingencies provided + for--An instance + + +XXIV.--FLOWERS. + + Very beautiful--Their names given to Stars and to Women--Flower + language: long conversations carried on by means of + Flowers--Instances of Flower Language--Displeasure expressed + through the medium of Flowers--Instances of Flowers with meanings + attached + + +XXV.--FLOWERS IMPROVED BY ELECTRICITY. + + Mode in which nature operates--Vitality of seed--Consequence of + injury--Production of leaves--Of colour--United electricities form + gatherings--Important discovery--Sap, the reservoir of + electricity--PROCESS FOR CHANGING FORM--PROCESS FOR CHANGING + COLOUR--For giving fragrance--THE LUANIA--SUN-FORCING + + +XXVI.--SONG OF ADMIRATION. + + (_Explanation of terms used in the Song of Admiration._) + + The Spangled Mountain--The reviled beauty--Slander and its + promulgators--The Legend of Zacosta--Fall of her + Tormentors--Happiness of the higher order of Spirits--Slander + regarded with horror--Motives of the Slanderers--The King of the + Air--The loving little animal--The ingenious instrument for + discovering diamonds--The pet animal--The Meleeta--The Turvee + Insect--Shooting Stars--Whale Electricity--The Martolooti--The + Flower of Grace--The Chilarti--The Allmanyuka--The perfume of the + everlasting gulf--The Hippopotamus hide--Fat of the Serpent's + head--The Mestua Mountain--Wet thy feet--Stainers' fount-- + Water--The Mountain Supporter + + +XXVII.--SYLIFA. + + +XXVIII.--THE YOUNG GIRL RESTORED. + + Madness not formerly recognised until violence shown--The GIRL + AFFECTED WITH MONOMANIA. + + +XXIX.--THE LITTLE GOATHERD. + + +XXX.--DECORATIONS FOR AGE AND MERIT. + + Worn as distinctive marks--Age entitles woman to privileges--Age + regarded as an honour--Orders of the Matterode, and Mountain + Supporter--Qualified decoration, &c.--ADVOCATES of the individual + and of society--Privilege belonging to every woman + + +XXXI.--BEAUTY. + + How ideal of beauty formerly obtained--Not equal to the actual + living model--Beauty now the rule--Longevity--Beauty in old + age--Summary of expedients--Value of the course adopted--Importance + of care from earliest infancy--Subject of babies--Importance of + little things--Maladies owing to injudicious treatment of + children--March of "small" effects--Precautions now taken + + +XXXII.--INFANTS' EXERCISE-MACHINES. + + Value of minute precautions--Diseases caused by want of healthy + exercises--Accidents to the infant--Blows on the head--The + inventions of Drahna--The four sets of machines--The TEETH--The + eye--The nostrils--The tongue--Air, &c. + + +XXXIII.--GYMNASTICS. + + An essential part of the boys' education--Formerly same exercises + for all--Now adapted to physical organization--Medical man observes + effects--The heat of the brain a test--Bathing--Leaping--TREE-EARTH + BATHS--Qualities of the earth about various trees--The oak, the + weeping-willow, elm, horse-chestnut, &c. + + +XXXIV.--THE AMUSEMENT GALLERY. + + Description--Girls' amusement gallery--Boys--Different natures and + characters revealed--The Character-divers + + +XXXV.--PRAYER. + + For Children are short--Services adapted to different ages--Evils + attendant on former system--Present course--Subjects of Sermons-- + Children encouraged in affection to Parents, &c.--Preacher assisted + by method of education--Objections to Parrot-like repetitions + + +XXXVI.--FLOCKS AND HERDS. + + Care taken of animals--Change of pasture--Irrigation--Causes of + diseases formerly prevalent--Shade--Illness--Great increase of + flocks and herds--THE MALE ONLY USED FOR FOOD--Consequences of + killing the mother--In slaughtering, all painful process + avoided--Mode adopted--Wholesomeness of meat tested by analyzation + of blood--PROTECTION OF MEAT FROM INSECTS--Protective + Infusion--CRUELTY TO ANIMALS--Punishment + + +XXXVII.--THE ALLMANYUKA. + + Determination to discover the germ of disease--The people afflicted + with a painful malady--Children not + attacked--Hypothesis--Stimulating spices--Anatomical + examination--Decree forbidding use of favourite condiments--The + spices collected--Temporary substitute provided--Meditation and + prayer for help--The grafting and the eventual result-- + Incomplete--The cream-lemon vegetable--Mode of proceeding--The + "Insertion"--The root-oil--The little white bud--The anxious + watching--The basket and its contents--The testing--Qualities of + the Allmanyuka--The people's praise--The Tootmanyoso's + gratitude--Results different from any before obtained--Description + + +XXXVIII.--PAPER. + + Made from leaves of trees--Peculiarities--Process of manufacture-- + Healthful fragrance--Colour--"Natural" paper--GOLDEN COLOURED + PAPER--Its connection with the Allmanyuka--The incident which led + to its discovery + + +XXXIX.--CONSUMPTION--THE ÉMEUTE. + + Consumption--Why generally beyond cure--Erroneous views--The + patient--Examination by the doctors--Their mistake--Narrator's + belief--Potion administered--Death--Cause discovered--Mode of + detecting and curing the disease in its germ--Assemblage of the + multitude--Episode of the mother and the child--The sequel + + +XL.--THE HARP. + + The principal musical instrument--Description--Four sets of + chords--Strings of electricity--Marvellous variation and + depression of the notes--Echoes and responses--Diapason changed to + an extraordinary extent--Different characters of sound + produced--Examples--Harp language; how taught--Accompaniments--Harp + beautiful as a work of sculptural art--Movement of birds, flowers, + and foliage, and exhalation of perfume in accord with the + music--How idea was suggested + + +XLI.--SOCIAL INTERCOURSE. + + Amusements enjoined--Learned men prone to seclusion--Wisdom of + requiring studious men to cultivate social relations + questioned--Twenty men selected for the experiment--Result--The + works of the "Seclusionists" and of the "Society-Sympathisers"--The + MONOMANIAC--His eccentricities and cure--Convert to the Narrator's + views + + +XLII.--THEATRES--ENTERTAINMENTS. + + Arenas--Electricity--Why arenas open to the sky--Games exhibited-- + Beautiful effects produced--MAN and HORSE--The FLYING + CHILDREN--WILL--DEAF AND DUMB CHILD--The MONKEYS--Tragic + Drama--Races and public games--Parties for children--Labouring + people--The aged--Districts--The middle-aged--INTRODUCTION of + strangers--Ceremony observed--ATTRACTING-MACHINE + + +XLIII--SHIPS. + + Peculiar form and construction--Former shape--Effective model + sought--"Swan Ships"--Dangers of navigation--Ship sometimes + submerged--Sufferings of the passengers for want of + air--Remedy--The swan's head--Captain's quarters--Vessels propelled + by electric power--Machinery--Steering and stoppage of the + vessel--TIMBER FOR SHIPS--How seasoned--How protected against + insects in every part--The COMPASS--The ANCHOR--Peculiarity of its + formation: how let out and hauled in--The Bison ropes + + +XLIV.--PICTURES FROM WATER. + + Interesting discoveries--Microscopic pictures transmitted from a + distance--Picture made of a landscape and persons afar off--Picture + of swan-vessels and passengers--How effected--Bottom of the sea + rendered visible + + +XLV.--THE HIPPOPOTAMUS. + + Invaluable--Antipathy to human beings--Hippopotamus' + hide--Impervious to water--Resistance to destroying forces--All + parts of the animal utilised--Parts subservient to the + beautiful--Hippopotamus' land--Numerous herds--Their keepers--How + attired--The herb antipathetic to hippopotami--How + discovered--Experiment with the young beast--Antipathetic solution + keeps animals away from cities--They love fresh-water rivers--The + Aoe waters prejudicial to man--Mode of rearing + Hippopotami--Precautions adopted--Why they have not been able to + rear animal in Western Europe--Recommendations--Habits of the + animal--The hippopotami--dance--How the young one is separated from + the mother--How a hippopotamus is removed from the herd--The food + of the hippopotamus in general + + +XLVI.--WILD ANIMALS. + + The Serpent--The Boa--Professors to examine medicinal and other + properties--Modes of capturing wild beasts--Huntsmen--The iron-work + net--The watch-hut--The bait--Dead animals not allowed in the + city--Habits of the tiger--THE TIGER AND THE CHILD--THE UNICORN + + +XLVII.--THE SUN. + + The palace--Communication with auxiliary tower--Observatory--STAR + INSTRUMENT constructed--Secrets revealed--Inhabitants and + atmospheres of the stars differ--Invisible beings--The SUN-OCEAN, + Mountains, and Continents--Winds--Attracted by the heat--Brilliancy + increased by reflection--Every planet has electricity sympathetic + or antipathetic--Different appearance in Montalluyah--Fixed + stars--Comets--Overflowings of the waters--Waters in + space--Conclusion + + + + +INTRODUCTION. + + +By introducing the reader to "Another World," the Editor does not lead +him into a region to which the Earth has no affinity. The Planet to +which the following fragments refer not only belongs to the same solar +system as our own, but also presents like physical aspects. In it, as +here, are to be found land and water--mountains, rivers, seas, lakes, +hills, valleys, ravines, cataracts alternating with each other; though +in consequence of more potent electrical agencies the contrasts between +these various objects are frequently abrupt and decided to a degree to +which we can here offer no comparison. The other world about to be +described is, in fact, essentially another Earth--widely differing, +indeed, from ours in its details, but still subjected to the same +natural laws. Its inhabitants, like devout persons here, look forward +with reverent feeling towards the abode of the blest. To a purely +spiritual or angelic region these fragments do not relate. + +The name of "Montalluyah," which more immediately belongs to the chief +city in the planet, is not incorrectly extended so as to include the +entire sphere. This new world is not made up of separate countries and +mutually independent states like those of the Earth, but, forming one +kingdom, is governed by one supreme Ruler, assisted by twelve kings +inferior to him in rank and power. + +The speaker in the fragments (which may almost be said to take the form +of an autobiography) was the son of one of the twelve kings, who by his +genius and worth became "Tootmanyoso," or supreme Ruler. In the planet +his name is mentioned with even more reverence than, by different +peoples, is paid to that of Zoroaster, Solon, Lycurgus, or Alfred; but +he has this peculiarity that he does not fade, like many other great +legislators, into mythical indistinctness, but is himself the exponent +of his own polity. + +It must not, however, be supposed that this great legislator was the +first to rescue his world from mere barbarism. The founder of +civilization in Montalluyah seems to have been a very ancient sage named +Elikoia, to whom brief reference is made in the following pages. Prior +to the reign of our Tootmanyoso the people had passed through various +stages of civilization, under the guidance of many wise and good men. +Still the polity was defective, for the country remained subject to +crime, misery, and disease. + +The proverb that "Prevention is better than cure," to which everybody +gives unhesitating assent, but which is often forgotten in practice, +lies at the root of most of the reforms, both moral and physical, +effected by the Tootmanyoso. The policy of prevention--that is, of +destroying maladies of mind and body in the germ, before they had been +allowed to spread their poison--was one of his leading principles. Under +his influence, the physicians of Montalluyah made it less their duty to +cure than to prevent disease, therein differing widely from our +practitioners, who are not usually called to exercise their skill until +a malady has been developed, and has perhaps assumed large proportions. + +Under his influence likewise it was thought better to diminish moral +evil by extirpating faults in the child, rather than by punishing crimes +in the man. + +Another prominent feature in the polity of the great Legislator of +Montalluyah is the occupation of every person in the intellectual or +physical pursuit for which he has been fitted by natural qualifications, +developed and fortified by culture. Nobility, position, and wealth are +made to depend on merit alone, ascertained by a mechanism which neither +favouritism, ignorance, nor accident can affect. These laws may for an +instant seem to partake of a democratic tinge; but it will be clearly +perceived that the regulations concerning the institutions of property +and marriage are diametrically opposite to those which have rendered the +theories of Communists so generally hateful. + +Many of the Tootmanyoso's reforms resulted from an application of +extraordinary scientific discoveries to the purposes of life. Under the +law which determined that the "right man" should, in the most extensive +sense of the phrase, always be in the "right place," discoveries were +made of which the most acute investigators of earlier times had had no +conception, and the newly-acquired ability of wielding electrical, +mechanical, and other forces had momentous political consequences. Armed +with powers previously unknown, the Tootmanyoso found comparatively easy +the successive steps towards the happiness and well-being of his world, +where a series of insuperable obstacles would have been presented to the +wisest of his predecessors. + +Of the physical agencies mentioned in the following pages, that of +electricity will be found especially prominent. Both the knowledge and +the manipulation of electricity have assumed in Montalluyah proportions +far beyond those known to us. The electric fluid is there employed for +the most various purposes: for locomotion, for lightening heavy bodies, +for increasing the power of optical instruments, for the detection and +eradication of the germs of disease, for increasing the efficiency of +musical instruments--in a word, for the advancement of the world in all +that belongs to morality, science, and art. + +To some readers the plural form, "Electricities," which frequently +appears in the following pages, might seem a strange innovation. The +Editor therefore states, by way of anticipation, that in certain +important points the electrical science of Montalluyah differs from, if +it is not opposed to, some of the principles accepted here. In +Montalluyah it is an ascertained fact that everything organic or +inorganic possesses an electricity of its own, each kind differing from +the others in one or more important properties. Glimmerings of the +progress effected in electricity and other sciences, including the +knowledge and application of Sun-power, may be deduced from the facts +contained in the fragments. Still, those glimmerings are but as +scattered rays of light in the horizon, which, in the belief of the +Editor, are mere precursors of other revelations at least equally +interesting. It may be said generally that by the fragments here given, +showing how the Narrator, uniting in his own person all the highest +qualities of a Legislator and a Ruler, occupied himself with the +discovery and application of means for the reduction of evils to their +smallest possible proportions, not only giving new laws of wondrous +grandeur and beauty, but eventually rendering compliance with them easy +and even delightful--that by these fragments a truly stupendous polity +is but partially revealed. + +The Editor has reason to believe, though it cannot be stated with +confidence, that Montalluyah is the world known to us as the planet +Mars. Even in the following pages indications will be found of physical +features harmonizing with observations made here on that planet. On the +other hand, there is the seeming objection, that whereas Mars is more +distant than the Earth from the Sun, the Sun appears much smaller, and +its heat and light are less intense, on the Earth than in Montalluyah. +These facts would, in the first instance, seem to indicate, not a +longer, but a shorter distance of Montalluyah from the central luminary, +and to point rather to Venus or Mercury than to Mars. But, according to +the scientific theories of Montalluyah, the amount of light and heat +received from the Sun, and the aspect of that luminary, are governed, +not so much by proximity, as by the nature and electricity of the +recipient planet and its surrounding atmosphere. In illustration of this +point the fact is stated in one of the fragments, that in Montalluyah +the power of the telescope is regulated, not by the distance, but by the +attractive or repulsive electricity of the planet under observation, and +that more power is often required to view a nearer planet than one which +is far more distant. + +The question as to which of the laws and customs of Montalluyah can be +beneficially imitated, wholly or partially, on our Earth, and which of +them merely pertain to physical accidents or to a peculiar state of +society, will afford matter for reflection. It must not be supposed +that, by relating the facts revealed to him, the Editor would recommend +all the laws which they suggest as capable of imitation here. Although +they are based on the principle of securing happiness to the community, +more especially to its worthiest members, he would no more think of +recommending them for adoption in their entirety than of upholding the +"Swan-Ship" of Montalluyah as a model for the steamers that cross the +Atlantic. Nevertheless, he trusts that his record of the "regulations" +of "Another World," even where they do not admit of imitation, may serve +to call attention to the evils which they were intended to remedy in +Montalluyah, and which certainly nourish in all their bad luxuriance +here. + + + + +ANOTHER WORLD. + + + + +I. + + +MONTALLUYAH. + + + "You forsake this earthly form which goes to dust, but you still + live on for ever and ever.... + + "This life is but the shadow of what your future lives will be." + + +The Heavens are studded with stars, works of an Almighty Creator; their +pale rays give but a feeble indication of the glorious brightness of +worlds, many peopled by beings of a beauty, goodness, and power +excelling all that human understanding can conceive. + +By the grace of Him whose might embraces the universe, I will speak of a +star where the inhabitants are formed like the people of the Earth, and +as the dawn of day gradually discloses earth's marvellous beauties, so +shall my revelations throw light on the customs of that star-world for +whose well-being I worked with devoted love. + +Some of my world's ways will appear strange to you. Remember that they +belong to another planet, another country, another people, so that like +wise travellers in a distant land, you should for a time lull your own +world's prejudice, and accompany me in thought to Montalluyah, for such +is the name of the city where I lived. + +I was the son of one of the twelve kings called Tshialosoli, rulers of +the country. + +These Tshialosoli are less powerful than kings in your world, there +being a ruler with full power over them and the whole State, who is +called in our language "Tootmanyoso," or "The Father of the World." + +All my youthful zeal and strength were applied to study and deep +reflection. The most able men were appointed to superintend my +education. I outstripped my masters. + +The extent of my knowledge, judgment, and foresight filled with wonder +the most learned and powerful in the land. Their approving praise did +but encourage me onwards in the search for knowledge. + +People related everywhere how wondrous were the gifts of the heaven +favoured student. + +Early inspired by the desire to benefit my fellow-creatures, I often +asked myself why, in a world teeming with blessings, so much suffering +existed? and why endless riches in the seas, in the air, in the earth, +remained unworked as though they did not exist for the use of man? + +At that time the state of civilization and knowledge in Montalluyah was +in many respects not unlike that of the most civilized countries of your +world. The religion of fire had long been replaced by the worship of the +living God, and morality and goodness were respected by most, preached +by many, and practised by a few. + +Wars were waged with relentless cruelty by brother against brother, bad +passions ruled, the rich oppressed the poor, and became in turn the +victims of their own excesses, and vice, disease, and misery were +rampant throughout the land. + +We had money of various metals and precious stones. The greed to possess +money was the cause of great crimes and loss of power. I asked myself +whether men could not be brought to seek knowledge and goodness as +ardently as they sought money? + +I could not then answer the question, but saw that, could this be done, +the boundaries of intelligence being everywhere extended, the discovery +of never-ending fructifying resources would follow, with the means also +of multiplying those already known. + +Notwithstanding wars and pestilence, the numbers of our people had +largely increased, whilst our stocks had seriously diminished, and +scarcity and dearth afflicted my world. + +The increasing numbers of the population would, I saw, become a means of +plenty, by supplying additional numbers and power to the phalanx of +nature's workmen, each, with redoubled skill fitly applied, joyfully +labouring in his sphere to create abundance and secure the general +well-being. + +I applied myself with unwavering perseverance to the study of humanity +and the arts of government, and soon found that like aspirations had +ruled many wise and good men in the different ages of my planet. I +applied myself to the knowledge of their great wisdom and many precepts, +and sought to discover why, notwithstanding the truthfulness and beauty +of the golden lessons of these sages, and the eloquence and persuasion +of their words, corruption and ruin still so largely prevailed. + +Not content with meditating on what had been done and written, I +attended the schools, observed the children's ways, and the mode of +educating and rearing the husbandmen of Nature's vineyard. I visited the +hospitals for the sick, and the theatres of anatomy. I examined into the +causes of disease, and the effects of the existing remedies. I visited +the prisons, and studied the results of punishment and the causes of +crime. I visited the poor in their hovels, the rich in their palaces; I +observed mankind in various phases, and as it were dissected men's minds +and passions. I saw everywhere never-ending power in man and nature +recklessly wasted or turned against the community. + + +My labours were rewarded by frequent advancement. Honours did but +stimulate me to further exertions; the greater I became the more I +applied myself, ever thirsting for knowledge and the power of doing +good, till at length, after passing the severest tests, I became +Tootmanyoso (Father of the World), and head of the State. + +Then indeed my real labours began. Light from Heaven had enabled me to +see the causes of the evils afflicting my planet. I had now to apply +remedies for changing the poisoned torrents into sources of fertility, +refreshment, and delight. + +The dangers and obstructions before me were immense. I felt that no +unaided mortal power could overcome them; but I was encouraged to +believe that, "like a chariot at full speed, which turns a narrow and +dangerous corner, so would I pass over my mountains of difficulty, and +run free in the wide space beyond." + +I resolved with all the concentrated ardour of my soul to persevere. + +Day by day I applied myself to the work, and invoked the aid of my +Creator. + +My harp was my constant companion. I was a great harpist; and when +gratitude for some new light choked my utterance, I made the harp speak +in accents and in language[1] that gave fresh inspiration to my soul. + + [Footnote 1: Musical sounds in Montalluyah have a + meaning as easily understood as spoken words. Our harp + is different to yours, and will be described + hereafter.] + + + + +II. + + +VYORA. + + + "The humble and the proud are equally subject to the decrees of + Heaven; and often one is raised and the other brought low." + + +The system of education which I early inaugurated soon gave to my hand +men of wondrous intelligence, fervid and eloquent emissaries, having at +heart the success of my doctrines. + +These men, themselves convinced, and earnest to convince others, I sent +in all directions to prepare the people, and to discover genius and +intelligence under whatever garb concealed, for I had determined that +all should be encouraged to use their powers for their own and the +general good, and be advanced accordingly. + +Many things had happened to strengthen this, my early resolve. One +incident I will now relate. + + +A beggar made many attempts to gain admission to my palace, but was +turned away with blows; his prayers that he might speak with me were +received with derision,--he was looked upon as a madman, and not allowed +to pass the outer gate. + +This same beggar--Vyora, by name,--saved the life of a little boy, the +child of one of my leading men called Usheemee, "Men of truth." + +The child would have been crushed to death under the wheels of a +chariot, moved by electricity and drawn by fleet horses,[1] had not this +same beggar rushed forward, regardless of peril, and saved the boy. + + [Footnote 1: The beauty of our horses, the desire that + the chariots should not be cumbersome, and the steep + hills everywhere in Montalluyah, are the reasons why + electricity is not used alone. When the horses stop, + the electric action is suspended, and the momentum is + neutralized simultaneously by a governor or regulator.] + +The man refused money, and for his sole reward requested that he might +be brought into my presence. The father told me of this, which seemed to +him the more strange inasmuch as the petitioner refused to say what he +required of me. + +When brought before me, I asked Vyora what he sought? He replied that +his whole desire, his soul's longing, was to be appointed a teacher, +that he might instruct youth, and see little children grow wiser around +him. + +I regarded the man attentively, and put many searching questions. He +answered all in a remarkable way, and gave proofs of intellect, +knowledge, and perception beyond the masters who had passed through the +required ordeals, and was so gentle and modest withal, that it was +delightful to speak with him. + +The father of Vyora had possessed wealth, but from the cruelty and +oppression of an enemy mightier than he, had lost both fortune and life, +and at his death left a family dependent on charity. + +The widow, a woman of remarkable gifts and keen sensibilities, +prostrated by grief, died soon after, carried off suddenly by a disease +called, "Karni ferola," "Absorption of the vitality," [1] which at that +time baffled the skill of the physicians, who indeed had seldom +suspected its presence till the disease was beyond cure. + + [Footnote 1: Answering to "consumption;" this disease + is now detected and cured in its germ.] + +Vyora, himself an emaciated boy, unfitted for physical labour, was the +eldest of many brothers and sisters, who looked up to him in their +hunger. He was driven to beg their food. + + +After the poor man had passed easily all the ordeals, I appointed him "a +Character-Diver," to discover the qualities and detect the faults of +little children,[2] and raised him from indigence to affluence. + + [Footnote 2: See p. 19.] + +The ability, industry, and wisdom of the man, and the good he did were +beyond all praise, and I soon appointed him head of all the +Character-Divers in Montalluyah. + +This incident, with many others, engaged my most serious reflection. But +for an accident, the powers of a truly superior mind would have been +lost to humanity! Vyora was but the type of numbers, evidencing how +capriciously wealth and honours were then distributed. + + + + +III. + + +PERSEVERANCE. + + + "Go onward! lose not faith. Let the goodness of God support you, + and the beauty and fruitfulness of the work cheer you; and when you + are blest with success forget not the source whence all blessings + come." + + +Several years passed before my plans were matured. I reduced all to +writing. On one side of the page I noted my resolutions, with the means +of carrying them out; on the other side, every objection that could be +raised: on a third page I wrote down the answers. Every objection was +invited, every difficulty anticipated, and every detail thoroughly +weighed; nothing was thought too great or too insignificant. + +I submitted the whole to my wisest councillors, and encouraged them to +speak their inmost thoughts. They were lost in admiration, but entreated +me to abandon my design. My life, they said, would be the penalty were I +to attempt to carry out any part of my projects. + +Some said that the design would be beautiful as the subject of a poem-- +as the aspiration of a great mind to arrive at an ideal perfection, +which could not however be realised until evil itself had ceased to +exist. That to attempt to move the Mestua Mountain[1] would be a task +not less hopeless: that I might as well endeavour to walk up our great +Cataract[2] without being engulfed in the sea of foaming waters! Not one +offered encouragement to proceed with the good work. + + [Footnote 1: Supposed to be the largest and firmest of + mountains, which, since its first upheaving, has + resisted the inroads of our mighty seas, as well as the + most violent electrical disturbances of our world.] + + [Footnote 2: See p. 44.] + +Neither their arguments nor their prayers deterred me. I proceeded +cautiously, but with a resolution that feared not death. + +Aware, however, of the deadly peril besetting me, I selected twelve men, +remarkable for wisdom in council and energy in action, on each of whom +in succession the authority should devolve if I were cut off. I +initiated them into my plans, and thus hoped that one devoted man would +always be ready to advance the good work. + +Whilst providing for my death, I took measures for protecting my life +against any sudden outburst of fury. I turned my palace into a fortress, +that I might not be cut off in a moment of sudden unreasoning wrath, +that myself and my adherents might not be scoffed at as madmen, and my +plans for the good of all retarded, if not wholly frustrated. These +motives I proclaimed to the people. + +The opposing obstacles were stupendous. I braved death in every shape. I +passed one mighty peril only to meet another more formidable, but +fearlessly stood every trial, and did not hesitate to act where danger +was greatest. Nothing appalled me. I never faltered from my resolves, +and after years of mighty struggles, my triumph was complete. I was +blessed and adored by all the people, small and great, and my name will +live in Montalluyah through all generations. + + +I gave Laws, and indicated the precautions to be taken to secure their +observance. I initiated discoveries. Inexhaustible stores of abundance +were called into existence, enriching the poor and making the rich happy +in their possessions. And the eventual result of the organization I +completed was the removal of the incentives to war, strife, avarice and +other evils, the triumph of good, and the moral and material well-being +of the community. + +Amongst the many subjects to which I successfully devoted my attention +were: + +The care and protection of Woman, the development of her capabilities +and graces, the preservation and increase of her beauty, Marriage and +its incidents. + +The birth, growth, and education of the future Man and of the Mother of +Men; the enlarging and ennobling the moral and intellectual powers. + +Preservation of health--prevention and cure of disease--prolongation of +Life, and augmentation of the faculties of appreciation and enjoyment. + +The increase of our flocks and herds, and of other sources of supply for +the food of man. The discovery and creation of new means of sustenance +and the amelioration of the old. + +The discovery of the properties of birds, beasts, fishes, insects, +reptiles, and creeping things, and their application to the service of +man. + +The invention of new instruments, the enlargement of the powers of those +already known, the development of electrical and mechanical powers, and +the subjecting the workings of nature to the uses of man. + +The care and protection in health and in sickness of the lower orders, +and of those whom nature had not qualified to take care of themselves. + +Occupation for all, each according to his capabilities and the bent of +his genius, as ascertained and developed by education. + +The government of the country; the enlargement and improvement of the +cities with a view to the health, comfort, and progressive elevation of +the community. + + + + +IV. + + +LIGHT FROM DARKNESS. + + +"Let the mighty works of God stimulate all to industry." + + +My task at first seemed never-ending; but good is ever fruitful, and +each conquest aided every subsequent effort. + +I was greatly assisted in my progress by the knowledge of powers in +nature of wondrous value, but permanently effective for good only; +secrets to be entrusted to those alone whose goodness, discipline, and +self-knowledge enable them to stand firmly against the varied attacks of +temptation, and rise above the motives by which men are ordinarily +ruled, the chosen High Priests of the Science who would never use for +evil purposes the secrets imparted. + +Similar powers have been exercised for good in different ages of your +planet, but the mighty trust having become known to weak minds was sadly +abused, the charm was thus broken and the secret lost; for, when the +knowledge of man exceeds certain limits, his power, like that of good +angels, can exist only while linked with noble aspirations. + +The false prophets who used the dying embers of occult science for vile +purposes have been properly looked upon with horror as delegates of +evil; for the death-struggle of the expiring secret had wrought great +mischief on the earth. + +The power which had been entrusted to me was exercised for the good of +my planet, and aided me in consummating my plans without bloodshed; +those who were deaf to words yielded to influences whose depths could +not be fathomed by ordinary vision. + + +In the system I founded, every one--his natural powers disciplined to +that end--is occupied in the pursuit adapted to his genius and +inclination, ascertained by ever vigilant and scrutinising observation, +and tests ofttimes repeated during his early and later career. + +These tests are applied in a variety of forms, and by different +examiners, at different times; and there are so many checks and +counterchecks, that the boy is effectually protected against the now +scarcely possible ignorance or favouritism of "the knowledge testers," +and even against himself. + +Every one having the occupation most congenial to him, all worked +cheerfully in their pursuits; and I was soon aided by a never-ending +phalanx of great men. The progress of science was marvellous, for as +soon as the impeding obstacles were removed, and we allowed her to be +wooed by the lovers of her predilection, Nature seemed to lend herself +eagerly to the advances of her votaries. + +The precept exhorting all to industry stood at the head of this portion +of my laws, but the lesson was no longer needed. + +I was indeed ofttimes obliged to exhort to recreations and amusements, +and to turn many--particularly men of genius--from the too incessant +pursuit of their labours of love. + +I set an example in my own person, for I was a frequent attendant at the +public games and diversions. + +One discovery was pregnant with another; invention followed invention +almost in geometrical progression; the secrets of nature were disclosed; +and power, being wielded only by men intent on good, disease and crime +were soon reduced to almost imperceptible proportions. Wisdom and joy +ruled where before folly and misery prevailed, and towards the end of my +reign the happiness of Montalluyah was more like the joys of a celestial +star than of a planet inhabited by mortal beings. + +When the causes of affliction themselves could not be removed, they were +often made to contribute to my world's well-being. + +The myriads of insects that formerly ravaged our fields are now +intercepted in their work of destruction,[1] their properties having +been discovered and applied to purposes redundant with good. + + [Footnote 1: See p. 76.] + +The hippopotami, who in earlier ages were looked upon as the incarnate +enemy of mankind, formerly overran the country, trampling down +vegetation, and attacking man and beast. These creatures are now +dominated, and their breed is encouraged, for they have become the most +valuable of our wild beasts, the hide, fat, and nearly every part of the +carcase being applied to very many purposes of the highest utility to my +people.[1] + + [Footnote 1: See p. 279.] + +The advent of "the fever wind," which formerly blew disease amongst the +people, now conduces to the healthfulness of those it would otherwise +lay low. + +The lightning, formerly destructive, impelled--as was told in our +legendary lore--by the anger of the Fire God, is rendered innocuous, and +collected for use.[2] + + [Footnote 2: See Electricity, p. 54.] + +The sun's scorching force is compelled to minister to our delights, to +assist in our arts and manufactures, to supply a power which cannot +otherwise be obtained, and even to protect us from the sometimes too +dangerous influence of his own rays. + +The sunlight is powerful in our world beyond anything in your Indian or +African climates; even the shades are not black, but of a reddish hue. + +The sun, going down, leaves a red light, so that, except when at night +this is completely shut out from the houses, there is ordinarily no +darkness in your sense of the word. + +At certain times, however, Montalluyah, both by day and night, is +overspread with thick darkness. Formerly, during this visitation, no man +could see his neighbour; fear seized the people. They believed it to be +the reign of bad spirits, and so it seemed; few dared venture from their +houses even to obtain food, and numbers died from terror and exhaustion. + +Light is now made to displace darkness, and joyfulness to take the place +of mourning. + +My scientific men discovered a means by which the causes that produced +the darkness are now used to remedy its inconveniences. + +The City is made gloriously radiant. Forms of trees, birds, vases of +flowers and fruit, fountains, and other designs of many tints and great +beauty are transparent with light, rendered more beautiful by +combination with a peculiar electricity emitted by the earth--an +electricity which, be it observed, is the cause of the darkness. + +The very birds by their warbling seem to greet the change, and the trees +and flowers emit a more delicious perfume. + +There is music and rejoicing everywhere in the City. Many of the +electrical amusements provided appear grander from the contrast with the +darkness they are made to displace--a contrast scarcely greater than +that depicted by our "Nature Delineators" when, in allegory, they paint +the present contrasted with past times; the later years of my reign +contrasted with the beginning. + + + + +V. + + +CHARACTER-DIVERS. + +EDUCATION. + + + "Let none but skilful workmen elaborate precious material." + + +Think not that the truly great Vyora was but little honoured by being +appointed to an office connected with little children.[1] + + [Footnote 1: _Ante_, p. 8.] + +The character-divers were entrusted by me with grave duties, on the +proper discharge of which depended the enduring success of my polity. + +The education of the young of both sexes engaged from the first my +deepest study, for I had early convinced myself that the many evils to +be eradicated had their stronghold in the mode in which education had +been conducted, and soon after the commencement of my reign I put into +execution a portion of my laws for making education a powerful lever in +the regeneration of my world. + +Men of genius had been compelled by ignorance or driven by necessity to +follow occupations for which they were not fitted, and which they, +indeed, often loathed; the really valuable tendencies of these men, bent +in an opposite direction, were allowed to run to waste, or perhaps be +used to the injury and destruction of others. + +I felt that to do justice to all and effect good incalculable, evil +tendencies must be destroyed in their birth, the germs of the +imperfections and crimes of the man, detected and eradicated in the +child; whilst valuable qualities and good tendencies must be searched +out, and effective means devised for their healthful development. + +The most ordinary men, those even who would otherwise be swayed by gross +passions, would become contented workmen in the cause of good when +occupied with pursuits for which nature and education had fitted them; +whilst the power and works of men of genius would be many times +increased and multiplied if their education were adapted to strengthen +and develop their talents, eradicate their faults, and generate +auxiliary excellencies. + +But how could all this be effected if the first step to so desirable an +end were wanting? + + +In my visits to the schools I had been struck with the fact that little +account was taken of the characters of children,--their qualifications +and natural tendencies physical or mental: the attempt was to force the +boy to the system, not to adapt the system to the boy. + +One routine existed for all pupils, whether for the inculcation of the +love of study or for the correction of faults. The earnest and +passionate nature was treated in the same way as the cold and +phlegmatic; the boy of genius or talent, as the dullard; the one who +loved, as he who disliked, or had a tendency to dislike, study; the +weakly, as the strong. They were all driven together like a flock of +sheep, with scarcely any regard to individual capabilities, bent of +genius, or physical constitution, which indeed little effort, and that +ill-directed, had been made to discover. + +I had observed, also, boys with the germs of great genius, who, for want +of some minor quality, were rejected and perhaps placed in some lower +division, humiliated and discouraged, although with care the deficient +quality could have been supplied. The want of this perhaps would make +the boy a recruit to the ranks of evil, or at least unfit him, when a +man, for the real business of life. It was the small bolt wanting to +enable the machine to do its work properly. + +I saw the sad consequences of all this mismanagement. + +Many precepts, beautiful indeed in intention, were crammed into the +pupil, the process being repeated until they often became irksome, and +he was expected to become moral and religious. I saw that precepts were +of little use unless those whom they were meant to benefit were +educated, fortified, and disciplined in the practical means of observing +them. + +It was at that time painful to see children, with many good natural +tendencies, leave school with bad habits, and vices so marked and +developed, that even the exertions of the most skilful physicians, the +discourses of the most learned of our clergy, failed to effect a cure. + + +The first thing necessary was to devise effective--it may be said +unerring--means to search out the characters and dispositions of +children. + +I created the office of "character-divers," and selected for the +discharge of its duties eminent men of great sagacity and gentleness, +skilled in the knowledge of the mind and heart, their sole occupation +being to discover the qualities, tendencies, and incipient faults of +children, and act accordingly; to dive, as it were, into the secret +imaginings of the child; to detect the early germ of evil, and note the +presence of good; to indicate measures for eradicating the one and +developing the other. + + +These character--divers, called in our language "Djarke," are distinct +from the masters, called "Zicche," or fathers of knowledge, able men, +who have charge of the boys' studies. + +The qualities which enable a preceptor to impart literary and scientific +knowledge differ widely from those fitted for searching out, +discriminating and correcting faults of character, interpreting the real +qualities that nature has implanted in the youthful aspirant, and +devising the measures to be taken for correction or development. + +Even if the necessary qualities for both duties were united in one +master, there would be many objections to the duties being entrusted to +the same person. + +The character-divers are as it were moral physicians, skilled in the +detection and cure of the hidden germs of mental maladies; for, as you +will see hereafter, I was not content to wait till a disease, whether of +the mind or body, had developed itself, spreading contagious poison +through the veins and arteries of society, and propagating evil without +end; the germ was destroyed before it had acquired force to injure. + +In our planet neither the faults nor the good qualities of children show +themselves in the same way; the indications vary in each child according +to his temperament and the circumstances in which he may be placed. +Faults and qualities are often of a kind seemingly opposed to what they +actually demonstrate to the character-diver--particularly in children +endowed with genius. + +Fair and even beautiful outcroppings are sometimes indications of +noxious weeds hidden below the surface. Weeds are not unfrequently born +from the very richness and exuberance of the soil, whilst many a dark +and seemingly sterile stem conceals the embryo of fruit and flowers +which a genial sunshine will call into life and beauty. + +These and other considerations demand great--almost constant--attention +on the part of the Djarke. + + +Another reason for separating the two offices of fathers of knowledge +and character-divers is that the child's peculiarities are generally +shown out of school-hours. Hence, for the purpose of detecting or +tracing their real cause, and suggesting the remedy, the character-diver +is often obliged to enter into terms of intimacy with the children, +particularly those of tender age, to obtain their confidence, perhaps to +be their playmate and friend, that the little ones may be at their ease, +conceal nothing, and almost look upon him as they would upon some tame +animal. + +The younger children with us require more watchfulness and skill in +their treatment than those of maturer age. The defects of the young, +like incipient disease, are less obvious, and their intelligence is less +developed. + + + + +VI. + + +CORRECTION OF FAULTS. + +CHARACTER-DIVERS--_continued_. + + + "Let the remedies employed be adapted to the complaint and to the + constitution of the patient, and be careful that in curing one + disease you do not sow the seeds of another more dangerous." + + +One of the duties of the character-divers is to suggest, and often to +carry out, the measures for curing the child, for in our planet the mode +of correcting faults is a matter of great solicitude, lest the means +adopted, instead of checking and eradicating, tend to confirm and +develop the evil tendency, or, it may be, implant other evils more fatal +than those eradicated. + +The remedies employed for curing the boy's faults vary with his +temperament and general characteristics. The same fault would be treated +very differently in the stupid and in the intelligent boy. Where there +was difficulty of impression, the labour would be like working on stone, +whilst the lightest touch and mildest measures will often suffice with +the intelligent. + +The remedies vary again with the kind, degree, and cause of the fault: +take for instance the ordinary fault of laziness. This would be treated +very differently when it arose from mental defects--from a tendency to +love other things, great or grovelling, or from a sluggish or overactive +digestion. + +I may here mention that a general feature in the correction of faults is +the absence of violent punishment. We wish to raise and not degrade our +children, and perhaps implant the seeds of cruelty. We do not correct +even our animals by blows. Horses, for instance, are never struck. +Whips, with a small thong at the ends, are used only to flourish and to +make sounds which the horse knows, but they are not used to strike the +animal. Other modes are employed for curing viciousness, each according +to the nature of the vice. In the case of a kicking horse, he is placed +in a machine which is closed on him, the machine being so constructed +that when shut it effectually prevents the animal moving, and he is kept +there in the same position for hours. If, when taken out, he again kicks +he is placed back again immediately. The process is repeated when +necessary over and over again, until the very sight of the machine will +completely cow the animal, and he is effectually cured. + +The laws are very severe against those who would ill-treat an animal, +but there is now no need to put them in force. + +We never punish by the imposition of tasks, our aim being to inculcate +the love of study, and encourage the child to regard his work as a +favour and a privilege. On the contrary we now punish the student rather +by taking away the old than by imposing new school work; and this is so +effected that the boy, though at first delighted, soon thirsts to resume +his studies. + +In many cases the pupil is not allowed even to know that he is +punished,--_i.e._, why the discipline is changed,--lest he should become +attached to a fault for which he has suffered and, as it were, paid +dearly; lest, too, the excitement of eluding detection should make it +pleasurable to transgress when the immediate pressure is removed, and he +should thus become schooled in untruthfulness and deceit. + +The character-divers generally effect the child's correction by +gentleness, and eventually bringing him to loathe the bad and love the +good. Time, labour, and attention are bestowed unsparingly, and, however +small the germ, the evil tendency is never left until, when this is +possible, it is completely eradicated. In certain cases, where the +footprint of nature is too firmly impressed, the efforts are continued +until other and opposing qualities have been developed, and the moral +patient has acquired such control over himself as to be able, in moments +of temptation and impulse, to dominate the disturbing propensity. + +Even after the fault seems to have been eradicated, the patient is for +some time subjected to various tests and temptations before he is +pronounced cured. We do not trust to superficial appearances. + +Similar precautions were taken in the cure of adult offenders against +the laws, but as soon as my plans had time to operate, offences by +adults were of rare occurrence. + +When a child gives evidence of remarkable genius, he is watched with +more than jealous care, with a view to his superior refinement, and +other qualities which we like to see in harmony. We do not like to see, +as it were, a garment made partly of rich brocade and partly of common +material. + +The character-divers, too, are greatly assisted in their observations by +an establishment attached to each school called "The Amusement Gallery," +in which after a certain time the bent of the child, his versatility, +capriciousness, constancy of purpose, and other qualities and defects +are shown in his selection and continued or interrupted pursuit of any +particular occupation or amusement. + + +It is scarcely possible to overrate the importance of acting with +judgment towards children. + +From the smallest beginnings, incurable defects of mind and permanent +disease of body will gather strength, grow and obtain the mastery, till +they carry off the sufferer, or implant vices that, like evil spirits, +will torture the victim during his life's career. + +Nothing is spared in the education of the future man and mother of men. +In the child is seen the parent of other generations, one who, as he is +well or ill-directed, will strengthen or weaken the great work of human +happiness, bearing with him a blessing or a curse for the community. +Therefore whatever may be the pains or expenditure required in the cure +of incipient faults, as of incipient disease, we know that society will +be repaid more than a thousand-fold in the happiness of its members, in +evil prevented and good propagated, in the numbers of men of talent and +genius whose works, teeming with great results, will be thus saved to +the State. + +But for the character-divers the services of numbers of men of +extraordinary genius would have been lost to the State, and our world's +progress in science, inventions, and happiness retarded for centuries. +Nay, perhaps the then comparative civilization would have been thrown +back into barbarism, through the destructive play of bad passions and +disappointed hopes. + +Numbers who, if their early faults had grown into confirmed vices, would +later have led a life of crime, and become inhabitants of dungeons and +emissaries of evil, now grew into men of great eminence. The germ of +evil propensities was destroyed, the exuberant motive power of their +nature regulated and turned to good, by means which the character-divers +thoroughly understood. + + +Amongst faults, the germs of which occupied the attention of the Djarke, +are the following: + +Untruthfulness, dishonesty, discontent, pride, vanity, boasting, +cunning, envy, deceit, whether prejudice, self-deceit, or the wish to +deceive others; nervousness or fear, inducing reticence and concealment +of faults, excess of modesty or the occasional tendency of persons of +genius to underrate their own powers, inattention to studies, want of +application, power to learn too easily, lack of retentive memory, +exaggeration and boldness, bad temper, sullenness, disposition to +quarrel, cowardice, cruelty, caprice as distinct from versatility, +selfishness, greediness, laziness, and its various causes, and generally +the germs of all faults and vicious propensities, which, if not cured at +an early age, would grow into tenacious vices. + + +From the precautions taken in Montalluyah the schools have become real +nurseries, where the pupil is endowed with knowledge adapted to his +capacity and natural bent, strengthened and graced with valuable habits +and stores of physical and intellectual power. + + + + +VII. + + +CHARACTER-DIVERS--_continued_. + + + "Respect those who would enable us to obtain the respect of + others." + + +In former times the education of our children, even of the most gifted, +was entrusted to preceptors who occupied less than secondary positions. + +We did not respect or love them much; nay, they were not unfrequently +treated with indignity, and yet it was expected that our children would +respect and love them and the learning they professed to teach. + +All, whether men or women, entrusted with the education of the young are +now honoured in Montalluyah, and are high in the State as persons +charged to bring about great and valuable results. + + +The aid given me by the character-divers and preceptors in carrying out +my plans was incalculable. Their sagacity selected disciples apt for the +duties I required; men with vast powers impelled by good. These men +propagated my doctrines, and vigilantly watched their observance, and a +new vigorous generation soon sprang up, educated to obey my laws, and +further to increase and multiply their beneficent effects. + +These moral physicians were chosen at first from men of great sagacity, +gentleness, and powers of observation, and of polished manners.[1] + + [Footnote 1: In Montalluyah children are supposed to + acquire so much by imitation, that the candidate for + the office of Djarke and others must possess refined + manners; and even the quality of speaking with elegance + and accuracy is considered necessary both in them and + in the Zicche. The art of speaking and writing with + correctness is imperceptibly acquired from the language + of the preceptors and other models with whom the boy + comes in frequent contact. Grammar, with the exception + of a few leading rules, is not needed, and the boy's + brain is saved much dry and fruitless labour.] + +Young men of special aptitude were soon educated to the office, and it +was then that character-divers of marvellous powers sprang up, whose +knowledge of the human mind, and skill in diving into the hidden +currents of character, became so great that no incipient quality, or +defect however minute, could escape their observation. + +There is a man whom the sagacity of Vyora discovered, whose wondrous +power in his art is the admiration of Montalluyah. The good he has done +and the greatness of his work in searching out and developing hidden +qualities and genius in children, who to the unskilled eye gave no +promise, is celebrated in pictures, in sculpture, and in song, and his +portrait is repeated in the highly finished and artistic mosaic pavement +of our palaces and dwellings. + +We delight to enrich our houses and public places with subjects which +daily inspire great and pleasureable thoughts. + +The subjects of the tesselated pavements include wise kings, inventors, +and discoverers, character-divers and preceptors, physicians, great +electricians and chemists; astronomers, men skilfully learned in the +power of the sun; men versed in the knowledge of the human mind; eminent +painters, sculptors, and architects; men skilled in the properties of +birds, beasts, fish, and other living things. Moral qualities are +greatly estimated; and we have many portraits of women famous for their +virtues, gentleness, and superiority; even of servants distinguished for +remarkable cleanliness and other qualities. Every house has its +tesselated pavement, more or less elaborate, but always beautifully +executed, for all our artists are great, and occupy high positions. + +Where a young man evinced qualities which, when tested, showed that he +would make but a second-rate artist, the character-divers demonstrated +that these youths possessed natural tendencies better fitting them for +some other pursuit. + +I have in my thoughts at this moment a favourite subject of the artistic +pavement;--a man--Zolea by name--who as a boy was inattentive to his +studies, while his talent for sketching from nature[1] was so +remarkable, that even during school hours, with his eye seemingly on his +book, he would occupy himself in sketching those around him. Every one, +except the character-divers, thought that Nature intended this boy for a +great artist. These demonstrated that as an artist he would never attain +a high position; and after observing how he occupied himself in +play-hours, and subjecting him to numerous tests, so completely cured +him of his want of application and other defects, that he became the +wisest and greatest among our kings. He aided me much in the devising +and carrying out many things for the well-being of our planet. + + [Footnote 1: All students, even beginners, sketch from + nature, no other sketching is allowed.] + +Had I not been the son of a king I should probably have been educated as +a harpist; for even as a child I showed great disposition for the harp, +and composed both words and music for my favourite instrument; but my +father's chief councillor, a man of great sagacity, saw in me the germ +of intellectual powers far beyond those required for the most perfect +execution of the harp, and, counselled by this sage, I was led to other +studies by judicious treatment, to the doubting surprise of my early +tutors. + + * * * * * + +I will now give you some account of one of the great works begun and +ended in my reign. + +This work, called 'The Wonder' of my Planet, was by our poets often +spoken of as resembling my polity in the strength of its foundation, and +in beauty, grandeur, and stability, as a work which, like my laws, they +said had saved a world from destruction, and would endure for ever! + + + + +VIII. + + +THE STAR CITY. + + + "The City of delights. The beloved of the Angels." + + +The power of the sun in my world is great, and the heat and light are +excessive. The great heat being, however, tempered by cooling, +refreshing winds, and gushing waters, is to our constitutions generally +agreeable, except at the period called the extreme season. + +The colours in the sky are in great variety, and of exceeding +transparency and brightness, some parts presenting masses of gorgeous +reds, golden colours, rich greens, and pinks of many shades. + +The skies present also the appearance of a most irregular and uneven +surface--as though there were high hills, some with their peaks, some +with their bases, towards the earth, and with large spaces between, so +that whilst in one part these hill-peaks and bases appear only a few +miles off, other parts of the sky seem very distant. + + +In vast mountainous and rocky regions is built our great city called +Montalluyah, that is, "God's own City." + +What are called the _External World Cities_ are built on the base sides +and summits of many peaked mountains, rocks, hills, and promontories, +girded, intersected, and undermined by the sea. + +The City is divided into 200 districts each known by a name indicative of +the situation:-- + + The Upper Mountain City, + Summit City, + Topmost Point City, + The Lower City, + Down City, + Side City, + Lower Under City, + Sea City, + Vale City, + Ravine City, + Side Country, + The Internal City, + +and similar designations. + +Before my reign each of these districts formed a separate city. Great or +rather petty jealousies existed between them, and much evil was the +result; for they treated each other as rivals, and often as enemies. I +decreed that all the districts should be called by one name, that the +inhabitants of all should enjoy the same system of laws and government, +the same customs and polity, and form as it were one family. I did many +things to cement the union. I executed, too, numerous great works which +assisted in promoting the growth of universal brotherhood. Many cities +which formerly lay at immense distances from each other, separated by +intervening mountains of immense height, I united by perforating the +rocks, and building spacious galleries through the hearts and bases of +the mountains, and by throwing "aerial" bridges from one mountain peak +to another. Henceforth I shall speak of all these cities as +"Montalluyah." + + +Palaces and edifices of various forms, their gilded spires and minarets +inlaid with many coloured transparent stones which sparkle in our +brilliant sun, stand on undulating sinuous ridges, peaks, and terraces, +rising one above the other in endless and irregular succession. + +The houses are mostly curved, oval, or round. In Montalluyah straight +lines are avoided. The houses are built principally with a white stone, +mingled with a peculiar stone of a bright sky-blue colour, both stones +repellent of heat. + +Gardens and verdure separate the houses one from the other. Most of the +gardens are arranged in curvilinear lines, the houses being placed at +the central point of the inner and outer curve alternately, so that each +alternate house is on the outer centre of the garden curve, and each +alternate house is on the inner centre of the adjoining curve. The +undulating lines of terraces are broken by gigantic masses of rock of +various colours, red, green, golden, white, blue, silver, brown, and +variegated--rocks of carbuncle, lapis lazuli, malachite, gold-stone, and +many-coloured marbles. + +These rocks and undulations are intersected by ravines, rivers, inlets +of the sea, lakes, and cataracts, reflecting the many tints of the +gorgeously coloured sky and the rays of our vividly bright sun, filling +our city as it were with aureoles of glory. + +In many parts the sea has made itself a hidden way, and runs its course +for miles under the rocks, appearing again at great distances in one of +the interior inland cities, perhaps at the bottom of a deep ravine or +open space; and the waters are often raised and collected for use and +ornament in fountains and artificial cascades called water-lifts: whilst +springs of fresh water gush out of the rocks, affording refreshment to +the sun-parched and many-coloured grasses, flowers, and vegetation. + +Great cataracts and artificial cascades often form the background to a +great building or colossal statue. The effect of these large masses of +water viewed from all parts is extremely grand and beautiful. + +Sometimes the ravines, rivers, cataracts, and sea-arms are passed by +huge bridges of the natural rocks, perforated by the sea, or opened by +man to render navigation possible. Sometimes bridges miles in length are +thrown across a great cataract or immense chasm where the rocks have +been relentlessly torn asunder by the lightning and other electrical +disturbances. + +All the large bridges are covered with houses and gardens, which at a +distance seem air-suspended cities, hanging without support over rivers, +cataracts, large cities, and aggregations of houses. + + +Everything conducive to health is attended to: the supply of water to +every part of the city is unlimited, and in each house, whether of rich +or poor, is a bath, for sea and for fresh water. + +We have "violet streams," which run for miles over beds of violets white +and blue. The water of these is preserved in tanks erected at the end of +the streams, trenches being cut to assist the flow. It has a delicious +flavour, and is used for various beverages, but not for culinary +purposes, since, when mixed with certain things, it turns black and +loses its fragrance. + +Trees, plants, and flowers perfume the air with their fragrance; whilst +birds of endless variety and richest plumage have their nests in the +tall and wide-spreading trees of varied-coloured foliage and fill the +air with their music. In the trees are placed artificial nests to entice +the birds; these invite others, which build their nests spontaneously. +The trees are large, their branches and rich foliage spread themselves +in graceful lines to a long distance on every side and afford pleasing +shade, their gauzy leaves subduing the light and producing the effect of +soft rainbow tints. The trees also emit perfume. + +The music of the birds harmonizes with the refreshing sounds of the +running waters, cascades, and fountains; and that the effect on the mind +of these beautiful harmonies may not be disturbed, the wheels of our +chariots as well as the horses' hoofs are bound with a peculiar hide +which, besides possessing great toughness and durability, has the +property of deadening sound. Thus none but the most agreeable sounds +reach the ear, whilst the senses are charmed with aromatic odours and +the eye is pleased with beauty of every kind. + +Arched galleries and passages through the hills and mountains, partly +perforated by the sea or electric fire, and enlarged by the industry of +man, have a subdued light and make an impression of another kind, the +red light in these perforated roads answering to the red shade of the +outer world. These galleries and openings in the rocks are used to +shorten distances from one side of a mountain to another. + + +The whole city is full of animation. The illuminated sky, the variegated +plumage of the birds, the moving myriads of human beings, clad in rich +costumes of divers colours; horses, elephants, camels, and camelopards, +richly caparisoned; carriages gorgeously decorated, the golden domes of +the houses, the many-coloured rocks reflecting themselves in the waters +and in the brilliant skies, with their own aerial peaks and mountains +brilliant and bright with our powerful sunlight--all these combine to +produce a gorgeous spectacle. Moreover, the constantly recurring +undulations and tortuousness of the ground are so great that it is +difficult to proceed for a few minutes without meeting an entire change +of scenery, as though one had reached a new city. + +At one moment are seen mountain peaks rising almost perpendicularly to +the skies in varying height, then a little turn brings the spectator on +forests of houses, with ornamental gilded domes and hives of human +beings. + +Overhanging rock and mountain-forms of varied colours, the skies now +scarcely seen, now reflecting their gorgeous tints in the sparkling +rivers, cascades, and upheaving masses of water, these and much more +form a picture of which words of fire would fail to convey a sufficient +idea to those accustomed to the sober, though beautifully subdued tints +of your skies. + + + + +IX. + + +THE SUSPENDED MOUNTAIN. + + + "The uplifted Mountain Arm, as though raised in anger, threatens + you and your little ones with destruction.....Let all hearts unite + in prayer, that Heaven may inspire your Tootmanyoso with the means + of saving the world from so dire a calamity!.." + + +The ordinary elevation of the tides is immense. They advance and rise to +a height far beyond any similar phenomenon in your planet, and the +waters retire in proportion, leaving at low water many miles of seashore +uncovered. + +In Montalluyah the sun's electricity is very powerful. It is the power +of the sun, and not of the moon, which principally influences the tides. + + +A huge mountain mass projects from the elevated continent of Montalluyah +for miles above the sea. + +The heart and base of the mountain mass had been carried away from under +the higher mass by some great convulsion of nature, leaving the upper +part of the mountain without support, except by its adhesion to the main +continent, of which it formed part. From the point of juncture the +suspended mass extends itself out horizontally in the air over cities +built on the ridges, sides, and foot of the parent mountain-chain, and +far beyond the extreme bounds of these cities, for miles over and +parallel with the sea, at a height which from the lower cities makes the +superincumbent mass rarely distinguishable from the illuminated clouds +above. + +The electric agencies in our world are very powerful; and it is supposed +that at an early age of our world's history the mountain-foot covered +with cities extended considerably beyond the land on which stand the +present lower cities, and for many miles beyond the actual point to +which the sea now recedes at low water, and that through a great +electric disturbance, the upheaving seas of mighty waters rolled on, +and, rising to an immense height--some think above the summit of the +great mountain--with resistless force carried away miles of intermediate +rock-land, which had till then formed the heart of the mountain. + +When after some time the waters receded the mountain mass above the +point of their ravages was left suspended, deprived of the support of +the intermediate and nether strata, which before the upheavings of the +waters had connected the plateaus and peaks of the mountain with the +land beneath. + + +The suspended or aerial mountain stretches from the high lands of the +continent horizontally through the air, just as one of your largest +continents stretches into the sea. Between it and the sea below, +however, is a space to be measured by miles. + +The sea in subsiding did not recede to its old limits; for a part only +of the miles of the lower lands between the scooped-out mountain heart +and the sea was restored to the world by the retiring waters, and the +heart of the mountain having been carried away and engulfed for ever, +the projecting mountain mass was left suspended not only over the land +now covered by the lower cities, but for miles over the sea. Neither can +be approached except by proceeding first for a long distance in an +opposite direction inland, until the extreme point is reached where the +sea stopped its ravages on the mountain's heart; the road then leads by +circuitous bendings to the land below. + +On the rocky ridges of the heart or indent of the mountain, and on the +part of the mountain foot restored by the sea, now stand the middle and +lower cities of Montalluyah. + +The hanging mountain mass, with its promontories and high hills, +presents all varieties of shape and outline, and is itself intersected +by rocks, ravines, cataracts, and torrents. + + +One great torrent runs on for many miles, and having been swelled by +tributaries into an immense gathering of mighty waters, rushes +impetuously seaward, to the extreme point of the suspended mountain, +whence from its aerial height it falls into the sea beneath, the spray +bringing refreshment to the parched atmosphere of the lower and +intervening cities, built on the ridges and peaks of the sea-worn heart +of the mountain. This torrent, called the Great Cataract, forms a +feature of great grandeur and beauty. + + +On the suspended mountain itself is built a city larger than your +largest capitals, called the Upper city of Montalluyah. The Lower city, +nearer the sea-level, is distant vertically about three miles from the +nearest under part of the projecting mountain-arm above. The cities +swarm with human beings, whilst the wealth of the districts is +incalculable. + +Before my time many of the under parts of the suspended mountain had +broken from the parent mountain arm, burying cities and their +inhabitants under the masses of rock. + +In the then state of science these catastrophes could scarcely have been +prevented, but at that time the inhabitants of Montalluyah rarely +thought of preventing accidents till after they had occurred! + +Although in my reign the suspended mountain did not threaten immediate +danger, I saw that unless means could be devised to support it, like +catastrophes would at some time recur, and perhaps the whole mountain +arm would give way, hurling the upper cities to destruction, and +crushing the nether cities under its falling masses. The terrible +consequences that would ensue were more appalling even in their +remoteness than the most vivid imagination dared realize. + +Acting therefore on the principle governing my polity--that of +preventing evils--I determined to use the immense mechanical and +electrical powers with which the marvellous progress of science had +supplied me, to construct a work strong and durable enough to support +the suspended mountain. + +I assembled from all parts the mighty men of our world, men of truth and +wisdom, fathers of science and knowledge, chiefs in all the principal +departments; for it was provided by one of my laws that before any great +work was undertaken these men should be consulted, and that, so far as +was in accordance with the chief intent, the work should be carried on +in harmony with the requisitions of the principal sciences. + +After much thought, deliberation, and study, a stupendous work was +undertaken; a work so great in the parent thought, and so wondrous in +the execution, that it is looked upon by the people as the wonder of our +world. + +With your limited mechanical appliances, and backwardness of electrical +science, you will perhaps have difficulty in realizing the practicability +of such a construction. + + + + +X. + + +THE MOUNTAIN SUPPORTER. + + + "Let all hearts unite in gratitude to Him who sent His angels to + aid us in this work. + + "He inspired the directing mind, and gave strength to those that + executed. He created the fire that married the two substances into + one indestructible compound mass. + + "Behold, and wonder!" + + +A circular tower, whose base above the foundation is more than a mile in +diameter, and whose round walls are more than a hundred feet in +thickness, is carried up from the lower land nearest to the sea-level +until the head of the tower reaches and supports the projecting mountain +mass above. + +The diameter of the tower-head is one-third of the diameter of the base. +The diminution being very gradual is scarcely perceptible, and appears +to be the effect of distance. The height of the tower is the same as its +circumference at the base. Our ordinary powers of vision generally +exceed yours, and the light in our world is more intense; and yet the +head of the tower can from the lower cities seldom be distinguished from +the illuminated clouds above. + +The area in the interior of the tower at the base, and for some distance +above, is divided horizontally and vertically, and the compartments are +used for storehouses, including the storing of scientific instruments, +and for experiments connected with science. The different strata and +incidents of the atmosphere at various elevations are there studied with +peculiar advantage, as there are numerous landings at different +distances, and we have the means of ascending and descending the whole +distance, or of alighting on any of the landings by means of a machine +raised and lowered by electric power. + +As the work progressed, stages were constructed at different heights on +which buildings were erected, where the workmen and their families lived +until the task was completed, the materials and electricities used, as +well as provisions and necessaries, being raised to these stages by +electric power. The principal material used is the hardest and most +durable substance known in our world--an amalgamated material consisting +of certain proportions of iron and marble fused into a solid compact +mass by the action of fire and electricity. + + +HEAVY MATERIALS LIGHTENED BY ELECTRICITY. + +The blocks used were of immense size, so huge, that even with our +electrical and mechanical levers, many expedients were employed to raise +them to their assigned places. + +Electric science had greatly advanced in my reign, and electric powers +had been discovered by which the heaviest masses could be lightened +temporarily, so that their specific gravity, called by us the "tenacious +electricity," and its tendency to seek the sympathetic electricity of +the earth was temporarily diminished, if not entirely neutralized, +without injury to the mass subjected to the operation. + +Though the means and end are different, the principle is not unlike that +by which you often lighten the specific gravity of bodies, and even +change their nature by chemical combination, the action of fire, and +other expedients, the bodies often resuming their specific gravity and +original form. The means we employ for lightening bodies are far more +rapid and effectual, and, at the same time, the materials acted upon are +less abruptly or violently changed. + + +Notwithstanding all our knowledge of electric and mechanical powers, our +thousands of artificers employed, and all the industry and energy +exerted in obedience to my will, nine of our years[1]--more than thirty +of yours--were spent in the completion of this stupendous work. + + [Footnote 1: Our year is not calculated like yours. The + year is marked by a peculiar appearance which the sun + assumes at equidistant epochs.] + +The tower of itself is an object of great grandeur and beauty, and is +richly ornamented. The external walls of the plinth at the base of the +tower are overlaid with gold and ravine[1] metal, inlaid with large +transparent stones of varied colours. The ravine metal--a metal prized +beyond gold--possesses beautiful veins of colour, which change with the +temperature--veins of watery green, of purple, blue, and steel. When +refined, it is most beautiful. The colours are sometimes so bright that +it is dazzling to look at them. + + [Footnote 1: So named from being found in the great + ravine, the largest ravine in Montalluyah.] + +On the tower are scrolls and images of peculiar meaning, and of large +characters in gold and ravine metal, ornamented with transparent stones. +The sun's rays playing on these stones, and particularly on a large +yellow stone like an amethyst, illuminates the column with what may be +called a supernatural light. + +Alternating with the scrolls are designs representing episodes in my +life and reign. These designs are in pure white marble in relief, and +with the light of our world stand out prominently from the iron-marble, +sufficiently large to be plainly seen at great distances from nearly all +parts of the city. The proposal for thus recording the events of my +reign came from the kings and people who loved me greatly. + + +As before observed, a person can be raised from the base to the top of +the column, and through a shaft into the Upper city. The movement is +rapid, and takes less than half an hour either way, whilst the journey +by our external roads, by reason of the circuits to be taken, and the +ascents and descents would, even to descend, occupy two days on a fleet +horse. The passage through the Tower, however, is seldom used either for +ascent or descent, except in cases of great emergency, because the great +difference of the atmosphere above and below materially affects the +health of the passenger. + +The machinery, too, in the descent requires much care and calculation, +for the weight of the descending body would otherwise increase to such +an extent, that accidents would occur. + +The difference of the atmosphere and the effect on the human frame +between the Upper and Lower cities is remarkable; those accustomed to +live in the Lower city have a disposition to spring from their feet when +first arriving in the Upper city. I recollect a lady--rather weakly--who +seemed mad, but was rational enough; only she could not for some time +resist the impulse of springing upwards. + +This mode of communication would perhaps have been more resorted to had +we not possessed the telegraph. The electric telegraph is, in its +rapidity, not unlike that used in your world, but is different in +construction and mode of working. What is written at one station is +reproduced in its exact size and form at another. Even a portrait +designed at one end of the telegraph with the electric acid would be +instantaneously reproduced at the other end, perhaps many hundred miles +distant. + +At different stages of the Tower the colour of the atmosphere sensibly +changes. This phenomenon is caused by certain minute particles which +contain animalcula, or their ova, and exist at different distances in +layers, and which as they are developed and become heavier have a +tendency to fall into lower regions of the atmosphere, till they awaken +into life under the influence of the sun. Blights, called by us Viscotae, +"infectious visitors," are often thus generated, falling from layer to +layer till they settle on plants and trees. + +These ova, moved by the winds, are sometimes mixed together, but when +the winds subside the more advanced and heaviest tend to settle in the +lower regions of the air just as the heaviest particles of a mixture +have a tendency to sink and settle below. + +All this has been shown beyond doubt by a quantity of air being +collected when falling fast, and at different times and altitudes. Each +portion of air being secured in a separate glass case, the ova were then +viewed through our powerful microscopes, and subjected to various tests. + +The Mountain Supporter, which can be seen from nearly every part of the +Middle and Lower cities of Montalluyah, is an object of inconceivable +grandeur and beauty, its appearance varying according to the point +whence it is seen. + +This great work often seems broken into numerous parts of varied length, +by mountains, rocks, and ravine sides, raising their heads between it +and the spectator. Often, particularly when the clouds have been high, +and the sky has been clear, I have seen from a distance parts of the +huge Mountain Supporter seemingly broken into vertical lines towards the +middle and lower parts in a way that, in conjunction with the upper +parts, has produced an effect like that of an immense flower raising its +head towards the skies, supported by a long stalk resting on many +elegant but slender tendrils. + +The grandeur and beauty of the tower is, if possible, heightened by the +Great Cataract, in conjunction with which it is almost invariably seen. +The falling waters vie with the Mountain Supporter in breadth, and +overtop it by the height from which they are hurled; the one firm, +stately, and magnificent in its solidity and repose, the other vapoury +and grand in its gracefulness and movement; both inconceivably +beautiful; the Cataract, a work of all-powerful Providence, whose wise +purposes no one can scan in their entirety; the Supporter symbolizing +the inspired genius of man, who, with the beneficent purpose of saving +innumerable lives from destruction, had, by the sweat of his brow, +constructed a work more stable than the solid rock,--work whose head +might be said to "reach unto Heaven." + + + + +XI. + + +ELECTRICITY + +IN MONTALLUYAH. + + + "A spark of Heaven power." + + +In the construction of the Mountain Supporter you will have perceived +that we were greatly aided by our extended knowledge of electricity. + +Before my reign, although electricity was used for some purposes, the +existence of varieties in electricity, and the manifold uses to which +their wondrous powers could be applied, were unknown. + +Electricity was not then utilised for locomotion either on land or sea, +or for raising ponderous bodies to an immense height, or in the various +products of manufacture and art, or, in short, for any of the almost +innumerable purposes where the various electricities are now employed, +either separately or in combination. + +This could not well be otherwise; for beyond a contrivance like your +Leyden jar, for collecting "air electricity," no means of collecting, +still less concentrating, electricity of any kind then existed. + +The belief once generally entertained was, that there were but two +electricities, or rather two varieties of the same electricity, one +repellent and the other attractive, answering in a measure to your terms +of positive and negative. Some, indeed, thought that several different +kinds existed; but the renowned electricians--truly great men, for they +had opened the gates of science--proclaimed that all electricities were +in reality one and the same, modified only by accidents. + +They referred to certain phenomena always resembling each other in +whatever way the electricity producing them might be generated; and they +argued, with an appearance of truth, that the electricity which produced +these similar phenomena must be one and the same: for, asked they, are +not like causes indicated by like effects? The principle was right, but, +as was subsequently shown, the application and the conclusion were +wrong. The error had arisen from the fact that electricities of every +kind possess certain properties in common: thus, air electricity enters +into the composition of them all. These common properties produce +phenomena varying only in degree, but so similar to each other that, in +the absence of further knowledge, the electricians concluded that their +theory was correct, and, in consequence, many valuable discoveries were +retarded for centuries. + + +MANY KINDS OF ELECTRICITY. + +In my reign, however, tangible and visible proofs established beyond +doubt that every kind of body and substance, whether animate or +inanimate, contains an electricity of its own. + +Although all electricities contain air electricity, and are similar in +some other respects, yet each differs from all others by reason of some +properties peculiar to itself, the species being different, though the +genus is the same. As in the case of the blood of animals, which is +called by the common name of blood in spite of material differences, +when the species is different, so we have a generic name for all +electricities, a term signifying "A spark of Heaven power." + +Some electricities are diffused and attenuated; some are concentrated; +others are so tenacious of the body to which they belong that they are +all but steadfast. Some are sympathetic; some antipathetic, attracting +or repelling each other; some mingle gently; others, when brought into +contact, cause violent explosions. + + +DRAWING OUT AND CONCENTRATING ELECTRICITIES FOR USE. + +WE discovered the means of drawing out the various electricities from +the body to which they are appetent, and of concentrating and preserving +them for use. + +Man, beasts, birds, insects, fish, reptiles, trees, plants, water, in +short, all substances organic and inorganic, possess each its own +peculiar electricity. In naming fish, I refer to each species, and not +merely to those already known to you as electrical, and which have the +power of emitting strong currents of their own peculiar electricity. A +huge fish, well known on your earth, supplies us with the most powerful +of all electricities--an electricity of immense value. Docks +sufficiently large are built expressly where the sea monster is driven, +there to be subjected to the process by which he is made to yield up the +electricity contained in his huge frame. + +The different kinds of electricity collected and concentrated are stored +ready for use in a large building called "The Electric Store-house,"-- +the electricities, secured in non-conducting pouches, being placed in +separate compartments. This is the more necessary, since explosions +arise when antagonistic electricities come into contact with each other, +and the commingling of sympathetic electricities deteriorates their +quality. For that reason care is taken to keep out light. By the +electricity of light most other electricities are affected. + +To the storehouse are attached extensive grounds for experiments and for +exhibitions, which at the same time delight and instruct the people. I +should observe that beautiful as well as humorous effects are produced +by certain electrical combinations. By means of sympathetic action +living bodies can be attracted and raised without removing their +inherent electricity, as you attract light substances with the magnet or +the electricity known to you. + + +WILD BIRDS CAUGHT BY ELECTRICITY. + +The kind of electricity by which the body to be operated upon will be +best attracted is well understood in Montalluyah. As a simple example, I +will state that wild birds are caught by means of a sympathetic +electricity. For this purpose a long, hollow metal tube is used, at the +bottom of which is a globe containing a powerful acid. A receptacle at +the top of the tube contains seeds much liked by the birds. They hover +about these seeds, and, when they are within a certain distance, a +slight pressure on a wooden spring causes a drop of the acid in the +globe to escape into the tube, and so to set in movement a current of +electricity, which, being very sympathetic to the bird, acts as an +attractor so powerful, that it cannot get away. The tube is then gently +lowered, and the birds are gradually drawn near to the earth, when a +light net is thrown over the captives, and they are shaken into a +cage-net at the bottom. Calmed by the electricity, they do not flutter or +struggle when thus secured. It is very interesting to see the birds come +nearer and nearer as the rod is lowered towards the ground. + + +For electrical purposes it is necessary to catch the birds alive. Those +required for food are also caught in the same way, that they may be +killed without pain, as, indeed, are all birds and animals used for +food. Birds supply an electricity for lightening ponderous bodies; and +by means of this, the immense blocks of iron-marble used for the +construction of the Mountain Supporter were temporarily lightened, that +they might be raised to their assigned places. + + + + +XII. + + +THE PAIN-LULLER. + +VIVISECTION. + + +"Cause not pain, lest you yourselves be afflicted." + + +From a small pet-bird of pink and green plumage, called in our language +the Nebo, is extracted an electricity known as the "Pain-luller." + +The preparations previously used, though very serviceable, did not +fulfil all requisites, and they so seriously suspended the vital action, +that the patient often died in consequence. By means of the +"pain-luller" vivisection and the most difficult surgical operations can +be performed safely and painlessly, without any part of the system being +affected by the action of the "pain-luller," with the exception of the +nerves of sensation. We knew that the feeling of pain in animals depends +on the action of a particular set of nerves. When this pain-lulling +electricity is introduced into body, it is attracted to the nerves of +sensation, and the sense of feeling remains suspended during several +hours, whilst the other nerves and muscles--as, indeed, all the rest of +the organization--continue to perform their functions as in their normal +state. + + +VIVISECTION. + +In vivisection the animal's eyes are bandaged, so that he does not even +know what is going on, but is free from pain, whilst all the springs of +action, with the one exception, remain in their normal state. This would +not be the case if the animal suffered from acute pain and terror during +the operation. The continued energy of the functions is thought +essential to the complete success of the operation, whether on the human +frame or in vivisection. + + +HOW DISCOVERED. + +The efficacy of the "pain-luller" was discovered by an accident. A +little girl carrying a pet Nebo was knocked down, and the wheel of a +chariot passed over her legs. In a convulsive effort to save her pet, +the child pressed it to her bosom with so much force that she broke, the +bird's skin. When the people ran to her assistance, and lifted her up, +they found that both her legs were broken. To the surprise of all, she +did not cry, but only asked to be taken to her mother, and continued to +press the bird to her breast. From kindness, those near wished to take +away the bird, but the girl would not loose her hold. + +The doctors were astonished; for the severity of the fractures would +ordinarily have caused acute pain, more particularly during the setting +of the bones. The child, however, though quite conscious of what was +passing, did not suffer in the least, but continued to pet her little +bird. + + +After many experiments, my scientific men found that this entire absence +of pain was due to the Nebo's electricity, which had escaped by the +breaking of its skin. This electricity, attracted by the nerves of +sensation, had entered the child's body when she pressed the pet +convulsively to her bosom, the seat of great sensibility. The +electricity only suspended the sense of feeling, but did not affect any +other part of the child's system. + + + + +XIII. + + +THE MICROSCOPE. + +CONCENTRATED LIGHT--MUSIC--EXPERIMENT ON +THE LIVING MAN. + + + "The same Almighty Power that governs the universe of worlds + governs the minutest particles of creation....In both is shown His + infinite power." + + +The properties of our Microscopes (as of other optical instruments) are +wondrously increased by the aid of an electricity called "concentrated +light." [1] + + [Footnote 1: In Montalluyah light in the ordinary state + is said to be a highly attenuated electricity.] + + +In our fields is found a little worm, whose body is surrounded by a +beautiful and powerful light, visible by day and by night. + +While meditating on the cause of this phenomenon, it occurred to me that +the light was probably attracted and concentrated round the little +creature by its own electricity. After many experiments, my great +electricians found that this was the case, and many valuable discoveries +were the result. + +A machine, called the "Enticer," charged with electricity abstracted +from this worm, is placed in a high open spot, and light is attracted +and concentrated in a marvellous manner. When the pouch for receiving +the concentrated light is fully charged, and secured against the action +of other electricities, it is detached from the machine, and its +contents are preserved for use. The appearance of concentrated light is +that of a beautiful halo. + + +MUSIC. + +The power of music, beyond that derived from its mere execution, is +greatly influenced by the amount of electricity infused into the sounds +by the performer; and in our planet the human voice has often been known +to soothe, and sometimes to restore, a disordered brain, by awakening +the powers of some dormant division, when the electricity accompanying +the sounds is sympathetic with the light in the brain of the listener. +The human voice, other things being equal, is more electrical than +sounds from musical instruments; for in the one case the emanations of +light come direct from the living singer, whilst in the latter instance +the electricity coming from the executant passes by contact with the +instrument, and is thus transmitted through an intermediate conductor. +The beauty and effect of many of our musical instruments, and +particularly of the harp, are greatly increased by the application of +electricity. + +A skilful executant on our harp can assuage the passions of a +multitude,--nay, he can excite many of the aspirations and sensibilities +ascribed in your legends to Orpheus and other mythical personages. + +It is thought in Montalluyah,--though it was never demonstrated,--that a +modification of concentrated light forms the point of union between the +immortal soul and the perishable portions of man. + + +INTERNAL CONCENTRATED LIGHT. + +There is concentrated light--the very essence of light--within +ourselves, particularly in the brain, to which the light, having +travelled about the body, is conveyed, through the instrumentality of +the blood, to the nerves and other organs. + +In speaking of the brain, we often use words belonging to vision. Until +the discovery of "concentrated light," we did not know how truthful were +these expressions, one of which in our language answers to the "mind's +eye." The eye as well as the brain contains concentrated light, and +physical impressions received through the visual organs are by this +electricity immediately conveyed to the sympathetic "light" of the +brain. + +By the application of concentrated light we can even increase for a time +the intellectual powers, or, rather, we can strengthen the instrument +through which the intellectual powers are manifested. + + +EXPERIMENT ON THE LIVING MAN. + +The possession of concentrated light led to the discovery of the exact +mode in which the brain acts in the living man. By experiments on +transparent fish of the zoophyte class, and on the eyes of animals, we +discovered the means of making a living body for a time transparent. The +skull was rendered transparent accordingly, and by the aid of +concentrated light and of an instrument called an "electric viewer," the +currents of electricity in the brain were made visible. + +These currents include myriads of electrical lines--literally composed +of electricity--lines the nearest approach to your definition of a +mathematical line, that which hath length without breadth. + +The filaments, as we may truly call them, are of different forms, +straight, spiral, and otherwise curved, and of varied length and +colours. They are set in motion by the impulsion of thought. When we +talked to the patient on a particular subject, one series of lines would +be set in motion with indescribable rapidity; other topics would call +into play other series of straight or curved lines. They can also be set +in motion under the influence of certain electricities. + +Although the experiments on the living man proved very valuable, they +could not be conducted with impunity, and were therefore not often +repeated. The man operated upon was insensible for some time afterwards, +and felt the effects for years. He was, however, cared for during the +rest of his life, and was not expected to work. Moreover, every kind of +comfort, luxury, and amusement was provided for him and for a certain +number of relatives and friends whom he selected as companions. Still he +was not allowed to marry, that being one of the principal conditions to +which he subscribed on being chosen for the experiment from amongst a +host of candidates to whom all the serious consequences attending the +operation were made known. + + + + +XIV. + + +PHYSICIANS. + +DISEASE GERMS. + + + "Cure all evils in their early germ, so shall ye be spared endless + suffering." + + +Physicians take very high rank in Montalluyah; they are furnished with +palaces and gardens; their revenue is great; they are wholly provided +for by the State, since on their knowledge and efforts depend greatly +the prolongation of life, the prevention of disease and suffering, the +preservation of beauty, and of invaluable nerve and brain power. As in +the moral, so in the physical constitution, the aim is to discover and +crush evils in their germ, before they have taken proportions dangerous +to the individual and to the community. + +Formerly the chief duty of physicians was to wait patiently until +disease had worked great and even fatal mischief. Their chief occupation +now is to preserve the patient's health and prevent disease, and if, +from any but accidental causes, any one fell ill, it would be a disgrace +to them. They were formerly called by a name answering to "Disease +Doctors," whilst they are now known by a term signifying "Health +Guardians." + +Prior to seasons formerly unhealthy, the physicians make visitations +from house to house. With the aid of powerful microscopes, they examine +the minute particles of the perspiration issuing through the pores. The +perspiration, being the result of efforts made by the system to throw +off impurities, indicates whether the patient is in good health, or +whether there is a tendency to disease. The state of the perspiration, +though varying greatly, does not always show the exact nature of the +malady; for many diseases present the same appearances, and, in that +case, tests are applied, which do not fail to indicate to what malady +the impurities belong. + +To give an instance: There is a disease of the lungs called Scrofiuska, +which impedes respiration, and is besides often attended with cough, +emaciation of the body, and other symptoms like those that accompany +consumption, for which indeed it was formerly mistaken. It is now well +known to be a different disease, requiring different treatment. In +scrofiuska the lungs swell inwardly, but tubercles are not generated, +and, unlike consumption, this disease can be cured even when at its +height. I recollect a bad case, early in my reign, where our physicians, +mistaking the complaint for confirmed consumption, declared that the +right lung was gone. A short time afterwards the real nature of the +disease was discovered, and the patient was completely restored to +health. + +In both complaints, however, the perspiration, when viewed through our +microscopes, presents exactly the same appearance. In consumption, and +to a greater extent in scrofiuska, the lungs are covered with a web-like +moisture, portions of which are thrown off by the system with the +perspiration. + +The ordinary appearance of perspiration in a healthy state is that of an +oleaginous liquid consistency resembling, say, a thin cream; but the +water exuded by the lungs has the appearance of dew, and is indeed +called by a term signifying "lung-dew." It does not amalgamate with the +oleaginous part of the perspiration. + +Our doctors at first thought that they could detect incipient +consumption from the appearance of this dew, whilst they had only +ascertained that the germs of some one of several diseases existed in +the system. For although the presence of lung-dew in any quantity gives +intimation that all is not right, the specific malady is not indicated +with certainty. The application of certain tests to the patient is +necessary to discover the particular disease with the incipient germs of +which he is afflicted. + +Disease and contagion difficult to deal with in their advanced stages, +when they have already made their presence known by symptoms too +palpable to be disregarded, are easily mastered in their germ. + +To collect the perspiration, a little instrument, called "the scraper," +is passed over the skin, and at each turn deposits the perspiration in +an air-tight receptacle attached to the instrument. + +The blood was found to be but a partial test of disease, for there is +much in the body which does not mingle with the blood, whilst the +perspiration contains impurities thrown off by every part of the +organization, and, when examined through our microscopes, never fails to +give warning. + +At the same time the blood is the subject of deep study in Montalluyah; +and every point connected with its component parts, colour, circulation, +heat, quality, purification, is thoroughly understood. + + +The physicians sometimes examine the breath. With this view, the patient +breathes on a little instrument saturated with a preparation which +condenses and retains the breath. Ample opportunity is thus afforded for +its microscopic examination, and for the discovery of the unhealthy +particles with which the breath may be impregnated. + + + + +XV. + + +MADNESS. + + + "Think not others blind because ye will not see....The concentrated + light of the soul is not visible to the naked eye." + + +The microscope also led to the discovery of the incipient causes of +madness, by the facility it afforded us for the dissection and +examination of the minutest portions of the numerous divisions of the +brain. + +Before my laws came into operation the incipient symptoms of monomania +were rarely noticed, and many were driven into confirmed madness and +crime by neglect or improper treatment, whilst some of the supposed +lunatics were really wiser than their keepers or the doctors who +attended them. It often happened that the aspirations of a superior mind +were mistaken for indications of the malady, and led to the +incarceration of the supposed lunatic. For instance, a poor man, who +lived in the reign of my predecessor, thought, and truly thought, that +electricity might be used as a motive power for the heaviest bodies, and +supply the place of wood used as fuel in manufactures. He also thought +that electricity, then impalpable to the senses, was the material +ingredient affecting the weight and coherence of bodies. People laughed +at what they supposed to be illusions, and there the matter might have +stopped; but the poor man persisted in his assertions that the sun +contained electricity, which could be attracted, concentrated, and +applied to various purposes. He appealed to the well-known fact, that +the sun ripens the fruits of the earth, changes the colours of +substances, affects the brain, and produces many wondrous phenomena +without visible contact. His lucubrations, instead of suggesting +experiment, were received with derision, and the man himself was cruelly +treated, his very persistency in the truth convincing the world that he +was a confirmed madman. In vain he appealed to the officers charged to +visit the monomaniacs, and, in spite of all his efforts, he died in a +lunatic asylum. + +So dangerous, indeed, was it formerly to announce new ideas opposed to +those already received, that we had a proverb to the effect, that he was +not mad who had "droll" thoughts, but he was so who told them to the +world. The proverb is now somewhat reversed, and he is thought wicked +who, being favoured with gleams of light, allows them to perish with +him. + +Accompanying all laws, I gave to the people my reasons at length for +their promulgation, together with answers to anticipated objections; and +in the exposition of the laws relating to madness I bid them recollect +that had I endeavoured to put my thoughts into action some years +earlier, I should undoubtedly have suffered similar persecution to those +under which many others had succumbed. + +Monomania is not now assumed, as formerly, from the seeming extravagance +or supposed absurdity of people's words; for it is well known in +Montalluyah that thoughts which a few years before were scoffed at as +the height of absurdity are now acknowledged facts, and they who could +doubt the existence of the now familiar phenomena would alone be thought +mad! It is known, too, that people often say strange things from +confused or indistinct recollections of what has befallen them in a +prior state of existence, or from prenotion or intuition of things as +yet unknown to others; and although in the sciences we accept nothing as +conclusive that is not confirmed by experiment, the vastness or +strangeness of the thought, far from attracting ridicule, generally +leads to inquiry, experiments, and results. Many of our great +discoveries have been suggested by hints which formerly would have +seemed the ravings of a disordered mind. + +With our microscopes we have been enabled to examine and dissect all the +minutest divisions of the brain, each of which responds to certain +trains of thought, and to ascertain the physical cause of madness. + +This knowledge enables us to discriminate with certainty, to detect the +existence, nature, and locality of the germ, and apply effectual +remedies during the earliest tendency to the malady. Until this +discovery was made, I took effectual means for curing the numbers in +whose brains madness had already been developed. I erected many great +buildings, where each patient was separated from the others, for in +Montalluyah madness is thought to be more or less contagious; but after +I had reigned some years the deserted divisions only served to show for +what purpose they had been formerly used, and, with one single +exception, kept in case of need, these buildings are now appropriated to +other purposes. + +Amongst the discoveries that astonished the brain-doctors and +mind-tamers was the following:--It was formerly thought that the disease +existed in the _overworked_, portion of the brain; but this was found to +be an error, inasmuch as the disease exists in those parts of the brain +which have lain dormant or have been little used. From these the +oleaginous fluids essential to their life and activity are drawn to +supply the overworked portion, which remains in full health and power. +The doctors admitted that their original belief would alone suffice to +account for their having failed to cure so many cases of madness. + +The heat of the climate, the power of the sun, the then excessive use of +stimulants, and the excitability of the people,--whose pulsation is more +rapid than yours,--all tended formerly to augment the victims of the +scourge. + + + + +XVI. + + +THE DEATH SOLACE. + +INSECTS. + + + "Seek diligently and you will find healthful good even in noxious + things." + + +In Montalluyah learned men are employed wholly in the study of the +properties of insects, for these contain valuable electricities. + +Colonies of insects, brought by the storms, formerly destroyed whole +crops, till a simple mode was discovered for protecting our fields and +capturing the marauders. + +It was ascertained what plant the insects liked most. This, fortunately, +proved to be a common plant--one that could be produced in great +abundance. Large beds of it are grown in a place concealed as much as +possible from view. Amongst the coveted flowers is sprinkled a strong +scent, which attracts the insects, who, finding the plant they like so +much, congregate there, abandoning entirely the other plants. + +We have gauze of a very fine and yet strong texture, with which nets are +formed. One half of the net is laid over the plant-bed when certain +winds foretell the coming of the insects, and as soon as these have +covered the favourite plant, the top of the net, moved by a spring from +either side, closes over and secures the swarm. Where not necessary to +secure the insects alive, we sprinkle over the attractive plant-beds a +strong poison, which is itself extracted from insects. + +There are at times certain impurities in places very difficult of +access. Swarms of insects, secured in immense cages, are brought as near +as can be to the spot. The cages opened, the insects instantly rush out +in swarms, and soon consume everything that has produced the noxious +exhalations. All insects,--indeed all created things,--have, in +Montalluyah, some properties useful to man. + + +THE DEATH SOLACE. + +After some years had passed, and my laws had time to operate, disease +and crime were reduced to the smallest proportions. Life is now +prolonged to a period which, before my reign, would have been thought +fabulous, and people rarely die but of old age. + +Man's progress having become a pleasant journey, I was encouraged to +believe that the traveller might be enabled to quit the world without +the ordinary death-struggle and convulsion, and with his expiring +faculties so refreshed, that he would give his last directions with a +clear brain and a cheerful heart. + +From a little insect, my men of science extracted a material from which +is prepared a potion agreeable to the taste. This is administered to the +patient as soon as the physicians are satisfied that life is ebbing +fast; and it, at the same time, calms and rouses the dying man. + +Within five minutes after it has been taken, all signs of suffering +disappear, and the countenance acquires a calm expression, succeeded by +a smile of joy rarely seen in the most perfect health. The faculties of +the dying man are brightened, and his sensations rendered delightful. He +looks calmly on death, makes his dispositions with the serenity of +robust health, converses familiarly with those dear to him, gives them +his blessing, and passes away as though he were leaving only for a short +and pleasant journey. I have seen many exhort their children and +relatives, and speak of their departure for another world with an +eloquence seldom heard on other occasions. + +The effect of the potion on a person in full health is very different; +it stimulates and excites, and is altogether prejudicial; and although +it would rather do good than harm to a weakly person, its great virtues +are only shown when taken by a man in his last moments. Where it is +desirable merely to calm or to rouse, there are other and more effectual +preparations. + + + + +XVII. + + +INTERNAL CITIES. + +SUNSHINE PICTURES. + + + "Let the great be blessed for the joy they cause to fall on the + world like refreshing dews." + + +There are two seasons in our world--the one called "moderate," the other +"extreme." In the extreme season the heat is far beyond the most +powerful heat prevailing in your tropics. Special precautions are then +necessary to preserve the health of the people. None are allowed to +expose themselves to the sun during the greater part of the day; a +cooling regimen is enjoined, and animal food is forbidden for a certain +period. In both seasons the light by day is intense; its nearest +approach to colour is a warm, bright, golden hue, not the cold, white, +greyish hue of your climates; and its red shades are sufficient to light +our caverns and passages through the rocks to a certain distance. + +Those who confer large benefits on the world are naturally entitled to +enjoy a portion of the wealth and well-being they have successfully +laboured to increase. + +This truth I constantly bore in mind, and in spacious galleries +perforating the rocks I built the Trombetski, or Internal Cities, for +the especial use of those whose superior intelligence had been occupied +for the good of the world. Here, sheltered from the scorching rays of +the sun, are the palace residences of the higher classes during the +extreme season. These galleries serve also to shorten distances between +remote parts of the external world. With their streets and passages they +form of themselves cities, with scarcely less movement than in those +without. + +Light is admitted through occasional apertures--some natural, some made +by man. It is not as vivid as that of the external world, but subdued +and beautifully soft, is ample indeed for all purposes by day, like the +pale red of the shade in the external world. Even at night artificial +light is not ordinarily required in the open air, the shade of the red +light of night being sufficient. Both sea and fresh water in abundance +is brought to every part of the internal cities, which abound in +waterfalls and fountains, nothing being omitted that may contribute to +beauty, health, or comfort. + +Many of the most lovely flowers and plants in the external world are +those which flourish in the red shade, and are, therefore, eminently +suited to the internal cities, where, planted in profusion, they +flourish greatly, and emit aromas like your essences, but invariably +fresh, sweet, and wholesome. Their natural beauty and odours are +increased by electricity, an agent by means of which we can give most +beautiful fragrance--nay, colour, form, and variety to flowers in +general. + +The communication from the palaces in the external world is often by +means of a winding path, descending from the basement of the upper +palace to the palace in the internal world. By means of machines worked +by electricity we have facilities for excavating earth; and where rocks +or hard substances intervene we can remove large masses by the +application of explosive electricities. These paths are therefore +excavated with ease. + +My palace, situate on the summit of the upper mountain city, +communicates with a magnificent summer palace, reached easily by a well +lighted descent. The daylight in the internal palaces is peculiarly +beautiful, almost unearthly. Pictures of life-like power are painted +expressly for this light. + +In my summer palace is a saloon of very great proportions, with a floor +of ivory inlaid with pearls. This saloon contains more than 150 +pictures, works of our great artists, representing the principal events +of my life. In these the figures are large as life. Here are depicted +extreme perils which I had undergone; here are the present times +contrasted with the past; and thus the benefits conferred by my reign +are presented in a manner which appeals at once to the heart. + + +SUNSHINE PICTURES. + +Great discoveries had been made of the enormous resources afforded by +the sun. By the aid of machines this power is greatly utilized in +manufactures, sciences, and arts. The loveliest colours of our fabrics +are those imparted by the action of the sun with the aid of instruments +fitted to the purpose. + +When we desire to produce in a painting the effect of sunshine, the rays +of the sun are attracted and permanently fixed on the parts of the +picture we wish to illumine. The effect produced is as though the sun +was actually shining on the picture. The effects of sunrise or sunset-- +the effects of the most brilliant, as well as the least vivid, +sunshine--can be produced at will, and are exactly those of nature. Some +of these effects are so vivid, that it would dazzle the eye to look on +the sunny parts of the picture for any length of time. + +A preparation sympathetic to the sun's rays having been rubbed over the +part they are intended to illumine, the rays are concentrated there by +means of an attracting and concentrating instrument. Another solution is +then thrown rapidly on the part illumined in order to fix the rays +permanently. A brush was used at first; but, in spite of all care, this +left its deep shadow, which greatly marred the effect. Even now much +care is necessary, and the solution must be thrown from the side with +considerable address, so that the sun's rays may not be intercepted. +This solution serves also to fix the rest of the colours. The picture is +painted on a fine material like linen, of great durability. + +This art of using the sun's rays was much used on the paintings in my +summer palace. The brilliant sunlight of the outer world thrown on the +principal figures produced a greater effect in the subdued light of the +internal city. + + + + +XVIII. + + +THE PICTURES. + + + "Let pictures speak to the eye, to the ear, to the taste, to the + heart, to the head, to the concentrated light of the soul, to the + imagination as well as to the understanding. If they do not rouse + good aspirations, cast them into the fathomless ravine, there to + perish, a fitting food for the poisonous fungi that cover its + sides." + + +Among the pictures to which I refer is a series representing the +following subjects:-- + + I. FOUNDING OF THE SCHOOLS. + II. THE OPENING OF THE AMUSEMENT GALLERY. + III. MAN. + IV. WOMAN. + V. MARRIED LIFE. + VI. FLOCKS AND HEEDS. + VII. THE ALLMANYUKA. + VIII. THE STAR INSTRUMENT. + IX. NAVIGATION BEFORE AND SINCE MY REIGN. + X. CONSUMPTION OF THE VITALITY. + XI. MADNESS. + XII. THE EXPOSITION OF THE NEW DOCTRINES. + XIII. THE REBELS. + XIV. THE MOUNTAIN SUPPORTER. + XV. INVENTION OF THE LEAF INSTRUMENT. + XVI. SUN-POWER AND ITS APPLICATION TO MANUFACTURES, + AND FOR HEALTH PURPOSES. + XVII. OPENING OF THE ELECTRIC THEATRE. + XVIII. INVENTION OF THE INFANTS' EXERCISING + MACHINES. + XIX. THE INSTALLATION OF THE CHARACTER-DIVERS + AND PRECEPTORS, IN PRESENCE OF THE + TWELVE KINGS. + XX. THE VALLEY OF THE ROCKS. + XXI. THE CONSUMMATION. + + +I. THE FOUNDING OF THE SCHOOLS. + +Education before and since the Tootmanyoso's reign is typified. + +On one side a number of poor intelligent children are depicted wandering +in ignorance. On the other is seen the college as now established, with +indications of results. The one part of the picture is seen as if it +were enveloped in darkness, whilst on another part the sun is shining +brilliantly. + + +II. THE AMUSEMENT GALLERY. + +The opening of the first Amusement Gallery is here depicted with the +Tootmanyoso attending. + +This is an interesting picture. It exhibits the gallery, with the +different playthings and amusements, toys, musical instruments, live +birds, small animals, flowers, and other objects. Amid these are shown +the interest and delight of the little ones, happy groups of merry +faces, the joy and gratitude of the mothers, the Tootmanyoso's +satisfaction in contemplating his work, and the intent observation of +the "Character-Divers," and "Overlookers," with other varied and +interesting features.[1] + + [Footnote 1: See p. 202.] + +III. MAN. + +Man is shown as he was before, and as he had become after I as +Tootmanyoso had reigned about one hundred of your years. Man's life had +been lengthened from your average age to one which before the employment +of the means enjoined and carried out in my reign would have been +considered impossible. + +The different stages of man's life during both eras are here contrasted +in every gradation. Thus we have the child as he was, the child as he +is, commencing his education, and his entry into manhood; the coxcomb +and dissipated man of former times, and the man of the present era, +following the road leading to his own happiness and the good of others; +middle age--the man struggling to draw the load up the hill with painful +efforts, the other man engaged in congenial occupation; lastly, the +disappointed and the happy old age. + + +IV. WOMAN. + +In like manner we have a series of pictures showing woman's former +state; her present education, in the representation of which episodes +are given of her progress in her own sphere to the level and +companionship of man. Reference is made to the means of increasing her +beauty, and employing her charms for her own and man's happiness;[1] the +gentleness of her nature in softening man's lot, whilst she is supported +and defended by him; woman as a mother, her devotion to her children, +and her joy and gratitude in contemplating the development of their +strength and beauty through the means enjoined and practised in my +reign. + + [Footnote 1: See p. 94.] + +One picture, let me add, represents the mode of choosing a husband,[2] +and another represents ceremonies used in the preparations for +marriage.[3] + + [Footnote 2: See p. 104.] + + [Footnote 3: See p. 120.] + + +V. MARRIED LIFE. + +In the picture relating to this subject we first show marriage as it +was. The wife and husband are rarely by each other's side; when they +meet they are in common attire, and receive each other with frowns; the +wife, in grand costume, smiles on strangers, and so on with other +episodes of former married life. + +With this state of things is then contrasted, in every detail, the +happiness of the married state as it now exists. + + +VI. FLOCKS AND HERDS. + +These are pictures showing the spare and lean cattle of earlier times, +the former paucity of our flocks and herds, and the present innumerable +supplies,--the result of good treatment, and of people's obedience to a +law of mine which forbade them to slaughter the female, so that our +resources for multiplying our stocks should not be diminished. The +present humane method of treating animals, and the dispatching of the +animal without pain, are admirably depicted.[1] + + [Footnote 1: See p. 213.] + + +VII. THE ALLMANYUKA. + +The different stages of my progress in creating the Allmanyuka, or new +food, substituted by me for a strong, stimulating, and injurious +condiment previously in general use, are represented in another series +of paintings, showing the incipient thought and its perfection, the +fruit in its various phases, my anxiety while watching the growth of the +fruit, my joy when success had crowned my efforts, and the gratitude of +the people.[2] + + [Footnote 2: See p. 220.] + + +VIII. THE STAR INSTRUMENT. + +The Tootmanyoso is seen looking through the "Star Instrument," while +worlds are opening in the distance. This "star instrument," or "world +viewer," is a gigantic telescope of immense power, aided by electricity, +constructed for me at my suggestion.[1] The power of our telescopes is +wondrously increased by electric and chemical combinations, but this one +excelled all others in magnitude and power. + + [Footnote 1: See p. 299.] + + +IX. NAVIGATION. + +Navigation before and since my reign is here depicted. The frail and +sluggish ships of former times are contrasted with the swift and +powerful ships constructed in my reign.[2] + + [Footnote 2: See p. 268.] + + +X. CONSUMPTION OF THE VITALITY. + +An episode connected with the discovery of the incipient cause of this +malady is here represented.[3] + + [Footnote 3: See p. 235.] + + +XI. MADNESS. + +In a series of pictures are portrayed various incidents illustrating the +injuries formerly inflicted from ignorance of the causes of the malady, +the really mad having often been regarded as sane, whilst many of the +sane were treated as mad. Every phase of the malady as it formerly +existed is depicted, as also the discoveries and incidents attending its +detection and cure in its incipiency. + + +XII. EXPOSITION OF THE NEW DOCTRINES. + +While representing the Tootmanyoso expounding some of his leading +doctrines, the artist has given to many of the countenances a fearful +expression of hatred and incredulity, while the Tootmanyoso's calm and +settled purpose is grandly expressed in the dignity, eloquence, and +unswerving faith depicted in his aspect and general bearing. + +In this picture, too, are seen figures of children clothed in rich +habits, who had been brought up in idleness, and taught to respect +little else than money; some deriding, some in the act of throwing +missiles at the principal figure, whom others are revering. + +The poor people's joy when relieved by the Tootmanyoso from misery and +oppression, and told that the gates of honour were open to themselves +and their sons and daughters, is plainly shown. The beaming intelligence +of beautiful children with lofty aspirations, expressing innate love of +good and desire of knowledge, hitherto held back by want, is also +represented. All this is more beautifully expressed by the painter than +words can convey. + + +XIII. THE REBELS. + +An episode in the Tootmanyoso's life when, alone and unarmed in his +study, he was surrounded by a band of armed men, who had bound +themselves by oath to murder him unless he complied with their +rebellious demands, is here recorded in a picture, in which is portrayed +the noble figure of the Tootmanyoso, unarmed and bareheaded, at the +mercy of these furious armed men, who have the expression of wild beasts +in their rage. The painter nevertheless has succeeded in giving to the +faces of the rebels a cowering expression, as if they were inwardly awed +by the undaunted calmness and aspect of the man they had come to +destroy. + + +XIV. THE MOUNTAIN SUPPORTER. + +Besides the most remarkable views of this wondrous work, the different +interesting incidents attending its construction are recorded. Here, +also, is portrayed the unsupported Mountain Arm, threatening many cities +with destruction, as it appeared before the construction of the +Supporter. + + +XV. INVENTION OF THE LEAF INSTRUMENT. + +The discovery of the properties of leaves, and the invention of the +"Leaf Instrument," by the aid of which fallen leaves are utilised as a +valuable means of enriching the Earth. This was a great boon to my +world, greatly increasing the fertility of the land and the excellence +of the crops. + + +XVI. SUN-POWER. + +The discovery of Sun-power; its application to manufactures and the +arts; to various medicinal purposes, and to invigorating the +constitution and brain of man. + + +XVII. THE ELECTRIC THEATRE. + +The opening of the first Electric Theatre, and the exhibition of the +wondrous feats accomplished by Electricity. + + +XVIII. INFANTS' EXERCISING MACHINES. + +The Tootmanyoso suggesting to one of his scientific men, Drahna by name, +the machines, the use of which prevented many of the accidents and +diseases incident to infancy. There are many other pictures illustrating +the discoveries by which health and beauty are preserved, and man's life +is prolonged.[1] + + [Footnote 1: See p. 187.] + + +XIX. INSTALLATION OF CHARACTER-DIVERS. + +The Installation of Character-Divers and Preceptors is a ceremony of a +very solemn character, and takes place in public, the Twelve Kings +presiding. The candidate engages solemnly to fulfil the duties strictly +and impartially. + + +XX. THE VALLEY OF THE ROCKS. + +The Tootmanyoso addressing the people in the Valley of the Rocks; an +extremely picturesque locality, studded with rocks, which, by his orders +were sculptured into groups of gigantic statuary, calculated to impress +the people's minds with grandeur and beauty. + + +XXI. THE CONSUMMATION. + +The Tootmanyoso, on the completion of his work, is seen offering up +thanks to Heaven. + +The principal figure stands out from the picture in a marvellous way. A +glory of light shines on the monarch's brow, and his eyes are illumined +with heavenly fire and inspiration. In the background are the people, +surrounded by plenty, and guarded by myriads of angels. Our painters +have the art of giving to their delineations of angels an incorporeal +vapoury appearance, like that of forms sometimes seen in sleep. The +Tootmanyoso is in the act of accompanying his hymn of praise with the +grand music of the harp. This instrument with us is of gigantic +proportions, and, touched by a skilful player, produces lovely effects. +It is not supported by the executant, but revolves easily on a ball and +socket, to which, having been placed at the exact inclination required, +it is fixed by a small bolt before he intones his hymns.[1] + + [Footnote 1: See p. 243.] + +It was delightful for me to go down occasionally to the great room, and +to meditate on these pictures, and the subjects that had inspired the +painters. The light and tone of the place, and the general impression +made upon me, seemed to savour more of heaven than of earth. + + + + +XIX. + + +WOMAN. + +CHOOSING BY HAND--CHOOSING BY FOOT--GIRLS' +DOBMITORIES--EARLY RISING--PRAYERS. + + + "Let woman be as soft as down, as sharp as a lancet, as sparkling + as the diamond, and as pure as Stainer's fount." [1] + + + [Footnote 1: See p. 149.] + +Woman is the object of much solicitude and consideration, and enjoys +many privileges. The tendency of her education is to qualify her for the +position which nature intended her to hold as the companion and helpmate +of man. However she is instructed, though not to so great in degree, in +many branches of art and science, cultivated by the stronger sex, the +design being to enable her to appreciate the efforts of man and to +encourage and comfort him in his progress, but not to take his place. +With us women are happy and contented, and words of complaint rarely +fall from their lips. + +Great precaution, however, is taken lest they should overwork themselves +in the severer studies, or even in the lighter occupations, the tendrils +of their nerves being so delicate, that, if once injured, they would +seldom be restored to their normal condition. + +There is this marked difference in the education of the two sexes. Boys +are educated in manly and athletic sports, in all that can give them +strength and physical development, and call out their masculine +qualities, while the occupations and exercises allotted to girls tend to +confirm and develope their natural delicacy, gentleness, and sweetness. +The result, is, that whilst men are large of frame and endowed with +great force and strength, the women in Montalluyah scarcely ever exceed +the middle size. They are beautiful, and thoroughly feminine in form and +feature, while in disposition they are sprightly, ingenuous, and +truthful. Their carriage and movement are marked by elegance and grace, +their voice is of melodious softness, and they are altogether +distinguished by a peculiar charm and fascination. + +Most of our women are brunettes, with rich black silky hair and eyes-- +large and beautiful as those of the gazelle; but the fair with blue eyes +are considered the more beautiful--probably on account of their rarity. + +The beauty of the woman, like the muscular development of the man, is +greatly aided by the care now taken of children from their birth. Women +were formerly left to themselves, and many, either from ignorance or +want of thought, neglected to do justice to their proper qualities and +charms, whilst they became enamoured of ostentation and indulged in a +thoughtless extravagance which served to kindle the envy of their +neighbours, and to bring ruin to their husbands. Whilst seeking +extraneous aids to beauty, they neglected the simplest precautions for +its preservation, though, when their charms had faded, they eagerly +sought means to repair what were incorrectly called the ravages of time, +but were only the unavoidable consequences of their own neglect. The +heavenly light of their eyes had become dim; their complexions, +originally of a warm purity, had become of a yellow tinge; their skin, +soft to the touch and beautiful to the eye, had become shrivelled and +hard; their dark and beautiful hair had become grey or fallen off, +deprived of the nourishment which had been prodigally wasted, and the +undulating and elegant form had often sunk into a misshapen mass. + +We have now a belief that the harmonious development of the body is not +only physically and aesthetically desirable, but assists in the +healthful development of the mind, to which, for a time, that body +belongs; beauty being regarded as "a precious gift from Heaven which it +behoves every woman to preserve and improve." The exceptions to beauty +are now rare, and women are scarcely less lovely in age than they were +in youth. In many cases time has actually enhanced their attractions, +improved, through the additional charm impressed on the countenance, by +the sweetness and gracefulness of their nature. + +Cosmetics for the reparation of beauty are not needed, but women of all +ranks are enjoined to use various precautions for its preservation. We +have cosmetics very efficacious for protecting the face from the burning +sun, for keeping cool the natural moisture, for preserving the +complexion, and for preventing wrinkles. In our climate the heat +distends the skin, and by inducing excessive perspiration, reduces the +fat required to support it. But for our cosmetics, wrinkles would be +formed at an early age. As it is, the skin and complexion, as well as +the form and features, are now preserved to the last period of life. + +The hands and feet, and indeed all the details of beauty, are much cared +for. The toes of the feet are exercised in a variety of ways, and are +almost as elastic and pliable as the fingers, being, as well as the +ankles ornamented with jewels. Soles, secured with sandals protect the +under part of the foot. On many great occasions the sandals are +dispensed with, the sole being secured by a preparation rendered +adhesive by the warmth of the foot. This preparation is easily removed +by the application of a sponge and water. + + +CHOOSING BY HANDS. + +A lady's hands and feet form so great a feature in the estimation of her +beauty, that they are made a distinctive test for deciding preferences +on certain occasions. + +Thus, partners for the dance are sometimes chosen in a way that excites +a great deal of mirth. The custom is called "choosing by hands." + +A large round screen, made expressly for the purpose, stands at one end +of a ball-room; behind this a certain number of ladies--generally twelve +at a time--place themselves, accompanied by the master of the +ceremonies. The opening in the doorway is then closed. The screen, +though not closed at the top, is sufficiently high to completely mask +the ladies, and there are in it twelve or more small apertures, lined or +faced with a soft crimson or other warm-coloured velvet, sufficiently +large to admit of a hand being passed through, so that it may be seen +and criticised on the exposed side of the screen. Through one of these +openings each of the ladies passes her right hand, and the gentlemen +choose the hand they prefer, each by touching a spring nearest the hand +selected, and at the same time announcing his name. The chosen one is +immediately led out from behind the screen and presented by the master +of ceremonies to the gentleman, in the midst of the applause or +merriment of the company before the screen, and of the rest of the +ladies behind it. Ladies are very particular about their hands and +nails, and, as may easily be conceived, give them a little extra +attention before going to a party. + + +CHOOSING BY FOOT. + +There is another peculiar mode of choosing partners--"by foot"--but +this is conducted in a different manner, and is made to depend on the +superior beauty of the foot, as decided by an arbiter, who is chosen by +the company, and who is, of course, a man famous for his taste and +knowledge of the beautiful. + +While the arbiter pursues his duties, the ladies are concealed behind a +screen, which is, however, open sufficiently at the bottom to disclose +the foot and ankle. She to whom the palm is awarded has the first choice +of a partner, and the others follow in succession in the order in which +they have been ranked. This diversion, though exciting great interest, +is not so happy as "the choice by hand." The ladies whose feet are +placed in a lower rank often think themselves aggrieved, and are +slightly jealous of their rivals, for in spite of the efficacy of my +laws, I could not--whilst giving just triumphs to superior beauty-- +altogether prevent a feeling of disappointment in ladies who saw the +palm given to others by one recognised as an honest and able judge,--a +man whose taste was known to be irreproachable. + +When the hand and foot of a young lady are inclined to coarseness, while +at the same time her talents and goodness entitle her to a superior +position, the fingers or toes, and afterwards the hand and foot +themselves, are bound up, for a certain number of hours each day. We do +not like "contradictions," or, as I have before observed, we object to a +garment partly of rich brocade, partly of common stuff. + + +GIRLS' DORMITORIES. + +At the head of all the means for preserving beauty are cleanliness, +frequent ablutions, and a habit of early rising. In these girls of all +ranks are well schooled, and to show you that in their education we do +not neglect what are erroneously called trifles, I will tell you of one +of the modes of treatment commonly employed in connexion with such +matters. + +In the colleges each girl has a separate sleeping-room, as we have a +great objection to young girls sleeping together in one room, and +inhaling each other's peculiar gas thrown off in the form of breath +during their slumbers. Besides, when that practice prevailed, as it did +formerly, the girls were in the habit of talking to each other upon +subjects which often suggested inconvenient thoughts, even to the best +disposed, and confirmed others in tendencies which eventually grew into +confirmed vices. + +On the pupil's retiring to rest, the door of her sleeping-room is +fastened from the outside by one of the matrons. The girl has no means +of opening it herself, but by touching a little spring at the head of +her couch she can at any moment communicate with the matron +night-watchers. These matron night-watchers--two for a certain number +of girls--are on the alert during the night, remaining in a place called +the "watch," where are suspended the electric bells, underneath each of +which is the name of the girl occupying the room to which it +corresponds. + +Light is supplied to every dormitory by means of a lamp inserted in the +wall, and opening from the outside. Half an hour after the door has been +closed the matron extinguishes the light, without entering the room. The +external red light of night is also excluded; for, as with you, darkness +is thought much more conducive to refreshing sleep. + +In consequence of the warmth of our climate, girls, being naturally +rather luxurious, are not inclined to rise early. They are, however, all +required to rise at the same hour, and this is the mode adopted for +rousing them. At the end of each room, opposite to the sleeping-couch, +is a kind of gong made of metal and formed like a pair of cymbals, +united at the base by a hinge, and kept together by a bolt at the top. + +At the hour of rising these cymbals are set in motion by the matron in +the watch room, who touches a spring by which the bolt fastening the +cymbals together is removed. Thereupon the cymbals immediately clash +together, and produce loud discordant sounds. The girl, not liking the +discordant noise, loses no time in stopping it, which is beyond her +power unless she leaves her bed and fixes the bolt that keeps the two +cymbals together. + +This done, she goes into an adjoining room, in which are a bath and +other preparations for her ablutions. The door communicating with the +sleeping-room closes of itself, whereupon the matron enters the +apartment, pulls off the bed-clothes, and opens a large skylight at the +top, to admit the fresh air. + +The ablutions of all the girls ended, they descend to their repast, +after which they say a very short and simple prayer. In this thanks for +their refreshing sleep and for the food they have partaken are united +into one petition that the labours of the day may be blest by the +Supreme. + +The practice which formerly existed of saying long prayers before the +girls partook of their first repast is abolished. Many young people have +keen appetites after a night's rest, and when the old custom prevailed +their thoughts would be wandering in a direction very different to that +ostensibly taken by their prayers. + +Although saying set prayers before the early meal is now not required of +the young girl, gratitude to the Dispenser of all good is successfully +inculcated. On the walls of the repast room are inscribed in large +characters appropriate precepts adapted to the young intellect--such as +"Think of God before you eat." In the meaning of these the young are +instructed at an early age, and by various devices are imperceptibly +led, through the medium of the eye, the ear, and the understanding to +acquire the habit of directing their thoughts in conformity with the +spirit of the precepts. + +A careful discipline prevails, as I have intimated, in all matters +relating to the education of girls of every rank, but, as soon as they +attain one amongst the higher positions and marry, they are allowed, +nay, encouraged, to indulge in many luxurious habits, to dress +beautifully, and to wear magnificent jewels, but only according to their +means. + +As an instance of luxury in simple things, I will mention a peculiar +soft reclining cushion, or settee, particularly adapted to exhibit the +lady and her costume to the greatest advantage. As the lady sits down, +however gently, it yields to the pressure, leaving her surrounded by the +portion not pressed, which thus forms a background, and, as it were, a +frame to the living picture. When she rises, the elastic cushion resumes +its pristine form. The least movement is sufficient to cause the seat to +rise or fall, and I have often seen ladies amuse themselves with this +gentle exercise. + +To these settees a pad is attached. On a spring being touched this +opens, and forms a fan which by its own movement fans the lady, and at +the same time emits a refreshing perfume, continuing to act until the +lady closes it by touching a spring. + +These settees are covered with silk of various colours, adapted to the +ladies and their costume; a peculiar crimson ornamented with gold is the +favourite colour. They are allowed to be used by the married ladies +alone, and are much liked by them, the more so perhaps that in the +colleges girls of all ranks are not allowed to use any seats but those +without backs. + + + + +XX. + + +CHOICE OF A HUSBAND. + + + "Women are the mothers of the nation. The happiness of our life + depends on theirs. They have much to bear. If we neglect them we + neglect ourselves." + + +Having taken care by means of education to eradicate all incipient +faults in woman, to confirm her health, to increase her powers of +attraction, and fit her for the station which her talents and virtues +entitle her to fill, we take the best means to ensure that the maiden +shall at the proper age marry the man most pleasing to her, and most +likely to secure the happiness of both. + +In every district a council of ladies, who have passed through certain +ordeals, and a council of elders, regulate all matters relating to +marriage. Over each of these presides a man of a certain age, and of +spotless character, whose qualities, actions, and mode of life have been +observed and recorded from early youth. + +Let me more particularly describe how the lady makes choice of a +husband. + +During thirty-one evenings in succession the girl intended for the +marriage state is placed in an assemblage composed of eighty-five young +men, one of whom she is expected to choose, but however quickly her mind +may be made up she is not allowed to announce her decision till the +thirty-first evening has arrived. + +The eighty-five young men are selected by the councils from those only +who have declared their intention of marrying. Any man of the same rank +as the lady, who is desirous to be one of the eighty-five, is generally +nominated at once, and if the girl has any especial liking for one +particular person, she is allowed to communicate the fact privately to +one of the ladies of the council. + +In cases, however, where both the councils are of opinion that there is +any serious objection to the eligibility of the young man, they have the +right to withhold the summons. This right they rarely exercise, and +never until after communicating with the lady where she has named the +gentleman. Every contingency is well considered; besides, the +regulations which govern every step connected with these meetings, and +the sacred feeling with which the councils regard the delicate trust +confided to them, prevent any inconvenience which might otherwise arise +from their proceedings. + +At these meetings the girl wears a peculiar headdress with a star in +front, to distinguish her from other ladies who are allowed to be +present, but who however are expected not to pay court to the gentlemen. +It would have been unreasonable to require the exercise of so much self +denial under the old system, but an acquisition of the power of self +denial forms part of the training prescribed by my system of education, +and is now ordinarily practised when needed. This privilege of being +present is highly prized and eagerly sought by ladies, if only for one +of the thirty-one chosen evenings. + +The gentlemen who wish to have their pretensions favourably viewed, pay +court to the young maiden of the star, and any gentleman who it is +thought may prove agreeable can be called by the lady of the council, +one of whom is always seated near the girl. + +On occasions when some of the gentlemen present would rather not be +amongst the aspirants, it is amusing to see them retire behind the +others, hoping to escape without offence against the rules of good +breeding. Should one of these be called by the lady superior, he will +probably give himself awkward airs, and endeavour to be as little +engaging as possible. The maiden generally looks modest and blushing, +and needs the assistance of the lady superior, who is not unfrequently +obliged to represent her in conversation. + +Before a week has elapsed the maiden of the star has generally intimated +by look, who is likely to be the selected one. Sometimes, however, she +is fickle, and when one, encouraged by her expressive glance, has paid +her court, she will encourage another and another, and another,--for on +these occasions she has full liberty of action. + +It is amusing to see the efforts of pretenders, and the expression put +on, whilst overwhelming the lady with amiabilities when her thoughts and +perhaps her glances lie in another direction. She in turn may be obliged +to use all her power to attract the one she desires to select. If she be +a coquette, each one of many will think that he himself is the fortunate +swain on whom her choice will fall. The doubts existing in these +instances cause great excitement and amusement, and between the meetings +pearls against rubies, diamonds against diamonds, and other precious +stones are staked on the event. + +Great is the agitation on the thirty-first evening, when the maiden is +expected to declare on whom her choice has fallen. She proclaims it by +presenting the chosen one with an appropriate flower, and thus is spared +the pain of a verbal declaration. A band of music then announces by a +particular and well-known strain that the choice is made, and a march is +played, to the measure of which the chosen one leads his intended to a +throne on a slightly raised dais. + +Each of the gentlemen then approaches, successively +presenting to the maiden a flower,[1] which he lays on +the table in front of the dais, wishing her at the same +time happiness and joy. + + [Footnote 1: See p. 126.] + +The lady will perhaps kiss the flower presented when anxious to show +regard for the giver, whom, however, she has not been able to choose. +This ceremony of presenting flowers having been concluded, the future +bride and bridegroom lead the way to the banqueting-room. + +On the evening following, a meeting of three hours' duration takes place +between the chosen one and the maiden, who is accompanied by the lady +superior of the marriage council. The two converse, and if after mutual +explanation anything incongruous is found, either party is at liberty to +object, and the marriage does not take place; but if the three hours +pass without objection no further question can be raised. The two are +then looked upon as betrothed, and after a certain interval the marriage +takes place. + +It sometimes happens that at the meetings of the eighty-five the maiden, +distracted between contending aspirants, is unable to give the +preference to any. In that case she is put back for another year. + +At the end of the year another assembly of young men is called; the +number invited is limited, however, to forty-five, and the evenings are +reduced to twelve. Should the lady again fail to select--a very +improbable occurrence--another and final assembly would be called for +the following year, the number of gentlemen being reduced to twenty-one, +and the evenings to seven, and if the lady should still remain undecided +she must be content to enjoy single blessedness during the rest of her +life. For my own part, I do not recollect more than one case where the +selection was postponed beyond the second year. + + + + +XXL. + + +THE DRESS OF SHAME. + +SUN-COLOURED SILKS--THE ART OF PLEASING. + + +"Let not the ranks of the good be defiled by the presence of him + who has betrayed his trust." + + +I never knew an instance of the trust confided to the Marriage Councils +being in any way abused. None are selected for the office, who have not, +after years of probation, shown themselves in every way worthy of the +sacred trust. + +A severe punishment would attend any deviation from the strict path of +honour; the offender, condemned to wear "the dress of shame," would +probably be degraded from his rank. After a time had passed, sufficient +to exhibit his punishment as a warning to others, he would, perhaps, be +banished to a distant country. It should be understood that every other +part of our world is less agreeable than Montalluyah. + +The dress of shame to which I have just referred, is a common robe +formed of one piece, and of sombre colour, on which dress are placed +marks indicating the nature of the offence and the name of the offender. +Similar marks are likewise placed over his house, and are well +understood by the people. + +Independently of the deep degradation implied by this costume, the +entire privation of his ordinary dress would alone be a punishment to +the offender, for the people are very fond of dressing well. I +encouraged the love of dress particularly in woman, for I thought that +when properly regulated it was good, and heightened the beauty of the +picture. With us the style of dress and the taste of its arrangement are +thought indications of the mind within, but none are allowed to dress or +wear jewels beyond their station. + +After marriage ladies, according to their rank, are allowed to wear very +rich costumes. The textures are beautiful and the colours very +brilliant. + + +SUN SILK. + +The sun gives lustre to fabrics and imparts colours which can be +supplied by no other means. In your planet such brilliancy is never seen +except in the sun itself. We have, for instance, a silk of a very +remarkable colour, which is highly prized by the ladies. Of this you may +form a remote notion if you imagine a bright silver green radiant with +all the vividness and brilliancy you sometimes see in the sunsets of +your southern climes. + +Some of our silks in the natural state are of a chalky white. This +silver green is obtained by exposing the silk, when woven into the +piece, to the rays of the sun during the half-hour after noon; no other +time of the day will answer as well. If the silk were kept beyond the +half-hour, the tint given would be unequal. The material is exposed to +the influence of the sun in a machine, which has two different actions; +by one, that lasts for a quarter of an hour, the silk is unrolled, and +by the other, which is of exactly the same duration, it is rolled back, +the two operations being so regulated as to finish in the half-hour two +"pangartas," equal to about twenty of your yards, the quantity required +for a lady's dress. The colour penetrates through the silk, but the side +exposed to the sun is the more brilliant. + +Our Ladies also wear a silk most beautiful in texture and colour, called +"Sun Silk." To obtain this silk, the sun is made to bear on silk-worms +at particular hours of the day, and the result is, that the silk of the +cocoon is of a colour resembling that of a bright sun. + +There are numerous other beautiful colours prepared in different ways +under the influence of the sun, and, by the action of the same luminary, +fabrics for ladies' dresses are endowed with the power of repelling +heat. + + +THE ART OF PLEASING. + +Women are instructed in the art of pleasing, and the handsomest and most +gifted exert themselves to this end. They are required to attend to +their personal appearance abroad and at home. The married especially are +enjoined to attend to this as much in the presence of their husbands as +before strangers. A different custom prevailed in former times, when +women after they had been some time married, thinking that their +husbands' affection was secured, gave themselves no further care to +please him, though still taking pains to appear handsome and fascinating +to others. It was for visitors and strangers that the most comely +apparel and the most engaging manners were put on; the consequence was, +that the husband often preferred the society of those who in appearance +at least seemed to care more for him than did his own wife. This was the +cause of much of the immorality which formerly existed in our world. + +The example, too, on children, was most injurious; it schooled them in +deceit and disingenuousness. My laws declare that those, whether man or +woman, are dishonest, who wear a behaviour to each other after marriage +different to what they did before, for they have gained the affections +of their victim by deceit--pretending one thing and doing another. + + + + +XXII. + + +COSTUMES. + + + "The harmonious beauty of dress gives often indication of the mind + of the wearer." + + +While speaking of materials for dress, I will venture to interrupt "the +preparations for the marriage" by giving a short description, of some of +our costumes. + +As certain of our manners and customs, besides having a character of +their own, may be said to partake both of your Eastern and Western +usages, so do our dresses partake both of your oriental and classical +costumes. + + +LADY'S COSTUME. + +The costume of the lady is loose and flowing. A jacket or bodice of +purple tissue covers the right arm, and one side of the body to the +waist, leaving the left arm, shoulder and part of the bosom exposed. + +A small waistcoat, made of a crimson tissue, is worn underneath the +bodice. + +The tunic is of white tissue, beautifully embroidered with a gold +thread. The short skirts show trousers of golden tissue, full, and not +unlike those of your Turks. They are confined at the ankle by anklets, +made of plain gold for the middle classes, whilst those worn by the +upper classes are of ravine metal, ornamented with precious stones. + +There are fringe trimmings to the tunic made of precious metals of every +variety of colour, selected for their lightness and beauty, and enriched +at their extremities with precious stones. The colours of the costume +vary with the taste of the wearer, but are selected to harmonise one +with another, and all with our brilliant light. + +The feet are protected by a sole secured either by sandals or by means +of an adhesive material. + +Women are not allowed to wear stays, or in any way to confine the waist. +Indeed such encumbrances would serve no good purpose, inasmuch as their +forms are actually beautiful; their spines, in consequence of their +physical education, are strong, and every part of the person, which +might otherwise possibly require support, is in its proper place. + + +HEAD-ORNAMENTS. + +In the hair is sometimes worn an ornament forming two wings, each +consisting of a single diamond, which moves on small fine hinges, and is +so arranged that the least breath of air will set it in motion. In the +centre uniting the two wings, is a small crimson stone surmounted by a +large round stone of purple-blue, from which sprouts out a very fine +dagger of a greenish-gold colour. The rest of the head-dress is made of +fine metal, chosen for its lightness, of the same tints. These metals +are of equal, perhaps greater value, than gold, but are chosen for their +qualities. The necklace and anklets correspond in character to the +headdress, with the addition to the former of one large pearl, which +hangs to the wings and rests on the lady's bosom. The bracelets are made +in your Greek style--bands of gold set with large pearls. The soles to +protect the feet are gilded with ravine metal. The sandals, which are of +purple enamel of a peculiar kind, are often ornamented with jewels. The +fan is composed of the choicest feathers of our native birds, and set in +ravine metal of the most beautiful kind, studded with pearls and other +precious stones. + +We have pearls, diamonds, and other precious stones of a very remarkable +kind, whose electricities are supposed to have a certain influence over +the wearer. Thus, diamonds in Montalluyah have, it is thought, a +tendency to increase the circulation; and when I have been fatigued by +excessive study, a chain of peculiar diamonds has been placed near my +skin to revive me. + +Ladies sometimes wear a small turban with a gold tassel on the crown of +the head. For the open air the head is covered with a turban, in front +of which is a small shade, which, by means of a spring, falls down and +protects the eyes and face from the sun. + +Ladies of superior quality rarely wear turbans, for they seldom go +abroad in the heat of the sun, and when they do, they are shaded by a +canopy, supported at each corner by a pole, and borne by four men. When +walking in their grounds ladies use long veils, covering them from head +to ankle, which they also wear when on horseback, but they never mount +in the heat of the sun. + +Every unmarried woman, without exception of class, wears a distinctive +feature on her dress. The drapery is fixed with a jewel to the right +shoulder, and the right arm is bare. On the other hand, the married +woman's arms are always covered with falling drapery, though by certain +movements she shows the arm. It is not till after marriage that the lady +is allowed to wear very elaborate costumes. + + +GENTLEMAN'S COSTUME. + +By men an elastic linen case or chemise, made of a material which will +stretch to any size, and cling to the form, is worn next the skin. This, +reaching just below the knee, is short in the sleeves, and very +ornamental about the neck, leaving the throat bare. It is changed daily +by the poor, and twice a day by the rich. Over it is worn a tunic of +rich material, with sleeves differing from each both in form and colour. + +The trousers of the men consist of a large mass of drapery of very fine +light material finer than cambric, prepared from leaves which have +passed through a certain process, and are afterwards woven. This is +wound round and round the leg. As many folds are required to protect the +body from the scorching heat, it will be seen that lightness is an +essential quality. The trouser, otherwise full, is narrow at the ankle, +where it is confined by a band of the same material, of gold or of +jewels, according to the quality of the wearer. Gloves are not worn by +men, but their trousers being so massive they can place their hands in +the ample folds when walking in the sun. + +Another important article of male attire is a large piece of drapery, +which, fastened in front and on one shoulder with a jewel chain, is +carried to the back, and being attached to the opposite arm, falls in +graceful folds below one knee, where it may be fastened. It may also be +thrown back and worn as a cloak or covering; in any case it descends in +graceful folds. + +The feet of our men are bare, and are rubbed with an oleaginous +preparation, which keeps them lithesome, and prevents them from being +browned by the sun. The under part of the foot is protected by a sole +secured by sandals. The hair, whether of the head or beard, is never +cut, and we have no shaving, but we have means to prevent the hair +growing on any part of the face. + +The colours of the costume vary greatly; each man selects according to +his taste, but they always harmonize. To give an example. If the drapery +were crimson on the outside, the inside would be blue; the tunic, a very +rich brown; the legs of the trousers, one red the other blue. + +The only ornament worn by the men is a chain of ravine metal, sometimes +plain, sometimes set with costly gems, and we have costumes all brown, +relieved by this chain alone. + +Out of doors the men wear a turban or head-covering, made of a very +light material, beat out to the thinness of the finest wafer, and +repellent of heat. It is very large, that the face and eyes may be +protected from the sun; and, moreover, it is furnished with a +contrivance by which a current of air is kept constantly playing on the +top of the brain. + + + + +XXIII. + + +PREPARATIONS +FOR THE MARRIAGE. + + + "Cling to each other, concentrate your hopes in each other, and if + peevishness on either side arise, chase it away by a smile." + + +Shortly after the choice of a husband has been confirmed, preparations +for the civil marriage commence. Night and morning the bride is purified +with baths of choice herbs and flowers. During the fortnight prior to +the solemnity myrrh and choice spices are added to the baths, and the +hair, to which great attention is given, is combed with a comb that +emits a peculiar perfume, which retains its force for months, attracted +by the warmth of the head. + +This comb is made out of one small part of the wood of a rare tree, the +rest of which has no particular virtue; so that from a whole tree, only +a single comb is obtained. Such combs are used solely for the brides, +and for every bride a fresh one is provided. The hair is combed down +loosely, the long hair hanging about the neck, shoulders, bosom, and +waist. + +The marriage costume is generally purple and gold, the rich being +magnificently attired, and wearing beautiful jewels in the hair, on a +small turban worn on the crown of the head, on the bosom, waist, hands, +arms, and one of the feet, which is bare, while the other foot is +covered with what may be called a silk sock, bearing various +inscriptions, such as-- + + "May thy footsteps lead thee to virtue." + "May thy footsteps bring thee and thine to glory." + +The bride is radiant with light and beauty; her face is not allowed to +be hidden, and her neck, shoulder, and bosom are left bare on one side. + +The parties meet in a great public hall, and in presence of witnesses, +after stating their wish to be "doubled," _i.e._ married, sign a scroll, +which the friends present subscribe. + +The names of the newly-married pair are written in large clear +characters, and affixed to the wall, that all passing by may see them. + +The size and height of the hall are immense, but when after a certain +time the scrolls accumulate, they can easily be rolled and raised +higher, and with equal facility be lowered when this is requisite. + +The civil ceremony over, we have feasting and rejoicing, and certain +observances not unlike what formerly took place in some of the marriages +among the more cultivated Eastern nations in your planet. + +Seven young maidens wait at the bridegroom's house to receive the bride. +The room intended for the reception of the married pair is beautifully +arranged, various-coloured ornamental glass reflecting subdued tints on +the objects around. + +On each side of the bridal couch is the figure of an angel holding a +scroll exhorting to wisdom, purity, love and truth. Hidden in the +drapery of the couch are self-playing instruments, whose soft music, +awakened by the agitation of the air, and accompanied by delicate +perfumes, sounds like the song of angels. + +The bridesmaids undress the bride and throw over her a silver-gauze +transparent lace, which gives her a fairy-like, vapoury appearance, as +she reclines on the couch, with her long hair partly covering the +beautiful outline of her figure, and the bridesmaids strew flowers +around her. + +When all is ready, the young maidens send to bid the bridegroom enter, +who, clad in a silken garment, is conducted by two friends to the +threshold of the bridal apartment. The seven maidens then chant a short +prayer, wishing the married couple all joy, and, each having kissed the +bride, depart. + +The day of the civil marriage is one of unalloyed joy. In the selection +of the day even the elements are studied by men specially devoted to +meteorology, who, with perfect infallibility, can predict the weather +for a fortnight. + +Three months after the birth of each child the marriage ceremony is +repeated, the same assembling of friends, the feasting, and the same +purification and adornment of the bride taking place as when the parties +were married. + +No religious ceremony, with the exception of a short prayer, takes place +on the day of the civil marriage. The bride and bridegroom are supposed +to be too much engrossed with the thoughts of their coming joys to give +proper attention to prayers pronounced by others. The bride and +bridegroom, however, are each expected to pray in private as their own +hearts may prompt, and some days prior to the marriage a paper is given +to each, in which some of the leading responsibilities and +considerations are noted, to the end that, if necessary, their pious +thoughts may be directed into the right channel. + +The religious ceremony takes place at a convenient period, when a year +has expired after the civil marriage, and we are justified in hoping +that the newly married pair, by their conduct to each other, have given +evidence that they are worthy of the blessings now to be solemnly +invoked. When the day arrives the bride is dressed in white without a +single jewel. Both she and the bridegroom prostrate themselves when +receiving the blessing. As the ceremony is supposed to be exclusively +religious, there is no feasting. + +If the couple have had any serious dissension during the year the +religious ceremony is postponed, but great efforts are made to reconcile +the difference, and if these are successful the solemnity takes place. + +When, on the other hand, a reconciliation cannot be effected, the law +insists on a separation of the parties, who, however, may be reconciled +at any time. As neither is allowed to marry again, polygamy is +forbidden, and as irregularities are out of the question, a +reconciliation can almost always be effected, unless, indeed, there is +some cause sufficiently grave to render a separation necessarily final. +Such causes are exceptional in the extreme. + + * * * * * + +The precautions taken in the selection of a husband and the watchfulness +of our system, prevent any great incompatibility of disposition, and the +existence of those evils which formerly were of daily occurrence. +Provision is made even for those accidents which sometimes occur after +marriage, and which of old had often led to disappointment and misery. +For example, when it happens that a child is still-born, or for some +reason must be put out of the way, neither the father nor mother is at +first made aware of the fact, but the loss is immediately supplied. +Every birth is instantly communicated by telegraph to the central +department, at whatever hour of night or day it may take place. The +number registered every instant is great, and the birth of twins is a +frequent occurrence. When a child is born dead, one of a pair of twins +is transferred to the mother, and placed in her arms. If she ask any +question the nurse and doctor answer her gently and kindly, but are not +allowed to mention the substitution. + +It is not until the patient is completely re-established, and all is in +order, that she is informed of what has passed, and she has then the +option of retaining the child, or of allowing it to be taken back to its +own mother. Cases of premature birth, or of deformed infants now however +rarely occur, except as a consequence of accidents which cannot be +prevented. + +Husband and wife are now really considered and treated as one. At places +of amusement, and in public conveyances, they pay for one only. In +calculating the number of persons present, we say, for example, "there +are 200 doubles, and 100 singles;" this with you would make 500--we +count them as 300 only. + + + + +XXIV. + + +FLOWERS. + + + "In the celestial spheres, flowers breathe music as well as + fragrance." + + +Allusion has been made to the use of flowers at the "choice" meetings, +as the medium through which the maiden indicates the gentleman on whom +her choice has fallen. + +Flowers are very beautiful in Montalluyah. They are highly cultivated, +and great pains are bestowed upon them; their names are given to stars +and to women, so that often a lady will at once be associated with a +beautiful flower and a brilliant star. + +Every flower has a well-known language of its own; many convey +comparatively long expressions of emotion, both pleasing and the +reverse, and the meaning of each may be qualified or increased by its +union with others. In the language of flowers all at an early age are +instructed. The meaning associated with each flower is universally +understood, its name at once conveying its language as distinctly as +though the whole of the sentence were spoken in so many words. Indeed +many interesting, and even long conversations are carried on between a +gentleman and lady through a floral medium. + +A young lady, instead of entering into conversation or expressing her +sentiments in words, may present a flower either in the first instance +or by way of answer. A married lady receiving visitors has generally +fresh flowers at hand, which she often separates to present one to the +visitor. + +The following are instances of language associated with flowers:-- + + +Vista Rodo.--A plant bearing a little flower like a diamond in +transparency and brilliancy, and exhaling from every green leaf a +beautiful perfume. + +"The stars in heaven thou makest to blush by the sweetness of thy + breath." + + "I deny not that they possess thy brilliancy, + But thy fragrance they deplore. + May I hope for the boon of thy lustre near me + Through the journey of life, + To teach me to be happy, + To cultivate my admiration of the beautiful, + To bid me seek the joys of home, + And teach me the greatness of my Maker!" + + +Oronza.--A flower unknown to your planet. It is white, the centre studded +with little spots in relief, so closely resembling turquoise and pearls +that unless touched they might be mistaken for real stones placed on the +flower. + + "At sight of thee, malignity flies away and the spirits of peace + and goodness surround me, encouraging me to + all great and noble deeds, making me forget to look + back on my folly, and bidding me gaze forward into the + future and the realms of hope. + + "You exalt me; you purify me; say you will part from me + no more." + + +Mosca.--The moss rose. + + + ...."Come to me, + Thy virtues are more brilliant than precious stones; + Thy breath exhales intoxicating perfume; + Thy beauty is a continual feast. + Tell me thy heart shall be my haven, + To my bosom I will press thee, + And thy leaves shall embrace me with their fragrant affection." + +Each kind of rose has its separate language. Thus, Javellina, the +single-leaf hedge-rose, is associated with lines indicative of "the +sweet purity of youth." Angellina, the white rose, is associated with +lines indicative of "gentle endurance and pure love;" and Orvee, the +yellow rose, with lines indicative of "affection combined with +jealousy." + + * * * * * + +Some flowers have qualified, some disagreeable meanings attached to +them. + +No man, however nearly allied to a lady, or however great his cause for +displeasure may be, is allowed to say to her anything unpleasant except +through the medium of flowers. + +The only exception is in favour of the husband, whose privilege is +seldom used; not only because it is thought more civilised to use +flowers as the medium on such occasions, but more especially because +marriages are now so well assorted that occasion for complaint scarcely +arises on either side. + +At the marriage meetings flowers having the slightest disagreeable words +attached to them are strictly forbidden. + +As an example of flowers having a qualified or disagreeable import take +the following:-- + + +Ragopargee.--The white lily. + + +"Cold but truthful, and as constant as the drops of Mount Isione." + + +In a small recess of Mount Isione two drops of water, clear as crystal, +constantly fall, having percolated the rock above. As soon as two drops +have fallen two others succeed, two being the invariable number. The +interval between the fall of each pair of drops is equal and scarcely +perceptible. + +These drops never cease to fall night or day, and they have already by +this accumulation formed a lake at the base of the mountain. + + +Voulervole--Convolvulus. + + "False allurements! + Thy beauty is to please but for a day, + Like the magnet it attracts us, + And then thou wouldst make us weep + By fading before our eyes. + + "Go, fickle flower, + For thou shalt not be mine + Until more lasting; thou canst learn to be." + + +Mooreska.--Fuchsia. + + "Thy beauty is dazzling; + But, alas! its bloom will fade + The nearer we approach. + For thy external attractions find no echo within. + I can never take thee to my bosom." + + * * * * * + +Romeafee.--The pink lily. This flower is associated with excessive +love of dress, and the language attached to it ends with the words. + + "As glaring to the eye as Kiloom." + +The gorgeous appearance of sunset is personified in +poetical legends by a master spirit, called "Kiloom." + +The colours of sunset are gaudy and vivid beyond +measure, and cast intense hues on all objects. Our +sunsets, though grand, are far from being so agreeably +soothing as those in your planet, but they leave an +after-glow, which gives light during the night when +darkness would otherwise prevail. + + * * * * * + +Flowers are profusely used in our great festivals. I +collect a fęte given to me on the occasion of an anniversary, +when there appeared a cavalcade of one hundred camelopards, +bearing each on its back a kiosk, in which was a beautiful +woman. All the camelopards were united together, as it seemed +to the eye, by wreaths of flowers, though in fact these +concealed strong thongs, with which the animals were really +secured. Each animal was attended by a swarthy native of the +country whence it came. + + + + +XXV. + + +FLOWERS IMPROVED BY ELECTRICITY. + + + "Marry nature's gifts the one with the other, amalgamate + sympathetic electricities in their due proportions, and give + increased beauty to loveliness, even as ye give increased strength + to iron and marble, by welding their particles into one + imperishable mass." + + +We discovered the mode in which nature operates in the production of +plants and flowers, and our discovery has enabled us to give them new +forms and varied colours, to increase their natural odours and to endow +them even with fragrance of which in their natural state they are +devoid. + +Enclosed in every seed is a portion of electricity, and on this depend, +in the first instance, the life of the plant, its form and colour, its +leaves and blossoms. If any crack or injury to the seed has allowed the +electricity to escape, the growth of the plant is prevented. + +When, after some time, the seed having been sown, its electricity has +attracted a sufficient quantity of the electricity of the ground, and +the two electricities are, as it were, married, their united heat and +power force the seed to burst. + +Part of the united electricity serves for the leaves, and when its +supply is deficient the leaves wither and die, despite every effort to +preserve them. + +Another part serves to give form and impart colour to the plant. Green +is the colour that the earth, in connection with the electricity of +light, has the greatest tendency to generate. + +In many plants, after the electricity has thrown off its principal +strength in the leaves and blossoms, what remains sinks exhausted into +the root, there to repose, and, like a child forsaken by its mother, the +leaves become sickly and fade. When in due season the electricity again +becomes invigorated by repose, and by union with the electricity of the +ground, the united essences go forth again to seek the light and busy +themselves in the reproduction of foliage and flowers. + +The essence of the combined electricity having acquired additional power +from the contact with the electricity of light and of the sun, is forced +to the extremities and joints of the stem, where the forms of the flower +are permanently developed and preserved. + +The electricity concentrated or, rather, coagulated at the joints and +extremities of the plant there forms hard gatherings, which, after being +saturated with the electricity of light and of the sun, ripen and burst +into flower. + +There are, as you know, great resemblances in many of the operations of +nature. From observing the mode in which electricity thus coagulates and +forms gatherings or tumours in flower-plants, we acquired valuable +knowledge, including the secret of the formation of gatherings or +tumours of all kinds in the human body. + + +The sap of the plant is the repository or reservoir of the united +electricities, from which every part of the flower is to be nourished. + + +PROCESS FOR CHANGING FORM. + +This is an outline of our process when we would change the form of +flowers: + +A slip from a plant, according to the kind of flower desired, is placed +in a flower-pot filled with mould, the bottom of which can be unscrewed +and removed at pleasure. + +As soon as the slip has taken root, and the smallest fibres have sprung +from the stem of the plant, the form of the desired flower is made out +of a piece of ravine metal as thin as a piece of silk. + +This metal-flower, after immersion in a solution which attracts the +particular electricity to be used, is enclosed in a hollow block of the +same metal, corresponding to the flower form, from which it rises in a +shape somewhat like that of a funnel, till it ends in a very fine point +or orifice as fine and as hollow as the finest hair. This point is +inserted in the root of the plant. + +Underneath the metal-flower form is placed a bag of sympathetic +electricity, and the mouth of the bag is so arranged as to fit closely +round the form of the metal-flower in such a way that the electricity +has no escape but into the hollow metal block and through its fine, +hollow point. The metal point, previously to its insertion in the root +of the plant, is prepared with a solution to prevent the escape of any +of the electricity through its pores. + +As soon as the bag is opened the electricity is attracted into the metal +form, and having no other escape, proceeds instantaneously through the +funnel and through the hair-tube into the plant. In doing this, it +retains the form implanted by its contact with the metal model, and by +the forced passage through which it has become married with another +electricity. + +As soon as it is attracted by the solution with which the inside of the +metal is covered, a shock is produced which materially assists the +operation, by causing the electricity to imprint itself with greater +force and certainty on the embryo plant with which you will recollect +the hair-point has been connected. + +It is essential that the charge should be sufficiently strong to modify +or overpower the electricity already existing in the plant, in order to +change the form which this would otherwise take; but, at the same time, +care is taken that the charge is not too powerful, for in that case, and +particularly if an antipathetic electricity be employed, the flower +would be instantly killed. The electricity is therefore applied in +gentle proportions at first, and then the operation is repeated several +times. + + +PRODUCTION OF COLOUR. + +It is electricity that, as I have said, gives colour to plants. Their +varied tints depend on the sympathy or attraction of their electricity +to sun and light electricities. Particular parts of the plant, from the +nature of their fibre, have the power to attract larger portions than +others of the colouring electricities. + +When it is wished to produce different colours in the flower other +electricities are used, with or without those producing variety of form. +The electricities for producing colours are contained in small pouches, +as many in number as the colours we desire to produce. Then, being +placed together at the base of the flower-pot, each on the particular +part of the "flower form" which is to be affected, their orifices are +opened and the contents of each one are instantaneously emitted. + +Most plants are susceptible of every variety of colour; thus are +produced roses, pink, blue, green, lilac, brown, fire-colour, and +sun-colour, which last is a colour so brilliant that the eye that has +long gazed upon it stands in need of repose. + +Amongst the electricities for giving colours is sun electricity, +received in different ways. Again, the electricities of some birds give +lovely colours; and so does that of the gold-fish. Moss gives a colour +resembling fire-sparks. Frogs produce a beautiful violet. + +Where the flowers and leaves have not a decided perfume of their own, we +can give a beautiful fragrance to either, though not to both on the same +plant. To produce this result, we inoculate the plant with certain +fragrant gases. Our dahlias, unlike yours, yield a highly fragrant and +delightful perfume. + + * * * * * + +The plants treated by us in these ways are fitly called flowers, +presenting as they do a mass of blossoms and exhaling delicious +perfumes. They act, mediately or immediately, on the concentrated light +of the organization through the nerves of smell, as beautiful sounds +through the medium of the ear, or as beautifully harmonised colours +through the eye. You will recollect that a modification of concentrated +light is supposed to be the link through which the soul communicates its +impressions to the brain, on whose divisions it is made to act in +electric forms. + +Besides an infinite variety of flowers, we produce every variety of +colour and perfume in the leaves of the evergreens which adorn our +streets and habitations, emitting healthy and refreshing fragrance, +increased by every movement of the wind. + + * * * * * + +CREATION OF FORMS. + +Not wholly unconnected with this subject is the creation of electric +forms for amusement at a distance from the operator. This is effected by +the aid of tubes made from the membranes covering the eyes of birds, +which are invisible to the naked eye even when at a short distance from +the observer. + +In the mouth of one of these tubes, which spreads out slightly, is +placed a small form made of grains of powder obtained from the coloured +seeds of flowers, and, a bag of electricity being applied, the fluid +rushes through the tube. Instantly, at the other end, appears the figure +or form traced at the mouth, but of ordinary or gigantic stature, +proportioned to the power or quantity of electricity employed. + +The forms can be varied or changed at will, and have so life-like an +appearance that I have seen persons go up to the supposed gentlemen or +ladies and speak to them, and only discover that they were shadows when +they have come up close to them, or when the operator has at will made +them vanish. + + +I should tell you how our attention was first called to the subject of +reproducing forms by electricity. + +We had observed numberless instances in which copies of forms were +reproduced by electricity, as in the case of pictures in water, +reflections in mirrors, mirages, apparitions, and pictures in the air; +and had noticed that lightning would frequently imprint, on substances +like trees, pictures of surrounding objects. These appearances have, I +believe, been observed even in your world. + + +SUN-FORCING. + +There is a highly beautiful flower called Luania, a name of which the +approximate translation is the _soirée_ or "assembly" flower. Its +colours are most brilliant, but its blossom only lasts about ten hours. +When that short term has expired, the leaves fall, and nothing remains +but a small pod, containing seeds. + +In the following year, but not before, the flower blossoms again, and +falls in like manner. + +The seeds of the Luania do not mature for three years,--that is to say, +until after the flower has blossomed three times; but we have, however, +the means of producing flowers from the seeds in three days. + +The seeds are placed in handsome vases, which contain fine sand and some +new goat's-milk, and are covered over with perforated zinc, taken from +the great ravine, the metal having been previously prepared to attract +the rays of the sun. + +The vase, with the metal thus prepared, is exposed to the light of the +sun, between the hours of seven and eight in the morning. + +The power of the prepared metal is great, and so strongly attracts and +retains heat, that it renders the surrounding atmosphere quite cold. + +One hour in the sun is sufficient to bring leaves from the Luania. The +metal covering is then removed, and the vases are placed under a +forcing-glass, the power of which is doubled on the second day, and +further increased on the third. The flowers then appear at once clad in +all their brilliancy and beauty. + +The forced flowers, like the natural blossoms, which they excel in +beauty, live ten hours only, but they so far differ from them that +their pods do not contain seeds. + +The colours of the flowers are bright pink, golden, lilac, lilac striped +with white, and a beautiful green striped with white gold. The leaves of +this, instead of being green like the others, are of a coral colour +mixed with purple blue. + +The perfume of these flowers surpasses every other fragrance; it is most +refreshing, and a lady will have no other for a _réunion_ when she can +obtain this flower. + + + + +XXVI. + + +SONG OF ADMIRATION. + + + "The beautiful is an attribute of heavenly perfection. + + "Give vent to your emotions in words, in flowers, in music, and + above all in good and noble acts." + + +The enthusiastic admiration of the lover has modes of expression besides +the graceful presentation of flowers, and the soul-stirring breathings +of the harp. + +The following, to which I have added the explanation of certain terms, +conveys as nearly as may be the meaning of some verses addressed by a +lover to the object of his admiration. Many of the expressions will +probably be thought hyperbolical. You will, however, remember that our +pulsation is more rapid than yours. + + * * * * * + +Like Lertees[1] at sunrise, opening into life, are thine eyes; + +Sparkling and darting like Zacostees[2] the most rare. + +Their light overpowers as the air before a storm, when Raskutshi spreads +his wings across the temples of his people.[3] + +Soft as the Kamouska[4] thine eyes penetrate and search the soul with +ingenuity exercised by Orestee[5] to find a treasure. + +Sweet as the milk of the Meleeta[6] is thy breath. + +Thy breasts are like the electricity of Turvee.[7] + +Thy laugh is like the shooting of the stars,[8] silvery and wondrously +charming. + +Dangerous art thou, for thou allurest mankind from every pursuit, and, +like to the electricity of the whale,[9] dost thou draw us far and near. + +Then as the Martolooti[10] dost thou fascinate us to the spot. + +Graceful as the Castrenka[11] move thine arms. + +More playful than the Chilarti when it smiles,[12] and more luscious +than the juice of the Tootmanyoso's fruit[13] is the balm of thy lips. + +The charms thou displayest are like the perfume emitted by the +everlasting gulf;[14] + +Durable in their attraction as the Yurdzin-nod.[15] + +As surely dost thou penetrate the heart as the venom of the serpent +permeates the blood. + +Precious as the fat on the serpent's head[16] is the marrow of thy +bones. + +Firm as the Mestua Mountain[17] is thy will. + +In thy goodness thy maker must rejoice. + +Thy constant love doth make me live many lives in one; a day seemeth a +year, and a year but a day. + +Rise, wet thy feet,[18] and onward let us go to Stainer's fount.[19] + +There to calm our thirst before singing to our Maker's praise. + +And even as that sweet source ever flows, + +So may our lives flow to the end of time, as constant and as bright. + +Then come to my arms, and twine thyself about me, and I will support +thee with strength and power, as the Mountain Supporter[20] sustains the +air-suspended cities of Montalluyah. + + * * * * * + +EXPLANATION OF CERTAIN TERMS USED IN THE +PRECEDING SONG OF ADMIRATION. + +1. Lertees.--A lovely mountain spangled with transparent +stones, which is so resplendent at sunrise that none can look at it +without putting gauze before the eyes. Many of the stones were used to +ornament the Mountain Supporter. + +2. Zacostees.--Precious stones found near the tomb of a +celebrated and beautiful woman, named Zacosta, whose loveliness, +goodness, and varied talents, created for her many bitter enemies, and +exposed her to cruel persecutions. She died heart-broken, and her tears +are said to have been petrified into these precious stones called +Zacostees which are greatly prized as ornaments for turbans and for +ladies' bosoms. + +Though reviled and persecuted, Zacosta suffered without a murmur, and +rose superior to oft-renewed temptations, and to the bitter taunts of +the many incarnate evil spirits who called her an idiot simply because, +lovely and accomplished as she was, she patiently bore privations and +sufferings when many were ready to pour riches into her lap. To the last +she resisted the tempter, however fascinating the form he took, and +never lost faith to the day when she calmly closed a life in which she +had so greatly suffered. + +The legend adds that Zacosta was wafted by angels to one of the +celestial stars, there to dwell in love, peace, and joy, and that she +daily prays for the alleviation of the sufferings of her persecutors, +doomed to pass through bitter ordeals, so pure and magnanimous is her +spirit. + +It should be added, that according to the prevalent belief, the higher +order of spirits, those of the truly good, blessed in their own +celestial spheres with every joy, occupy themselves by seeking to +benefit others in the nether worlds. Their prayers are necessarily +unselfish, unless we regard as selfish the joys, to them great indeed, +which result from the delight of doing good. + +One of the leading principles of the system which I gave to Montalluyah, +namely, the promotion of those possessing superior talents, goodness and +industry, was intended to imitate the mode in which, according to our +belief, the spirits of the good are elevated to superior ranks of +spheres according to the manner in which they pass through their several +progressive states. + + +In Montalluyah slander is regarded with horror. A person of either sex +who slandered a woman, and even one who gave credence to a slander +without careful investigation, would be severely punished and condemned +to wear "the dress of shame," on which would be exposed the nature of +the offence, and the base motives of the traducer. + +In the cases of slander that occurred at the beginning of my reign the +offence was generally traced to envy, to the inferiority of the +slanderers to the standard of their victims whom they sought to reduce +to their own level, rarely to a desire for good. + +Our horror of slanderers had been increased by the persecutions which +numbers of virtuous persons like Zacosta had suffered from the +malevolent; the very anxiety of the innocent to repel accusations having +formerly been looked upon by our hot-blooded people as evidence of +guilt. Many had preferred to suffer in silence rather than seem to give +life and consistency to a charge by their efforts to repel it. + +We have a saying in Montalluyah that to attack beauty and goodness is to +attack Heaven itself, from whose attributes they are derived. + +3. Raskutshi.--Supposed to be the king of the air, and ruler +of all the zephyrs and spirits of the region. According to our poetical +legends Raskutshi comes near the Earth when angry, and his advent is +followed by a terrific storm. The air preceding certain storms in our +climate has a peculiar effect in creating a species of torpor. It is +then supposed that "Raskutshi spreads his wings over the temples of his +people." + +4. Kamouska.--A loving little animal like a bird, very +beautiful and gentle, with an eye of jet black, and of great brilliancy, +but softened when the little thing wishes to be petted. She likes much +the electricity of the mouth, and puts up her face as though wishing to +be kissed, at the same time emitting a beautiful musical sound. Her body +is covered with the softest down, finer than that of the ostrich or the +marabout. The feathers are of the richest gold and crimson, mingled with +grey, her breast of the richest crimson conceivable. The top of her head +is gold, the rest of her body greyish white, her beak pale pink, her +tail of green and gold, intermingled with touches of greyish-white and +red. She feeds on the blossoms of a flower growing amongst a peculiar +grass, and on all kinds of fruit. She does not drink, but is satisfied +with juices from the rich fruits which we have all the year round. +Kamouska, I should say, is the name of the female bird, who alone is +petted, the male being vicious and without feathers. Frequent reference +is made to her by our poets. + +5. Orestee.--The name of a man who invented an ingenious +instrument for discovering diamonds in the bowels of the earth, and for +penetrating to the spot where they lay. + +This instrument possesses an electricity sympathetic to diamonds only. +The presence of them is indicated by an exceedingly sensitive arm of the +instrument which being retained on the spot indicated, puts forth +tendrils that gradually perforate the earth, and do not stop until a +precious stone is reached. + +6. Meleeta.--A pet animal of most peculiar formation. Its body +resembles that of a beast, and is covered with hair of a light hue, +interspersed with dark chestnut spots. Its belly is white, as likewise +are the feathers of its bird-like wings and tail, though these are +varied with touches of crimson, blue, and gold. Its eyes are large, and +of a jet black, its neck is long and graceful like that of a swan, its +back is short and sleek, and its legs and feet, which are armed with +claws, are small, graceful, and mobile. But its most remarkable +peculiarity is the resemblance of its face to that of man. The males, +which have horns like polished white ivory, are not petted. + +The female yields a delicious milk, sweet and refreshing to the smell as +to the taste, and with peculiar qualities when taken fresh from the +animal. Meleetas are brought into the room during the early morning or +"fruit-meal" repast, and each answers to her name, and stands still to +be milked. + +I had one much attached to me, who would come of her own accord, flutter +her wings, and crouch at the top of my chair. The attendant was obliged +to milk the animal close to my chair, and the affectionate little thing +would watch the man until he handed me the milk, as though she feared he +might give it to one of the guests. Infants are suckled by these tame +animals. + +At the beginning of my reign the animals were very rare, and indeed +nearly extinct, their only food being the nut of a tree then extremely +scarce, for before the discovery of the application of electricity the +tree had been burnt for use. By my order large tracts were planted with +these trees, and there are now large enclosures in which herds of +Meleetas are preserved. + +The young are very precocious, and can soon be fed on nuts, and +consequently taken from the mother, who remains in milk for a long +time--nearly a year and a half. + +Great interest is taken in the Meleetas, and they are treated with much +gentleness, each having a small house to itself, lined with soft down, +and furnished with a perch. + +They are very intelligent and grateful, and I well recollect the +astonishment of my favourite when she laid her first egg. She would take +hold of my robe and pull me, that I might look at the novel production, +and she would make all the time a pretty noise like a laugh, seeming to +be astonished and overjoyed. + +I sometimes wore long flowing robes, and was often accompanied by this +little creature when I strolled through my grounds. If it was at all +damp she would hold up the hem of my garment with her mouth, that it +might not get wet. When with me in my study, she would crouch down and +remain quiet at my bidding. + +The Meleetas resent ill-treatment, though not spitefully. They can only +raise themselves a small distance from the ground, but I have seen one +when offended flutter, fly up quickly, and descend, giving the offender +a smart box on the ear with her wing. + +7. Turvee.--An insect whose electricity forcibly attracts and +subdues the power of man. + +8. Shooting stars are, in our legends, said to be companies of +good angels, linked in brightness and despatched from one star to +another, on messages of love and peace, sometimes to protect an inferior +world from the too great inroads of legions of evil spirits. + +9. Whale electricity.--Of all, the most powerfully +attractive. + +10. The Martolooti.--A basilisk, or serpent, possessing +wondrous fascinating power over its prey. + +11. Castrenka, or Flower of Grace.--A plant with two branches +only, which spontaneously or at the slightest breath move always +together in a most graceful manner. + +12. Chilarti.--A little pet animal, always playful and +smiling. + +13. The Tootmanyoso's fruit.--That is to say the Allmanyuka-- +the fruit invented by me, of which hereafter. + +14. The perfume of the everlasting gulf.--A gulf the waters of +which emitted a delicious fragrance, and when taken from the gulf would +not keep together, but separated into drops like tears. + +In our legends it is supposed that a lovely woman had for some grave sin +been turned into a gulf, and that her breathings were continually wafted +towards Heaven in prayer. + +15. The Yurdzin-nod.--The hide of the hippopotamus, which is +of extraordinary durability, and when prepared for use may be said to be +imperishable. + +16. The fat of the serpent's head is very precious, and is +used for many important purposes. Prepared in a certain way it is even +supposed to strengthen the intellect. + +The "mind-tamers" attending madmen--who were numerous when I began to +reign--carried with them this fat, and sometimes the head itself, as an +antidote against the contagion of insanity. + +17. The Mestua Mountain.--The largest in Montalluyah, supposed +to be the firmest and most lasting of mountains. By her firmness the +sea's mighty inroads have been arrested in their progress, and the +waters have been driven back. The "will," which is likened in firmness +to the mountain, is "the will to overcome evil." + +18. Wet thy feet.--This ablution is required before prayer. + +19. Stainer's fount.--Stainer was a good man, who was never +known to harm or pain any one by action or word, and from whom, as he +drank of its waters daily, the spring derived its name. The water, +wholesome and cooling, is said to be the purest in Montalluyah. + +Water, a thing of hourly use, and moreover supposed to enter largely +into man's organization, is in Montalluyah treated as of the utmost +importance to health, and its quality is watched with great care. The +water for the especial use of the city is collected in reservoirs, and +is always examined before the people are allowed to make use of it. If +certain electricities are wanting, though it might be faultless in other +respects, both the supplies, within and without, are stopped until means +have been taken to infuse the deficient electricity. The water from +Stainer's fount never required testing. This was always pure, never +changed its component parts, and never ceased to flow. + +20. The Mountain Supporter.--Reference to this great work is +made in nearly all our poems, which invariably refer to the beauty, +splendour, strength, firmness, durability, grandeur, and usefulness of +the work, and to its resemblance to my polity. + + + + +XXVII. + + +SYLIFA. + + + "Here the soul has illumined its temporary dwelling with rays of + light--the gift of Heaven." + + +Among the children of poor parents taken care of and educated by my +orders, there was a beautiful girl named Sylifa, the daughter of a +labouring man who worked in the ravines. + +In the early part of my reign I had been struck with her beauty and +intelligence, and directed that she should be brought up and educated in +my palace. + +Her eyes were almond-shaped, large, long, lustrous, and languishing; and +might be pictured by fancy as beaming with ethereal flowers, crystalline +fountains in all their brightness, painting, sculpture, and poetry. + +Her lovely mouth never gave utterance to a thought that was not kind and +good; indeed, all her features were beautiful, and the soft and +luxuriant hair hung down to her feet in graceful curls--the back hair +was much longer, and, when unbound, fell to the ground in rich masses. + +She had a musical, merry laugh, which, whether they would or not, could +set all present laughing, however seriously inclined. + +Her talents were many, her versatility was great; for she was +accomplished in various pursuits, and in most of them excelled. When +singing or playing the harp, her dreamy eyes were more than earthly, and +seemed as though beaming with poetry inspired of Heaven. + +The beauty of her mind could be read in her face; she looked so +heavenly, that when grown into womanhood I have, in a moment of +enthusiasm, been almost tempted to fold her in my arms; but I never +forgot my great mission, even in the most perilous moments. + +I took particular care of the lovely girl, and selected for her husband +a very handsome man and a great poet, who was chosen in due form by +Sylifa at one of our marriage "choice" meetings. + +The union was happy, though, perhaps, they loved each other too well. + +The married couple resided in my palace, and Sylifa continued to afford +to me and my guests the greatest recreation and amusement. + +She was very luxurious, and very particular in her habits. I have seen +her, while amusing us, suddenly (perhaps designedly), stop short, and +direct her attendant to bring the golden salver, telling us at the same +time that her hand (and she had exquisite hands) was a little soiled. +She would moisten them with the perfumed water, and then resume her task +of amusing us; our attention having, in the meantime, been kept in +breathless suspense. + +In my palace under the sea (for I had a submarine retreat, of which I +may speak hereafter) there was a large sheet or basin of water, in which +she would sport most gracefully, modestly attired, as a nymph of the +sea. + +She always identified herself with the part she sustained. As a sea +nymph, she could never be induced to speak; but, when we addressed her, +she always replied in musical tones, because, according to our legends, +mermaids always discoursed in song. + +In the basin of water there were willows, hung with small lyres, through +which Sylifa would show her face, and then, taking one of the lyres, +would play and sing exquisitely, always keeping up the illusion. + +She was very fond of a lion brought up in my palace, with which, as a +cub, she had played when a child. As a woman, she had complete mastery +over the noble animal. Both as a child and as a woman, she, with the +lion, formed the subject of many of the beautiful pictures that adorned +my palaces. + +For a particular reason, we once separated Sylifa from her husband for a +day. She refused to eat; neither would she retire to rest. As the day +was ending she walked into the room where I sat with my numerous guests. + +She said, "Do you love Sylifa?" "Yes," was my answer. "Then give me back +my Oma. Without him I die; already I droop; to-morrow I shall be no +more." + +When asked to amuse us, she said she could not; her heart was too heavy. +We tried to console her, but it was useless; she wept, and her long hair +was wet with her tears. + +After two days, we were obliged to restore Oma to the devoted Sylifa. + + +Sylifa was enthusiastic in her love of flowers. It was she who suggested +that, at the _fęte_ of which I have spoken, the camelopards should be +united by wreaths of flowers. She sought and obtained my permission to +mount the tallest of the stately animals, and appeared, resplendent in +beauty, amongst the beautiful women who graced the _fęte_. + + + + +XXVIII. + + +THE YOUNG GIRL RESTORED. + +MADNESS. + + + "A sleep of sorrow." + + +Formerly, as before observed, many were pronounced mad who were +perfectly sane, but madness itself was scarcely ever recognised until by +violent actions or incoherent words the patient had excited fear in +others. Numbers, afflicted with incipient madness, might have been +easily cured had its presence been detected; but they were allowed to +inflict great injury upon their neighbours. This they did the more +effectually as their madness was not even suspected until the symptoms +of the malady became too glaring to be disregarded. + + +I will relate to you a case which presented some remarkable features. A +little girl about four years old fell down some stone steps, and +received a violent blow across the nose, which swelled enormously. She +probably was otherwise injured, but the injury on the nose was the only +one then observed. After some time the effects of the accident were to +all appearance completely cured. + +As the girl grew in years, she gave signs of marvellous talent. But +apparently unable to apply herself to any particular pursuit, she became +wearied of one thing after another, and continually thirsted for +novelty. This incessant love of change extended to everything, to +friendship, love, dress, amusements; to the most serious and most +trifling matters. She was happy and melancholy at intervals, and always +in excess; nay, in her fits of extreme despondency she would even +meditate suicide. + +Though disliked by some for her wayward and capricious disposition, she +was a great favourite with others. I should add that she was extremely +beautiful, indeed lovely, very witty, highly gifted, and withal so +fascinating that she never failed to charm every one at the first +interview, the novelty of the excitement, and a natural desire to please +giving impulse to her will. Although possessing so many gifts, she was +very jealous and envious of others. + +Many were the offers of marriage which she accepted in succession, +abandoning one suitor after the other without any adequate reason or any +feeling of compunction. At length she unexpectedly accepted a man of +whom she had scarcely any previous knowledge. + +The marriage, made at her request in a headstrong fit of impatience, +took place a few days after the proposal had been made. A child was +born, but long before its birth she had become tired of her husband. The +child she loved passionately at first, but soon became weary even of +this object of her tenderest affection, and looked upon it with +indifference! All these events had taken place during the reign of my +predecessor. Under my laws such a marriage would have been impossible. + + +At the age of twenty-six a frightful accident happened to this lady--she +fell into a vat of scalding liquor--a beverage prepared with honey. We +have a very effective remedy for scalds, and, though severely burnt, she +was eventually cured, but the fright had sadly shocked her nerves; a +violent fever seized the blood, she fell into a trance, her eyes were +fixed and glassy, and she gave no signs of movement except by swallowing +the little nourishment that was offered her in a liquid form. + +This trance lasted some days. On awakening, the patient asked with the +tone and manner of a child, how old she was? She was extremely calm, and +a remarkable change had come over her. On the doctor's asking why she +inquired about her age, she replied that during her sleep she had been +in what seemed a long, sad, and changeful dream! She then related some +details of the injury she received when at four years old she fell down +the stone steps. Those around her at first thought that her mind was +wandering, but this notion was soon dispelled. She spoke of incidents of +her life extending over many years, as though they passed in a dream; +one incident of this dream being that she had given birth to a child, +and suffered acute pain. At one moment she saw herself in a family of +strangers who were very kind, but she knew them not,--then she saw her +family in great grief. + +One of the impressions that this seeming sad dream made upon her was, +that swarms of insects had followed and enveloped her on all sides, +stinging and causing her excruciating suffering, which had extended over +a series of years of more than lifelong duration. + +Sometimes in moments of despondency she saw the beautiful form of an +angel radiant with light, who spoke to her in soothing tones, and +entreated her to be patient, assuring her that her sufferings were +ordained for a good end, and that by patience and the sweetness of her +nature, she would attain the power of casting from her the torments she +endured, and that after doing much good during her mortal career she +would, when her time came to quit the world, be placed high amongst +myriads of angels. She said that whenever urged by despair to relieve +herself from her pains by a desperate course, this bright and beautiful +angel would stand before her and pour words of consolation and hope into +her ear. + + +In relating the incidents of her supposed dream, her whole manner was so +different from the former state of excitement, to which her friends had +been accustomed, that all saw she was perfectly rational, although +relating as a dream what had occurred during twenty-two years of her +actual life. It seemed as though all the time that had elapsed since she +was four years of age belonged as it were to another and differently +constituted brain; and that she had now resumed the thread of her life +from the time when she was four years old, the period of the first +accident. + +When the husband and child were brought to her she knew them not, though +she had some vague notion of having seen them in her dream. The husband +prayed her to return to him: she said she was not his wife, and could +not accept him as a husband; that she felt no love for the child, and +could not even like it as a playmate. She recollected her parents when +they were twenty-two years of age, and could not understand how they +could be so much changed. + +In all her occupations and amusements she acted as a young child, but +she gradually increased in understanding, and in sixteen years after her +recovery she became a most accomplished person, without, however, +possessing the varied talent of former times. She lived seventy-two +years after the trance (in all ninety-eight years) now a short life with +us; but never, till the day of her death, could she understand that she +had lived during the twenty-two years which filled up the space between +the first and second accidents. Strange to say, during that interval, no +one had suspected that her brain was affected. Nearly the whole period +had elapsed before the commencement of my rule, or the evil would have +been detected and remedied, not by confining the patient and driving her +into madness, but by gentle means. + + +The medical officers had no doubt of her complete re-establishment: +besides, shortly after her return to calmness they applied the tests +recently discovered, and the result furnished conclusive evidence that +the malady had been eradicated. On an examination after death there was +indeed, as the doctors thought, an unhealthy absence of certain +microscopic animalcula, the effects of whose continued presence in +excess in one portion of the brain to the detriment of others, lead to +madness. The substance of the brain was poor and watery, and it seemed +as though at other times there had been more brain than was then found; +the lining of the brain was coated with a substance in outward +appearance not unlike the fur which sometimes accumulates on the tongue +in a fever. The doctors had reason to believe that this fur was composed +of the remains of the insects which, probably, had been killed at the +time of the second accident, either by the shock or the fumes of the +boiling liquid, and it was to this accidental circumstance that they +were inclined to attribute the recovery of those parts of the brain +which had remained, as it were, slumbering since the first accident. + + + + +XXIX. + + +THE LITTLE GOATHERD. + + + "The flower is hidden until the electricities of the sun and light + draw it forth into life and beauty." + + +In speaking of the "choice of a husband," I referred to the only case I +recollected where the lady's hesitation rendered a third meeting +necessary. The exception was interesting. + +Early in my reign, whilst one day walking near the sea-shore, I was +struck by the appearance of a little girl who was attending a flock of +goats. A kid had fallen over a rock into the sea. The child was a lovely +creature, with a beautiful complexion, handsome and expressive eyes, +small hands and feet, and silken hair flowing over her shoulders. Her +beauty was heightened by the expression of tenderness and grief at the +loss of the kid. I was greatly interested, and watched her movements +unperceived. She showed great intelligence and presence of mind. + +Near the sea grows a peculiar kind of stringy reed, very strong and +pliable. She tied several of these reeds together, made a noose at one +end, and with the other end tied herself to a rock near the edge of the +precipice, that she might not overbalance herself, and be dragged down +in her endeavours to recover her kid. She then threw down the noose at +the other end of the line, and after one or two attempts succeeded with +great dexterity in getting it round the body of the kid, which she +gradually hauled up to the rock where she stood. Her movements were most +graceful, and her address and dexterity truly astonishing. As soon as +her success was complete she fondled and embraced the kid as though it +had been a favourite sister whom she had saved. + +In straining over the precipice she had drawn the knot that secured her +to the rock so tight that she could not liberate herself until I came to +her assistance and set her free. I then talked with her, and found that +she had remarkable capacity, tenderness, and sweetness of nature, but +was altogether uninstructed. I said to myself, it is impossible that a +creature could be found so beautiful and intelligent unless Providence +had intended her for something better than her present occupation. + +By my orders she was thoroughly educated and cared for. She showed great +aptitude for her appointed studies, and having passed one ordeal after +another with great honour, she was ultimately, thanks to our +institutions, deemed worthy of a superior rank, and became one of our +great ladies. In mind, form, and feature, she was a remarkable person, +and her manners were most sweet and fascinating. She was a frequent +guest at my palace. I delighted in her discourse on the rare occasions +when my occupations gave me the opportunity of conversation. + +Gratitude to her benefactor had given rise to a deep affection. +Observing this I told her that the peculiarity of my position, and the +necessity for completing my great work, had decided me not to marry, and +that the affection of a friend was all that I could give her. Marry, I +said, and I will always watch over you. Had I married, she would have +been my choice. In obedience to my wishes, she allowed the "marriage +choice meeting" to be called. She was so beautiful and engaging that the +number of competitors was far beyond that required to complete the +meeting. The suitors selected were the most promising young men in the +city, and held the highest positions, but all the three several marriage +meetings remained without result, except to confirm her resolution not +to marry. + +By our laws every woman, however high in rank, who elects to remain +single, is obliged to follow a calling adapted to her capacity and +inclination. This interesting person possessed a peculiar talent for +inventing and improving ciphers for telegraphic correspondence. This +talent was turned to account. She was also entrusted with the +superintendence and examination of the reports made by those charged +with the instruction of the clerks engaged in the telegraph department, +and proved superior in every important quality to any of the men +occupied in similar pursuits. + + + + +XXX. + + +DECORATIONS FOR AGE AND MERIT. + + + "...The gate of future success, honours, and riches is always open + to you." + + +The ornaments, of which I have before spoken, are independent of +decorations worn by women as distinctive marks of age; for the age of a +woman entitles her to peculiar privileges above others younger than +herself, and her decorations are so worn, that these privileges may be +at once recognised. At the end of every five of our years, she is +entitled to a decoration indicative of her age, and the mode in which +the last five years have been passed. Strange as it may appear to you, +with whom old age is associated with feebleness, loss of beauty, and +decayed powers--it is by our ladies looked upon as a privilege, of which +all are very jealous. If such a thing were possible, it would be a gross +insult to say that a lady was younger than was indicated by the last +decoration which she had received; and even the five successive years +are marked by five small appendages, one of which is added each year, so +that she may not lose even one of the years to which she is entitled. + +Amongst other marks of respect shown to age--a younger woman, passing +her senior in years, is expected to give her the inner side of the path, +and to salute her in passing. + +No mistake can be made as to the particular nature of the decoration, +and consequently of the number of years to which the lady is entitled. +Each of the numerous decorations differs entirely from the others. A +decoration called the "Matterode," consists of the model of a very +beautiful bird, that has the peculiarity of always looking upwards, as +though its thoughts were borne to the celestial stars. The wings of this +bird,--from which the Order derives its name,--are fixed in a peculiar +way, and move in graceful motion, so as to suggest the movement of an +angel's wings. + +The plumage of the Matterode is as though it were studded with precious +stones; so bright are the dots all over the body and the wings. + +The decoration is of exquisite workmanship, and made of our choicest +metals, varied in colour, and set with precious stones, to imitate the +bird's plumage. + +This decoration is presented to a lady who, having by her conduct and +years earned successive decorations, has passed the last five years +unexceptionally and uprightly in all things, and has, besides, shown +intelligence of a high grade. + +If, during the five years succeeding that in which she won the +"Matterode," this lady remains unaltered in greatness and goodness, she +is entitled, in addition, to a decoration of considerable value, in +which the "Mountain Supporter"--which gives its name to the Order, is +faithfully copied in the purest and most beautiful metals. And as the +"Matterode" is an intimation that the beauty of the wearer's actions +justifies her in looking upwards to a future home in the celestial +stars, so does the Mountain Supporter indicate her firmness, power, and +strength, that nothing in Montalluyah can surpass. + +When either of these decorations is worn, the greatest honour and +respect are paid to the wearer. All know that none can possess it +without having gained it by sterling merit and goodness of the highest +order. The checks used in our system are of such a nature, that no +favouritism, no accident--nothing but the wearer's years and conduct-- +can obtain this, or indeed any other Order. + +If the conduct of the woman during the five years she wears the +Matterode had been marked by any deviation from goodness, an occurrence +scarcely heard of, a qualified decoration would be presented to her, +which, though beautiful, and indicating the age and position beyond +doubt, would give evidence that a little cloud had sometime during the +past period, affected the vivid colours of the illumined sky! There are +various ways of modifying the Order so as to show the estimate of +conduct, all differing according to the degree of the offence. But if +the wearer's conduct during the five years of the qualified term is +unexceptionable, the decoration for the subsequent five years would be +the same as though nothing had occurred in the meantime to interrupt the +lady's title to the highest decoration. + +Again, if any person, even one who had gained the Matterode, were to +commit something--a decidedly wrongful act--the decoration, during the +following five years, would perhaps consist of a Foot trampling on a +hippopotamus or on a serpent, thus indicating the necessity for bearing +down sin, which is symbolised by both of these creatures. + +You will at once see how easily the two first decorations I have named +are distinguishable from each other, and how the last is distinguishable +from both; and so it is with all the others, too numerous to mention +here. + +However, by their education, and the laws and customs I introduced, +Woman possesses so high a sentiment of honour, and so much becoming +pride, that the instances of degradation from the two first orders has +been remarkably rare--scarcely worth referring to except to show that we +never hesitate to put the laws in force against the highest personages, +even in those cases where, under another system, our sympathies might +have led us, perhaps unconsciously, to screen the offenders. In my laws +on this subject, it is declared, that whilst mercy and goodness are on +one side, might and justice are no less on the other side of the +celestial throne. + +What I have said of these orders is applicable in a great degree to all +the others. + +In our world all particulars of conduct and goodness, as well as +deviations from them, are known; nothing on these heads is, or indeed +can be concealed. I am now speaking of an advanced period of my reign; +for at first, and in what I may call the intermediate or transition +period, it was otherwise. Then there were many laws and precepts +established which are now all but obsolete,--for since, the occasion for +appealing to them scarcely arises. As an example, the love and practice +of truth are amongst the very first things inculcated in the child, and +are now everywhere and by all classes practised in Montalluyah. Laws, +then, which suppose the possibility of a deviation from truth are +scarcely ever appealed to--such as, for instance, the precept, "Ask not +your neighbour what you know he wishes to conceal, lest he lie," and the +accompanying law preventing one person from annoying another with +improper questions, and thus probably drawing forth untruths. These, +like the laws and precepts enjoining all to industry, and many others, +belong to a bygone age, and to another state of things, and were only +needed in the intermediate epoch, just as particular remedies were then +required to cure the diseases of those who, having been born before my +reign, had in their childhood and youth been weakened by disease, or had +received into their systems the germs of future intense suffering, +which, had the child been born later, would have been completely +eradicated in their incipiency. But as these maladies existed in the +intermediate epoch in their virulence, we were for a time obliged to +continue the principle formerly adopted,--that of expelling one poison +by administering another. + +The fact that everything belonging to women is now known and adequately +recognised and rewarded makes them contented and happy. Under the system +existing before my reign this was not so,--the most beautiful were often +the most discontented; they were more easily acted upon by evil spirits, +who assumed the fairest and most seductive appearances to lure their +victims; they were often the most susceptible to flattery, and easiest +led astray; and when once drawn from the proper path, they were the most +cruelly persecuted by a class of inferior persons, who, had their own +secret conduct been known to man as it is to a superior order of beings, +would never have dared to throw even the smallest stone at their poor +persecuted sister, who had, as was often the case, been led astray by +the very excess of a virtue which defective education had left +unbalanced by its regulating qualities. + +Although it was one of the best known precepts of our religion that the +fold should always be open to receive the strayed sheep, these +piety-professors, with this precept on their lips, took care that the +strayed ones should be cruelly worried and scared from the fold. + +This, however, is not surprising when it is recollected that those who +were themselves most impure were ordinarily the first to vilify and +persecute the offending one. From tests, the accuracy of which left no +doubt, I learned that this acrimonious bitterness against their +suffering sisters was nearly always instigated by a desire to conceal +their own defects, to raise themselves, as they thought, by depreciating +others, and to lay hypocritical claim to a superior austerity and +goodness which was not theirs. The really pure--and for the honour of +the past age of Montalluyah, I must say there were some few who were +truly good--were those only from whom the sinner received sympathy and +encouragement to return to the path which had been for a time forsaken. + +Even she who receives a qualified or indifferent age-decoration can, if +she pleases, bring her case before the kings, and strict justice is +invariably done to all. None rebel in word or spirit, but all invariably +use their efforts to recover lost ground before the time arrives for +receiving the next decoration. In these laudable efforts they are +assisted; all means being used to cure the patient. When, from tests +ofttimes repeated, we are satisfied that the penitent's reform is +complete, she is received with open arms by the highest of her rank, as +though she had been ever spotless; and at any time to remind her of the +past, or even to make to another the slightest allusion to what had +occurred, would be looked upon as a heinous offence, and punished +accordingly. Thus, a qualified order acts at the same time as a censure +and a protection. + + +ADVOCATES. + +I ought to mention that there are advocates selected by the State from +amongst the most eloquent and able men, charged specially to bring +before the proper tribunals every case where any persons, men or women, +think themselves wronged. There are also able men, advocates to +represent the interests of society. The former, or people's advocate, if +he thinks right, advises his client by the gentlest means to desist from +her cause; but if his efforts prove ineffectual, which seldom happens if +he is right, he is bound to proceed with the case, and if necessary to +bring the question before the kings. Did there prove to be any real +doubt or serious difficulty, the case would be referred even to me. The +advocates of society, like the people's advocates, are disciplined in +the practice of truth and justice, and if they think that there is +anything in the case in favour of the appellant they are honourably +bound to state it to the tribunal. This is done in the interest both of +justice and of society itself, which might otherwise be injured in the +person of one of its members. + +Both classes of advocates occupy very high positions, and would not +condescend to take fees of their clients. They are wholly remunerated by +the State. They have no interest in the issue, and are equally honoured +whatever the result may be, for society always gains by a just decision. + + * * * * * + +I may here mention a privilege belonging to every woman of every rank +and of every age, viz., that, when a man meets a woman in the street, he +is expected to bow, and, unless accompanied by a lady, he must step off +the principal path till she has passed. Any one omitting either of these +marks of respect would be considered vulgar and ill-bred. He would be +severely censured, and a repetition of the offence would render him +amenable to more decided punishment. + + + + +XXXI. + + +BEAUTY. + +HEALTH--LONG LIFE--INFANTS. + + + "A precious gift from Heaven." + + +"How rare is beauty!" was formerly a common exclamation in Montalluyah. +It _was_ rare indeed; for although children were generally handsome and +well formed, the adult too often became misshapen and ill-favoured. +Deformity was the rule, beauty the exception. + +Even amongst those who were called handsome there were scarcely any who +fulfilled every condition of the beautiful. A critical observer would +have found defects in the beauty of the features, in the form, in the +foot, the leg, the arm, the hand, the fingers, the teeth, the neck, the +throat, the head, the hair, the complexion, the contour, the carriage. +One, and generally more, of the many essentials constituting the +perfection of beauty would be wanting. + +Hence, when our great artists required an ideal of beauty in painting or +in sculpture, they would take several models, each supplying some +beautiful detail not to be found in the rest,--one model furnishing the +features, another the general outline, each a separate limb. So +difficult, if not impossible, was it then to find perfection of detail +in the same person. Nay, even this expedient did not ensure success; the +models differing from each other in size, complexion, and general +proportions, complete harmony was rarely obtained, and, judging from our +old painting and sculpture, I should say that no ideal was then produced +equal to that which in Montalluyah now exists in the living form. +Beauty, formerly the exception, now constitutes the rule, the ill +favoured and deformed being more rare than were the handsome in +preceding reigns. + +To beauty is now added longevity; for, as I have before stated, the +duration of human life is extended to a period which formerly would have +been thought fabulous. This assertion will probably be received by you +with an incredulity, which will not be diminished when I add that, +notwithstanding the great increase in man's years, all his faculties are +preserved in a state scarcely less perfect than that of pristine +manhood. The eye is not dimmed, there is no deafness, the limbs are +strong and agile, the teeth remain free from decay, pleasing to the +sight, and valuable for the chief purposes for which they were given. In +a word, whatever can contribute to beauty and health in man and woman +remains all but intact to the last. Decadence in any particular, if so +it may be called, is scarcely less marked than is the almost +imperceptible decline by which man descends, or rather ascends, +peacefully to another state of existence. + +The facts I state would appear less extraordinary, nay, they would be +regarded as the natural and inevitable result of an actual state of +things, if you knew all that is done and prevented in Montalluyah to +protect the health, strength, beauty, and intelligence of the child from +its birth, indeed prior to its birth; for with us the care of the mother +precedes that of the child. Nor is our care confined to infancy; it is +extended to later years, and does not cease until the limbs, both of +male and female youth, are developed, and their joints well knitted; +until their features and person have received the impress of beauty, and +their intelligence is matured to the healthful extent required by +nature. + +You should also be conversant with the means that are taken to secure +the health of the city, the purity of the water and air, and the +wholesomeness of food, the extreme cleanliness, and the general +precautions taken for the prevention of disease, and of that prostration +and waste of vital force by which disease is preceded, accompanied, and +followed. You should realise, in thought at least, the blessed results +of the employment of all in congenial occupations, and the contentment +of each with his lot! You should also be able to realise the +ever-multiplying inventions and discoveries resulting from our system, +all tending to promote human perfectibility and happiness, every +successive step being assisted by the one preceding, as well as by +innumerable co-operations, all tending to one grand result. + +You should also bear in mind that these inventions and their resulting +forces had originated with and were governed by none but natures prone +to good; powerful men from whose organization early education had +eliminated the germs of evil propensities. + +You should also realise the advantages arising from the fact, that +whilst elevating knowledge, and rendering the rich happy in the +possession of their wealth, my laws protect those who formerly would +have been called poor. As there is no misery resulting from the neglect +of society, or from the selfishness or oppression of man, poverty in +your sense of the word does not exist. They, who are qualified for a +"poor" grade only, are nevertheless the objects of solicitude and care +to so great an extent that, whilst under my system the happiness and +enjoyments of the rich are greatly increased, the poor are far happier +and have keener enjoyments than the rich of former times, when the +acquisition of money or its indifferent expenditure was the dominant +thought in the minds of all. + +You should also appreciate, in part at least, the effects of the +numberless sights of beauty everywhere in Montalluyah, within and +without, in the houses and the public thoroughfares, all by their +influence on the mother, the child, and the adult contributing towards +perfection of form, beauty, intelligence, and length of life. + +Amongst other things, one result of the labours of the Character-divers +must not be forgotten. The mobile countenances of our people are easily +impressed with the marks of their emotions, and formerly nothing was +more plainly furrowed on the countenance than signs indicating bad +passions and evil propensities, the eradication of which with the +development of good qualities (one of the principal duties of the +Character-divers) has had a remarkable effect in adding to loveliness of +expression, in improving the features, and even in increasing the +elegance and gracefulness of the form and bearing. + +Had I been content with a mere ordinary increase of beneficial results, +any one or more of the numerous precautions taken would have done much +good; but my object was to establish my laws on so broad a foundation +that no adverse gale could shake the edifice,--that the laws should be +strengthened one by the other, that every one should be interested in +observing and supporting institutions under which he enjoyed the largest +amount of happiness, and that, strange and visionary as it may seem to +you, the necessity for punishment might be diminished, and eventually +removed. + +I should have as little thought of erecting the tall and graceful but +huge Mountain Supporter without a broad and solid foundation as of +establishing my laws, all tending as they did to the perfectibility and +happiness of the people, without spreading their base in all directions, +and taking care that the human instrument through which the soul acts +was fortified and prepared to respond to its noble ends. + +I had early perceived that to obtain the desired end, every particular +must be studied and provided for, so that all elements of enduring +success should be united, and all obstructive elements removed. I felt +that no effort, care, or thought would be too great if it would only +produce the desired results, by securing health, beauty, intelligence, +and long life in man, to the utmost extent that nature permitted. + +I felt that the boon of long life would greatly lose its value, even if +it could have been otherwise obtained, unless man's forces were +economized, and the senses and faculties preserved in health and vigour +to the last; that without these the happiness of man in every stage, and +even his obedience to my laws, and my power to dispense with +punishments, would be greatly impaired. For I had observed that the +sufferings and degeneracy of the man would make him discontented, +restless, and miserable, notwithstanding the blessings with which +Providence had surrounded him. + +Discontented men--and discontent and wickedness are not far apart--would +have used the new powers for their own wicked purposes, just as formerly +they rent the veil that concealed from the uninitiated the secrets of +powers in nature; having been admitted under the guise, or rather while +in temporary possession of all the great qualities of will, undaunted +courage, energy, and perseverance. + +Had I not reflected on this danger, I should only have allowed numbers +of persons to receive an education which, neglecting the paramount +principle of eradicating the faults of men of talent, would have laid +them open to the promptings of evil spirits, by whom, perhaps, under the +guise of beneficence, they would have been led to use the powers of good +for purposes of evil. Our very progress would have given strength to +powerful bad men, and my system, in spite of improvements, would have +carried within it the cause for its own eventual destruction. + +Many beautiful systems had been tried in Montalluyah, but, from +inattention to small details, they had perished. The men who used for +evil purpose powers given them for good, have unknowingly laboured to +their own destruction and that of the highly civilized communities where +they dwelt; which have thus been swept from the face of the earth. + +They had tasted the fruits of the Tree of Knowledge before they had been +thoroughly disciplined in the powers of resistance and of self-denial. +Hence the wholesome food was changed to poison; the sweet waters were +made bitter; the stream, which in its fullness bore fertility and +refreshment, burst its banks, and carried destruction everywhere. + +So was it even with the priests of one of our ancient religions, who had +the custody of great secrets intended for good. During a time extending +over some generations, they practised the virtues they inculcated, and +used their power for a beneficial end. They increased their power by +their virtue and goodness; but their successors, from whose natures the +minute germs of physical and mental perversity had not been removed, +used their increased might for evil purposes, enervating to the +governing will, and to the directing powers necessary to guide an +irresistible force. + +It is known that the results of every act, whether good or evil, will be +felt for all time. The result of evil was likened in Montalluyah to a +virulent disease, which had its beginning in a minute germ; a good act +to an ear of nourishing corn, that goes on propagating till it has +supplied nations with food. + +It was not enough that my laws worked with the beauty, regularity, and +unity of a well-balanced machine, the parts of which assisted each other +in attaining the immediate object of its construction. The political and +social machine possessed also the faculty of acquiring at every movement +increased powers of production. + +I had satisfied myself that amongst the numerous precautions to be taken +to secure the highest degree of beauty, power, and intelligence in +adults, on which so much depended, was the care of the infant, and that +this should commence from the earliest period, before the features, +form, and organization had received the first approaches of enduring +outline, since then all would be in a malleable or plastic state, ready +to take any impressions caused by accident or design, whether tending to +good or evil, to beauty or deformity. + + +RIDICULE ATTACHING TO THE SUBJECT OF BABIES. + +Before my reign eminent men, statesmen, legislators, and philosophers, +scarcely _condescended_ to notice such "trifles" as were comprised +in the nurture and care of infants. Perhaps in a worldly sense they were +right, for those who had attempted to instruct others in these +all-pregnant "trifles" had been invariably ridiculed for the interest +they took in "babies," and such-like "trivialities," which, in spite of +many lessons, the people would not regard as possibly prolific of serious +results. + +The contempt thus thrown even on eminent men was the more extraordinary, +inasmuch as our sages had familiarized the people with the grand truth +that the greatest effects are often produced by trifling causes; that +out of the little egg came the large eagle of the country, and the huge +boa-constrictor; that innumerable mighty operations in nature have their +origin in small beginnings; that the narrow rivulet goes on gathering +strength till it becomes the Great Cataract; that the minute plague-spot +generated the virulent disease; that the acorn produces the oak; that +the impaired seed failed to produce goodly fruit; that a small drop of +leaven affected a huge mass. Lessons on the fecundity of little things +had indeed grown into commonplace household words. + +Besides these lessons of the wise, love and respect for children were +mingled with the religions feelings of the people; for Elikoia, the +founder of our earliest civilization, was a child when he led the people +from idolatry to the worship of the living God. + +All these considerations, however, were insufficient to shield great men +from the contempt thrown on them and on their words, when they had the +courage to let it be known that they occupied themselves with things +which, to an ordinary observer, seemed beneath notice. + +From the first, however, I had been convinced of the importance of the +despised "little" things, and looked not so much to the dimensions of +the instrument as to the amount of good or evil it was capable of +effecting, having learned by experience that the magnitude of results +was often in an inverse ratio to the means employed, more especially +when applied in due season. + +Soon I discovered that many of the maladies incident to children, to +youth, and to adults, owed their origin to the neglect and injudicious +treatment of the infant. I had seen numbers of interesting children, +with handsome features and well-formed limbs, who in their riper years +had become ugly, with ill-favoured features, sallow complexions, bad +expressions of countenance, misshapen forms, and crooked limbs. Many who +in early years had displayed great intelligence had become positively +stupid. It was not that the intelligence had been prematurely developed, +but that the organization had been prematurely injured, and the +brain-machine rendered incapable of giving proper expression to the +yearnings of the soul. None suffered more keenly from early physical +neglect than children of genius. + +Satisfied that my observations were accurate, and that everything +contributing to husband the health, strength, beauty, and intelligence +of the child, would likewise contribute to the beauty, happiness, and +contentment of the adult, as well as his obedience to my laws, I +resolved to occupy myself with what proved to be the very important +subject of babies. In meditating on the mode of obtaining the desired +results, I considered nothing too insignificant,--not even so "small" a +thing as the scratch of a pin, sufficient at all events to make an +infant cry. The acts of crying and making wry faces disturb the lines of +the plastic clay of the child's countenance, and even the lines of the +form. The state of suffering calls off the vital electricity from its +duties in other parts of the organisation, and is attended with other +inconveniences, slight indeed in immediate perceptible effects, but so +powerful in their cumulative and germinating effects as to lead to +results which, were they related, would seem incredible. + +I must content myself by saying, that although the march of these +cumulative effects is not one-tenth as visible as the almost +imperceptible movement of the hand that marks the seconds in one of our +smallest electrical watches, they nevertheless eventually show in their +result great and increasing evils, seriously affecting the child, the +youth, the adult, and the man. It would not be too much to say that the +traces of an injury, however slight, are never altogether obliterated, +whilst every successive injury and deprivation of force renders the +sufferer more open to every new inroad. + +Although the minute hand of our electric watches moves almost +imperceptibly, marking minutes, hours, days, and years, it advances in +measured, limited progression; whereas the effects of suffering on the +child go on advancing in an increasing--nay, multiplying--ratio, by +which, up to a certain point, that of geometrical progression is far +exceeded. If you can realise the fact, which in Montalluyah is +incontestable, that even a scratch, however slight, will injure a child, +it will require little stretch of imagination to form some conception at +least of the injury caused to the beauty, form, health, strength, and +mind of the adult, by the many diseases and sufferings which were +allowed to leave their imprints on the young, impressionable clay and +delicate organisation of the infant. Our children were formerly +afflicted, like yours, with diseases resembling whooping-cough, croup, +measles, small-pox, and other maladies, forming an almost endless list, +and although the child survived the attacks and the incidental suffering +and waste, the evil consequences could never be effectually removed. + + +The precautions now taken are very numerous. Many by themselves alone +would be productive of great good, but when all are carried out, some +contemporaneously, others successively, a result is scarcely less +certain than the solution of a mathematical problem, based on accurate +premises, save of course in the case of inevitable accidents. My laws +provide for the protection of the child from its birth, nay, as I have +before stated, prior to its birth; for the protection of the parent +precedes that of the child. I knew that if the mother was sickly, or +indulged in injurious habits, the child would suffer. I enjoined +attention to these laws as a portion of the religious duties of the +people. Amongst other things I explained the value of beauty in the +human form, and how, when united with other qualities, it tended to the +happiness of the individual and the well-being of the world. This I did +at length, and in a manner to secure conviction, because it had been the +fashion to decry beauty as a matter of minor importance. + +At the risk of repeating myself, I assert that I omitted nothing, +however seemingly insignificant, looking as I did upon my system as upon +one large continuous volume, in which every page had its value. The +absence of a single leaf would somewhat mar the general effect, but +still the remaining pages might retain their worth if pregnant with +good. On the other hand, if every leaf that was torn out had the effect +of loosening the rest, and causing them to be lost, till but a few would +be left in the cover, the effect would be far more serious. + + + + +XXXII. + + +INFANTS' EXERCISE-MACHINES. + + + "Does a man throw his precious pearls and diamonds into the sea?" + + "Why, then, do ye cast the priceless health and beauty of your + children to the winds?" + + +I cannot undertake to relate at present one tithe of the precautions +taken in the care of infants. Did I venture so to do I should have to +"descend" to the minutest particulars, such as the dispensing with +"pins," and the making the baby's dress in one piece, the nursing, and +form of the cradle, to the mode in which the baby is to be placed at the +side of the mother, to prevent its being overlaid or injured,-- +everything, in fact, which in Montalluyah is thought essential to +protect infants and save them from unnecessary suffering, in order that +their young strength may be husbanded for the future requirements of the +man. + +To give you some notion, however, of the minutiae to which our care +extended, I will explain to you one series of precautions which has +great influence on the child's health, beauty, and intelligence. + + +Young children formerly suffered greatly from fits and various diseases, +caused by the want of healthy circulation. When more advanced, and +whilst learning to walk, they were subject to falls. This was amongst +the most serious evils of early neglect, for it was demonstrated beyond +doubt that accidents to the infant, prominent amongst which were blows +received on its head, not only affected its after-growth, and laid the +foundation of nervous and other disorders, but were often attended with +the sadder result, that the child's intellect was impaired. +Nevertheless, so little was this danger apprehended, that many people +long indulged in the foolish habit of boxing children's ears, unaware +that the shock produced on the nerves of the head, which are the +conduits of electricity, often made a child stupid, if, indeed, the +effects of this brutal practice were not in after-life attended by more +serious consequences. In learning to walk, also, the weight of the +child's body, pressing on the legs too heavily, has a tendency to make +them crooked or bent, and to affect other parts of the body. + +To obviate these evils, a man named Drahna invented, at my suggestion, +certain mechanical contrivances, which were so efficacious, and +prevented so much suffering, that his name will never be forgotten as +one of the great benefactors of our world. + +These contrivances are respectively adapted to the infant when it cannot +sit up, when it can sit up, when it has acquired strength beyond the +second stage, and, lastly, when the limbs have acquired sufficient +strength to support the increased weight of the body. + +The contrivance, in the first stage, is calculated to give the infant +healthful exercise, circulate the blood, and, at the same time to +protect him from injury. It consists of a soft spring-cushion, on which +the baby is laid; two little elastic bands on this cushion secure the +arms, whilst other bands secure the head, ankles, and waist. By turning +a small handle the machine is very gently set in motion, but by pressing +down a knob its velocity may be increased at will. So agreeable is the +action of the machine, that when the motion is altogether stopped the +child will often cry, or rather coo, that the movement may be repeated. + +For the second stage, the instrument is similar to the first, but larger +and stronger. + +The third stage is adapted to the time when it is judicious to begin to +teach the child to walk. The legs, and, indeed, every part of the body, +are supported by the instrument, which cannot be overturned. When this +is put into motion, the child's left leg is first moved, then the right, +and so on alternately. A perfect idea of walking, with the necessary +movement of the joints, is thus given to the child, without the +slightest strain on its limbs, as yet unfitted to bear the weight of its +own body. The machine continues in motion for a time sufficient to +exercise without causing fatigue. + +As soon as the child has acquired the knowledge of the motion, and his +limbs are strong enough to support the weight of the body without +injury, these machines are put aside, and the fourth contrivance is +used. In this, the mechanism consists of a framework with very light and +soft bandages, made with the plumage and down of birds. With these +bandages the child's head, knees, elbows, wrists, shoulders, and loins +are gently bound. The framework to which the bandages are attached has a +projection from every point, on which the child, in case of accident, +can possibly fall, and he is thus effectually protected; for, as the +projection allows of his falling only slightly out of the perpendicular, +the concussion is but slight, and the young one is only pressed gently +on the soft down. + +As the child increases in strength, the projections are removed at +intervals, one by one, commencing with those corresponding to the knees, +the last removed being those protecting the head, which are retained for +a long time. Even when they have been removed, the head is still guarded +by a light turban with inside springs, made so as to yield gently to a +blow, and thus save the head; so important is it considered to protect +this superior portion of the human frame. + +When the bandages are first removed from the knees, the child has +perhaps some falls; but these, the head and other parts being protected, +are not attended with any serious consequences; and if the child +actually falls, the sensation of pain he may experience may teach him to +be more careful in future. Such lessons would, indeed, be valuable at +all times; but they would be purchased at too great a cost if learned at +the price of injury to body and mind. + +The use of these four instruments was followed by remarkable results; +and they are thought of such great value to the community that the +districts supply them gratuitously to the poor. Those thus charitably +bestowed are less ornamental than the others, but equally efficient. + + +THE TEETH. + +The teeth are also subjects of great care, and the infant is spared all +pain in cutting them. When the teething-time is near, and before the +pains attending it have even commenced, the child's gums are rubbed +night and morning with a bulb or root so softening and relaxing in its +effects, that after a short time the teeth make their way through the +gums with perfect ease. When the teeth are too numerous the redundant +ones are extracted, without causing the patient the slightest pain. A +hot solution of the same bulb is applied to the portion of the gum which +encloses the tooth to be extracted; causing the gum to separate from the +roots of the tooth, which is then removed with perfect ease. None are +extracted after the last have appeared, for decay is effectually +prevented. In seeking remedies for the maladies of those who were born +before my laws came into operation, the immediate cause of decay was +discovered; but we did not rest until we had detected the remote cause +and the means of preventing the evil. + +By the aid of the microscope and other scientific appliances the +discovery was soon made that decay in teeth is produced by a minute worm +resulting from the absence of the proper electricity, necessary for +preserving in the tooth a healthy action. When this electricity is +deficient, the circulation in the bone becomes sluggish, the fatty +matters stagnate, and through the warmth of the gum acting on the +stagnant accumulation, a single worm is generated. + +Though we had discovered the existence of the worm and the cause of its +being bred, some time elapsed before we were able to discover whether +the necessary electricity was wanting, and, by supplying the deficiency, +to prevent the generation of the worm. At length a professor, by name +Jerronska, invented an ingenious little instrument, of a form +corresponding to the upper and lower jaw, and furnished above and below +with small points or minute spikes; the instrument in a contracted shape +is introduced into the mouth and is there expanded to correspond to the +form of the jaws. It is charged with an electricity that can escape +through the spikes only, and is opposed to the electricity of the teeth, +which if healthy will cause a slight shock to the patient, without any +other inconvenience. On the other hand, if any of the teeth do not +contain the proper kind or quantity of electricity, they will turn to a +colour like fire, leaving the healthy teeth untouched; for the +instrument affects those teeth alone whose electricity is defective. + +We have then the means of impregnating the unhealthy teeth with the +proper electricity, and thus destroying the incipient ovum, which cannot +live in an electricity healthful to the tooth. + + +In like manner, minute precautions are taken to preserve the beauty and +power of the eye. Formerly, in consequence of the intensity of light in +Montalluyah, and through other causes, the sight suffered severely. + +Our physicians also found out the means of tracing and removing the +germs of defects in the ear, the nostrils, the tongue--in short, +everything that, if neglected, might impair the adult's energies and +beauty. + +Great attention is paid to the quality of the air in which children are +bred, for air affects both the blood and the nerves. Its effect on the +blood was long known, through the fact that air is one of its important +ingredients; but its effect on the nerves was first demonstrated by +observing that nerves taken from a person recently dead shrivel and +contract in a vitiated atmosphere, and revive and expand when brought +into the open air. + +The proper mode of rooting out incipient evils is thoroughly understood +in Montalluyah, there being eminent men, who make each division and +subdivision of various sciences their sole study and occupation. The +sight, for instance, is a great subject of study, and affords a striking +instance of our subdivision; for although there are scientific men who +have a general knowledge of the eye and of the human system, these make +particular subdivisions of the subject their peculiar study and sole +occupation. Thus, one great subdivision is the "Bile of the Eye;" +another is the "Moisture of the Eye;" another the "Concentrated Light of +the Eye;" another "The Relations of the Eye to the rest of the System," +and so forth. + +To resume: these matters, and, indeed, many more, receive effectual +attention from the moment when the child is born. Every good attained +goes on increasing under direct and collateral influences, until by a +prolific and cumulative process, extraordinary and beneficial results +are obtained in lieu of the evils that would otherwise have arisen. In +short, to understand fully the extent of the good achieved, one must +have been, as I was, a witness of the means and their effects--of the +marvellous consequences of our attention to "little things." + + + + +XXXIII. + + +GYMNASTICS. + + + "Let your statue be beautiful, but neglect not the pedestal, lest + with every adverse wind it receive a shock." + + +Our care of the future man is not, as I have said, confined to his +infancy, but is extended to all the critical periods of life. The proper +development of the frame and of manly qualities is looked upon as an +essential part of the boy's education, and much of the strength, beauty, +and longevity of the people is due to the physical training of the +student. + +Formerly little discrimination was used in the selection of bodily as of +mental exercises; the same exercises being allotted to the brave and the +timid, the weak and the strong boy. + +Now, on the other hand, the exercise is adapted to the boy's strength +and physical organization, which often differ as much as his genius from +that of his companions. Exercises beneficial to one constitution are +prejudicial to another, and would, perhaps, develop a part of the body +already having a tendency to exaggeration. + +Thus a youth inclined to be tall and lanky, or whose limbs are disposed +to be too long for symmetry, is not allowed the same exercises as those +of a youth with short limbs or inclined to be corpulent. + +We have numerous gymnastic exercises. Some parts of our apparatus are +much like yours, as, for instance, a cross-bar, on which the boy swings, +holding on with his hands. + +In the case just mentioned a tall, thin, long-limbed boy would not be +permitted to use this bar; whilst a boy with short limbs and inclined to +corpulency would be encouraged to use it daily. + +A medical man attached to the college attends on the gymnastic ground to +observe the efforts each boy is obliged to make in performing his +exercises. When the exercises are ended, the doctor examines the boy's +pulse, and, with the aid of an instrument invented for the purpose, +tests the heat of his brain. The boy with whom the exercises agree will +show a healthy heat and a strong, full pulse; whilst others will have +the brain extremely hot, with the pulse very quick, but feeble. The +doctor having formed his opinion, orders that these boys should +discontinue the exercises antagonistic to their system, and they are led +to those more adapted to their capabilities. The weaker boys are also +often separated from the stronger, to prevent that overstraining to +which a weak but high-spirited lad is frequently impelled by the +emulation of example. + +In the allotment of exercises our aim is to develop thoroughly the +muscles, and to give a regular and general action to all the members, +but not to overstrain them. The power of each boy being thus carefully +remarked and regulated accordingly, all gather strength rapidly, and +most are soon able to resume the exercises for a time abandoned. Indeed, +by the precautions taken and the exercises selected, the body is +fortified and rendered so firm, that in after years it will bear very +great fatigue without sustaining injury. + + +BATHING IN THE SEA. + +As already mentioned, ablutions are in great favour in Montalluyah, and +bathing is in constant use. At a certain period of the year--about six +weeks in the whole--our boys are made to bathe every morning in the open +sea, into which they are taught to leap from adjacent rocks. Having been +told off according to their strength and capabilities, they are +gradually led to higher and higher rocks, till at length they become +accustomed to jump from a vast height with ease and without fear, and +thus to dive in the sea. + +When there is a timid boy, six or seven of the bravest are selected to +accompany him. They are directed on no account to urge him to jump off +the rocks, or to taunt him for not doing so, but to let him act as he +pleases. If he does not imitate their example by jumping off the rock, +the overlooker who has the care of the party will say, "As you have not +bathed from the rock, you had better bathe below;" and the boy is then +sent to bathe with the younger ones from the beach. Ere long, of his own +accord, he becomes desirous to imitate the braver boys of his own age; +though I have known twelve or more mornings to elapse before the higher +leap has been attempted. + +When at last the boy has resolved to jump from the rock, great care is +taken neither to praise him too much nor to reproach him with +awkwardness. On his return to the school, he is examined by the doctor, +to see if his nerves have received too great a shock, and directions are +given accordingly. After a time all traces of timidity vanish, and +numbers of children have thus been cured of their first aversion to jump +from great heights into the sea. + +No boy is allowed, under any circumstances, to taunt another with any +weakness or failing; and, consequently, the boy himself scarcely knows +that it is fear which has prevented him from doing the same thing as his +companions. + +Every day throughout the year the boys are required to take a bath +either in the sea or at the institution, unless the doctor orders the +contrary. + +Besides the consideration of cleanliness and its effect on the +complexion and health, the water used contains iron, which in our +climate is of itself very beneficial to the system. + + +TREE-EARTH BATHS. + +Where a boy's aversion to study arises from physical weakness, we do not +urge him to persevere any more than we urge him against his inclination +to leap from a high rock; but, on the contrary, when a boy's bodily +strength fails him, and more especially in a case of superior +intelligence, his studies are suspended until the weakness is remedied. +Were the boy forced to persevere, he would probably suffer both in body +and mind. He is merely placed in a separate department of the college--a +kind of infirmary for strengthening the young, and promoting their +healthy development. + +For giving the desired strength we most commonly employ "Tree-earth +Baths,"--that is to say, baths of fresh earth taken from beneath the +roots of certain trees, in which the boy is as it were buried, every +part of his body being covered, with the exception of his head. This +earth bath is placed in another bath containing hot water. The effect of +this operation in renewing the boy's strength and repairing the waste of +his body is marvellous. + +When removed from the bath the boy is washed with tepid water, mixed +with a solution of bark, and on the following day a cold _douche_ +is administered. The bath, in which the boy is kept for about an hour, +is administered at intervals of about ten days, and is so efficacious +that not more than twelve are required for the worst cases. + +Previously to being immersed the boy is made to walk sharply for half an +hour, and, while he is in the bath, warm liquid food is administered. +The pores being opened facilitate the reception of the fresh exhalations +from the earth and the expulsion of the impure gases from the body. The +boy often sleeps whilst thus immersed, as it is considered highly +beneficial to inhale the fresh fragrance of the earth. + +The electricities proper to the earth and trees being very sympathetic +to the human frame, they readily mingle with the electricity of the +patient and assist in repelling the unhealthy gases and impurities in +his body. + +Earth electricity is of itself most beneficial, but its curative and +invigorating effects are vastly increased when impregnated with tree +electricity, which is strongest about the roots. + +There are men whose sole occupation it is to collect the tree-earth, and +who become skilful in digging and removing the soil from underneath the +roots, without in the slightest degree injuring the tree. + +The earth under many trees is good for the purpose above described, but +that about the roots of the oak, especially when of a ripe middle age, +is exceptionally efficacious. + +The roots of another tree that you have, viz., the weeping willow, +offers a good earth for girls and also for boys of a susceptible nature, +for whom the oak-root earth might be too strong. + +The elm, horse-chestnut, and lime-earths are all more powerful than that +of the oak, and therefore are rarely used, for their exceeding strength +would overpower the natural electricity and leave a lassitude in the +patient. The tree-earth baths are rarely used for adults, except in +cases when, earlier in my reign, the mental powers of several persons +had been overtaxed at the expense of their physical strength. + + + + +XXXIV. + + +THE AMUSEMENT GALLERY. + + + "The simplest electricities are often meet to discover the most + precious." + + +The Amusement Gallery constitutes an interesting feature in the child's +education, and so admirable have been its results, that the opening of +the first institution of the kind--recorded, as I have said, in one of +the great pictures in my summer palace--is regarded as a memorable +event, and is celebrated by the people in a yearly festival. + +In a very long gallery, attached to each college, is a collection of +instructive toys adapted to all ages and dispositions. Amongst these are +harps and other musical instruments, made on a small scale to suit the +capacity of children, materials for drawing, painting, modelling, and +sculpture; maps, in relief, of cities and other parts of our world, and +all kinds of small birds and dwarf animals. I should not omit to state +that we have living horses and deer _in miniature_: they are about the +size of an ordinary lap-dog, though in many other respects resembling +the larger species. These with their little clothes and harness are +placed in the gallery, which likewise contains fresh fruit and flowers, +indeed almost everything that can be imagined for the recreation and +enjoyment of the child. + +In the Girls' Amusement Gallery there are various kinds of fancy-work, +lace-work, and basket-work. Our basket-work is very beautiful, the +baskets being elegant in form and elaborately painted. Indeed, elegance +of form and harmony of colour are studied in all the objects selected. + +Boys, being trained by manly recreations, necessarily have their +Amusement Gallery separate from that of the girls, though many of the +more elegant and refined amusements are to be found in both. The girls +attend their gallery, whatever may be their age, until they leave +school. On the other hand, the boy ceases to attend when the Character +divers and Judges think his attendance no longer desirable. + +At each of the stalls in the gallery is stationed an intelligent person +skilled in some particular art. Of these some play on musical +instruments, some paint or model, others give oral instruction, +according to the nature of the compartment or the wishes of the child. + +There are also "Walkers," who perambulate the gallery, encouraging the +child to amuse herself with what she likes, explaining the use of +different objects, answering the young inquirer's questions, and noting +in her any particular qualities or peculiarities. The results of these +observations are drawn up in the shape of reports for the use of the +Judges. + +No restraint is put upon the children when in the gallery, but they are +allowed freely to follow the bent of their own inclinations. I have +often observed some of these little creatures ardent for amusement +responding to their own predilections; others taking interest in +frivolous things; others, again, listless, and interesting themselves in +nothing. Whilst many would examine with breathless attention, others +would ask questions, more or less intelligent, of the persons at the +head of each stall. + +I have seen some children with an engrossing taste for painting, music, +and sculpture, who would rush straight to their favourite pursuit, +without being diverted by anything else, and who, if they found the +desired place already taken, would show disappointment, and perhaps +refuse any other occupation. Many, on the other hand, as soon as they +entered the gallery, would simply play with the little animals and +birds, or perhaps do nothing but eat fruit till the last minute, when +the bell announced that the time allotted for recreation was ended. + +Some would do nothing but talk, and, in their simplicity, would find +fault with everything, after the too frequent fashion of adults, either +imagining they could do most things better than the rest, or +depreciating pursuits which they knew were beyond their ability. + +Natures of this kind, where vanity is so predominant, require the +greatest care, for the failing is difficult to eradicate and would, if +not cured, be a source of great unhappiness in after life. To prevent +such a result, generally, means are taken to refine the taste of the +patient (if I may use the word), and call out the quality most opposed +to the infirmity, viz., that of looking out for beauties instead of +defects. + +I have seen a little one change her amusements several times during the +hour. When a child, particularly a girl, continues to do this during +many weeks, it is regarded as a sign that if the disposition be not +checked she will grow up a capricious woman, and a treatment is +therefore adopted to stop the growth of the infirmity. Many a girl, who +would otherwise have proved a misery to herself and to others, has, by +the precautions taken, become a reasonable and meritorious woman. +However, children of a capricious temperament, even when seemingly +cured, require constant watching during some time, since they are very +prone to return to their old inclination for incessant change. + +Versatility, it should be understood, is not confounded with caprice, +the difference between them being easily detected by the Character +divers. I have seen children show a love for seven or eight different +things and go from one thing to another, not from caprice, but to +satisfy the natural yearnings of their genius. I recollect a girl, and +she was but one amongst many, whose versatility was marvellous. One day +music would occupy her, and, although untaught, she would give promise +of becoming a brilliant performer; another day she would commence +sculpture, and at once go readily to work. She first made a ball with +the plaster, and then, on the second or third attempt, she would execute +something really well. So was it with painting and other arts. This love +of variety would formerly have been called caprice, and strenuous +efforts would have been made in a wrong direction to the discouragement, +perhaps to the ruin of the pupil; but I acted on a contrary principle, +knowing, as I did, that in giving varied talents Providence intended +that they should be exercised, and that, therefore, it would not be +decorous "to care for one part of the garden, and leave the others +overgrown with weeds." The girl was treated in accordance with this +view, and taking the highest honours and position, became a very +remarkable woman. + +Judges are not expected to form an estimate of the child's character +until a certain time has elapsed and the reports of the different +officers have been examined and compared. Their decisions are then +registered, to be again examined and compared with subsequent reports. + +The results obtained through the medium of the Amusement Gallery greatly +aids the Character-divers and others occupied with education, in rightly +directing the child's steps. The imposition of useless tasks, fatiguing +to the children and perhaps injurious to the young intelligence, is thus +avoided. + + + + +XXXV. + + +PRAYER. + + + "Forget not the source whence all blessings come." + + +While stating that the prayers said by girls after their early meal are +short, I ought to have added that the same rule is followed with regard +to children of both sexes. + +We even vary our forms of worship and services to suit different ages. +Before my reign adults and children went to the same places of worship, +repeated the same prayers, and listened to the same discourses, most of +which being perfectly unintelligible to those of tender years, the evils +and inconveniences resulting from the practice were very great. The +children, finding the routine irksome, the constrained decorum required +of them during a time which seemed to them never ending (for the +services were then very long) was painful in the extreme, though they +were sometimes relieved by turning their thoughts in other directions, +perhaps to subjects irrelevant if not opposed to the ostensible object +of the meeting. + +Thus pain and weariness became then and in after life naturally +associated with the most sacred of duties, and generally those, who at +an early age had been obliged to attend most regularly to an +unintelligible and irksome routine, were in after life those who +absented themselves most frequently from the place of worship. I have +known some, and this will scarcely be credited, who from an early age +had in obedience to their parents' commands attended church with what +was to them painful and monotonous regularity, and who, as soon as they +were old enough to leave the parental jurisdiction, never entered a +place of worship again until the day of their death, so great had been +their stifled repugnance, created by the unnatural surfeit which had +been inflicted upon them. + +This was not all: the repugnance thus engendered often extended even to +the faith itself which the prayers and discourses had been intended to +inculcate, and led the way in after life to doubt and disbelief. + +There was another though a secondary evil, attendant upon these old +formalities. In our climate, where children are very susceptible, it +happened that when on rare occasions any striking observation attracted +their attention, they would put questions very difficult for their +parents or preceptors to answer. + +The forms of worship and service are now adapted to three several ages +and classes of intelligence. The first series is for children of from +seven to ten years of age, the second for children from ten to sixteen, +the third for adults. If the children, however, show any deficiency of +intelligence, they are kept in the first or second series, though the +stated age has been passed. + +The discourses addressed to the young people are adapted to their age +and intelligence, and ordinarily bear reference to their own passing +actions, and consequently to their hours of play and of study. They are +intended to inculcate lessons of self-control, love for parents or +associates, contentment, and the mode of showing gratitude for benefits +received, by cultivating the faculties which God in His goodness has +bestowed. The discourse often points out the mode of contending against +any bad feelings that might possibly be awakened. They might be told, +for instance, that if during play any dissatisfaction with their +companions arose, and they felt they could not control themselves, they +ought immediately to retire from the game, in order that their feelings +might have the opportunity of returning to their proper channel, and on +no account to urge anything against the supposed offender until they had +advised with some friendly adult, or more especially a Character-diver. + +The children are encouraged not only in their affection to their parents +and immediate associates, but in brotherly love to all, and the whole +discourse, which is very short, is pointed to their duty to God, being +calculated to instil feelings of love and adoration for His goodness. + +In the first series, for very young children whose intelligence is +undeveloped, we have forms and ceremonies, the tendency of which is to +fix their attention and inculcate thoughts and habits of a good +tendency. + +In the second series the addresses are of a more elevated character, and +are accompanied by fewer forms and ceremonies. + +In the highest series there are scarcely any ceremonies, and although +the service and discourses are short, every one is expected to pass a +certain time each day in voluntary prayer and meditation in the private +cabinet which in every house is set apart for devotion only. + +Though the prayers for children are short, the preacher is greatly +assisted by our method of education, inculcating the worship of the +Supreme by habits which the child is led to form. Thus we require the +greatest attention to cleanliness, to the mode of eating, sleeping, +talking, and indeed to all the daily practices of life. + +The inculcation and exercise of good habits is considered to form, as it +were, a perpetual living hymn to the Creator. + + +LECTURES. + +Besides all this, twice a week, amusing lectures are delivered, on +familiar subjects, to explain and illustrate the power and goodness of +God. + +A flower, for instance, is taken, and, in simple terms, intelligible to +nearly every capacity, attention is called to its thousand fibres, its +construction, growth, perfume, colour, delicacy of texture, loveliness, +and to the wonders associated with its birth, death, and resurrection to +life. + +Another day, perhaps, the subject may be a child, a fly, or some other +familiar object; but, whatever be the subject, the discourse is of a +good tendency, and youth are early imbued with love and admiration for +the Supreme Being. + +Our objection to children repeating or listening to words which they do +not understand is not confined to those of sacred import. During the +education of their young minds the subjects taught and the expressions +used are adapted to their intelligence. Even though they may repeat +every word of the lesson set with minute accuracy, they are not allowed +to quit it, or to attend a lecture on another subject, until they have +passed through examination in different forms, and often by different +masters, and the result has clearly shown that they thoroughly +understand what the words of the lesson are intended to convey. + +So important is this considered that, on the occasion of the public +solemn ceremony, when in presence of the Kings the preceptor is +appointed to his responsible duties, one of the obligations to which he +is required to subscribe is, that he will teach the pupil to understand +thoroughly, and not merely by rote,--"monkey-like," or as you would +probably say, "parrot-like," were the same obligation imposed in your +world. + + + + +XXXVI. + + +FLOCKS AND HERDS. + +TREATMENT OF ANIMALS. + + + "Why are the poor hungry?--Why do not your flocks and herds + multiply and increase?--Why do ye maltreat the sire and kill the + mother of many progenies." + + "Obey my Laws, and your flocks will equal in number the drops of + water in the great Cataract, which ever flowing, ever merging in + the mighty Ocean, is constantly supplied with new increase for the + refreshment and delight of Montalluyah." + + +Amongst the numerous precautions for the promotion of the general health +is the attention given to the subject of animal food, the care taken of +the beast, the mode of slaughtering, and the rigour with which every +beast having the slightest tendency to disease is rejected as unfit for +food. + +All animals, and particularly those intended for food, are now treated +with great kindness, gentle treatment and cleanliness being thought +essential to the excellence of the meat. Formerly, when the beasts were +improperly treated, the growth of the young was impeded and the quality +of the meat deteriorated. They are now watched over with the utmost +care, the greatest attention is paid to the most minute particulars, and +so well are they treated, that, notwithstanding the heat of the climate, +they are quite tame. When any one goes into a field, the sheep and lambs +will come round him and lick his hand. Their pasture is changed every +week, for it is found that, when in our climate grass is eaten too +closely, noxious insects are bred by the accumulation of stale manure. +In or near every pasturage are pools of running water, to which the +animals are conducted daily. These are supplied by a very high jet +which, when in action, throws its water from a reservoir to a long +distance, which may even be increased by means of pipes, and thus +fertilizes the field. Much of the water proceeds in the first instance +from the cataracts, which begin high above the level of the meadows. As +soon as the animals are turned out, the jet is made to play on the +fields they have quitted. Then the moisture, mingling with the fresh +manure, and our glorious sun enrich the land, and luxuriant grass is +quickly produced. + +In former years diseases prevailed amongst our flocks and herds. We had +one amongst the sheep, not unlike the smallpox of your world. These +diseases were generated partly by the filthiness of the pasturage, and +partly by a want of change, which I believe to be principal causes of +many of your cattle diseases. We now give far more attention to the +cleanliness and health of the animal than in our world was formerly +bestowed on the poor. + +In every field is a shady spot, contrived to protect the animals from +the sun during the heat of the day. The ground being very undulating, a +shade is obtained by merely throwing out, from the higher land above, +some wood or other material to serve as a roof. + +In case of illness among the animals, the great remedy used is a +particular kind of electricity, which gives an impulse to the blood and +changes the humours. This, with diet and care, is the only expedient +employed to restore the animal to health. If a female animal is of a +sickly nature and likely to give birth to inferior beasts, she is +quietly put out of the way. + + +THE MALE ALONE KILLED. + +To the care taken of the beasts is greatly due the perfection of their +breed and to a certain extent their numbers; but the law that +contributes most to the marvellous increase of our flocks and herds is +that which forbids the slaughter of the female. In every species the +male only is used for food. If we killed the mother we should, as it +were, kill the progeny that would otherwise be bred from her, and our +immense stocks would not then be a hundredth part as numerous as they +are at present. + +The cow, after she has ceased bearing, is used to carry the women's +baskets, or for very light draughts. The ewe, when she has ceased +bearing, is trained to assist in field and garden operations, to pull up +cabbages, carrots, and other vegetables, being, in short, more useful to +us than the dog. + + +SLAUGHTERING ANIMALS. + +In killing animals for food all painful processes are avoided. Under the +old system the cruelty with which the animal was treated, and its +suffering from the violence of the death-struggle greatly affected the +quality of the meat, lessened its nutritive powers, and rendered it less +digestible, and very often exciting and injurious. Now, when an animal +is to be killed, it is placed in a large lighted stable, over which is a +loft, communicating with it by means of a grating. In this a man is +stationed, who thrusts through the grating a long stick, baited with a +bunch of fresh grass, in the middle of which is contained a small +globule endued with the property of depriving the animal of all +consciousness and sense of feeling. As soon as the beast has eaten the +grass, and consequently swallowed the pill, he staggers and falls; and, +before he has time to recover, the butcher despatches him by cutting his +throat and letting out the blood, whereupon he dies a painless death, +without a struggle. Only one animal is despatched at a time in the same +stable, so that one does not see another killed. There is reason for +this precaution. + +A lamb takes the ball of grass from the hand, for it is thus our +shepherds sometimes feed them. Poultry are killed by very small +quantities of the preparation being mixed with their grain; the fowls +sometimes take up two or three grains not impregnated with the material, +but as soon as the smallest particle is swallowed they stagger and fall. +It is interesting to see this, the effect is so instantaneous. The +ingredient used does not in any way injure the meat and is indeed +considered beneficial, even to the human system, when administered in +small quantities, since the torpor it causes at the moment is succeeded +by increased vitality and strength. + + +THE BLOOD OF ANIMALS. + +When the animal is killed we are very scrupulous in pouring out the +blood, which we avoid using for any purpose connected with food. On +_every_ occasion of the kind "field doctors" are present to see that all +due precautions are taken. They analyse the blood, and if it does not +contain the proper ingredients, the animal is looked upon as diseased, +and its flesh rejected as so far unwholesome; in our climate it would be +difficult of digestion, and produce heaviness, disinclination to study, +despondency and other inconveniences. Blood is said to contain the +electricity that, in connection with the electricity on the nerves, +gives action, feeling, pleasure, and pain. Blood, indeed, contains as it +were the material through which the life of the animal carries on its +operations. + + +PROTECTION OF THE MEAT FROM INSECTS. + +The animal as soon as killed is cut up into different portions, each of +which is placed for a few minutes in a large vessel containing an +infusion of a certain herb, to which flies and winged insects of all +kinds have a great antipathy. The steeping of the meat into this +preparation effectually protects it against their approach. There are +immense numbers of winged insects in our climate, but none will approach +food which has been steeped in an infusion of this herb. By these and +other precautions they are kept within certain limits and driven to the +uses for which nature intended them. It is not necessary to keep the +meat in the vessel for more than a few minutes, nor does the liquid +deteriorate the quality or taste of the meat. Far from being noxious to +the human race, the herb, which is free from smell, contains a healthy +bitter, is cooling and refreshing, and cleanses and preserves the pores +of the skin. + +Formerly numbers of persons were affected by the deposits, which, left +by flies on meats and provisions generally, caused irritation of the +bowels, diarrhoea, and vomit, and were otherwise very injurious to the +system. + + +I may here mention that a preparation of the herb to which I have +referred is used for fruits and provisions generally, which are +protected by a light gauze steeped in an infusion of the herb and thrown +loosely over them; though, indeed, it is only necessary to place the +gauze at the side of the provisions to prevent the approach of the +enemy. + +This infusion is also used in our houses, and during repasts; couches, +bedding, and coverings are sprinkled with the liquid. A preparation is +also used for the toilette, in order to protect the head and face from +the flies. + + +CRUELTY TO ANIMALS. + +Cruelty to an animal, even when not intended for food, entails so much +disgrace that it is an offence of the rarest occurrence. My laws provide +various punishments according to the grade of the offender and the +nature of the offence. + +If a common man were really cruel to his horse he would be compelled to +draw his merchandise by hand. If the offence were committed by a man of +high position the punishment would be more severe, and not only would he +be treated as though he were unworthy of exercising power over good +animals and consequently deprived of all his horses, but he would be +supplied with a vicious horse, which, perhaps, he would be obliged to +ride along a dangerous path, that he might thus be made to appreciate +the superior gentleness of the one he had maltreated. If the offence +were repeated, he would be degraded from his position or condemned +during a certain period to wear "the dress of shame." + + + + +XXXVII. + + +THE ALLMANYUKA. + + + "Improve Nature's gifts, and with her elements form new + compounds.... + + "Were man's faculties given that they should slumber?" + + +Nothing engaged my attention more than the health of my people. I had +satisfied myself that the most virulent diseases took their development +from minute, nay, almost imperceptible causes. + +As I had determined to find out the germs of faults in children, which, +when neglected, led to confirmed vices in the adult; so I was determined +to discover disease in its incipience, and wherever possible, to remove +the exciting cause. + +I have already referred to the creation of a new fruit-vegetable, as one +of the subjects of a series of pictures in my summer palace. I will now +relate to you some facts regarding the production of the fruit, the +offspring of my anxiety for the health of the people. + +In the early part of my reign, before the means had been discovered for +detecting the incipient germs of disease, the people were afflicted by +the return of a painful malady, with which they had often been afflicted +before. It was attended with irritation of the intestines, and carried +the sufferer off rapidly; for, although all the doctors were familiar +with the symptoms, none of them had been able to discover the cause of +the disease, or its cure. + +I remarked that the children at the colleges were not attacked by this +disease, and therefore thought that it had probably originated in +something used by adults and not by the young. + +The truth of my hypothesis was soon tested. A person of robust frame, +whom I much esteemed, died suddenly of the malady. I entreated his +friends, in the interest of humanity, to allow his body to be examined. + +The people at this period indulged in the use of sauces, seasoned with +strong stimulating spices. These were excluded from colleges, and +consequently were used by adults only. + +I communicated my opinion to the doctors: viz., that in the case they +were about to examine, it would be found that these burning condiments +had inflamed the intestines, and impeded nature in the discharge of her +functions. My impressions were correct. With the aid of the electric +microscope upwards of forty minute ulcers, highly inflamed, were +discovered in the intestines of the deceased, and in each of these +ulcers were seen several minute grains of some very hot condiments much +in use, which had affected the inner membrane, generated the ulcers, and +caused a hasty but painful death. + +Assured of the baneful effect of the condiments, I determined to forbid +their use, though I knew this would be a serious infliction on the +people, inasmuch as the extreme heat of our climate made stimulants +necessary. The condiments were much liked, and amongst all the many +fruits and vegetables we possessed there were none that could be used as +substitutes. + +On forbidding their use, I made known publicly the discovery that had +been made, every particular being clearly explained, that the people +might be convinced that I was acting for their good. + +In obedience to my orders, the spices were collected from every quarter, +and placed in large warehouses secured under lock. The "bolts" were +delivered to the kings, who were astonished at the rapidity with which I +had obtained obedience to a decree depriving all of what had become a +daily want. + +I saw, however, that unless the people were supplied with a substitute +for what they had lost, they would soon return to the deleterious +condiments in spite of my decree. + +Having made known to all about me that I wished some hours for serious +thought, I shut myself up in a little cabinet at the summit of my +palace, where I could see only the heavens. All around me was silent and +calm as night. + +Having prayed the aid of the Great Power, I endeavoured, by intense +meditation, to discover what healthful condiment could be substituted +for the deleterious spices of which the people were deprived. + +After many hours of deep meditation, a ray of light burst on me and I +was inspired with a happy thought. I could not as yet see the result +clearly, but nevertheless I felt that in the end my efforts would be +blessed with success. I did not hesitate to publish the fact that I had +made a discovery which, when perfected, would repay the people twenty-fold +for the loss of the condiments they had given up in obedience to my +decree. + +In the mean time, until I could fully carry out my intention, I allowed +the people a particular kind of cordial; for I found that, after the +extraordinary heat of the day, many persons required stimulants, +especially mothers, who had been educated before my laws had come into +operation, and whose health and constitution had not consequently been +properly fortified. + +I proceeded with my work. We have a small vegetable, called Jappeehanka, +that hangs from its stem like a fruit and has a rich creamy taste, +without any other flavour. I grafted this vegetable on a tree called +Klook, the fruit of which, used generally by persons of delicate +digestion, had a sour aromatic flavour. + +After many disappointments and unsuccessful attempts to obtain the +vegetable I wished, I succeeded, by artificial means frequently +employed, in growing a small vegetable, combining the flavour of a +delicate cream with the piquancy of lemon. + +The most difficult part of my task had however not been accomplished, +namely, to give to the vegetable all the aromatic and stimulating +flavours of the prohibited spices. + +A fine specimen of the seed of each of the spice plants having been +procured, I took from the heart of each seed the smallest possible +particle, and, having with the greatest care made an incision in one of +the finest seeds of my new vegetable, I inserted therein one specimen of +each of these minute particles. + +The incision was made in the centre of the seed, but not deep enough to +enter or injure its heart. + +The seed of my cream-lemon vegetable, containing the spice seed +particles, I confided to the care of my principal gardener, a man of +great scientific skill and intelligence. + +I must not omit to say that we extracted the oil out of the roots of +each of the spices formerly in general use and mixed the oils with the +earth in which we planted the newly-compounded vegetable seed. + +We watched the precious seed night and day with anxious solicitude. I +had other seeds ready prepared and planted, in case this should fail. + +One night in my slumber I was disturbed by my attendant telling me that +the gardener had an important communication to make. I bade him enter. +He came to make known to me that my labours had been so far successful, +that, in the vase of earth in which the seed had been planted, a little +white bud was bursting from the ground. He brought the vase in his arms, +and I will not deny that I shed tears of joy. + +About three years from that time, to my delight, fruit made its +appearance. I watched with greedy eagerness the day when it would ripen. + +I cannot tell you with what anxiety I tended its growth. I fancy at this +moment I feel the heart-beatings that always accompanied me as I +approached the spot where the plant was placed. + +The gardener, desiring to save me some of the pain of deferred hope, +told me that the time of ripening would be later than I had anticipated. + +A little in advance, however, of the time I had foretold, the gardener +entered my study, with a face radiant with joy, and placed before me one +of the prettiest little baskets I had ever seen, though the beauty of +our basket-work is, as I have said, remarkable. I thought it must be a +present from his wife, for she was very skilful and often presented me +with baskets of her own work. Loving my people as I did and looking on +them all as my children, I saw the nervous state of the man, and to +reassure him, I said, "This is kind of your fair Lineena." At the same +time I admiringly examined the basket, but its weight indicating that +there was something inside, I raised the lid, and beholding its contents +I uttered a cry, such a cry of joy as might escape a parent on finding a +long-lost child. + +The basket contained a specimen of the precious fruit quite ripe. I +turned it on every side with anxious interest, and, having congratulated +my faithful gardener, who had so zealously carried out my wishes, I +descended to the culinary department, for I would not trust the precious +treasure to others, and I immediately proceeded to cook the vegetable of +my creation. + +I directed a small bird to be prepared with which to eat the new +condiment, that I might thus test its properties; when it had been +served, I directed the gardener to sit at my table. The success was +beyond my best hopes. By the process of cooking, the fruit-vegetable had +been dissolved to the consistency of a jelly, and formed the most +relishing sauce ever tasted,--aromatic, stimulating, and appetising. + +To a richness like cream was added the pungency and aromatic flavour of +spices, with the relish of salt and the piquancy of fresh lemon-juice-- +in a word, the combination presented the finest flavour for a condiment +that could possibly be desired, surpassing all the spices and sauces +hitherto known in my world. Indeed, it was so exquisitely appetising +that an epicure might easily be tempted to eat the vegetable without the +addition of the meat. + +During the growth of the tree, many slips had been planted, which were +then in a flourishing state, so that in a very short time the vegetable +fruit was cultivated extensively, and became a household necessity. + +On examining the Allmanyuka (for so we called this fruit-vegetable, +meaning, that it combined every valuable quality), and observing its +effects, the doctors pronounced it very wholesome and nutritious, and +admirably suited to persons of dyspeptic habit, inasmuch as it dispelled +all symptoms of flatulency and, by its tonic and digestive qualities, +gave a feeling of lightness to the senses. + +The people wondered, and were loud in the manifestations of their +gratitude, but my joy was even greater than theirs; for I had +accomplished a lasting good for the subjects I loved. + +Accompanied by my harp, I sang praises, with all the fervour of my soul, +to Him who had inspired me with the thought, and had endowed me with +patience and strength for its consummation. + + +Fruits had often been increased in size or improved in quality and +productiveness, by grafting one tree upon another; but no new fruit had +previously been created. There were instances, where trees of different +kinds, the one grafted on the other, had borne two kinds of fruit. This, +however, was the first instance where other means, besides grafting, +were employed, and where an entirely new fruit had been brought into +existence. + + +The Allmanyuka grows like a tree, and its stem is supported by sticks. +The fruit, which hangs from its branches, is in shape, but in shape +only, not unlike your vegetable-marrow, being covered with little +circular divisions, each containing others still more minute. + +Its colour, when raw, is of the brightest violet, which through the +culinary process becomes a beautiful red, though I should observe, that +the first compound vegetable in the seeds of which I inserted the spice +particles was yellow. + + +It may not be uninteresting to know that the Allmanyuka is cooked in a +vessel over steam. Indeed, everything with us is cooked by steam, this +being especially serviceable, on account of the steadiness of its +action. There are machines to regulate the force and action of the +steam, and the attendant has only to obey mechanically the simplest +instructions. + + +The Allmanyuka is used in some sick-rooms as a fumigator. For this +purpose it is cut into slices, and the exuded juice which it bleeds is +accompanied with an agreeable aromatic odour. + +The fruit possesses many other valuable properties. After its discovery +my people were never more afflicted with the maladies for the prevention +of which it had been created. It was sometimes called by the name given +by me,--often by a term signifying, "Inspiration of the Father of the +World." [1] + + * * * * * + + [Footnote 1: Although it may appear incongruous to + refer to a philosopher of this earth as illustrating + the work of a philosopher of another planet, the Editor + cannot help quoting a passage from a man possessed of + wondrous prescience, who, to use his own words, "held + up a lamp in the obscurity of philosophy that would be + seen ages after he was dead." It will also in a measure + convey the difference between the process of grafting + and the course pursued by the Tootmanyoso in the + creation of the Allmanyuka. + + The inspired philosopher says: "The compounding or + mixing of kinds in plants is not found out, which, + nevertheless, if it be possible, is more at command + than that of living creatures, for that their lust + requireth a voluntary motion; wherefore it were one of + the most noble experiments touching plants to find it + out; for so you may have great variety of new fruits + and flowers yet unknown. Grafting doth it not; it + mendeth the fruit or doubleth the flowers, etc.; but it + hath not the power to make a new kind. For the scion + ever over-ruleth the stock."--_Bacon's_ 'Sylva + Sylvarum.'] + + + + +XXXVIII. + + +PAPER. + + + "...A handmaid and messenger of Memory. + A recorder of the aspirations of Genius." + + +There is a peculiarity in the leaf of the Allmanyuka which I will now +mention; but, to make myself intelligible, I must give you some few +facts about our paper, of which we have an unlimited supply, and which +is made from the leaves of nearly every kind of tree, gathered just +before they begin to fade, but whilst still green. Dead leaves are used +for other purposes. + +The leaves of some trees make finer paper than others, and, though every +kind of leaf is available, one kind only at a time is used to make paper +of the finest quality. Mixed leaves are used to make paper of a common +and coarser kind. + +All papers, when dried in the sun, have a glossy surface, and none can +be torn, or ignited by the application of fire; the paper will smoulder, +but not burst into flame. Our paper is transparent, and is besides so +very light, soft, and pliable, that in warm weather it is used for +children's dresses. Very pretty it is to see the graceful movements of +the little creatures' limbs through the pellucid costumes, which are +made complete without a seam, the material being most beautifully fine, +like one of the silk gauzes of your India. + +In our world it was well known that paper could be made from rags, but +this material was not as plentiful as leaves, and we discovered, +moreover, that it was injurious to the workmen, whilst the manufacture +from leaves not only produces a paper far superior to that made with +rags, but is a most healthful occupation. + +Our trees are, I believe, more numerous than yours; but you have many +trees even in Europe from the leaves of which excellent paper of a kind +similar to ours could be made, as, for instance, the horse-chestnut and +oak. The horse-chestnut leaf makes some of the best paper; the leaves of +the lilac-tree and of the apple-tree are also excellent; but perhaps the +best leaf of all for very fine paper is the vine leaf, which has less +moisture, and gives less trouble in the preparation. + +In the manufacture of paper the leaves are subjected to a great +pressure, and the fragrance emitted from the crushed leaves is +delicious, and considered very wholesome, so much so indeed that young +children are often sent to reside near the place where the leaves are +being crushed to inhale the fragrance. + +The original moisture is removed by a substance, chiefly consisting of a +very fine sand, beautifully compounded with other materials, and spread +over a hard pliant stuff. This laid on the pressed pulp sucks out all +the original moisture. The fine sand material, though possessing quite a +smooth surface, is like a sponge in its power of suction, and, when +used, is unrolled and pressed over the pulp by a machine. + +This done, the plate containing the paper is moved to an adjoining part +of the building, which is roofless, and is there exposed to the rays of +the sun, which finishes the drying process and gives a beautiful glaze +or polish to the paper. Nothing so well dries the paper as the sun, as +we have proved by frequent experiments. After the sun, fire is the most +efficacious agent; but this gives the paper a dead and chill appearance. + +Our paper is as good as yours, though not better to write upon. I have +already informed you of some of the points of difference between them. +Paper can be made to almost any size, and without any seam. One other +peculiarity is that our paper makes no more noise when doubled up than a +piece of linen. + +The colour principally in use is that of cream or a very light yellow; +for though we can produce a chalky white, we do not use it in our +stuffs, except for linen. + +There is a paper which we call "natural," because its green colour +exceptionally resembles that of the leaf, although it is purely +artificial, being produced by the use of a powder obtained from a +particular fruit which hangs from a tree in the shape of small eggs, and +contains a white powder of a sticky consistency. This powder is mixed +with the leaves, and the paper thus prepared is very transparent. At +first it has a kind of primrose tint, but, when subjected to heat, or to +the sun, turns green. The egg called "Brulista Tavi," or "Lime Egg," +follows a small blossom, but the fruit alone is used. The trees are +plentiful, growing on marshy ground, a long distance from, the city, for +there are no marshes in its vicinity. + + +GOLDEN-COLOURED PAPER. + +Some paper is of a pure gold colour, the result of a property inherent +in the leaf itself and needing no extraneous application. + +I have told you that the coarse paper is made with leaves of every +description mixed together. On one occasion some of the paper, when +dried, became speckled with gold in different parts, presenting a +beautiful appearance, which astonished the overseer and workmen. The +paper was brought to me, and I directed the overseer to endeavour to +detect in future processes the cause of these beautiful specks. Many +trials were made, but he did not for months find any gold in the paper. + +I meditated much on the subject, and one night I retired to rest with +the singular phenomenon still in my mind. In my sleep I saw my tree, the +Allmanyuka, all gold. + +On awaking I immediately sent for the overseer, and, without relating +what I had seen in my sleep, I told him that I was impressed with the +belief that it was the leaf of my tree that produced the gold specks, +and requested him to have some paper made entirely from the Allmanyuka +leaf, and to use the most delicate machine for the experiment. + +Though accustomed to obey my orders in implicit faith, the overseer +confessed to me afterwards that for certain reasons he had great cause +to doubt whether the experiment would succeed. It, however, was +commenced without delay. The pulp, or jelly, after having passed through +the process of boiling, was of a neutral tint, without the least +appearance of gold, and all hope of the desired colour vanished in the +thought of the workmen. It was, indeed, reported to me that no golden +tint was apparent; but I did not yet despair. + +When the pulp was spread out with the trowel, it remained still +colourless, but after it had undergone the process of pressing, which +generally took place immediately before sponging, it presented to the +astonished workmen the appearance of one sheet of gold; and when it had +been exposed to the sun, it acquired the highest golden polish possible. + +The material thus obtained is finer than cambric, and is used for +beautiful scarfs, sun-turbans, neckties for ladies, slippers, covers, +cushions, and various ornamental articles. + + + + +XXXIX. + + +CONSUMPTION. + +THE ÉMEUTE. + + + "The huge poison-tree once lay concealed in the heart of the minute + seed. Why seek ye not the germs of disease poison in their minute + receptacles?" + + +Formerly, in certain parts of the low marshy lands, the moist and +noxious exhalations generated various diseases, particularly one +answering to your phthisis, and called by us karni-feroli, that is, +"absorption of the vitality." Numbers lingered, with energies depressed +and faculties impaired, till cut off by death. In its early stages, the +disease gave no indications of its presence beyond the signs common to +the most ordinary illnesses to which, indeed, they were attributed. +However, no remedy was found by the doctors. + +Even where the possible presence of the disease was suspected, the +respiratory organs of the sufferer were subjected to various tests; but +if certain symptoms were absent, and the patient breathed easily, the +physicians concluded that there was no danger in the case. The signs +they sought were in reality those belonging to an advanced state of the +disease and, when these appeared, the malady was generally beyond cure. + +No effectual measures were taken for discovering indications of the +earlier stages of the malady before the beginning of my reign, when I +observed that many young girls, who at first seemed to suffer only from +debility and lowness of spirits, soon afterwards withered, and died of +what was then called by a term answering to your expression of "rapid +consumption." This often happened where the patients had been previously +pronounced free from organic disease. + +I knew that, in the physical as in the moral constitution, evils, +however grave, have their origin in some incipient germ of small +proportions, and I would not believe that the confirmed ulcers, which I +had seen during the examination of diseased lungs in the Theatre of +Anatomy, had arisen suddenly, for I reflected that the operations of +nature are gradual. These ulcers, which are, I think, called "tubercles" +by your physicians, had been the immediate cause of many deaths. + +After much meditation, I concluded that the actual beginning of the +malady was unknown, and that the inability of the doctors to master the +disease arose from the inadequacy of the means employed for its earlier +detection. + +I had frequently expressed my convictions to the ablest medical men, but +they held to their opinions and practice with unyielding tenacity. Our +doctors at that time thought that there was no science beyond what they +themselves knew, just as there were many able men who maintained that +there was no other world but Montalluyah, until the invention of my +telescope brought your earth and other worlds within the limit of their +vision. + + +A young and interesting girl, a penitent, from a course of incontinence +and excess, suffered much from weakness and lowness of spirits. The +doctors examined her in the usual approved way, with and without their +instruments, and declared that her lungs were healthy and sound; all +that now ailed her, they said, was the depression arising from +involuntary regrets and longings for the excitements of her former life. +I had a strong impression, however, that this was not the cause of her +prostration, firmly believing that her lungs were affected, though the +doctors assured me that they had used every test with scrupulous care to +detect disease and had arrived at a contrary decision. Not being +convinced, I requested them to give me a daily report of the girl's +progress. + +As she grew weaker, the doctors determined to administer a powerful +potion, which would lay the foundation of her cure, if their estimate of +the malady was right, but would accelerate death if the lungs were +really affected. Persuaded that, in the then state of medical knowledge, +the girl's life could not be saved, if the disease was really phthisis, +and knowing that, if it was not the case, the potion was calculated to +do good, I did not prevent the doctors from acting according to their +own convictions. + +The potion was administered accordingly, and the girl soon fell into a +calm and tranquil sleep, from which, to the surprise and consternation +of the physicians, she never awoke. + +The body was examined, and on the right lung were found pimples, small +indeed, but visible to the naked eye, which, on closer examination with +the microscope, proved to be incipient tubercles; the left lung was +similarly affected. These incipient tubercles, though sufficient to +cause languor and debility, by attracting the vitality of the body, had +not yet become of sufficient size and virulence to affect her breathing; +hence her lungs were considered sound by the doctors, who only regarded +the usual tests. + + +I called together the principal physicians, chemists and heads of +science, and requested them carefully to study this formidable disease; +and, after a time, the discovery was made that all the most fatal cases +of consumption were ushered in by the appearance on the lungs of minute +incipient spots, which attract and feed on the vital juices of the body. +These spots swell gradually into pimples of a reddish hue, on which +ultimately a small yellow head appears. This breaks in due course, and +the matter discharged spreads, combines, and assists in the growth and +accumulation of other and larger tubercles, which cause much pain, +greatly impede the passage of the air, and eventually carry off the +patient. + +Although pain is sometimes felt in the earlier stages of the malady, the +passage of the air through the lungs is not as yet affected to any very +perceptible extent. It was also found that the ordinary symptoms +accompanying the presence of these spots were similar to those produced +by many other causes; so that the symptoms of one disease might easily +be mistaken for--as was actually the case--those of another. + +The tests hitherto used were thus clearly shown to be insufficient for +detecting the disease, until the tubercles had assumed a size and +virulence sufficient to affect the breathing,--until, in fact, the +malady was too often beyond cure. + +After some time and many experiments, most efficacious means were +discovered for detecting and curing this dreadful disease while still in +its incipient state. + + +I ought to mention, that on the death of the girl to whom the potion was +administered, her friends learning that I had not opposed the +administering the fatal potion, were very violent against me and, +instigated by those who had at first opposed my law, openly declared +that she had been put to death by my orders. They thus succeeded in +arousing the passions of the multitude. At that time many young persons +were dying of consumption in a marshy valley, while others were +afflicted with disorders, which baffled the skill of the physicians and +were accompanied with the same symptoms that attended the malady of the +deceased girl. During the popular excitement to which I have referred, +the parents of these sufferers were made to believe that potions similar +to those which had already been administered with such fatal results, +were now to be administered to their own sick children, and that similar +results would ensue. + +I lost not a moment in summoning before me the heads of families and +friends of the sufferers, at the same time announcing the subject on +which I wished to discourse. + +The meeting took place in the great hall of my palace, which is capable +of containing many thousands, and I explained to the assembled multitude +that when the potion was administered to the deceased girl, the malady +was so far advanced that there were no means of saving her life, and +that in administering the potion the doctors had hoped to do good, +believing, contrary to my own convictions, that the complaint was not +organic. I explained that her death, and the knowledge gained by the +examination of her lungs, would be the salvation of most of their +children, of the nature of whose malady the doctors were now convinced. + +Asked by the girl's friends if I would myself take a potion similar to +that administered to the girl, I offered to drink double the quantity, +in the presence of the assembled multitude. When the cup was close to my +lips, and I was about to drink the potion, a woman in the crowd called +out that the liquid I held in my hand was innocuous, and very different +to the poisonous draught administered to the girl! So convinced was she +of this, that she offered to let her own child drink the potion out of +my cup! + +This child being, as I believed, afflicted with incipient consumption, I +cautioned the mother, explaining to her what would be the consequences +of her rashness. Still she insisted, and adhered to her opinion that if +I could drink the potion with impunity, the child could do the same. I +resisted, until at length many in the crowd, who had before been +influenced by my words, inferred from my hesitation that what the woman +said was really true! Perceiving that further hesitation on my part +would result in great evil, and in many deaths, I allowed the child to +drink a quarter of the potion, and I swallowed the rest myself. My lungs +being perfectly sound the potion only stimulated my system, but the +effect on the child was the same as it had been on the girl: it slept, +and woke no more. + + +Having addressed the people for a long time and calmed their anger, I +requested them to proceed to the place where the girl's body lay, to +convince themselves of the advanced state of the disease under which she +bad suffered. They were then marshalled by the officers of my palace, +and proceeded to the Anatomical Theatre, where they satisfied themselves +with their own eyes of the truth of what I had told them. Public +confidence was restored, and many sufferers were saved from premature +death. + +Effective means were afterwards taken to detect the minute incipient +pimples with which the disease was always ushered in, and never +afterwards was it allowed to reach serious proportions. It was destroyed +in its earliest germ, and thus much power and vitality and thousands of +lives were saved to the State. + + + + +XL. + + +THE HARP. + + + "Music....the emanation of the concentrated light of the + soul....The language of the angels." + + +The harp is our principal musical instrument. We have one that is +portable and in form like a lyre; but our great harp is much larger than +yours, differently constructed, and far more effective, combining, as it +does, in its tones all the delicacy, expression, and oneness of a single +executant, with the brilliancy and power of a combined body of +performers. + +It rests on a ball firmly placed on a massive pedestal, which is easily +moved from one place to another by means of small wheels. The ball on +which the harp rests revolves in a socket, so that the instrument can +easily be placed in the position the performer desires, and then, by +means of a bolt, fixed firmly in its place. No support from the +executant is needed. The harp does not rest upon him in any way, and he +has, at the same time, entire power over every part. + +The instrument is divided into fourths, that is, into four sets of +chords. The first only of these four sets is touched by the player, but +on any of the first set being intoned, each corresponding string of the +three other sets, all of which are stouter and more powerful than the +set played upon, resounds in harmony. + +The power given out by the three sets of strings is proportioned to the +sound produced on the first set by the performer, as the force of an +echo is stronger or weaker according as the sound producing it is +increased or diminished in volume. + +In the framework of the harp there are conducting strings of +electricity, which unite all the rest with the first set and with each +other. The electricity is generated by a liquid contained in a small +tube, and is set in motion by the movement of the strings of the first +set of chords. The tube can be placed in or removed from the instrument +with the greatest ease; without it, the first set alone responds to the +player's touch. + +The musician has the power of varying and depressing the notes of the +instrument in a marvellous manner, so as to produce instantaneously the +most delicate or the most powerful sounds, with endless modulations and +variety of tone. I have heard echoes and responses given out as though +the music had been breathed from a great distance;--the gentlest +whispers were alternated with all the force of a band of music. + +I could not, without much expenditure of time and labour, and without +explaining our science of music, which is altogether different to yours, +convey to you an adequate notion of the effect produced by a skilful +player. I have seen a multitude turned away from evil designs by the +exquisite playing of the harpist--their passions calmed, their thoughts +raised from earth to heaven. + +By the aid of little knobs on the instrument, the diapason can be +changed to an extent that you would not credit, for it has reference to +a system different to yours. The compass and extent of sound given by +our harps is very considerably higher than the notes produced by your +violins, and deeper than the lowest notes given by your contrabassi. + +We do not count by octaves, but by touching twos or threes different +characters of sounds are produced, indicated by names such as--gaiety, +joy, melancholy, truthfulness, fickleness in some things, fickleness in +all things, an exalted mind, poetry, domestic peace, hatred, jealousy, +morbid sensibility, pardon, receiving again into favour, flowers, decay +of health, sickness, returning health, love in a gentle degree, love in +a sublime degree, doubting, also trusting love, loneliness, +disappointment, ambition. + +These and many other sentiments are expressed by strains that go +directly to the soul, and without the need of words. As all in +Montalluyah understand the language the music is intended to convey, the +player, without opening his lips, can express himself on the harp as +clearly as by discourse; and two persons playing can hold a +conversation. + +As you have certain sounds responding to _do, re, mi_, &c., so have we +certain sounds and harmonies that convey certain expressions; for +instance: "I esteem you;" "I feel you in the pulsations of my blood," +_i.e._ "I love you." Or perhaps the vibrations of the same harmony would +be varied so as to be higher or lower, sharp or flat; and the player +would convey that he felt the presence of his beloved in the appropriate +vibration of his nerves. + +In another harmony, he would compare the admired object to some +beautiful soft bird like the Zudee, or a pet like the Kamouska.[1] + + [Footnote 1: See p. 145.] + +On the occasion of a love scene between a great harpist and a lady, I +have heard the following, amongst many other sentiments, expressed by +the harp: First Lenordi the harpist expressed his glowing sympathy, his +admiration of beauty, of goodness, his pleading to be heard, his hope +that no other occupied the lady's thoughts, his despair if his prayers +were not listened to, hope, expressions of eternal devotion; in short, +all the possible outpourings of a loving heart. It would be too tedious +to tell you all he conveyed, but he ended thus, "Thou art pure as the +dew upon the leaf of opening day ... but like to that dew wilt thy love +pass away!" + +Giola--the lady--took her place at the harp, and played a response +expressing the following:--"Would I might believe these flattering +vibrations, and the bright hopes raised within an hour to wither in a +day. + +"Could they but last, the skies above would pale beneath their +brightness. + +"Yet I would not doubt thee; thy every look makes life a dream of love." + +The player then made excuses for her seeming enthusiasm, by declaring +that even inanimate matter is moved by his soul-stirring strains. + +"Every flower and every tendril is moved by thee, for, like thee, they +are fresh and gently gay."... + +This led eventually to a "choice" meeting, and the marriage was attended +with many interesting incidents. Their history would of itself form a +curious romance! + +Every one competent is educated in the meaning of the harp-sounds, and +the instruction in this branch of study commences at an early age. +Certain sentences are written, and a sound is given out and repeated +till the young person thoroughly understands what he has heard. Then the +sentence is renewed, perhaps, in connection with another sentence, the +accompanying sound is given, and in a short time the student says the +word or sentence accompanying every sound, and thus he soon learns how +to use these sounds, and how to vary and combine them, just as an +alphabet or series of words would be used by an able writer. + +When the instrument is used as a subsidiary agent, and the player +accompanies his own or another's voice with words, he plays an +accompaniment implying words, but not so as to attract attention from +the singer. There are certain accompaniments which are adapted to +anything that might be sung. These, however, the player can vary, if his +talent is sufficient. + +Our songs are generally spontaneous effusions, but there are songs with +which certain words are permanently associated. + + +The harp itself is beautiful as a work of sculptural art. Around its +framework most elegant and tasteful ornaments are executed with the +minutest perfection--small birds of variegated plumage perched on +graceful foliage of green enamel, with flowers in their natural colours, +so executed as closely to resemble nature. The birds, flowers, and +foliage are connected with the chords of the harp, and conceal from view +small vases or reservoirs set in the framework of the instrument. From +these with every touch of the chords a beautiful fragrance is exhaled, +the force or delicacy of which depends on the more powerful or gentler +strains produced from the instruments. + +The instant the player strikes the chords, the little birds open their +wings, the flowers quiver in gentle action, and then from the vases are +thrown off jets of perfume. The more strongly the chords are touched, +the more powerfully does the fragrance play around. + +In tender passages the perfume gradually dies away, till it becomes so +faint as to be appreciated only by the most delicate organisations. The +result, however, is, that the sense is gratified, the heart touched, and +the whole soul elevated. I have seen the most ardent natures calmed and +rendered gentle by the divine strains of this angelic instrument. + +It is said that in the angelic spheres flowers breathe music as well as +fragrance, and that the sound itself has form, colour, and perfume. This +belief suggested the thought of uniting them in harmonious concert for +the gratification of those who had exercised the gifts accorded them by +Heaven to a good end. As they had gained their position by their own +merit, it was sought in every way to increase their happiness and their +enjoyments. Nothing that art could produce was thought too good for +them. + + +I loved the world. The wicked only are impatient and discontented. I +knew that blessings are everywhere about us, though we are expected to +exercise our intelligence to make them available; and whilst I +inculcated that "intemperance is not enjoyment," and that "intemperance +destroyed the power of enjoyment," I did not hesitate to tell my people +that the world and the blessings everywhere abounding are given us to +enjoy, and that, like guests invited to a banquet, we were neither to +run riot nor to reject the good things offered us in love. + + + + +XLI. + + +SOCIAL INTERCOURSE. + + + "The contact of society is necessary for the nurture and + preservation of the generous feelings implanted in us by the Great + Spirit." + + +In the system I inaugurated, where every man pursued his occupation with +enthusiastic delight, because he was engaged in that for which nature +and education had fitted him, it became necessary to enjoin recreation +and amusement as a duty, particularly in the case of learned men, whose +attention was concentrated on one particular subject. + +Before my reign learned men had been sometimes prone to seclude +themselves from the world, while the opulent indulged in amusements to +excess, and had indeed need of laws rather to restrain than to enjoin +indulgence. Now, however, few, except the "humble" classes (for we have +no "poor" in your sense of the word), would have sought after diversions +had not my laws enjoined them as a duty. + + +As regards learned men, I knew that if one part of the brain was unduly +excited and overworked, the other portions would lie dormant and suffer. +All classes therefore were required to "undergo" amusements, and many +were the precepts to encourage them in the pursuit. I added to these the +force of my own example; for, though occupied incessantly with the cares +of government and with abstruse meditations, I nevertheless attended +amusements of all kinds, and often gave fętes of great beauty and +magnificence for the recreation of the people. I was a frequent +attendant at places of amusement, public games, and races, and refreshed +myself almost daily with the sympathetic contact of the numerous society +which my hospitality brought round my table. + +When my laws on the subject of social intercourse were first promulgated +there were many wise men who questioned the wisdom of my requiring the +learned to cultivate social relations. These addressed to me many +arguments in support of their views and objected that, without having +their thoughts interrupted by the clang of society, simple changes of +subject, or at least the simplest distractions, would amply suffice to +give the necessary repose. I always encouraged the learned to +communicate to me their opinions, to which I invariably listened with +attention; and in this case the arguments they adduced in support of +their views were so plausible that I resolved to convince them by an +actual experiment. + +To satisfy them, and confirm the belief of others, I allowed the chief +opponents of my doctrines to select ten learned men who desired to +pursue their own idea of seclusion, and ten others were selected by me +from those who were converts to my views in matters of recreation and +amusement. The twenty men thus selected were, as nearly as possible, +equal in point of talent, and were all engaged on the same engrossing +subject--one which required great concentration of thought. The utmost +care was taken that the experiment might be fairly and conclusively +tried. + +The result of this experiment, which extended over many years, proved +indisputably that I was right; for whilst the productions of the +"amusing and amused" men were equal in all, and in many respects +superior to, those of the "seclusionists," the latter showed visible +marks of the evils of their abstinence. + +After a few years their indifference for the world had grown into +positive misanthropy. They refused to receive any visits, became +negligent of their personal appearance, and centred their whole +affection upon the object of their study. + +Among those who had lived in seclusion seven out of the ten had lost +their hair and the freshness of their complexion, both of which with us +are highly valued. They were very sallow, and their figures betrayed the +incipient decrepitude of old age, though for our world they were but in +the prime of life, if not of early manhood. Besides which they had +formed contracted notions on many subjects, some of them being what is +called eccentric. + +On the other hand, the collected works of the ten men who had profited +by contact with the world and its amusements were equal in all respects, +and indeed superior in some, to those of the "seclusionists." They were +for the most part large and liberal minded. There was but one who might +be called narrow-minded and eccentric, but his exceptional state was +greatly owing to the fact that the origin of this tendency had not been +attended to in childhood. He had, indeed, been educated under the old +system and consequently before the establishment of the office of +Character-divers. This man was the only one who was subject, though +partially, to the physical accidents which had affected the +"Seclusionists." The remaining nine "Society-sympathisers" remained +fresh, vigorous, and gay. + +What, however, satisfied my wise men the most was, that the works of the +learned men who had lived in contact with the world were actually in +many respects superior to the works of the Seclusionists, although these +also were more than remarkable. + + +In requiring learned men to mix with the world, I did not forbid +frequent solitude and retirement for meditation. I only objected to the +passion being indulged in to the exclusion of the refreshing sympathies +developed by a contact with society. + +The result of the experiment I have referred to seemed to satisfy even +the ten Seclusionists, who at least changed their habits in obedience to +my law, The effects of the seclusion on some of the ten were, however, +not got rid of, until a certain time had elapsed, and, but for increased +knowledge of the malady of monomania, these effects on one of the ten +Seclusionists would have been even far more serious than they +fortunately proved to be. + + +THE MONOMANIAC. + +This man, eminent in the highest degree, believed that another learned +man, his friend and greatest admirer, was his bitter enemy. All efforts +to convince him to the contrary were fruitless, for although remarkably +clear-sighted on most other subjects, he obstinately refused on this to +listen to the truth. Indeed, the remonstrances of his friends had the +effect of strengthening his conviction that the reptile, as he called +the supposed enemy, assumed the appearance of friendship, the better to +mask his infamous designs. + +This delusion went on for some time, but did not show itself beyond +words, and even those were never addressed to the supposed enemy, whose +designs he said "he would meet with simulation and the reptile's own +insidious weapons." Greatly as all this was to be regretted, the man was +so venerated, and was usually so calm, that none suspected any tendency +to a deranged intellect. His strong feelings were ascribed to mistaken +impressions, until a very disagreeable occurrence opened our eyes to his +real state. + +Both he and his supposed "enemy" were present at a dinner, given by a +high official, the chief Knowledge-tester or Examiner. Our dining-tables +are semicircular, and the guests are seated on the convex side only. The +Monomaniac, being a particular friend, honoured by the host, sat next to +him in the centre. The supposed "enemy" happened to be seated at the +extreme end of the semicircle, and consequently in a position to be seen +from the centre of the table. All went on well till about the middle of +the repast, when suddenly the Monomaniac rose, pointed to his supposed +enemy, and addressing himself to the guests, said, "Look there! Do you +not see the grimaces he is making at me?" + +Every one marvelled! The host addressed the Monomaniac in a gentle tone, +entreating him to have more control over his temper, Those seated close +to the supposed "enemy" declared loudly that he had made no grimaces; +but their denial only increased the fury of the accuser. A bird-- +considered a great delicacy--had just been placed before the host. It +was arranged, as were our dishes generally, to please the eye as well as +the palate, being ornamented with olives, sweetmeats, and other +ingredients of varied colours. Birds, I may incidentally remark, are +cooked without the bones; these are skilfully taken out and serve to +enrich the gravy. + +The Monomaniac again rose suddenly and, before his arm could be +arrested, seized the fowl, larded as it was with accessories and +dripping with gravy, and with all his force hurled it whole, with +unerring aim, at the face of the supposed enemy. So great was his +excitement, and so rapid his movements, that he had seized one of the +"knife-spoons," and had he not been arrested, would probably have hurled +that, and, indeed, everything within reach against the object of his +fury. + +At private dinners the number of guests never exceeds twelve, and at the +back of each, corresponding to every seat, is a small closet, ordinarily +used by each guest for his ablutions. Into one of these the Monomaniac +was placed with considerable difficulty, everything with which he could +injure himself having been previously removed. By the doctor's order he +was treated as a patient and, after some time, the result of the +application of the tests, then only recently discovered, showed that he +was much affected with brain animalcula, which had been generated by the +exhaustion of one part of the brain, in consequence of the incessant +occupations of another portion, by one all-engrossing subject, without +the relief of sufficient air, recreation, and bodily exercise. + +The "supposed enemy" and the Monomaniac had been both occupied on the +same subject; the latter was much superior, and had consequently +attained greater distinction. Nothwithstanding this, he was fearful that +the "enemy" would ultimately excel him. + +At the end of a few months the Monomaniac was completely cured. It was +not, however, until after a year's travel and change of scene that he +was allowed to resume his old studies. He now became more brilliant than +ever, and we were indebted to him for some valuable discoveries. He had +learned that his supposed enemy was a real friend and true admirer of +his great talents. He never suffered again from the affliction, which, +had it not been arrested in time, would have ended in confirmed madness. +He became more than ever a strong advocate for the observance of my laws +in favour of recreation. + + + + +XLII. + + +THEATRES. + +ELECTRICAL ENTERTAINMENTS--AMUSEMENTS--INTRODUCTION +OF STRANGERS. + + + "....Even the daisies of the field grow in company...." + + +Besides theatres of another kind, there are large arenas, where the +entertainments principally consist of feats worked out by electricity +and produce effects far beyond anything as yet known in your planet. +These arenas are open to the sky, for electric effects are not exhibited +in roofed buildings, from fear of the explosions which would probably +occur were antagonistic electricities brought in contact with each other +in a covered space. + +The games exhibited are varied; but, in all, electricity has some part. +As I have already said, we have electricities, some attractive, some +antipathetic to the human frame,--and by the aid of both kinds many +interesting feats are performed. + +I have seen a man and horse in the arena, who, at a given signal, would +rise gradually and gracefully to a distance of more than fifty feet from +the earth. When suspended in the air a cloud, like fire, would encircle +them, and then after a certain time, sufficient for the spectators to +observe and admire them, they would alight on the earth as gradually and +gracefully as they had ascended. + + +THE FLYING CHILDREN. + +In one of these arenas is a large sheet of running water, supplied by a +cataract in the neighbourhood; and I have seen the most beautiful +effects produced by children gliding over and as it were dancing on its +surface. The children are selected from the most graceful and beautiful +of those, who, not having sufficient intellect to learn, give no signs +of making a progress which would fit them for more important +occupations. + +These children are taught and _willed_ to move in the most graceful +forms. Joining hands and forming exceedingly beautiful groups, they will +glide over the cascade and over the surface of the agitated lake, +walking, dancing, or reposing. + + +WILL. + +In assuming these graceful forms, the children are aided by a person +skilled in the use of the Will, who, with the assistance of our +"sympathetic-attracting machines," [1] can _will_ the children to take +the most varied and graceful positions. The effect is fascinating, +elevating, and refining. + + [Footnote 1: See p. 265.] + +The man who directs the sympathetic machine, _wills_ the figures from +his imagination or memory, this being part of the art in which he is +skilled. + +In your planet, you do not know the extent of the power of the Will; and +yet it is the Will--the Will of the Soul--which sets our vital +electricity in motion, directs it on particular parts of its own +machine--the brain--or on the sentient faculties of others. This same +vital electricity can be used with greater force and certainty of +direction, when assisted by the instrument which I have called "the +sympathetic machine." + + +THE DEAF AND DUMB CHILD. + +I have seen one little girl deaf and dumb--the only instance in my +time--in consequence of a fright her mother had experienced. The child +was of so nervous a temperament, that she could not be taught anything +intellectual. She was lovely, with long hair that fell about her in +graceful curls, and in whatever way she sat, moved, or reclined, her +poses and movements were angelic. + +It was found that the only thing which would awaken her dormant senses +was electricity; and that, under its influence, she would be well and +happy. + +This child was at length taught to remain for some time together in one +of her beautiful poses. + +The circus in which I saw her is built close to a mountain or steep +ascent, which rises almost perpendicularly to a great height. By the +power of an attractive electricity, she would be made--whilst in one of +her beautiful poses--to rise gradually, and to be borne flying, as it +were, in the air. She would then be made to alight on the top of the +high rock, where a halo of concentrated light was thrown on her; this +clung about her, attracted by a solution with which her dress was +sponged. The light was calculated to remain undissipated for half an +hour. + +After some time, and having taken the most graceful poses, encircled +with the lovely halo, the child would glide off the rock and descend +slowly and gracefully through the air--with the varied colours of the +halo about her--as though she were a being of the celestial stars. + +Of all exhibitions, I have never seen any more beautiful than this. It +served admirably to raise, refine, and rouse the spectator to +enthusiasm. + + +THE MONKEYS. + +On the other hand, some of our electric exhibitions produce mirth. For +instance, the effect of electricity on the monkeys in Montalluyah--who +are very sagacious, having faces white like a human being, and talking +like parrots--is ludicrous in the extreme. When engaged in chewing and +eating their favourite nuts, they find themselves, in spite of their +cunning, raised to a great height, without seeing the man underneath +their pedestal, who impels them upwards with antipathetic electricity. + +When they are thus in the air, and, in spite of all efforts, unable to +descend, their antics are of the drollest kind. They, in turn, threaten +and entreat the audience, but are soon reassured and liberally rewarded +for the parts they have played in amusing the public. + +Apart from the contemplation of electrical effects, these amusements may +appear somewhat puerile. It should therefore be observed that our people +generally retain to the last an almost child-like freshness of feeling, +which renders them keenly susceptible to the most innocent pleasures. +The tragic drama is for us extinct. Towards the middle of my reign, +plays based upon crime ceased to be heard with pleasure, as the new +generation, trained under the wholesome influence of my laws, could +scarcely understand a plot relating to passions entirely foreign to +their nature. The writers for our theatres, properly so called, have +since that period confined themselves to subjects illustrative of +country life in plain and mountain, and to incidents which, though +happening at a distance, are known to occur. + + +No accidents arise. Our professors are very skilful, knowing the exact +quantities of electricity required for a given time, and at what rate +its power will decrease. Electricity in all its variations is thoroughly +understood by our electricians. + +Electricity, indeed, now forms part of the studies of youth in general, +and its leading features form part of the early knowledge taught to both +girls and boys. + + +There are races and public games of all kinds, and, besides the fętes +and amusements given by private persons, there are balls and social +reunions given by the districts. + +Even children have their parties and balls, to which they are taken from +four years of age and upwards. The labouring people, or poor, have +theirs. They go to work more cheerfully when they know that amusements +are to follow, and return to their labours with redoubled energy. They +are now contented and happy. + +Old people, although allowed to attend the soirées of the young, have +parties of their own, to which none who have not passed a certain age +are admitted. + +One day in the week is set apart for amusements of all kinds. + +To the reunions given by the districts, all who have passed a certain +age are invited, every seven days, until the age of forty; after forty, +once in three weeks; after sixty, once in every six weeks. All who have +not passed their fortieth year are expected to attend these reunions. +Those who have passed forty may attend as often as they please. + + +INTRODUCTION OF STRANGERS. + +Amongst these reunions there are balls and parties given on certain days +in every month, for the introduction of strangers coming from other +parts, who are received in a separate room by the Master of the +Ceremonies, or, as we say, "Introducer of Strangers." Having satisfied +himself of the status of the strangers, this officer announces the name +of the eldest and conducts him round the great room, where all the +company are assembled, which duty performed, he conducts the guest back +to the strangers' room, and then, having returned into the assembly-room, +asks if any one wished to make objection to the stranger's +reception. If none is made, the visitor is escorted back and presented +to the whole company, and the most distinguished amongst them are +expected to take him by the hand and seat him by their side. + +This ceremony over, the stranger is allowed to visit every person +present at their residences, where he is received with great +hospitality. + + +When, however, in answer to the Introducer's question, any one says, "I +do object to be introduced to that person," he is required to state his +reasons, which the "Introducer" writes down, and which the objector is +required to read and sign. + +The "Introducer" then proceeds to the strangers' room, and says to the +proposed guest, "We find it will not be agreeable to terminate the +presentation to-night, so we reserve it for another day," which is fixed +accordingly. + +On the following day, the most effective means are taken to test the +validity of the objections, and it has been found that the few cases of +objection that have been raised have been almost invariably based on +error, or on exaggerated trifles, which would scarcely bear a moment's +examination. + +As a record of every one's career is faithfully kept, we have ready +means of making ourselves acquainted with every one's antecedents and, +consequently, of testing the validity of the "objections." + +The objections being removed, the stranger is received with a hearty +welcome. When conducted into the assembly-room, the person who made the +objections having been pointed out to him, he is addressed as +follows:--"In all this great assembly, this is the only person who urged +anything against you, and we find that all he imagined arose from +misconception [or as the case may be]. This we have taken every pains to +rectify, and we leave to you to do what may be pleasing to yourself, in +order to convince him still more completely of his error; and you have +our best wishes that unity, harmony, and peace may exist between you." +This done, the newly-received guest is seated between the principal +personages, and is treated with, if possible, more kindness and +consideration than if no objection had been made. In each class we +follow the same custom, which we find works admirably well. It is +peculiarly adapted to our system. + + +THE ATTRACTING-MACHINE. + +I have spoken above of our sympathetic attracting-machine, and I may +mention here that by means of certain acids acted on by the sun's rays, +a person can be compelled to move even from a great distance towards a +given point in the way willed by the operator. It is, however, necessary +to discover, first; the particular acids that have most affinity with +the person to be attracted. To ascertain these with certainty, there is +a little instrument with many separate cells, all communicating by means +of its tube with one little ball, and each containing a different acid. + +Unless some attraction, or power in sympathy with the acids, is applied +to the ball, the acids remain quiescent, each in its separate +compartment. To discover what acids have most attractive force with a +given person, the ball is placed against his breast, whereupon the +portions of those acids which have affinity with him rush forth from +their respective cells up each tube into the ball, where they +immediately commingle, forming one compound liquid of unequal component +parts. The scientific man charged with the operation then notes the +exact quantities of each of the component acids, and all pertinent +particulars. + +This is an easy process. Each principal acid is weighed before being +placed in its cell, which is open from the top; and before the ball is +removed from the chest, what remains of each acid is taken out from its +compartment and re-weighed. The difference between the weights, before +and after the operation, gives the exact weight of each acid, forming +one of the component parts of the amalgamated fluid in the ball. + +It is rare that the exact proportions of the same acids are applicable +to any two men, though, as in the case of faces, the difference may be +so slight as almost to approach identity. In some it is very great; but +the same kinds of acids suffice to ascertain the attractive power of +every individual. + +The particular sympathetic acids and their proportions having been +ascertained, the attracting-machine is prepared and charged with a large +quantity of the sympathetic compound, sufficiently powerful to attract +the person selected, although placed at some distance. To be effective, +however, the operation must take place while the sun is shining; and it +is also necessary that the person directing the machine should exercise +a certain amount of will tending towards the end desired. The power of +will is great, and there are a few persons who can make others do +certain things without the aid of the instrument, by the power of will +alone; but, in such cases, the person "willing" must be near the person +acted on. + + + + +XLIII. + + +SHIPS. + + + "Would ye triumph over the seas in all their fury? Would ye spare + the lives of those who toil for you? Let your ships he harder than + the rocks, swifter than the message-bird, more buoyant than the + swan, and as enduring as the Mestua Mountain." + + +Our ships are of peculiar form and construction, and of all but +exhaustless strength and durability. In ancient times the form of a fish +had been taken as a model for their construction, and the same form was +continued for centuries. The ships built on this principle, however, +often foundered at sea, or were broken to pieces, when driven against +the rocks, by the violence of tempests. + +Moved by the loss of life and consequent suffering thus occasioned, I +sought to construct a vessel that could neither founder nor be broken, +at whatever speed it might move. + +I reasoned that a fish, formed to live and to act principally under the +water, was hardly a fit model for ships intended to float on its +surface, and certainly not to sink. + +After much consideration on the part of our scientific men, the form of +the swan was successfully adopted as best fitted for sea-going ships. + +Our "Swan-ships," as I may call them, are constructed of timbers, +previously seasoned to prevent insect breeding and to resist all +tendency to shrink, and are completely covered with the hide of the +hippopotamus, which, it should be observed, is impervious to water, and, +when prepared for use, is so tough that no knife or machine, however +sharp or powerful, can cut, pierce, or indeed make any impression upon +it, until it has passed through a process, in which fire has a great +part, and is thus purposely deprived of its impenetrable nature. + +In the construction of the ship, the outline of the swan is followed as +nearly as possible. The prow rises out of the water, shaped like the +bird's neck and head; the keel is rounded like the belly; the stern is +an imitation of the tail; the legs are supplied by two large adjuncts in +the shape of webbed feet, with the addition, however, of numerous wheels +fastened round the swan's belly, which are partially immersed in the +water and moved by powerful machinery within the vessel. + +On each side of the swan's body is an auxiliary platform, forming, as it +were, a wing. These platforms are raised in fine weather, and serve as +open-air promenades for the passengers, in addition to another terrace +on the swan's back, immediately above. + +The ship has no masts, and is thus available throughout for passengers +and merchandise. The apertures between the decking, that admit light and +air, can be closed up at a moment's notice, and the vessel, being thus +rendered water-tight, will ride through the most violent storm. No rocks +can break her, and no sea can swamp her. + +During hurricanes the seas rise so high and in such large masses, that, +in descending, they sometimes submerge her; but she is too buoyant to +sink, soon regains the surface, and floats on as buoyant as ever. + +The navigation in our world would on your earth be considered very +dangerous, if not impracticable. The swan-ship, even when driven by the +tempest, must often pass through narrow inlets between dangerous rocks, +sometimes _under_ the rocks, through channels scooped out by the +sea. The force of the hurricanes and the violence of the seas are +tremendous. Your most powerful ships could not live through them, yet no +serious accident has ever befallen one of our vessels. On one occasion, +when the ship was submerged for a time, the people suffered greatly from +want of air, as the sea was too terribly rough to allow of any window +being opened. After remaining covered by the waters for a length of +time, she righted herself as soon as the violence of the waves had +calmed. + + +On their return to Montalluyah, some of the passengers related to me +their acute sufferings from want of air, and as their narrative affected +me much, I resolved to discover a remedy. + +Telescopic funnels to admit air were suggested by me as a provision for +such a contingency as I have described. These are so constructed that in +case of need they can be sent up to a great height above the surface of +the sea. The principal one is placed in the head of the swan. Several +experiments were made with air-pumps in the ship to draw in and diffuse +air, and they fully answered this purpose. + +Air can still be admitted through the head and neck of the swan, if the +body only is submerged; but if this also is covered by the sea, the +telescopic funnel is sent up to the required height and a new current of +air is obtained. Light and air are, under ordinary circumstances +admitted by means of windows made with a transparent composition of +great strength. + +The swan's head is reserved for the captain's quarters. His rooms are +spacious and well suited to his work; his windows are, some plane, some +concave, some convex, so that he can see both near and distant objects. +As the swan's head is high above the body of the swan, the captain +occupies a very commanding position. Outside the head there is a terrace +for his use. + +Our ships are very large, that each passenger may have the utmost +accommodation, for we do not like to imprison our people in a narrow +space; and an ordinary vessel holds several hundred passengers, besides +merchandise. + +To propel our vessels we use electric power, and they move as fast as +your quickest railway trains; but nevertheless can be stopped almost +instantaneously. The wheels outside the body of the swan, set in motion +by internal electric machinery, revolve with extraordinary rapidity. To +set the machinery in motion it is necessary to wind up powerful chains, +and a strong horse is used for the purpose. One horse is sufficient for +the longest voyage, but four are kept on board in case of accidents. The +machinery could be so constructed that the horse would not be necessary; +but for this arrangement much more space would be required. If even all +the horses were disabled--a thing which hitherto has never occurred--the +machinery could be kept in motion by manual power and leverage. + +Though the propelling power is great, it can be reversed, moderated, or +entirely suspended with the greatest ease. As soon as the ship is +stopped, the two large "web-feet" attached to the keel fall down and +assist in checking her headway. + +To steer our vessels we use a winch or rudder, which runs from stem to +stern underneath the swan's belly, and is connected with a wheel below +the water. This rudder, which is made of metal and covered with +hippopotamus hide, is sharp and slightly rounded. The mode in which it +is fixed gives the steersman great control over the vessel, the more so +as it moves the swan's head as well as the tail by direct action. + + +TIMBER FOR SHIPS. + +Before timber is employed for ships, or indeed for constructions of any +kind, it is thoroughly seasoned by being exposed to the sun at +particular hours of the day. Timbers that have passed through this +process never shrink or warp. + +In accordance with my directions, wood cannot be used in shipbuilding +until so prepared that no insects will touch it. + +In certain parts of the bottom of the great ravine is a liquid, the +admixture of refuse of all kinds. After some years this liquid becomes +of a golden colour for the depth of about two inches only; beneath, it +is of a muddy brown. It was accidentally discovered that the golden +liquor so hardened wood that no insect could make any impression upon +it, and no moisture could penetrate the fibres. There is some difficulty +in skimming and obtaining the liquid in a pure state; but the operation +having been performed, it is carefully preserved in large vats and +remains ready for use. + +The timber having been thoroughly seasoned in the sun, each plank is cut +and shaped to the exact form required, and is then soaked in this +liquid. If the process of cutting were delayed till after the timber had +been soaked, the parts where the cuttings had been made would be +unprotected from the insects. If the soaking were delayed until after +the ship had been put together, the four sides of each of the timbers +where it is joined to other timbers, would in like manner be +unprotected, and the insects would eat their way between. The care +exercised was the more necessary, as it was essential that the wood +under the hippopotamus hide should be preserved from internal as well as +external influences. If the wood had shrunk after it had been once +covered, parts of the hide would become slack, and serious +inconveniences would have ensued. I never knew one of our Swan vessels +to spring a leak or to wear out. The vessels built under my rule will +exist unimpaired for many centuries, whilst those built under the former +system were broken to pieces on account of their foulness and leakage, +chiefly caused by the ravages of insects. + + +THE COMPASS. + +The compass used in our ships is different to yours, being based on the +fact that each country has a different attraction to certain liquids. In +short, we apply an electrical power entirely unknown to you. + + +THE ANCHOR. + +The anchor is made of iron-marble, which is the strongest composition we +have, and which, you will recollect, was used in the construction of the +Mountain Supporter. + +In shape the anchor resembles a body with six legs, like a fly--three on +either side. Each leg has a crook at the end, which will grapple firmly +wherever the least hold can be obtained. + +The anchor is let out and hauled in by machinery made on a principle +resembling the machinery of the ship itself, but, of course, on a very +much smaller scale. + +The rope holding the anchor is made of Bisson hair, a very strong +material; and although there is little probability of its breaking, +there are four other ropes of the same material secured to the body of +the anchor, to serve in case of accidents. There is no strain whatever +in the meantime on these reserved ropes, which hang slack, and would +only come taut and into play in case of the principal rope being broken. + + + + +XLIV. + + +PICTURES FROM WATER. + + + "The records of your actions are borne in the waters, in the air, + in electricity, in the unknown powers that, by the command of Him + who made them all, pervade infinite space. His might is everywhere; + and the man who transgresses, sins in the presence of myriads of + witnesses." + + +In my reign some interesting discoveries were made with regard to water. + +From a source situated in the midst of a lovely scene flowed a spring of +remarkably pure quality, some drops of which, taken at a distance, +presented, when viewed through a microscope, a true picture of the +landscape close to the source from whence they came. Rocks, trees, +shrubs, sky, were there faithfully delineated with their varied forms +and colours, together with the resemblances of two persons, lovers, +seated on the banks. As we afterwards learned, they had been attracted +by the beauty of the scene, had sat for a long time in the same place, +and their portrait was, as it were, fixed on the water. + +The electricity of the sun and light had thrown the shadow or picture of +the scene on the fluid, whose electricity had been sufficiently strong +to retain it, and bear it to the spot whence the drops of water had been +taken. This circumstance, and our knowledge that the reflecting power of +the water is the result in part of its peculiar electricity, led to a +very interesting discovery. + +With the assistance of a powerfully attracting electric machine we can +produce, together with the surrounding landscape, the likeness of a +person, or of a group, actually many miles from the machine, if near the +water. The image is received on the reflecting mirror of the machine, +and an artist immediately copies outlines and colours. + +With the aid of the attracting machine we have obtained pictures of our +Swan-vessels, though a long way out at sea, with the passengers on the +decks; who, on arriving, have been surprised to find their likenesses, +with a similitude of the costume they wore while on board. + +The machine, through the medium of the water, throws its attracting +power many miles out through the sea, and reflects objects back on a +large plate of a kind of ground-glass. The objects reflected are not +fixed permanently, but remain on the plate for about an hour and a half +after the connection with the machine has ceased. During this time an +artist traces the picture which it is desired to retain, and fills in +the colours. The reflection thrown is indeed little more than a +pale-coloured shadow, but we make of it a reality at will. + +Our knowledge of the properties of water enables us, with the aid of an +electric-attracting machine, to see the bottom of the sea. Images of the +deepest parts are thrown upon the mirror, the force of the machine being +increased according to the depth of the sea, and the distance from the +machine. + +Some parts of the bottom of the sea reveal nothing but uninhabited, +uneven ground, whilst other parts present the appearance of an inhabited +world. We have seen the entrances to large caverns with what may be +called doors, and immense moving masses; flowers and parterres of most +delicate and lovely beauty; varieties of precious stones, forming +devices and figures of different kinds; and large shrubs that glistened +as diamonds in the sun, and thriving and blossoming, seemed replete with +life. In other parts of the sea lie strewn in irregular masses things of +every description in incredible quantities, heaps upon heaps, as though +these parts had at some time been dry land, where riches of every +description had been congregated. A description of the wonders seen +would fill many volumes. + + + + +XLV. + + +THE HIPPOPOTAMUS. + + + "Ye seek Elikoia's life....Ye watch to make sure of your prey, when + the boy is alone, his thoughts fixed on high....Ye shall wear + hideous forms, ye shall wander on the land, as well as on the + water, but nowhere shall ye find rest. Ye shall dread and be + dreaded by all; ye shall constantly be put to death, that your hide + and carcase at least may serve for useful purposes in the land that + ye have denied.... Ye shall be slain with no more compunction than + when a man cuts down a tree with which to make his hut." [1].... + + + [Footnote 1: The above belongs to the ancient mythology + of Montalluyah.] + +Hippopotami are very numerous in my planet; their breed is encouraged, +for they are found to be invaluable. + +They are of a cruel nature, and there is much antipathy between them and +human beings. Apart from the valuable uses to which they are made +subservient, these beasts are regarded in our planet with a feeling akin +to that with which you regard the serpent, it having been supposed in +the early ages of our world that the hippopotamus embodied a portion of +the spirit of the enemy of mankind. + + +THE HIPPOPOTAMUS HIDE. + +The hide of the beast is of remarkable strength and durability, and is +impervious to water; indeed, its toughness is, if possible, increased by +immersion. It is used for a variety of purposes, forming a covering for +our vessels, the want of which nothing could supply in our tempestuous +and rocky seas. It serves most effectually to insulate and protect our +electric telegraphs both by land and sea. It resists the most violent +usage, and no force, without the application of fire, can break it, for +it is so tough, even in an unprepared state, that it can only be severed +or penetrated by the application of fire and red-hot penetrating-irons. + +The nearest approach to the hide of the hippopotamus is that of the +rhinoceros; but this is not so tough or so durable, and it is inferior +in other qualities. + +The value of the hippopotamus is incalculable. Whilst alive, we can +extract from him a powerful electricity. When dead, besides the +innumerable purposes to which the hide is applied, his bones, marrow, +oil, fat, and, indeed, every part of the carcase, are of great value. + +Some portions of the ugly beast are made subservient to the beautiful, +for they are used in the arts to give additional brilliancy to colours. + +The bones, which are susceptible of a beautiful polish like ivory, and +are transparent, are used for articles of elegant furniture and +ornaments of varied beauty. + + +At some distance from Montalluyah is a large tract of country, called +"Hippopotamus Land," where there is an abundance of everything that the +beasts like or need, such as sand, moss, nut-trees, and a peculiar +plant, which is their favourite food. + +Numerous herds are kept on this land, and also in enclosures, as deer +are preserved in your parks. In charge of them are numerous herdsmen or +keepers, who may be compared to so many shepherds looking after the +sheep, though the animals they tend are far more valuable. + +From habit, the keepers understand all the ways and movements of their +flock. + +With a view to startle the animals as little as possible, the keepers +are clothed in a dress made of hippopotamus-skin, the outside of which +is preserved in its natural state, and it is so arranged that the men +may appear like familiar figures to the mothers and the young, and not +excite their fear. + +It is known in Montalluyah that wild beasts often attack man from fear, +lest he should do them harm. + +The skin worn by the keeper is saturated with a solution made from a +strong-smelling herb, to which the animals have great antipathy; and +even though they may approach and smell the skin, they soon turn away, +without hurting the watcher. + +The beast's antipathy to this herb was discovered by accident. It +happened that a herd of hippopotami were driven on land where it grew +abundantly; they instantly rushed furiously into the water, and, in +spite of every effort and stratagem, could not be made to return to the +shore. + +Suspecting that this herb was the cause of their contumacy, we took a +young hippopotamus, and kept him without food till he became quite +ravenous. Some of the tender herbs were then brought, but he would not +touch them, and evinced other symptoms of antipathy, while he showed his +ravenousness by trying to seize the keeper. He was still kept without +food, and the herbs were left within his reach, but he would not +approach them, though, as soon as some of his usual food was brought, he +greedily devoured it. + +These beasts formerly infested the rivers which run through our cities; +and a very powerful solution from the herb, which they could scent at a +considerable distance, was prepared by our chemists. We have great locks +at the entrances of our rivers. In these are concave places in which the +preparation is deposited, and the dangerous beasts are thus kept at a +great distance. + +In our world the hippopotami are very fond of freshwater rivers. There +is a large stream called the Aoe, the waters of which have a peculiar +attraction for these beasts, and I have seen it covered with them for +miles. + +The waters of this river are very prejudicial to man; perhaps the +qualities which make them agreeable to the beast render them +antipathetic to man's constitution. + +In their native state, the beasts like the land as much as the water, +preferring it indeed during the prevalence of certain winds. I could +tell, by the direction of these, whether few or many of the animals +would come ashore. From my observatory, I have seen thousands together a +long way off, looking like countless swarms of flies, and all moving in +a compact mass, as though they were gregarious to the highest degree. +When seen from a short distance, they look like a moving lead-colour +bog. I have sent to caution the hunters, for on occasion the large herds +are dangerous. + + +HABITS. + +There are times when the hippopotami seek to be invisible; they then +bury themselves in the sand, and not one can be seen. At other times, +miles of country are covered with them. + +When the wind is in a particular quarter it causes a remarkable musical +sound in its passage through the hollow rocks, which seems particularly +sympathetic to the hippopotami. If, at the time the "musical sound" is +heard, the sun shines, they with great rapidity place the young ones +together, running round them as round a central point in a succession of +circles. They jump and bound, pass and repass each other, and as it were +dance with joy, in a state of great excitement continuing their +energetic gambols all the time the musical sound is heard, until, +exhausted with their exertions, they lie down and sleep. + +It is a grand sight to see large herds of hippopotami so joyfully +excited. They never act thus when stimulated by fear, but stand doggedly +for some time, as though examining the cause of the disturbance, and as +soon as the terror has mastered them they rush away, running at a great +speed. + +When they pair, they are generally constant to each other, and the +female usually remains at the side of her mate: but some are capricious, +and go about as if seeking other males of the herd. When the female is +thus inconstant, her partner, after a time, tries to destroy her and her +young, though pains are taken to prevent this result. + +To save the female and her young, we have occasionally been obliged to +kill the male with arrows steeped in a poison so powerful, that the +slightest graze will cause instant death. + + +The mother is generally much attached to her young. She buries it in the +sand, leaving an aperture through which it may breathe, and she lies at +its side. If the temperature changes, or she fancies the calf has not +sufficient heat, she will cover the aperture for a time with her head, +or some part of her body. She gathers nuts, which the young one likes, +and will sometimes wander for miles along the strand of rivers to seek a +small fish, which she kills, and brings back to the spot where the calf +has been left buried in the sand. + +When the young one is sickly, and does not respond to the signs of the +mother, she fancies the little creature does not like her, and leaves it +to die. + + +REARING HIPPOPOTAMI. + +In Montalluyah there are large lakes, protected and enclosed by iron-work, +where hippopotami are reared. + +These are interspersed with land, on which we deposit large quantities +of sand and moss. + +We are very successful in rearing the animals, but we take care that +they should have facilities for following their natural habits. + +I believe you have not been able to rear these beasts in Western Europe. +You might do so by observing their habits, and even by attending to a +few simple precautions. If you were once successful they would increase +rapidly, and you would soon discover their inestimable value. + +This is the course we pursue when the animal is reared in confined +situations: + +As soon as the female has conceived, a quantity of sand and moss is +placed on the ground at the side of the water. This is done without loss +of time, that the beast may be accustomed to the sight. Shortly, if left +to herself, she will wallow in the mixture, and as soon as the young one +is born, will place it in the sand, covering it over with moss. + +As already observed, the female, when running wild in a state of nature, +lays the young one in the sand as soon as it is born, covering every +part of the body, and then overlaying it with moss. On this account, we +take care to deposit the sand and moss where the animal can easily find +them. + +The beasts are of a very suspicious nature, and if the sand and moss +were not placed near the female until after her young one was born, she +would be afraid of them. + +The mother is treated with great kindness, and is not allowed in any way +to be teased or used harshly. + +The hippopotamus is a very nervous animal, and is besides very vicious +and irritable. The female does not easily forget an injury, particularly +when with young. If in any way used unkindly, the effects of the +vexation will endure for a long time after the birth of the young one, +which will come into the world in a weakly state, and will not thrive. +If it does not soon die, the mother will kill it; for, when ill-treated +either before or after parturition, the mother is ordinarily impelled to +destroy the calf. She is often so nervous, that, when with calf, she +cannot bear to be looked at and is then placed apart in an enclosure +reserved expressly for the purpose, which is hoarded round, and no one +but the keeper is allowed to approach her. + + +In a state of nature, the beast is accustomed to wander over large +tracts especially favoured by sun and light; even the water he swims in +is warmed by the sun. In the gardens in which you strive to rear these +beasts, they are kept in dark miserable places, where the water is cold, +and which the sun rarely penetrates. You are not kind to them +yourselves, and, besides, you allow visitors to tease them. + +These errors alone are sufficient to prevent the mother bringing forth a +calf that will thrive. + +In your cold and variable climates you would do well to have an enclosed +place, a kind of conservatory covered over with glass, arranged so as to +be opened in warm weather, particularly when the sun shines, and closed +during the greater part of the winter, at which time the water, in which +the beasts swim, should be warmed by a genial heat diffused through the +building. This plan would be much more profitable than your actual dear +economy. + +If from any cause it is found judicious to separate the mother and the +young one, care should be taken to effect the separation immediately +after the birth, before the natural food has been tasted, or at least +before it has become familiar to the young one, and the calf should be +placed where it cannot hear the mother's moaning call. + +Warmed sand and moss should be in readiness, in which to immerse and all +but cover the little one. + +Goat's milk, or other substitutes for the mother's milk, must be +administered whilst quite warm and just drawn from the goat. If allowed +to stand, the liquid would injure instead of doing good, and even if +artificially warmed would not be so beneficial as the new milk. + +It is not improbable that the calf will at first refuse the proffered +beverage. The expedients for causing the animal to drink should be +devised so as to avoid all unnecessary annoyance, and if this precaution +be attended to the animal will of its own accord soon drink the warm +milk, and take other proper food. + +The room where the young one is kept should be of an equal warmth both +day and night. In a state of nature the mother obtains this equalization +of the temperature, and protects the young one from the comparative +chilliness of the night air by lying across the sand in which she has +placed the object of her care. + +The removal of the young one from the mother is effected with ease; and +as this process is with you accompanied by many inconveniences, besides +being very difficult and dangerous, a few hints as to our mode of +proceeding may be of use. + +We have four very long sockets peculiarly formed at their base, so that +they can be thrust for a long distance into the sandy ground, and there +take the firmest hold. They are placed at certain distances about the +spot where the mother lies, and into them are inserted four poles of +great strength, so arranged that they stand at the angles of a square or +parallelogram, sustaining a framework surmounted by planks sufficiently +strong to support four men in case of need, though sometimes two only +are required. The men, who are very skilful, are stationed one on each +side of the plank, armed with a large strong net, made of a soft and +agreeable material, which, as soon as the young one is born, they let +down very gradually, so as to disturb the mother as little as possible. +Should she be annoyed at the appearance of the net, they hold their +hands, keeping it suspended, and as soon as she is appeased and closes +her eyes, let it down again, still very slowly, almost imperceptibly, +until it has reached the ground, close to where the young one is lying, +so contriving that when the little creature moves it will be upon the +net. + +As soon as the young one is fairly on the net, the men apply several +long canes furnished with grappling-hooks, and draw up the net +containing the young one. While doing this, they throw over the mother a +material which impedes her movement, and which we call by a name that +may be freely translated, "Clinging Flannel." The animal thus encumbered +cannot disentangle herself for a few minutes, more than sufficient to +secure the capture of the little one, which, as soon as it has been +raised is let down into a vehicle ready to receive it. The instant this +is done, the driver and all being in readiness, the horses start off at +full gallop, and the calf is secured in a place far out of hearing of +the mother. + +We can almost invariably tell whether the mother is likely to destroy +the young one; and if from this or other causes a separation is +necessary, a similar course is pursued, even when the mother is at +large. If we had not effective means of driving off the rest of the +herd, the difficulty of the operation of removal would be greatly +increased, for, strange to say, as soon as the calf is born numbers of +hippopotami assemble at certain distances and form a wide circle round +the spot where the mother and little one are lying. They do not +interfere with or annoy them in any way, but, on the contrary, they +stand still, look at them, and utter wild, joyous sounds, as though they +were pleased with the mother and the little visitor. In Montalluyah we +call this "the hippopotamus's visit of congratulation." + +Before I describe the mode adopted when we wish to take one of the +hippopotami from the herd, I should first premise that these beasts have +the sense of hearing, acute to the highest degree, and could note even +the fall of a pin. As, therefore, it is useless to try to approach them +by stealth, the keepers approach them openly. + +These men are, however, clothed with a dress which covers every part of +the body, head and extremities indeed even the face, with the exception +of the eyes, but which is made of a very pliable material, so that the +wearer has free use of his body and limbs. It is saturated with the +antipathetic solution, of which I have spoken above. + +There is a three-cornered nut called the "lava-nut," of which the +animals are very fond, and they will go a long distance in search of it. +The keepers are provided with a quantity of these nuts, and the man with +whom the animals are most familiar throws a few to the one selected. As +soon as the animal has tasted them, he advances a few paces. The keeper, +throwing more nuts, retires a few paces; and as he continues throwing, +the animal advances, the keeper receding and throwing the nuts until he +has attracted the beast for some distance from the herd. + +Near the keeper is a party of men furnished with a low caravan, who, +while the animal is engaged eating the nuts, throw large nets over him. +He struggles violently--it is, indeed, fearful to behold him; but, in +the meanwhile, a very skilful man approaches, and throws over his head a +cap or covering of a particular kind of wool, which for the time +completely blinds him. So utterly is he cowed, that in a few minutes he +is quite quiet, and it is surprising to see the difference that a simple +contrivance has effected. The caravan immediately approaches with levers +attached to it, by the aid of which the animal is easily put on the +carriage and carried off to the place of his destination. + +It is surprising to see the immediate effect on the animal when the cap +is taken off. He is for the time quite docile, and as easily managed as +a child. + +An animal thus captured is never so wild and vicious as when with the +herd, and often becomes comparatively tame. + +On the other hand, the animal increases in cunning, and if again set at +liberty, he still remembers how he was once served, and utterly +disregards the nuts with which he may be tempted. + +In our world a plant grows wild, which is much liked by the +hippopotamus. It forms a bulb which contains a sort of meal, while the +stem contains a juice. In my planet large patches of ground, +particularly in the vicinity of rivers, abound with these plants, which +grow thickly together like wheat, and in long blades. + +The beast eats these plants in the green, the ripe, and the over-ripe +states; and as they are thrown up in some places when others have been +exhausted, the herds will pass over large tracts of country to get at +their favourite food. + +The nearest approach to this food in your world would be parched flour +mixed with water. It would of course be preferable if the plant itself +could be found. + +In confined situations, when the young are sickly, we feed them with +turnips and new milk boiled together. This compound is with us a +sovereign remedy, and almost invariably restores them, but cannot be +safely administered till the animal is at least a month old. + + + + +XLVI. + + +WILD ANIMALS. + + + "The hippopotamus exceeds the mite in size, strength, and + usefulness to man far less than do the riches yet concealed in the + air, in the earth, in the waters, on the land, exceed those already + possessed by Montalluyah." + + +I may mention here, that although the hippopotamus is to us the most +valuable of all the wild animals, nearly all other beasts furnish us +with materials that are turned to account. + +The serpent, and particularly the boa, possesses wondrous properties. +Birds of prey, many insects, and, in fact, nearly all that has life, is +turned to some use. The living animals generally contain electricity of +more or less value. + +A large body of professors are kept by the State solely for the purpose +of examining the various medicinal and other qualities found in the fat, +marrow, oil, bones, and carcases of animals. + +This is the mode of capturing lions, tigers, and many other wild beasts, +when it is desirable to take them alive: + +The huntsmen selected are men of a fearless, daring nature, and of great +address and agility. + +A net of iron-work of very large dimensions is taken into the wilds most +frequented by the beast. This net is placed on the ground and covered +over with leaves and other, materials so as to be concealed from view. + +Close to one extremity of the network a pit is dug, in which is placed a +hut large enough to contain two men. The pit is then covered over, +though an aperture is left sufficiently large to admit air and to serve +for observation and egress from the hut, from the top of which is an +opening corresponding to the aperture above. + +In the centre of the net some dead goats have been previously placed +with a stuff of a very savoury odour, which the beast can smell for +miles off, and which is so strong that when he approaches, he does not +scent the men in the hut. + +The rest of the hunters lie in wait in a secure place. The two concealed +in the pit are on the watch, and as soon as the beast has seized the +goat or is fairly within the net, they give the alarm by hoisting a long +pole, and the men in ambush slip out, and by a dexterous movement close +all sides of the net, which is constructed with this view, so as to form +one large cage. + +The efforts of the animals to break out are useless; they first rage +about in all directions, but the joints of the net are so constructed +that they yield without breaking. + +When it is not desirable to take the animals alive their capture is more +easy. One mode of killing them is as follows:--A man stations himself +among the branches of a high tree, near the haunts of the animals, and +holds a long pole which hangs downwards, and at the end of this a dead +rabbit is fixed, in which, besides a strongly-smelling stuff, is placed +a deadly poison. As soon as the wild beast sees the rabbit, he makes a +dash at the pole, seizes the rabbit, eats it and, the effects of the +poison being instantaneous, falls down almost immediately to expire. + +Dead animals are not allowed to be brought into the city, but are flayed +in the country, where are also our manufactories and other +establishments, in which everything valuable in the carcase of the beast +can be readily utilised. + +Some of our beasts are unlike yours, but the greater number are similar, +though in many of these, the nature of the animal may be somewhat +different. Tigers, for instance, are in form like those on your wilds, +but are not without generosity. Thus, they seldom attack each other +except when the females are young, and after a fight, when one of the +males has prostrated the other, the victor will lick the wounds of the +vanquished in order to heal them. After this the two will be friendly, +the vanquished tiger resigning his pretensions without further struggle. + +I will relate to you a "Tiger" incident that occurred in our world, a +long distance from Montalluyah. + + +THE TIGER AND THE CHILD. + +Our hurricanes disturb wild animals, numbers of which approach the +outskirts of the towns bordering on the prairies. People are on the +watch, for sometimes they have entered the habitations. + +A curious incident occurred on the confines of one of these towns. A +mother had gone into the next house to fetch something required for her +household use, leaving her young child, about three years old, playing +on the ground. The door of her cottage was open, and she little knew +that a large tiger was prowling near. The watchers had gone into the +field, and the tiger approached the outskirts of the town, close to the +hut where the child was playing, entered through the door, and found the +little innocent, who, not knowing what danger was, allowed the animal to +approach, and even patted him. The tiger crouched down close to the +pillow on which the child had been playing. + +The mother returned, and, to her horror and bewilderment, saw this huge +tiger, with her darling child fast asleep, its head resting on the belly +of the animal. She was for a moment paralysed with fear, and was unable +to utter a single cry, but, recovering herself, she ran and gave the +alarm. No time was lost in communicating with the officials, and very +soon hunters and men skilled in pursuit of wild animals were on the +spot; but the comparatively short time that elapsed was to the poor +mother, who saw the child of her affection, beaming with health, in the +power of the monster. + +The huntsmen viewed the great beast, but they were at a loss what to do; +for the chief said, that if they shot him, even in the most vital part, +he would most likely, in his death-struggle, kill the child. After some +consultation, they procured a hook, fixed it firmly at the end of a long +rod, and then took hold of the child's dress and pulled it by the hook +gently towards them. The movement roused the tiger, who caught the rod +in his mouth and broke it, as though desirous to retain the child. The +child woke and cried, but the tiger licked him, and whilst so engaged +the men managed to get partly over him the iron network (used, as I have +described, to secure wild beasts), so as to disable him, and to get the +child away. When the beast saw the child removed he uttered a piercing +howl, such as had never been heard before, and, strange to say, the +child was also grieved to leave the tiger, or, to use his own words, the +"large beautiful cat." + +The animal having been killed, the skin was dressed and presented to the +mother of the child. + + +THE UNICORN. + +There exists an animal in my planet like your heraldic unicorn. He is +very graceful, but very ferocious, not heeding kindness, whilst +harshness increases his ferocity. + +One mode of taming him for a time was discovered--namely, to feed him +with oranges! I saw one who, a few minutes previously had been dashing +about with restless fury, and who, after eating some oranges, lay down +quietly, and even licked the hand of the keeper who had fed him with the +fruit. + +Particular hurricanes bring swarms of insects, which never come near the +unicorn; they seem to have a great antipathy to him. + + + + +XLVII. + + +THE SUN. + +THE ELECTRIC STAR-INSTRUMENT. + + + "The infinity of the universe of worlds is but a faint reflection + of the Infinite Power that created them. By His will they were + called into existence. By His will they, and all that they contain, + could be swept away in an instant!" + + "Not even in thought can ye grasp the boundlessness of His works. + How then can ye measure the infinite might of their Creator?" + + +My palace stands on the highest ground in the uppermost city in +Montalluyah. It is of circular shape, and has twenty floors and terraces +raised one above the other, the circumference of each gradually +diminishing from the lowest to the highest. There are no stairs, in your +sense of the word, but we are raised from one story to the other with +ease by electric power. Besides the internal communication, there is +another circular tower of considerably smaller dimensions contiguous to +the palace, with each floor of which it communicates by a species of +temporary bridge, so that persons can be moved at once to the floor they +desire to reach, without the necessity of entering the palace by a lower +floor. This communication can be suspended instantaneously by stopping +the electric generating power which acts from within the palace, and +communicates subterraneously with the "Lift" Tower. + +On the highest terrace of the palace, and dominating every part of the +upper cities, and many of the other cities of Montalluyah, is erected my +Observatory, whence I could observe the various worlds suspended in +space. + + +We had for a long time possessed instruments through which we could see +many of the most distant stars, but with none of these was electric +power combined, and their scope was not sufficient to solve certain +problems of great interest. + +Electricity, chemistry, the knowledge of sun electricity and of the +sciences generally, had, under my system, made such marvellous strides +as to convince me that an instrument might be made not only to see the +stars more plainly, but to view, in some cases, their interior. + +As was my wont on such occasions, I assembled together all the great +electricians, scientific sun-attractors, mathematicians, oculists, +opticians, and the heads of science generally; and, after many years, my +own particular Star Instrument was constructed. + +Although this instrument is circular, and has numerous glasses, it +differs materially from your telescopes. Electrical combinations play an +important part in its operations, and for the minute examination of +different worlds, a different diffusion of electricities is necessary. +The variation is regulated not by the distance, but by the difference in +the attracting power of the star, and often, through the peculiar nature +of its electricity, greater power is required to view minutely a planet +much nearer to Montalluyah than is needed for one more distant. + +The secrets revealed to me were so great, that when I first looked +through the instrument in all its power I fainted. + + +With the aid of the Star Instrument I discovered the constitution of the +sun, and of many of the stars and their inhabitants. Numbers of the +stars have atmospheres different from that of the earth and Montalluyah. +Many are inhabited by beings, of whom some partake of our nature; some +are of a nature and consistency entirely different to ours; some can +only give effect to their will through a material medium; some possess +creative powers, and can, by the sole exercise of will, invent the most +lovely forms of beauty, and transmit themselves to immeasurable +distances with the rapidity of thought. + +The superiority of these in power and intelligence over man in his +present state is far greater than is the superiority of man over the +insect, which can as little understand the human soul as man with +unaided powers can comprehend the Beings of whom I have spoken. + + +My Star Instrument, however, can only bring to light those Beings who, +to a certain extent at least, possess a material form, though of a +consistency as subtle as electricity. But the instrument does not +possess the power of rendering visible those Superior Beings, whom no +man in his ordinary state is permitted to see through a material medium. +He only can see them even in visions who is blessed with a superior +order of light--light in power and beauty far excelling the concentrated +light known to us--a light like that which was sometimes vouchsafed to +your Holy Prophets! And unless a person be inspired with a portion at +least of that immortal light, the brightness, power, and glory of these +orders of Beings, or their ways, can neither be seen, understood, nor +even imagined. + +The discoveries made through the Star Instrument, however, are too +numerous to relate at present. I must limit myself now to little more +than a few particulars relating to the sun. + + +THE SUN-OCEAN AND MOUNTAINS. + +The Sun is a mass consisting of an immense ocean, surrounded by burning +mountains of fire so huge that it would be difficult to speak of their +extent, each mountain seeming to be a world in immensity! + +I could perceive some portion of the mountains at intervals disengaged +from the fire. The rocks seen between the flames are, with, their varied +colours, magnificent beyond anything that your language can convey; +though I have seen similar colours, but of far less intensity, in some +of our gorgeous sunsets. + + +CONTINENTS. + +In the midst of the Sun-Ocean there is a very large continent, besides +many of smaller size, which, relatively to the larger, might be called +islands. These continents are separated by seas from the large continent +and from each other, and are all thickly populated by beings which, +though human, are somewhat differently formed from ordinary man. + +The continents, though immense, are, even in their aggregate mass, small +in comparison with the hugeness of the Sun-Ocean. The nearest is at an +immeasurable distance from the mountains; and the ocean is only +navigable at certain distances from the outer continents. + + +HURRICANES. + +From a circle surrounding, but at an immense distance from the most +extreme of the continents, this great Sun-Ocean throws off currents of +wind, terrific in their fury, in the direction of the burning mountains. +Your tempest would give but a puny idea of the force of these winds, +which indeed exceeds anything known even in my planet, where the +hurricanes are terrific. + +The winds are attracted, and their fury is increased, by the extreme +heat of the burning mountains. + +The ocean struggles, as it were, to quench the fire, while the fire +contends with the ocean, which raises its head, as though threatening to +cover the topmost mountains. However, the wind, blowing with redoubled +force, supports the energy of the fire. The power and brilliancy of the +burning mass are intensified by reflection in the huge Sun-Ocean. + +There are reparatory powers always at work to supply the waste caused by +never-ceasing combustion. There is, besides, a constant interchange of +electricities between the ocean and the burning mountains, the upheaving +from the ocean bed having probably some connection with the reparatory +powers. + +It has been ascertained, I should say, in Montalluyah that fire is +produced by the union of certain electricities with a peculiar gas; and +it is believed that these electricities are constantly attracted to the +mountains, where they maintain combustion, and that when their nature is +changed by the process, they attract other electricities with which they +combine, and the compound electricity assists in replenishing the +material that attracts the necessary elementary forces to support +combustion. + + +The effect of the burning mountains on the continents in the Sun-Ocean +is mitigated by the direction of the winds and other causes, but the +heat is nevertheless fiery in its intensity. + +Every planet has an electricity of its own, more or less sympathetic to +the sun, and, consequently, more or less powerful in attracting his +rays. Many planets at a greater distance feel his heat more than others +less remote. There are stars where the sun is not even seen, but where, +through the effect of his influence, there is perpetual spring. + + +In my planet the sun, even in material form, presents to the naked eye +an aspect different to yours. It not only seems to be much larger, but +one of its extremities has a globular form, whilst the rest presents the +appearance of a large mass ending in three long peaks or indentations. +Although so different in appearance, it is the same sun that illumines +your earth. + + +Most of the stars are wholly or partly girded and intersected by seas, +which assist in giving them, their luminous and twinkling appearance. To +us your earth has the appearance to the-naked eye of two separate +brilliant stars. + + +COMETS. + +Comets are stars where large bodies of the waters have overflowed, +rarefied and distended by electrical attractions and repulsions. The +overflowing of the waters often makes the star visible when it would +otherwise pass unperceived. + +Some of these overflowings take place periodically; others are the +result of what may be called accident. It is probable that your world, +at the Flood, appeared like a comet to the inhabitants of other +terrestrial stars where, till then, it had been invisible. + +There are huge masses of water in space corresponding to the expression +of "the waters which are above the firmament," and many of these masses +of water appear like stars when seen from our planet. + + * * * * * + +The great Star Instrument had brought to my view the palpable features +of the Sun and the other planets. By means, not unlike those to which +you are indebted for these communications, I acquired the knowledge of +other facts which from their nature are not within the immediate scope +of the instrument, but which were often confirmed by and served to +explain many facts which the instrument itself had revealed. I used for +good ends the knowledge thus vouchsafed me, and was from time to time +rewarded with further revelations rich with hints which greatly aided me +in perfecting the measures I had initiated for the REGENERATION of the +WORLD entrusted to my charge. + + +THE END. + + + * * * * * + + +LONDON: PRINTED BY WILLIAM CLOWES AND SONS, STAMFORD STREET, +AND CHARING CROSS. + + + + + +End of Project Gutenberg's Another World, by Benjamin Lumley (AKA Hermes) + +*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK ANOTHER WORLD *** + +***** This file should be named 16503-8.txt or 16503-8.zip ***** +This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: + https://www.gutenberg.org/1/6/5/0/16503/ + +Produced by Clare Boothby, Donald Perry and the Online +Distributed Proofreading Team at https://www.pgdp.net + + +Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions +will be renamed. + +Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no +one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation +(and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without +permission and without paying copyright royalties. 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You may copy it, give it away or +re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included +with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org + + +Title: Another World + Fragments from the Star City of Montalluyah + +Author: Benjamin Lumley (AKA Hermes) + +Release Date: August 10, 2005 [EBook #16503] + +Language: English + +Character set encoding: ASCII + +*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK ANOTHER WORLD *** + + + + +Produced by Clare Boothby, Donald Perry and the Online +Distributed Proofreading Team at https://www.pgdp.net + + + + + + +ANOTHER WORLD; + +OR + +FRAGMENTS FROM THE STAR CITY + +OF + +MONTALLUYAH. + + +BY + +HERMES. + + +[Illustration.] + + +LONDON: +SAMUEL TINSLEY, 10, SOUTHAMPTON ST., STRAND, +1873. + +[_The right of Translation is reserved._] + + +LONDON: + +PRINTED BY WILLIAM CLOWES AND SONS, STAMFORD STREET, +AND CHARING CROSS. + + + + +PREFACE. + +The fact that there is a plurality of worlds, that, in other words, the +planets of our solar system are inhabited, has been so generally +maintained by modern astronomers, that it almost takes its place among +the truths commonly accepted by the large body of educated persons. As +two among the many works, which bear directly on the subject, it will be +here sufficient to name Sir David Brewster's 'More Worlds than One, the +Creed of the Philosopher and the Hope of the Christian,' and Mr. B.A. +Proctor's 'Other Worlds than Ours.' + +A fragmentary account of some of the ways peculiar to the inhabitants of +one of these "star worlds," and of their moral and intellectual +condition is contained in the following pages. + +When the assertion is made that the account is derived, not from the +imagination, but from an actual knowledge of the star, it will at first +receive scant credence, and the reader will be at once inclined to class +the fragments among those works about imaginary republics and imaginary +travels which, ever since the days of Plato, have from time to time made +their appearance to improve the wisdom, impose on the credulity, or +satirize the follies of mankind. + +Nor can the reader's anticipated want of faith be deemed other than +natural; for, although tests applied daily during a period extending +over nearly a lifetime have proved the source of the fragments to be +such as is here represented, the Editor feels bound to say that, +notwithstanding much confirmatory evidence, many years passed and many +facts were communicated before all doubts were completely removed from +his mind. + +One great obstacle to the reader's belief that an authentic description +of another world is before him will arise from the circumstance that the +means by which such extraordinary experience was acquired are not +included in the sphere of his knowledge, and that any attempt to explain +them at present would only increase his incredulity. He would only see +one enigma solved by another apparently more insoluble than itself. The +Editor, therefore, would call especial attention to the practical value +of the revelations here communicated, convinced as he is that they are +so replete with instruction to terrestial mankind, that the difficulty +of giving credence to them ought not to be augmented by premature +disclosures. Ultimately satisfied as to the origin of the fragments, he +entreats the reader not, indeed, to surrender, but simply to suspend his +judgment until he has carefully examined them, conceiving that, apart +from all external proof, they rest upon an intrinsic evidence, the force +of which it will be difficult to resist. Nay, he is even of opinion that +an impartial student will find it easier to believe in their planetary +origin than in their emanating from an ordinary human brain. The +practical value of the facts, considered apart from their source, will +excuse his request not to be too hastily judged. + +The people to whom the fragments relate are, it will be found, not only +human, but constituents of a highly civilized and even polished society. +Their notions of good and evil, of happiness and misery correspond to +ours, and though they employ different means, the objects they pursue +are the same with those sought by terrestrial philanthropists. Health, +education, marriage, the removal of disease, the prevention of madness +and of crime, the arts of government, the regulation of amusement, the +efficient employment of physical forces--themes so often discussed +here--have equally occupied the attention of our planetary brethren, +although, as will be seen, in the results of our studies we differ not a +little. This is not a story of Anthropophagi, or men whose heads do grow +beneath their shoulders, which can merely excite wonder, but a record of +actual men, who, widely separated from us in the ocean of space, are +beings with whom we can sympathise much more than with the inhabitants +of the uncivilized portions of our own globe. + +The reader will now begin to understand what is meant when the Editor +calls attention to the practical value of most of his communications, +and invites consideration of the fragments, as suggestive of much that +concerns the welfare of mankind, the question as to their source being +provisionally left open. The man of science, the poet, the +metaphysician, the philanthropist, the musician, the observer of +manners, even the general reader who merely seeks to be amused, will, it +is hoped, find something interesting in the following pages. Let all, +therefore, taste the fruit and judge of its flavour, though they do not +behold the tree; profit by the diamonds, though they know not how they +were extracted from the mine; accept what is found to be wholesome and +fortifying in the waters, though the source of the river is unknown. + +Lest, in thus expatiating on the value of his communications, the Editor +should be thought to have overstepped the bounds of good taste, he would +have it perfectly understood that he is not speaking of his own +productions, and that whatever the merit of the fragments may be, that +merit does not belong to himself. He is an Editor and an Editor only; +and he therefore feels himself as much at liberty to express his opinion +of the contents of the following pages as the most impartial critic. + +He will even admit that he is not blind to their defects and +shortcomings. If the fragments had been less fragmentary, and fuller +information had been offered on the various subjects which fall under +consideration, he would have been better satisfied. Nevertheless, he +reflects that it would be hardly reasonable to expect in facts made +known under exceptional circumstances, that fulness of detail which we +have a right to demand, when on our own planet we essay to make +discoveries at the cost only of labour and research. He looks upon the +fragments as "intellectual aerolites," which have dropped here, +uninfluenced by the will of man; as varied pieces detached from the mass +of facts which constitute the possessions of another planet, and rather +as thrown by nature into rugged heaps than as having been symmetrically +arranged by the hand of an artist. Want of unity under these +circumstances is surely excusable. + +One observation as to a matter of mere detail. Words, in the language of +the Star, are occasionally given in letters which represent the sounds +only, and will often be found to resemble words in some of our ancient +and modern languages. The very name of the City "Montalluyah," to which +all the fragments refer, is apparently compounded of heterogeneous +roots, one of Aryan the other of Semitic origin. These seeming +accidents, if such they be, must not be attributed to either +carelessness or design on the part of the Editor; nor does he attempt to +explain them. The reader may, if he please, account for the causes of +resemblance by considering that the number of articulate sounds is +limited, and that, therefore, the variety of words cannot be altogether +boundless; or he may take higher ground, and assume that in whatever +planet spoken, all languages have the Same Divine Origin. + +In conclusion: When these revelations or others derived from the same +source have succeeded in establishing a confidence between the Editor +and his readers, it is more than probable that the secret of the source +itself will be disclosed. That disclosure made in due season will bring +to light some unprecedented, but most interesting facts, and will +establish the important truth, that the soul of man is IMMATERIAL and +IMMORTAL. + + + + +CONTENTS. + + +INTRODUCTION Page xxiii + + +I.--MONTALLTUYAH. + + One of the Star worlds--Strangeness of its customs--The Narrator + and his aspirations--Former state of Montalluyah--Wars--Increase of + population and decrease of supplies--Can man be brought to seek + knowledge as ardently as money?--The Narrator's meditations, + labours, and advancement--Faith + + +II.--VYORA. + + The beggar seeks admission to the Palace--The incident which brings + him to the Narrator--Some account of Vyora--Appointed Chief of the + Character-divers--Reflection + + +III--PERSEVERANCE. + + Maturing plans--How received by the Counsellors--Narrator's + resolution--Prepares for death--His triumph--Subjects of + Legislation + + +IV.--LIGHT FROM DARKNESS. + + Secret powers in Nature--Effectually wielded by the Good + only--False Prophets--Narrator carries out his plans without + bloodshed--Great feature of the System--Mighty consequences--Evils + forced to contribute to Good--Examples--Insects--Hippopotami--The + Fever Wind--Lightning--The Sun--Seasons of Darkness--Fears of the + People--Darkness changed to Light--The City radiant--Music and + rejoicing + + +V.--CHARACTER-DIVERS--EDUCATION. + + Grave duties entrusted to them--Stronghold of evils to be + eradicated--Men of Genius following antipathetic + occupations--Early eradication of faults and development of + qualities--Visits to Schools--Defects--One routine for all + characters--Neglecting minor qualities in Boys of + Genius--Precept-cramming--Bad habits--Character-divers + created--Sole occupation to discover Child's early + tendencies--Duties distinct from those of Preceptors or Fathers of + Knowledge--Germ of evils destroyed + + +VI.--CORRECTION OF FAULTS. + + Remedies employed vary with characteristics--Absence of violent + punishment--Children to be raised, not degraded--Animals not + corrected by blows--Example--Pupil not corrected by the imposition + of tasks--Child encouraged to regard study as a + privilege--Correction effected by gentleness--Time, labour, &c., + bestowed unsparingly--Even when fault seems eradicated fresh tests + applied--Adult offenders--Child of genius watched with reference to + superior refinement--Economy of sparing nothing in educating the + future man--Lists of faults occupying attention of the + Character-divers--Results--Small beginnings lead to incurable vices + and disease + + +VII.--CHARACTER-DIVERS. + + Secondary position of Tutors in former times--Now honoured--Aid + given by the Character-divers, &c., to Narrator--Young men of + special aptitude educated for the office--Their + astuteness--Example--Subjects of tesselated pavements--Zolea--Early + evidence of artistic talent often deceptive--Narrator's early + talent indicating him as a harpist--Guided to other studies + + +VIII.--THE STAR CITY. + + Power of the Sun--Colours and forms in the sky--Situation of + Montalluyah--External World Cities--Reasons for uniting them-- + Peculiarities--Straight lines--Variety of colour, &c.--Subterranean + seas--Great cataract and water-lifts form background of palaces and + statues--Hanging bridges--Health studied--Baths--Violet streams-- + Trees--Birds--Artificial nests--Perfumes--Harmonious + sounds--Chariot wheels and horse's hoofs noiseless--Red light--City + full of animation--Recurring change of scene + + +IX.--THE SUSPENDED MOUNTAIN. + + Elevation of tides immense--The aerial mountain--Electric + agencies--Sea carries away the heart of the mountain--Receding + waters leave upper part suspended--Mountain arm stretches out + through the air over land below and over the sea--THE GREAT + CATARACT--Upper City built on Suspended Mountain--The Middle and + Lower Cities built on indent and foot of mountain--PAST + CATASTROPHES--Threatened dangers--Terrible consequences--Principle + of preventing evils--Stupendous work undertaken--The wonder of + Montalluyah + + +X.--THE MOUNTAIN SUPPORTER. + + Dimensions--Thickness of walls--Interior area--How utilised--Means + of ascending and descending--Stages constructed at different + heights to facilitate works during progress--Materials, provisions, + &c., raised by electric power--HUGE HEAVY BLOCKS LIGHTENED BY + ELECTRICITY--Ornamentation of the Tower--Ravine-metal--Episodes of + the Narrator's reign--Ascent and descent--Great difference of + atmosphere above and below--Peculiarity in Electric + Telegraph--Colour of atmosphere at different heights--Animalculae + and ova--Grandeur of the Mountain Supporter---Curious effect when + viewed from a distance + + +XI--ELECTRICITY IN MONTALLUYAH. + + Important facts formerly unknown--One electricity only supposed to + exist--Not then utilised for locomotion, &c.--Paucity of + contrivance for collecting electricities--How the scientific men + supported their theory--Like causes produce like effects--Many + kinds of electricity--Means of drawing out and concentrating + electricities discovered--Man, beasts, birds, &c., possess an + electricity of their own--All differ--Huge fish--Docks for + extracting electricity from--Electric store-house--Non-conducting + pouches--The attracting electricity adapted to each body is well + known--MODE OF CATCHING WILD BIRDS + +XII.--THE PAIN-LULLER. + + Means formerly employed--Vivisection and surgical operations + painless--Nerves of sensation only, affected by the luller--Energy + of the functions considered essential--Pain-luller, how + discovered--The Nebo bird and the child--The broken limbs and + absence of pain--Discovery + + +XIII.--THE MICROSCOPE. + + Properties of optical instruments increased by electricity-- + CONCENTRATED LIGHT--The illuminated worm--Light attracted by the + enticer-machine--Concentrated light in Music--Human voice and + musical instruments--Union between the soul and perishable portions + of man--Concentrated light within us--Similarity of terms applied + to the brain and to vision--Strength to the intellectual + powers--EXPERIMENT ON LIVING MAN--Electrical currents in brain--How + agitated--Rarity of the experiments--Serious consequences to + patient--Conditions imposed, and advantages secured, to him--Not + allowed to marry + + +XIV.--PHYSICIANS--DISEASE GERMS. + + High rank of Physicians--Former and present duties--Periodical + visitations--Microscopes--Perspiration indicating disease--Exact + nature of disease not shown--Example--Ordinary appearance of + perspiration--Lung disease and consumption--Lung dew--"The + Scraper"--The breath + + +XV.--MADNESS. + + Minute divisions of brain examined by microscope--Former + neglect--Early indications rarely noticed--Supposed lunatics often + wiser than their keepers--An instance--The man's statements laughed + at--World believe him a confirmed madman--Madness not now assumed + from seeming absurdities--Thoughts formerly scoffed at, now + acknowledged facts--Minute divisions of brain responding to trains + of thought--Effectual remedies for earliest symptoms--Cure of + developed madness--Former error which prevented cure--The disease + does not exist in the _overworked_ portion of the brain + + +XVI.--THE DEATH SOLACE--INSECTS. + + Insects contain valuable electricities--Whole crops destroyed by + them--Mode of capturing, &c.--Impurities removed by insects--The + DEATH SOLACE + + +XVII.--INTERNAL CITIES--SUNSHINE PICTURES + + Special precautions against excessive heat in the extreme + season--_Internal cities_ built in galleries--Their advantages--How + light admitted--Flowers--Beauty and odours increased by + electricity--Communication between the palaces in the External and + Internal World--Narrator's summer-palace--The pictures + representing principal events of his reign--Sun power + utilised--Sunshine: how _fixed_ on the canvas + + +XVIII.--THE PICTURES. + + Subjects of some of the pictures in the Narrator's "Internal World" + Palace + + +XIX.--WOMAN. + + Tendency of her education--Happy and contented--Marked difference + in education of the two sexes--Beauty aided by early care--Former + practices and consequences--Ravages of time--Women now lovely in + age as in youth--Beauty regarded as a precious gift from + Heaven--Cosmetics for its "preservation"--Wrinkles--Skin and + complexion--Hands and feet--CHOOSING BY HAND--How + effected--CHOOSING BY FOOT--Expedients used when hand or foot + inclined to coarseness--GIRL'S DORMITORIES--Cleanliness--Separate + sleeping-rooms--Reasons--Communication with + night-watchers--Precautions--Mode adopted to ensure early rising-- + Prayer not till after repast--Reason why old custom + changed--Careful discipline until marriage--Luxurious habits + permitted to married ladies--Instance of the elastic "frame" + cushion--The self-acting fan + + +XX.--CHOICE OF A HUSBAND. + + Means taken to secure congenial husband--Marriage councils--Choice + of husband, how arranged--Maiden's right to nominate--The + thirty-one evenings--The girl, how distinguished--Gentlemen who + wish their pretensions to be favourably viewed--The + unwilling--Efforts of pretenders--Agitation on the thirty-first + evening--How the maiden proclaims her choice--The presentation of + flowers--Subsequent meeting of the parties--Betrothal--Consequence + of maiden failing to declare preference--Second meeting--Third + meeting rare + + +XXI.--THE DRESS OF SHAME--SUN COLOURS. + + Trust reposed in marriage councils never abused--The dress of + shame--Rich costumes of married ladies--Brilliant colours imparted + by the sun--The silver-green silk--Sun silk--Women instructed in + the ART OF PLEASING--Former habits of married women--Example on + children--Deceit + + +XXII.--COSTUMES. + + LADY'S COSTUME--The + waistcoat--Tunic--Trousers--Anklets--Trimmings-- + Colours--Sandals--HEAD ORNAMENTS--Soles to protect the feet--The + fan--Precious stones--Turbans--Canopy--Long veils--Distinctive + feature for the unmarried--Elaborate costumes allowed after + marriage--GENTLEMAN'S COSTUME + + +XXIII.--PREPARATIONS FOR THE MARRIAGE. + + The civil marriage--Purification of the bride--The hair--The + tree-comb--Marriage costume--Marriage ceremony repeated after + birth of each child--Religious ceremony--Suspended in case of + dissensions--Efforts for reconciliation--Contingencies provided + for--An instance + + +XXIV.--FLOWERS. + + Very beautiful--Their names given to Stars and to Women--Flower + language: long conversations carried on by means of + Flowers--Instances of Flower Language--Displeasure expressed + through the medium of Flowers--Instances of Flowers with meanings + attached + + +XXV.--FLOWERS IMPROVED BY ELECTRICITY. + + Mode in which nature operates--Vitality of seed--Consequence of + injury--Production of leaves--Of colour--United electricities form + gatherings--Important discovery--Sap, the reservoir of + electricity--PROCESS FOR CHANGING FORM--PROCESS FOR CHANGING + COLOUR--For giving fragrance--THE LUANIA--SUN-FORCING + + +XXVI.--SONG OF ADMIRATION. + + (_Explanation of terms used in the Song of Admiration._) + + The Spangled Mountain--The reviled beauty--Slander and its + promulgators--The Legend of Zacosta--Fall of her + Tormentors--Happiness of the higher order of Spirits--Slander + regarded with horror--Motives of the Slanderers--The King of the + Air--The loving little animal--The ingenious instrument for + discovering diamonds--The pet animal--The Meleeta--The Turvee + Insect--Shooting Stars--Whale Electricity--The Martolooti--The + Flower of Grace--The Chilarti--The Allmanyuka--The perfume of the + everlasting gulf--The Hippopotamus hide--Fat of the Serpent's + head--The Mestua Mountain--Wet thy feet--Stainers' fount-- + Water--The Mountain Supporter + + +XXVII.--SYLIFA. + + +XXVIII.--THE YOUNG GIRL RESTORED. + + Madness not formerly recognised until violence shown--The GIRL + AFFECTED WITH MONOMANIA. + + +XXIX.--THE LITTLE GOATHERD. + + +XXX.--DECORATIONS FOR AGE AND MERIT. + + Worn as distinctive marks--Age entitles woman to privileges--Age + regarded as an honour--Orders of the Matterode, and Mountain + Supporter--Qualified decoration, &c.--ADVOCATES of the individual + and of society--Privilege belonging to every woman + + +XXXI.--BEAUTY. + + How ideal of beauty formerly obtained--Not equal to the actual + living model--Beauty now the rule--Longevity--Beauty in old + age--Summary of expedients--Value of the course adopted--Importance + of care from earliest infancy--Subject of babies--Importance of + little things--Maladies owing to injudicious treatment of + children--March of "small" effects--Precautions now taken + + +XXXII.--INFANTS' EXERCISE-MACHINES. + + Value of minute precautions--Diseases caused by want of healthy + exercises--Accidents to the infant--Blows on the head--The + inventions of Drahna--The four sets of machines--The TEETH--The + eye--The nostrils--The tongue--Air, &c. + + +XXXIII.--GYMNASTICS. + + An essential part of the boys' education--Formerly same exercises + for all--Now adapted to physical organization--Medical man observes + effects--The heat of the brain a test--Bathing--Leaping--TREE-EARTH + BATHS--Qualities of the earth about various trees--The oak, the + weeping-willow, elm, horse-chestnut, &c. + + +XXXIV.--THE AMUSEMENT GALLERY. + + Description--Girls' amusement gallery--Boys--Different natures and + characters revealed--The Character-divers + + +XXXV.--PRAYER. + + For Children are short--Services adapted to different ages--Evils + attendant on former system--Present course--Subjects of Sermons-- + Children encouraged in affection to Parents, &c.--Preacher assisted + by method of education--Objections to Parrot-like repetitions + + +XXXVI.--FLOCKS AND HERDS. + + Care taken of animals--Change of pasture--Irrigation--Causes of + diseases formerly prevalent--Shade--Illness--Great increase of + flocks and herds--THE MALE ONLY USED FOR FOOD--Consequences of + killing the mother--In slaughtering, all painful process + avoided--Mode adopted--Wholesomeness of meat tested by analyzation + of blood--PROTECTION OF MEAT FROM INSECTS--Protective + Infusion--CRUELTY TO ANIMALS--Punishment + + +XXXVII.--THE ALLMANYUKA. + + Determination to discover the germ of disease--The people afflicted + with a painful malady--Children not + attacked--Hypothesis--Stimulating spices--Anatomical + examination--Decree forbidding use of favourite condiments--The + spices collected--Temporary substitute provided--Meditation and + prayer for help--The grafting and the eventual result-- + Incomplete--The cream-lemon vegetable--Mode of proceeding--The + "Insertion"--The root-oil--The little white bud--The anxious + watching--The basket and its contents--The testing--Qualities of + the Allmanyuka--The people's praise--The Tootmanyoso's + gratitude--Results different from any before obtained--Description + + +XXXVIII.--PAPER. + + Made from leaves of trees--Peculiarities--Process of manufacture-- + Healthful fragrance--Colour--"Natural" paper--GOLDEN COLOURED + PAPER--Its connection with the Allmanyuka--The incident which led + to its discovery + + +XXXIX.--CONSUMPTION--THE EMEUTE. + + Consumption--Why generally beyond cure--Erroneous views--The + patient--Examination by the doctors--Their mistake--Narrator's + belief--Potion administered--Death--Cause discovered--Mode of + detecting and curing the disease in its germ--Assemblage of the + multitude--Episode of the mother and the child--The sequel + + +XL.--THE HARP. + + The principal musical instrument--Description--Four sets of + chords--Strings of electricity--Marvellous variation and + depression of the notes--Echoes and responses--Diapason changed to + an extraordinary extent--Different characters of sound + produced--Examples--Harp language; how taught--Accompaniments--Harp + beautiful as a work of sculptural art--Movement of birds, flowers, + and foliage, and exhalation of perfume in accord with the + music--How idea was suggested + + +XLI.--SOCIAL INTERCOURSE. + + Amusements enjoined--Learned men prone to seclusion--Wisdom of + requiring studious men to cultivate social relations + questioned--Twenty men selected for the experiment--Result--The + works of the "Seclusionists" and of the "Society-Sympathisers"--The + MONOMANIAC--His eccentricities and cure--Convert to the Narrator's + views + + +XLII.--THEATRES--ENTERTAINMENTS. + + Arenas--Electricity--Why arenas open to the sky--Games exhibited-- + Beautiful effects produced--MAN and HORSE--The FLYING + CHILDREN--WILL--DEAF AND DUMB CHILD--The MONKEYS--Tragic + Drama--Races and public games--Parties for children--Labouring + people--The aged--Districts--The middle-aged--INTRODUCTION of + strangers--Ceremony observed--ATTRACTING-MACHINE + + +XLIII--SHIPS. + + Peculiar form and construction--Former shape--Effective model + sought--"Swan Ships"--Dangers of navigation--Ship sometimes + submerged--Sufferings of the passengers for want of + air--Remedy--The swan's head--Captain's quarters--Vessels propelled + by electric power--Machinery--Steering and stoppage of the + vessel--TIMBER FOR SHIPS--How seasoned--How protected against + insects in every part--The COMPASS--The ANCHOR--Peculiarity of its + formation: how let out and hauled in--The Bison ropes + + +XLIV.--PICTURES FROM WATER. + + Interesting discoveries--Microscopic pictures transmitted from a + distance--Picture made of a landscape and persons afar off--Picture + of swan-vessels and passengers--How effected--Bottom of the sea + rendered visible + + +XLV.--THE HIPPOPOTAMUS. + + Invaluable--Antipathy to human beings--Hippopotamus' + hide--Impervious to water--Resistance to destroying forces--All + parts of the animal utilised--Parts subservient to the + beautiful--Hippopotamus' land--Numerous herds--Their keepers--How + attired--The herb antipathetic to hippopotami--How + discovered--Experiment with the young beast--Antipathetic solution + keeps animals away from cities--They love fresh-water rivers--The + Aoe waters prejudicial to man--Mode of rearing + Hippopotami--Precautions adopted--Why they have not been able to + rear animal in Western Europe--Recommendations--Habits of the + animal--The hippopotami--dance--How the young one is separated from + the mother--How a hippopotamus is removed from the herd--The food + of the hippopotamus in general + + +XLVI.--WILD ANIMALS. + + The Serpent--The Boa--Professors to examine medicinal and other + properties--Modes of capturing wild beasts--Huntsmen--The iron-work + net--The watch-hut--The bait--Dead animals not allowed in the + city--Habits of the tiger--THE TIGER AND THE CHILD--THE UNICORN + + +XLVII.--THE SUN. + + The palace--Communication with auxiliary tower--Observatory--STAR + INSTRUMENT constructed--Secrets revealed--Inhabitants and + atmospheres of the stars differ--Invisible beings--The SUN-OCEAN, + Mountains, and Continents--Winds--Attracted by the heat--Brilliancy + increased by reflection--Every planet has electricity sympathetic + or antipathetic--Different appearance in Montalluyah--Fixed + stars--Comets--Overflowings of the waters--Waters in + space--Conclusion + + + + +INTRODUCTION. + + +By introducing the reader to "Another World," the Editor does not lead +him into a region to which the Earth has no affinity. The Planet to +which the following fragments refer not only belongs to the same solar +system as our own, but also presents like physical aspects. In it, as +here, are to be found land and water--mountains, rivers, seas, lakes, +hills, valleys, ravines, cataracts alternating with each other; though +in consequence of more potent electrical agencies the contrasts between +these various objects are frequently abrupt and decided to a degree to +which we can here offer no comparison. The other world about to be +described is, in fact, essentially another Earth--widely differing, +indeed, from ours in its details, but still subjected to the same +natural laws. Its inhabitants, like devout persons here, look forward +with reverent feeling towards the abode of the blest. To a purely +spiritual or angelic region these fragments do not relate. + +The name of "Montalluyah," which more immediately belongs to the chief +city in the planet, is not incorrectly extended so as to include the +entire sphere. This new world is not made up of separate countries and +mutually independent states like those of the Earth, but, forming one +kingdom, is governed by one supreme Ruler, assisted by twelve kings +inferior to him in rank and power. + +The speaker in the fragments (which may almost be said to take the form +of an autobiography) was the son of one of the twelve kings, who by his +genius and worth became "Tootmanyoso," or supreme Ruler. In the planet +his name is mentioned with even more reverence than, by different +peoples, is paid to that of Zoroaster, Solon, Lycurgus, or Alfred; but +he has this peculiarity that he does not fade, like many other great +legislators, into mythical indistinctness, but is himself the exponent +of his own polity. + +It must not, however, be supposed that this great legislator was the +first to rescue his world from mere barbarism. The founder of +civilization in Montalluyah seems to have been a very ancient sage named +Elikoia, to whom brief reference is made in the following pages. Prior +to the reign of our Tootmanyoso the people had passed through various +stages of civilization, under the guidance of many wise and good men. +Still the polity was defective, for the country remained subject to +crime, misery, and disease. + +The proverb that "Prevention is better than cure," to which everybody +gives unhesitating assent, but which is often forgotten in practice, +lies at the root of most of the reforms, both moral and physical, +effected by the Tootmanyoso. The policy of prevention--that is, of +destroying maladies of mind and body in the germ, before they had been +allowed to spread their poison--was one of his leading principles. Under +his influence, the physicians of Montalluyah made it less their duty to +cure than to prevent disease, therein differing widely from our +practitioners, who are not usually called to exercise their skill until +a malady has been developed, and has perhaps assumed large proportions. + +Under his influence likewise it was thought better to diminish moral +evil by extirpating faults in the child, rather than by punishing crimes +in the man. + +Another prominent feature in the polity of the great Legislator of +Montalluyah is the occupation of every person in the intellectual or +physical pursuit for which he has been fitted by natural qualifications, +developed and fortified by culture. Nobility, position, and wealth are +made to depend on merit alone, ascertained by a mechanism which neither +favouritism, ignorance, nor accident can affect. These laws may for an +instant seem to partake of a democratic tinge; but it will be clearly +perceived that the regulations concerning the institutions of property +and marriage are diametrically opposite to those which have rendered the +theories of Communists so generally hateful. + +Many of the Tootmanyoso's reforms resulted from an application of +extraordinary scientific discoveries to the purposes of life. Under the +law which determined that the "right man" should, in the most extensive +sense of the phrase, always be in the "right place," discoveries were +made of which the most acute investigators of earlier times had had no +conception, and the newly-acquired ability of wielding electrical, +mechanical, and other forces had momentous political consequences. Armed +with powers previously unknown, the Tootmanyoso found comparatively easy +the successive steps towards the happiness and well-being of his world, +where a series of insuperable obstacles would have been presented to the +wisest of his predecessors. + +Of the physical agencies mentioned in the following pages, that of +electricity will be found especially prominent. Both the knowledge and +the manipulation of electricity have assumed in Montalluyah proportions +far beyond those known to us. The electric fluid is there employed for +the most various purposes: for locomotion, for lightening heavy bodies, +for increasing the power of optical instruments, for the detection and +eradication of the germs of disease, for increasing the efficiency of +musical instruments--in a word, for the advancement of the world in all +that belongs to morality, science, and art. + +To some readers the plural form, "Electricities," which frequently +appears in the following pages, might seem a strange innovation. The +Editor therefore states, by way of anticipation, that in certain +important points the electrical science of Montalluyah differs from, if +it is not opposed to, some of the principles accepted here. In +Montalluyah it is an ascertained fact that everything organic or +inorganic possesses an electricity of its own, each kind differing from +the others in one or more important properties. Glimmerings of the +progress effected in electricity and other sciences, including the +knowledge and application of Sun-power, may be deduced from the facts +contained in the fragments. Still, those glimmerings are but as +scattered rays of light in the horizon, which, in the belief of the +Editor, are mere precursors of other revelations at least equally +interesting. It may be said generally that by the fragments here given, +showing how the Narrator, uniting in his own person all the highest +qualities of a Legislator and a Ruler, occupied himself with the +discovery and application of means for the reduction of evils to their +smallest possible proportions, not only giving new laws of wondrous +grandeur and beauty, but eventually rendering compliance with them easy +and even delightful--that by these fragments a truly stupendous polity +is but partially revealed. + +The Editor has reason to believe, though it cannot be stated with +confidence, that Montalluyah is the world known to us as the planet +Mars. Even in the following pages indications will be found of physical +features harmonizing with observations made here on that planet. On the +other hand, there is the seeming objection, that whereas Mars is more +distant than the Earth from the Sun, the Sun appears much smaller, and +its heat and light are less intense, on the Earth than in Montalluyah. +These facts would, in the first instance, seem to indicate, not a +longer, but a shorter distance of Montalluyah from the central luminary, +and to point rather to Venus or Mercury than to Mars. But, according to +the scientific theories of Montalluyah, the amount of light and heat +received from the Sun, and the aspect of that luminary, are governed, +not so much by proximity, as by the nature and electricity of the +recipient planet and its surrounding atmosphere. In illustration of this +point the fact is stated in one of the fragments, that in Montalluyah +the power of the telescope is regulated, not by the distance, but by the +attractive or repulsive electricity of the planet under observation, and +that more power is often required to view a nearer planet than one which +is far more distant. + +The question as to which of the laws and customs of Montalluyah can be +beneficially imitated, wholly or partially, on our Earth, and which of +them merely pertain to physical accidents or to a peculiar state of +society, will afford matter for reflection. It must not be supposed +that, by relating the facts revealed to him, the Editor would recommend +all the laws which they suggest as capable of imitation here. Although +they are based on the principle of securing happiness to the community, +more especially to its worthiest members, he would no more think of +recommending them for adoption in their entirety than of upholding the +"Swan-Ship" of Montalluyah as a model for the steamers that cross the +Atlantic. Nevertheless, he trusts that his record of the "regulations" +of "Another World," even where they do not admit of imitation, may serve +to call attention to the evils which they were intended to remedy in +Montalluyah, and which certainly nourish in all their bad luxuriance +here. + + + + +ANOTHER WORLD. + + + + +I. + + +MONTALLUYAH. + + + "You forsake this earthly form which goes to dust, but you still + live on for ever and ever.... + + "This life is but the shadow of what your future lives will be." + + +The Heavens are studded with stars, works of an Almighty Creator; their +pale rays give but a feeble indication of the glorious brightness of +worlds, many peopled by beings of a beauty, goodness, and power +excelling all that human understanding can conceive. + +By the grace of Him whose might embraces the universe, I will speak of a +star where the inhabitants are formed like the people of the Earth, and +as the dawn of day gradually discloses earth's marvellous beauties, so +shall my revelations throw light on the customs of that star-world for +whose well-being I worked with devoted love. + +Some of my world's ways will appear strange to you. Remember that they +belong to another planet, another country, another people, so that like +wise travellers in a distant land, you should for a time lull your own +world's prejudice, and accompany me in thought to Montalluyah, for such +is the name of the city where I lived. + +I was the son of one of the twelve kings called Tshialosoli, rulers of +the country. + +These Tshialosoli are less powerful than kings in your world, there +being a ruler with full power over them and the whole State, who is +called in our language "Tootmanyoso," or "The Father of the World." + +All my youthful zeal and strength were applied to study and deep +reflection. The most able men were appointed to superintend my +education. I outstripped my masters. + +The extent of my knowledge, judgment, and foresight filled with wonder +the most learned and powerful in the land. Their approving praise did +but encourage me onwards in the search for knowledge. + +People related everywhere how wondrous were the gifts of the heaven +favoured student. + +Early inspired by the desire to benefit my fellow-creatures, I often +asked myself why, in a world teeming with blessings, so much suffering +existed? and why endless riches in the seas, in the air, in the earth, +remained unworked as though they did not exist for the use of man? + +At that time the state of civilization and knowledge in Montalluyah was +in many respects not unlike that of the most civilized countries of your +world. The religion of fire had long been replaced by the worship of the +living God, and morality and goodness were respected by most, preached +by many, and practised by a few. + +Wars were waged with relentless cruelty by brother against brother, bad +passions ruled, the rich oppressed the poor, and became in turn the +victims of their own excesses, and vice, disease, and misery were +rampant throughout the land. + +We had money of various metals and precious stones. The greed to possess +money was the cause of great crimes and loss of power. I asked myself +whether men could not be brought to seek knowledge and goodness as +ardently as they sought money? + +I could not then answer the question, but saw that, could this be done, +the boundaries of intelligence being everywhere extended, the discovery +of never-ending fructifying resources would follow, with the means also +of multiplying those already known. + +Notwithstanding wars and pestilence, the numbers of our people had +largely increased, whilst our stocks had seriously diminished, and +scarcity and dearth afflicted my world. + +The increasing numbers of the population would, I saw, become a means of +plenty, by supplying additional numbers and power to the phalanx of +nature's workmen, each, with redoubled skill fitly applied, joyfully +labouring in his sphere to create abundance and secure the general +well-being. + +I applied myself with unwavering perseverance to the study of humanity +and the arts of government, and soon found that like aspirations had +ruled many wise and good men in the different ages of my planet. I +applied myself to the knowledge of their great wisdom and many precepts, +and sought to discover why, notwithstanding the truthfulness and beauty +of the golden lessons of these sages, and the eloquence and persuasion +of their words, corruption and ruin still so largely prevailed. + +Not content with meditating on what had been done and written, I +attended the schools, observed the children's ways, and the mode of +educating and rearing the husbandmen of Nature's vineyard. I visited the +hospitals for the sick, and the theatres of anatomy. I examined into the +causes of disease, and the effects of the existing remedies. I visited +the prisons, and studied the results of punishment and the causes of +crime. I visited the poor in their hovels, the rich in their palaces; I +observed mankind in various phases, and as it were dissected men's minds +and passions. I saw everywhere never-ending power in man and nature +recklessly wasted or turned against the community. + + +My labours were rewarded by frequent advancement. Honours did but +stimulate me to further exertions; the greater I became the more I +applied myself, ever thirsting for knowledge and the power of doing +good, till at length, after passing the severest tests, I became +Tootmanyoso (Father of the World), and head of the State. + +Then indeed my real labours began. Light from Heaven had enabled me to +see the causes of the evils afflicting my planet. I had now to apply +remedies for changing the poisoned torrents into sources of fertility, +refreshment, and delight. + +The dangers and obstructions before me were immense. I felt that no +unaided mortal power could overcome them; but I was encouraged to +believe that, "like a chariot at full speed, which turns a narrow and +dangerous corner, so would I pass over my mountains of difficulty, and +run free in the wide space beyond." + +I resolved with all the concentrated ardour of my soul to persevere. + +Day by day I applied myself to the work, and invoked the aid of my +Creator. + +My harp was my constant companion. I was a great harpist; and when +gratitude for some new light choked my utterance, I made the harp speak +in accents and in language[1] that gave fresh inspiration to my soul. + + [Footnote 1: Musical sounds in Montalluyah have a + meaning as easily understood as spoken words. Our harp + is different to yours, and will be described + hereafter.] + + + + +II. + + +VYORA. + + + "The humble and the proud are equally subject to the decrees of + Heaven; and often one is raised and the other brought low." + + +The system of education which I early inaugurated soon gave to my hand +men of wondrous intelligence, fervid and eloquent emissaries, having at +heart the success of my doctrines. + +These men, themselves convinced, and earnest to convince others, I sent +in all directions to prepare the people, and to discover genius and +intelligence under whatever garb concealed, for I had determined that +all should be encouraged to use their powers for their own and the +general good, and be advanced accordingly. + +Many things had happened to strengthen this, my early resolve. One +incident I will now relate. + + +A beggar made many attempts to gain admission to my palace, but was +turned away with blows; his prayers that he might speak with me were +received with derision,--he was looked upon as a madman, and not allowed +to pass the outer gate. + +This same beggar--Vyora, by name,--saved the life of a little boy, the +child of one of my leading men called Usheemee, "Men of truth." + +The child would have been crushed to death under the wheels of a +chariot, moved by electricity and drawn by fleet horses,[1] had not this +same beggar rushed forward, regardless of peril, and saved the boy. + + [Footnote 1: The beauty of our horses, the desire that + the chariots should not be cumbersome, and the steep + hills everywhere in Montalluyah, are the reasons why + electricity is not used alone. When the horses stop, + the electric action is suspended, and the momentum is + neutralized simultaneously by a governor or regulator.] + +The man refused money, and for his sole reward requested that he might +be brought into my presence. The father told me of this, which seemed to +him the more strange inasmuch as the petitioner refused to say what he +required of me. + +When brought before me, I asked Vyora what he sought? He replied that +his whole desire, his soul's longing, was to be appointed a teacher, +that he might instruct youth, and see little children grow wiser around +him. + +I regarded the man attentively, and put many searching questions. He +answered all in a remarkable way, and gave proofs of intellect, +knowledge, and perception beyond the masters who had passed through the +required ordeals, and was so gentle and modest withal, that it was +delightful to speak with him. + +The father of Vyora had possessed wealth, but from the cruelty and +oppression of an enemy mightier than he, had lost both fortune and life, +and at his death left a family dependent on charity. + +The widow, a woman of remarkable gifts and keen sensibilities, +prostrated by grief, died soon after, carried off suddenly by a disease +called, "Karni ferola," "Absorption of the vitality," [1] which at that +time baffled the skill of the physicians, who indeed had seldom +suspected its presence till the disease was beyond cure. + + [Footnote 1: Answering to "consumption;" this disease + is now detected and cured in its germ.] + +Vyora, himself an emaciated boy, unfitted for physical labour, was the +eldest of many brothers and sisters, who looked up to him in their +hunger. He was driven to beg their food. + + +After the poor man had passed easily all the ordeals, I appointed him "a +Character-Diver," to discover the qualities and detect the faults of +little children,[2] and raised him from indigence to affluence. + + [Footnote 2: See p. 19.] + +The ability, industry, and wisdom of the man, and the good he did were +beyond all praise, and I soon appointed him head of all the +Character-Divers in Montalluyah. + +This incident, with many others, engaged my most serious reflection. But +for an accident, the powers of a truly superior mind would have been +lost to humanity! Vyora was but the type of numbers, evidencing how +capriciously wealth and honours were then distributed. + + + + +III. + + +PERSEVERANCE. + + + "Go onward! lose not faith. Let the goodness of God support you, + and the beauty and fruitfulness of the work cheer you; and when you + are blest with success forget not the source whence all blessings + come." + + +Several years passed before my plans were matured. I reduced all to +writing. On one side of the page I noted my resolutions, with the means +of carrying them out; on the other side, every objection that could be +raised: on a third page I wrote down the answers. Every objection was +invited, every difficulty anticipated, and every detail thoroughly +weighed; nothing was thought too great or too insignificant. + +I submitted the whole to my wisest councillors, and encouraged them to +speak their inmost thoughts. They were lost in admiration, but entreated +me to abandon my design. My life, they said, would be the penalty were I +to attempt to carry out any part of my projects. + +Some said that the design would be beautiful as the subject of a poem-- +as the aspiration of a great mind to arrive at an ideal perfection, +which could not however be realised until evil itself had ceased to +exist. That to attempt to move the Mestua Mountain[1] would be a task +not less hopeless: that I might as well endeavour to walk up our great +Cataract[2] without being engulfed in the sea of foaming waters! Not one +offered encouragement to proceed with the good work. + + [Footnote 1: Supposed to be the largest and firmest of + mountains, which, since its first upheaving, has + resisted the inroads of our mighty seas, as well as the + most violent electrical disturbances of our world.] + + [Footnote 2: See p. 44.] + +Neither their arguments nor their prayers deterred me. I proceeded +cautiously, but with a resolution that feared not death. + +Aware, however, of the deadly peril besetting me, I selected twelve men, +remarkable for wisdom in council and energy in action, on each of whom +in succession the authority should devolve if I were cut off. I +initiated them into my plans, and thus hoped that one devoted man would +always be ready to advance the good work. + +Whilst providing for my death, I took measures for protecting my life +against any sudden outburst of fury. I turned my palace into a fortress, +that I might not be cut off in a moment of sudden unreasoning wrath, +that myself and my adherents might not be scoffed at as madmen, and my +plans for the good of all retarded, if not wholly frustrated. These +motives I proclaimed to the people. + +The opposing obstacles were stupendous. I braved death in every shape. I +passed one mighty peril only to meet another more formidable, but +fearlessly stood every trial, and did not hesitate to act where danger +was greatest. Nothing appalled me. I never faltered from my resolves, +and after years of mighty struggles, my triumph was complete. I was +blessed and adored by all the people, small and great, and my name will +live in Montalluyah through all generations. + + +I gave Laws, and indicated the precautions to be taken to secure their +observance. I initiated discoveries. Inexhaustible stores of abundance +were called into existence, enriching the poor and making the rich happy +in their possessions. And the eventual result of the organization I +completed was the removal of the incentives to war, strife, avarice and +other evils, the triumph of good, and the moral and material well-being +of the community. + +Amongst the many subjects to which I successfully devoted my attention +were: + +The care and protection of Woman, the development of her capabilities +and graces, the preservation and increase of her beauty, Marriage and +its incidents. + +The birth, growth, and education of the future Man and of the Mother of +Men; the enlarging and ennobling the moral and intellectual powers. + +Preservation of health--prevention and cure of disease--prolongation of +Life, and augmentation of the faculties of appreciation and enjoyment. + +The increase of our flocks and herds, and of other sources of supply for +the food of man. The discovery and creation of new means of sustenance +and the amelioration of the old. + +The discovery of the properties of birds, beasts, fishes, insects, +reptiles, and creeping things, and their application to the service of +man. + +The invention of new instruments, the enlargement of the powers of those +already known, the development of electrical and mechanical powers, and +the subjecting the workings of nature to the uses of man. + +The care and protection in health and in sickness of the lower orders, +and of those whom nature had not qualified to take care of themselves. + +Occupation for all, each according to his capabilities and the bent of +his genius, as ascertained and developed by education. + +The government of the country; the enlargement and improvement of the +cities with a view to the health, comfort, and progressive elevation of +the community. + + + + +IV. + + +LIGHT FROM DARKNESS. + + +"Let the mighty works of God stimulate all to industry." + + +My task at first seemed never-ending; but good is ever fruitful, and +each conquest aided every subsequent effort. + +I was greatly assisted in my progress by the knowledge of powers in +nature of wondrous value, but permanently effective for good only; +secrets to be entrusted to those alone whose goodness, discipline, and +self-knowledge enable them to stand firmly against the varied attacks of +temptation, and rise above the motives by which men are ordinarily +ruled, the chosen High Priests of the Science who would never use for +evil purposes the secrets imparted. + +Similar powers have been exercised for good in different ages of your +planet, but the mighty trust having become known to weak minds was sadly +abused, the charm was thus broken and the secret lost; for, when the +knowledge of man exceeds certain limits, his power, like that of good +angels, can exist only while linked with noble aspirations. + +The false prophets who used the dying embers of occult science for vile +purposes have been properly looked upon with horror as delegates of +evil; for the death-struggle of the expiring secret had wrought great +mischief on the earth. + +The power which had been entrusted to me was exercised for the good of +my planet, and aided me in consummating my plans without bloodshed; +those who were deaf to words yielded to influences whose depths could +not be fathomed by ordinary vision. + + +In the system I founded, every one--his natural powers disciplined to +that end--is occupied in the pursuit adapted to his genius and +inclination, ascertained by ever vigilant and scrutinising observation, +and tests ofttimes repeated during his early and later career. + +These tests are applied in a variety of forms, and by different +examiners, at different times; and there are so many checks and +counterchecks, that the boy is effectually protected against the now +scarcely possible ignorance or favouritism of "the knowledge testers," +and even against himself. + +Every one having the occupation most congenial to him, all worked +cheerfully in their pursuits; and I was soon aided by a never-ending +phalanx of great men. The progress of science was marvellous, for as +soon as the impeding obstacles were removed, and we allowed her to be +wooed by the lovers of her predilection, Nature seemed to lend herself +eagerly to the advances of her votaries. + +The precept exhorting all to industry stood at the head of this portion +of my laws, but the lesson was no longer needed. + +I was indeed ofttimes obliged to exhort to recreations and amusements, +and to turn many--particularly men of genius--from the too incessant +pursuit of their labours of love. + +I set an example in my own person, for I was a frequent attendant at the +public games and diversions. + +One discovery was pregnant with another; invention followed invention +almost in geometrical progression; the secrets of nature were disclosed; +and power, being wielded only by men intent on good, disease and crime +were soon reduced to almost imperceptible proportions. Wisdom and joy +ruled where before folly and misery prevailed, and towards the end of my +reign the happiness of Montalluyah was more like the joys of a celestial +star than of a planet inhabited by mortal beings. + +When the causes of affliction themselves could not be removed, they were +often made to contribute to my world's well-being. + +The myriads of insects that formerly ravaged our fields are now +intercepted in their work of destruction,[1] their properties having +been discovered and applied to purposes redundant with good. + + [Footnote 1: See p. 76.] + +The hippopotami, who in earlier ages were looked upon as the incarnate +enemy of mankind, formerly overran the country, trampling down +vegetation, and attacking man and beast. These creatures are now +dominated, and their breed is encouraged, for they have become the most +valuable of our wild beasts, the hide, fat, and nearly every part of the +carcase being applied to very many purposes of the highest utility to my +people.[1] + + [Footnote 1: See p. 279.] + +The advent of "the fever wind," which formerly blew disease amongst the +people, now conduces to the healthfulness of those it would otherwise +lay low. + +The lightning, formerly destructive, impelled--as was told in our +legendary lore--by the anger of the Fire God, is rendered innocuous, and +collected for use.[2] + + [Footnote 2: See Electricity, p. 54.] + +The sun's scorching force is compelled to minister to our delights, to +assist in our arts and manufactures, to supply a power which cannot +otherwise be obtained, and even to protect us from the sometimes too +dangerous influence of his own rays. + +The sunlight is powerful in our world beyond anything in your Indian or +African climates; even the shades are not black, but of a reddish hue. + +The sun, going down, leaves a red light, so that, except when at night +this is completely shut out from the houses, there is ordinarily no +darkness in your sense of the word. + +At certain times, however, Montalluyah, both by day and night, is +overspread with thick darkness. Formerly, during this visitation, no man +could see his neighbour; fear seized the people. They believed it to be +the reign of bad spirits, and so it seemed; few dared venture from their +houses even to obtain food, and numbers died from terror and exhaustion. + +Light is now made to displace darkness, and joyfulness to take the place +of mourning. + +My scientific men discovered a means by which the causes that produced +the darkness are now used to remedy its inconveniences. + +The City is made gloriously radiant. Forms of trees, birds, vases of +flowers and fruit, fountains, and other designs of many tints and great +beauty are transparent with light, rendered more beautiful by +combination with a peculiar electricity emitted by the earth--an +electricity which, be it observed, is the cause of the darkness. + +The very birds by their warbling seem to greet the change, and the trees +and flowers emit a more delicious perfume. + +There is music and rejoicing everywhere in the City. Many of the +electrical amusements provided appear grander from the contrast with the +darkness they are made to displace--a contrast scarcely greater than +that depicted by our "Nature Delineators" when, in allegory, they paint +the present contrasted with past times; the later years of my reign +contrasted with the beginning. + + + + +V. + + +CHARACTER-DIVERS. + +EDUCATION. + + + "Let none but skilful workmen elaborate precious material." + + +Think not that the truly great Vyora was but little honoured by being +appointed to an office connected with little children.[1] + + [Footnote 1: _Ante_, p. 8.] + +The character-divers were entrusted by me with grave duties, on the +proper discharge of which depended the enduring success of my polity. + +The education of the young of both sexes engaged from the first my +deepest study, for I had early convinced myself that the many evils to +be eradicated had their stronghold in the mode in which education had +been conducted, and soon after the commencement of my reign I put into +execution a portion of my laws for making education a powerful lever in +the regeneration of my world. + +Men of genius had been compelled by ignorance or driven by necessity to +follow occupations for which they were not fitted, and which they, +indeed, often loathed; the really valuable tendencies of these men, bent +in an opposite direction, were allowed to run to waste, or perhaps be +used to the injury and destruction of others. + +I felt that to do justice to all and effect good incalculable, evil +tendencies must be destroyed in their birth, the germs of the +imperfections and crimes of the man, detected and eradicated in the +child; whilst valuable qualities and good tendencies must be searched +out, and effective means devised for their healthful development. + +The most ordinary men, those even who would otherwise be swayed by gross +passions, would become contented workmen in the cause of good when +occupied with pursuits for which nature and education had fitted them; +whilst the power and works of men of genius would be many times +increased and multiplied if their education were adapted to strengthen +and develop their talents, eradicate their faults, and generate +auxiliary excellencies. + +But how could all this be effected if the first step to so desirable an +end were wanting? + + +In my visits to the schools I had been struck with the fact that little +account was taken of the characters of children,--their qualifications +and natural tendencies physical or mental: the attempt was to force the +boy to the system, not to adapt the system to the boy. + +One routine existed for all pupils, whether for the inculcation of the +love of study or for the correction of faults. The earnest and +passionate nature was treated in the same way as the cold and +phlegmatic; the boy of genius or talent, as the dullard; the one who +loved, as he who disliked, or had a tendency to dislike, study; the +weakly, as the strong. They were all driven together like a flock of +sheep, with scarcely any regard to individual capabilities, bent of +genius, or physical constitution, which indeed little effort, and that +ill-directed, had been made to discover. + +I had observed, also, boys with the germs of great genius, who, for want +of some minor quality, were rejected and perhaps placed in some lower +division, humiliated and discouraged, although with care the deficient +quality could have been supplied. The want of this perhaps would make +the boy a recruit to the ranks of evil, or at least unfit him, when a +man, for the real business of life. It was the small bolt wanting to +enable the machine to do its work properly. + +I saw the sad consequences of all this mismanagement. + +Many precepts, beautiful indeed in intention, were crammed into the +pupil, the process being repeated until they often became irksome, and +he was expected to become moral and religious. I saw that precepts were +of little use unless those whom they were meant to benefit were +educated, fortified, and disciplined in the practical means of observing +them. + +It was at that time painful to see children, with many good natural +tendencies, leave school with bad habits, and vices so marked and +developed, that even the exertions of the most skilful physicians, the +discourses of the most learned of our clergy, failed to effect a cure. + + +The first thing necessary was to devise effective--it may be said +unerring--means to search out the characters and dispositions of +children. + +I created the office of "character-divers," and selected for the +discharge of its duties eminent men of great sagacity and gentleness, +skilled in the knowledge of the mind and heart, their sole occupation +being to discover the qualities, tendencies, and incipient faults of +children, and act accordingly; to dive, as it were, into the secret +imaginings of the child; to detect the early germ of evil, and note the +presence of good; to indicate measures for eradicating the one and +developing the other. + + +These character--divers, called in our language "Djarke," are distinct +from the masters, called "Zicche," or fathers of knowledge, able men, +who have charge of the boys' studies. + +The qualities which enable a preceptor to impart literary and scientific +knowledge differ widely from those fitted for searching out, +discriminating and correcting faults of character, interpreting the real +qualities that nature has implanted in the youthful aspirant, and +devising the measures to be taken for correction or development. + +Even if the necessary qualities for both duties were united in one +master, there would be many objections to the duties being entrusted to +the same person. + +The character-divers are as it were moral physicians, skilled in the +detection and cure of the hidden germs of mental maladies; for, as you +will see hereafter, I was not content to wait till a disease, whether of +the mind or body, had developed itself, spreading contagious poison +through the veins and arteries of society, and propagating evil without +end; the germ was destroyed before it had acquired force to injure. + +In our planet neither the faults nor the good qualities of children show +themselves in the same way; the indications vary in each child according +to his temperament and the circumstances in which he may be placed. +Faults and qualities are often of a kind seemingly opposed to what they +actually demonstrate to the character-diver--particularly in children +endowed with genius. + +Fair and even beautiful outcroppings are sometimes indications of +noxious weeds hidden below the surface. Weeds are not unfrequently born +from the very richness and exuberance of the soil, whilst many a dark +and seemingly sterile stem conceals the embryo of fruit and flowers +which a genial sunshine will call into life and beauty. + +These and other considerations demand great--almost constant--attention +on the part of the Djarke. + + +Another reason for separating the two offices of fathers of knowledge +and character-divers is that the child's peculiarities are generally +shown out of school-hours. Hence, for the purpose of detecting or +tracing their real cause, and suggesting the remedy, the character-diver +is often obliged to enter into terms of intimacy with the children, +particularly those of tender age, to obtain their confidence, perhaps to +be their playmate and friend, that the little ones may be at their ease, +conceal nothing, and almost look upon him as they would upon some tame +animal. + +The younger children with us require more watchfulness and skill in +their treatment than those of maturer age. The defects of the young, +like incipient disease, are less obvious, and their intelligence is less +developed. + + + + +VI. + + +CORRECTION OF FAULTS. + +CHARACTER-DIVERS--_continued_. + + + "Let the remedies employed be adapted to the complaint and to the + constitution of the patient, and be careful that in curing one + disease you do not sow the seeds of another more dangerous." + + +One of the duties of the character-divers is to suggest, and often to +carry out, the measures for curing the child, for in our planet the mode +of correcting faults is a matter of great solicitude, lest the means +adopted, instead of checking and eradicating, tend to confirm and +develop the evil tendency, or, it may be, implant other evils more fatal +than those eradicated. + +The remedies employed for curing the boy's faults vary with his +temperament and general characteristics. The same fault would be treated +very differently in the stupid and in the intelligent boy. Where there +was difficulty of impression, the labour would be like working on stone, +whilst the lightest touch and mildest measures will often suffice with +the intelligent. + +The remedies vary again with the kind, degree, and cause of the fault: +take for instance the ordinary fault of laziness. This would be treated +very differently when it arose from mental defects--from a tendency to +love other things, great or grovelling, or from a sluggish or overactive +digestion. + +I may here mention that a general feature in the correction of faults is +the absence of violent punishment. We wish to raise and not degrade our +children, and perhaps implant the seeds of cruelty. We do not correct +even our animals by blows. Horses, for instance, are never struck. +Whips, with a small thong at the ends, are used only to flourish and to +make sounds which the horse knows, but they are not used to strike the +animal. Other modes are employed for curing viciousness, each according +to the nature of the vice. In the case of a kicking horse, he is placed +in a machine which is closed on him, the machine being so constructed +that when shut it effectually prevents the animal moving, and he is kept +there in the same position for hours. If, when taken out, he again kicks +he is placed back again immediately. The process is repeated when +necessary over and over again, until the very sight of the machine will +completely cow the animal, and he is effectually cured. + +The laws are very severe against those who would ill-treat an animal, +but there is now no need to put them in force. + +We never punish by the imposition of tasks, our aim being to inculcate +the love of study, and encourage the child to regard his work as a +favour and a privilege. On the contrary we now punish the student rather +by taking away the old than by imposing new school work; and this is so +effected that the boy, though at first delighted, soon thirsts to resume +his studies. + +In many cases the pupil is not allowed even to know that he is +punished,--_i.e._, why the discipline is changed,--lest he should become +attached to a fault for which he has suffered and, as it were, paid +dearly; lest, too, the excitement of eluding detection should make it +pleasurable to transgress when the immediate pressure is removed, and he +should thus become schooled in untruthfulness and deceit. + +The character-divers generally effect the child's correction by +gentleness, and eventually bringing him to loathe the bad and love the +good. Time, labour, and attention are bestowed unsparingly, and, however +small the germ, the evil tendency is never left until, when this is +possible, it is completely eradicated. In certain cases, where the +footprint of nature is too firmly impressed, the efforts are continued +until other and opposing qualities have been developed, and the moral +patient has acquired such control over himself as to be able, in moments +of temptation and impulse, to dominate the disturbing propensity. + +Even after the fault seems to have been eradicated, the patient is for +some time subjected to various tests and temptations before he is +pronounced cured. We do not trust to superficial appearances. + +Similar precautions were taken in the cure of adult offenders against +the laws, but as soon as my plans had time to operate, offences by +adults were of rare occurrence. + +When a child gives evidence of remarkable genius, he is watched with +more than jealous care, with a view to his superior refinement, and +other qualities which we like to see in harmony. We do not like to see, +as it were, a garment made partly of rich brocade and partly of common +material. + +The character-divers, too, are greatly assisted in their observations by +an establishment attached to each school called "The Amusement Gallery," +in which after a certain time the bent of the child, his versatility, +capriciousness, constancy of purpose, and other qualities and defects +are shown in his selection and continued or interrupted pursuit of any +particular occupation or amusement. + + +It is scarcely possible to overrate the importance of acting with +judgment towards children. + +From the smallest beginnings, incurable defects of mind and permanent +disease of body will gather strength, grow and obtain the mastery, till +they carry off the sufferer, or implant vices that, like evil spirits, +will torture the victim during his life's career. + +Nothing is spared in the education of the future man and mother of men. +In the child is seen the parent of other generations, one who, as he is +well or ill-directed, will strengthen or weaken the great work of human +happiness, bearing with him a blessing or a curse for the community. +Therefore whatever may be the pains or expenditure required in the cure +of incipient faults, as of incipient disease, we know that society will +be repaid more than a thousand-fold in the happiness of its members, in +evil prevented and good propagated, in the numbers of men of talent and +genius whose works, teeming with great results, will be thus saved to +the State. + +But for the character-divers the services of numbers of men of +extraordinary genius would have been lost to the State, and our world's +progress in science, inventions, and happiness retarded for centuries. +Nay, perhaps the then comparative civilization would have been thrown +back into barbarism, through the destructive play of bad passions and +disappointed hopes. + +Numbers who, if their early faults had grown into confirmed vices, would +later have led a life of crime, and become inhabitants of dungeons and +emissaries of evil, now grew into men of great eminence. The germ of +evil propensities was destroyed, the exuberant motive power of their +nature regulated and turned to good, by means which the character-divers +thoroughly understood. + + +Amongst faults, the germs of which occupied the attention of the Djarke, +are the following: + +Untruthfulness, dishonesty, discontent, pride, vanity, boasting, +cunning, envy, deceit, whether prejudice, self-deceit, or the wish to +deceive others; nervousness or fear, inducing reticence and concealment +of faults, excess of modesty or the occasional tendency of persons of +genius to underrate their own powers, inattention to studies, want of +application, power to learn too easily, lack of retentive memory, +exaggeration and boldness, bad temper, sullenness, disposition to +quarrel, cowardice, cruelty, caprice as distinct from versatility, +selfishness, greediness, laziness, and its various causes, and generally +the germs of all faults and vicious propensities, which, if not cured at +an early age, would grow into tenacious vices. + + +From the precautions taken in Montalluyah the schools have become real +nurseries, where the pupil is endowed with knowledge adapted to his +capacity and natural bent, strengthened and graced with valuable habits +and stores of physical and intellectual power. + + + + +VII. + + +CHARACTER-DIVERS--_continued_. + + + "Respect those who would enable us to obtain the respect of + others." + + +In former times the education of our children, even of the most gifted, +was entrusted to preceptors who occupied less than secondary positions. + +We did not respect or love them much; nay, they were not unfrequently +treated with indignity, and yet it was expected that our children would +respect and love them and the learning they professed to teach. + +All, whether men or women, entrusted with the education of the young are +now honoured in Montalluyah, and are high in the State as persons +charged to bring about great and valuable results. + + +The aid given me by the character-divers and preceptors in carrying out +my plans was incalculable. Their sagacity selected disciples apt for the +duties I required; men with vast powers impelled by good. These men +propagated my doctrines, and vigilantly watched their observance, and a +new vigorous generation soon sprang up, educated to obey my laws, and +further to increase and multiply their beneficent effects. + +These moral physicians were chosen at first from men of great sagacity, +gentleness, and powers of observation, and of polished manners.[1] + + [Footnote 1: In Montalluyah children are supposed to + acquire so much by imitation, that the candidate for + the office of Djarke and others must possess refined + manners; and even the quality of speaking with elegance + and accuracy is considered necessary both in them and + in the Zicche. The art of speaking and writing with + correctness is imperceptibly acquired from the language + of the preceptors and other models with whom the boy + comes in frequent contact. Grammar, with the exception + of a few leading rules, is not needed, and the boy's + brain is saved much dry and fruitless labour.] + +Young men of special aptitude were soon educated to the office, and it +was then that character-divers of marvellous powers sprang up, whose +knowledge of the human mind, and skill in diving into the hidden +currents of character, became so great that no incipient quality, or +defect however minute, could escape their observation. + +There is a man whom the sagacity of Vyora discovered, whose wondrous +power in his art is the admiration of Montalluyah. The good he has done +and the greatness of his work in searching out and developing hidden +qualities and genius in children, who to the unskilled eye gave no +promise, is celebrated in pictures, in sculpture, and in song, and his +portrait is repeated in the highly finished and artistic mosaic pavement +of our palaces and dwellings. + +We delight to enrich our houses and public places with subjects which +daily inspire great and pleasureable thoughts. + +The subjects of the tesselated pavements include wise kings, inventors, +and discoverers, character-divers and preceptors, physicians, great +electricians and chemists; astronomers, men skilfully learned in the +power of the sun; men versed in the knowledge of the human mind; eminent +painters, sculptors, and architects; men skilled in the properties of +birds, beasts, fish, and other living things. Moral qualities are +greatly estimated; and we have many portraits of women famous for their +virtues, gentleness, and superiority; even of servants distinguished for +remarkable cleanliness and other qualities. Every house has its +tesselated pavement, more or less elaborate, but always beautifully +executed, for all our artists are great, and occupy high positions. + +Where a young man evinced qualities which, when tested, showed that he +would make but a second-rate artist, the character-divers demonstrated +that these youths possessed natural tendencies better fitting them for +some other pursuit. + +I have in my thoughts at this moment a favourite subject of the artistic +pavement;--a man--Zolea by name--who as a boy was inattentive to his +studies, while his talent for sketching from nature[1] was so +remarkable, that even during school hours, with his eye seemingly on his +book, he would occupy himself in sketching those around him. Every one, +except the character-divers, thought that Nature intended this boy for a +great artist. These demonstrated that as an artist he would never attain +a high position; and after observing how he occupied himself in +play-hours, and subjecting him to numerous tests, so completely cured +him of his want of application and other defects, that he became the +wisest and greatest among our kings. He aided me much in the devising +and carrying out many things for the well-being of our planet. + + [Footnote 1: All students, even beginners, sketch from + nature, no other sketching is allowed.] + +Had I not been the son of a king I should probably have been educated as +a harpist; for even as a child I showed great disposition for the harp, +and composed both words and music for my favourite instrument; but my +father's chief councillor, a man of great sagacity, saw in me the germ +of intellectual powers far beyond those required for the most perfect +execution of the harp, and, counselled by this sage, I was led to other +studies by judicious treatment, to the doubting surprise of my early +tutors. + + * * * * * + +I will now give you some account of one of the great works begun and +ended in my reign. + +This work, called 'The Wonder' of my Planet, was by our poets often +spoken of as resembling my polity in the strength of its foundation, and +in beauty, grandeur, and stability, as a work which, like my laws, they +said had saved a world from destruction, and would endure for ever! + + + + +VIII. + + +THE STAR CITY. + + + "The City of delights. The beloved of the Angels." + + +The power of the sun in my world is great, and the heat and light are +excessive. The great heat being, however, tempered by cooling, +refreshing winds, and gushing waters, is to our constitutions generally +agreeable, except at the period called the extreme season. + +The colours in the sky are in great variety, and of exceeding +transparency and brightness, some parts presenting masses of gorgeous +reds, golden colours, rich greens, and pinks of many shades. + +The skies present also the appearance of a most irregular and uneven +surface--as though there were high hills, some with their peaks, some +with their bases, towards the earth, and with large spaces between, so +that whilst in one part these hill-peaks and bases appear only a few +miles off, other parts of the sky seem very distant. + + +In vast mountainous and rocky regions is built our great city called +Montalluyah, that is, "God's own City." + +What are called the _External World Cities_ are built on the base sides +and summits of many peaked mountains, rocks, hills, and promontories, +girded, intersected, and undermined by the sea. + +The City is divided into 200 districts each known by a name indicative of +the situation:-- + + The Upper Mountain City, + Summit City, + Topmost Point City, + The Lower City, + Down City, + Side City, + Lower Under City, + Sea City, + Vale City, + Ravine City, + Side Country, + The Internal City, + +and similar designations. + +Before my reign each of these districts formed a separate city. Great or +rather petty jealousies existed between them, and much evil was the +result; for they treated each other as rivals, and often as enemies. I +decreed that all the districts should be called by one name, that the +inhabitants of all should enjoy the same system of laws and government, +the same customs and polity, and form as it were one family. I did many +things to cement the union. I executed, too, numerous great works which +assisted in promoting the growth of universal brotherhood. Many cities +which formerly lay at immense distances from each other, separated by +intervening mountains of immense height, I united by perforating the +rocks, and building spacious galleries through the hearts and bases of +the mountains, and by throwing "aerial" bridges from one mountain peak +to another. Henceforth I shall speak of all these cities as +"Montalluyah." + + +Palaces and edifices of various forms, their gilded spires and minarets +inlaid with many coloured transparent stones which sparkle in our +brilliant sun, stand on undulating sinuous ridges, peaks, and terraces, +rising one above the other in endless and irregular succession. + +The houses are mostly curved, oval, or round. In Montalluyah straight +lines are avoided. The houses are built principally with a white stone, +mingled with a peculiar stone of a bright sky-blue colour, both stones +repellent of heat. + +Gardens and verdure separate the houses one from the other. Most of the +gardens are arranged in curvilinear lines, the houses being placed at +the central point of the inner and outer curve alternately, so that each +alternate house is on the outer centre of the garden curve, and each +alternate house is on the inner centre of the adjoining curve. The +undulating lines of terraces are broken by gigantic masses of rock of +various colours, red, green, golden, white, blue, silver, brown, and +variegated--rocks of carbuncle, lapis lazuli, malachite, gold-stone, and +many-coloured marbles. + +These rocks and undulations are intersected by ravines, rivers, inlets +of the sea, lakes, and cataracts, reflecting the many tints of the +gorgeously coloured sky and the rays of our vividly bright sun, filling +our city as it were with aureoles of glory. + +In many parts the sea has made itself a hidden way, and runs its course +for miles under the rocks, appearing again at great distances in one of +the interior inland cities, perhaps at the bottom of a deep ravine or +open space; and the waters are often raised and collected for use and +ornament in fountains and artificial cascades called water-lifts: whilst +springs of fresh water gush out of the rocks, affording refreshment to +the sun-parched and many-coloured grasses, flowers, and vegetation. + +Great cataracts and artificial cascades often form the background to a +great building or colossal statue. The effect of these large masses of +water viewed from all parts is extremely grand and beautiful. + +Sometimes the ravines, rivers, cataracts, and sea-arms are passed by +huge bridges of the natural rocks, perforated by the sea, or opened by +man to render navigation possible. Sometimes bridges miles in length are +thrown across a great cataract or immense chasm where the rocks have +been relentlessly torn asunder by the lightning and other electrical +disturbances. + +All the large bridges are covered with houses and gardens, which at a +distance seem air-suspended cities, hanging without support over rivers, +cataracts, large cities, and aggregations of houses. + + +Everything conducive to health is attended to: the supply of water to +every part of the city is unlimited, and in each house, whether of rich +or poor, is a bath, for sea and for fresh water. + +We have "violet streams," which run for miles over beds of violets white +and blue. The water of these is preserved in tanks erected at the end of +the streams, trenches being cut to assist the flow. It has a delicious +flavour, and is used for various beverages, but not for culinary +purposes, since, when mixed with certain things, it turns black and +loses its fragrance. + +Trees, plants, and flowers perfume the air with their fragrance; whilst +birds of endless variety and richest plumage have their nests in the +tall and wide-spreading trees of varied-coloured foliage and fill the +air with their music. In the trees are placed artificial nests to entice +the birds; these invite others, which build their nests spontaneously. +The trees are large, their branches and rich foliage spread themselves +in graceful lines to a long distance on every side and afford pleasing +shade, their gauzy leaves subduing the light and producing the effect of +soft rainbow tints. The trees also emit perfume. + +The music of the birds harmonizes with the refreshing sounds of the +running waters, cascades, and fountains; and that the effect on the mind +of these beautiful harmonies may not be disturbed, the wheels of our +chariots as well as the horses' hoofs are bound with a peculiar hide +which, besides possessing great toughness and durability, has the +property of deadening sound. Thus none but the most agreeable sounds +reach the ear, whilst the senses are charmed with aromatic odours and +the eye is pleased with beauty of every kind. + +Arched galleries and passages through the hills and mountains, partly +perforated by the sea or electric fire, and enlarged by the industry of +man, have a subdued light and make an impression of another kind, the +red light in these perforated roads answering to the red shade of the +outer world. These galleries and openings in the rocks are used to +shorten distances from one side of a mountain to another. + + +The whole city is full of animation. The illuminated sky, the variegated +plumage of the birds, the moving myriads of human beings, clad in rich +costumes of divers colours; horses, elephants, camels, and camelopards, +richly caparisoned; carriages gorgeously decorated, the golden domes of +the houses, the many-coloured rocks reflecting themselves in the waters +and in the brilliant skies, with their own aerial peaks and mountains +brilliant and bright with our powerful sunlight--all these combine to +produce a gorgeous spectacle. Moreover, the constantly recurring +undulations and tortuousness of the ground are so great that it is +difficult to proceed for a few minutes without meeting an entire change +of scenery, as though one had reached a new city. + +At one moment are seen mountain peaks rising almost perpendicularly to +the skies in varying height, then a little turn brings the spectator on +forests of houses, with ornamental gilded domes and hives of human +beings. + +Overhanging rock and mountain-forms of varied colours, the skies now +scarcely seen, now reflecting their gorgeous tints in the sparkling +rivers, cascades, and upheaving masses of water, these and much more +form a picture of which words of fire would fail to convey a sufficient +idea to those accustomed to the sober, though beautifully subdued tints +of your skies. + + + + +IX. + + +THE SUSPENDED MOUNTAIN. + + + "The uplifted Mountain Arm, as though raised in anger, threatens + you and your little ones with destruction.....Let all hearts unite + in prayer, that Heaven may inspire your Tootmanyoso with the means + of saving the world from so dire a calamity!.." + + +The ordinary elevation of the tides is immense. They advance and rise to +a height far beyond any similar phenomenon in your planet, and the +waters retire in proportion, leaving at low water many miles of seashore +uncovered. + +In Montalluyah the sun's electricity is very powerful. It is the power +of the sun, and not of the moon, which principally influences the tides. + + +A huge mountain mass projects from the elevated continent of Montalluyah +for miles above the sea. + +The heart and base of the mountain mass had been carried away from under +the higher mass by some great convulsion of nature, leaving the upper +part of the mountain without support, except by its adhesion to the main +continent, of which it formed part. From the point of juncture the +suspended mass extends itself out horizontally in the air over cities +built on the ridges, sides, and foot of the parent mountain-chain, and +far beyond the extreme bounds of these cities, for miles over and +parallel with the sea, at a height which from the lower cities makes the +superincumbent mass rarely distinguishable from the illuminated clouds +above. + +The electric agencies in our world are very powerful; and it is supposed +that at an early age of our world's history the mountain-foot covered +with cities extended considerably beyond the land on which stand the +present lower cities, and for many miles beyond the actual point to +which the sea now recedes at low water, and that through a great +electric disturbance, the upheaving seas of mighty waters rolled on, +and, rising to an immense height--some think above the summit of the +great mountain--with resistless force carried away miles of intermediate +rock-land, which had till then formed the heart of the mountain. + +When after some time the waters receded the mountain mass above the +point of their ravages was left suspended, deprived of the support of +the intermediate and nether strata, which before the upheavings of the +waters had connected the plateaus and peaks of the mountain with the +land beneath. + + +The suspended or aerial mountain stretches from the high lands of the +continent horizontally through the air, just as one of your largest +continents stretches into the sea. Between it and the sea below, +however, is a space to be measured by miles. + +The sea in subsiding did not recede to its old limits; for a part only +of the miles of the lower lands between the scooped-out mountain heart +and the sea was restored to the world by the retiring waters, and the +heart of the mountain having been carried away and engulfed for ever, +the projecting mountain mass was left suspended not only over the land +now covered by the lower cities, but for miles over the sea. Neither can +be approached except by proceeding first for a long distance in an +opposite direction inland, until the extreme point is reached where the +sea stopped its ravages on the mountain's heart; the road then leads by +circuitous bendings to the land below. + +On the rocky ridges of the heart or indent of the mountain, and on the +part of the mountain foot restored by the sea, now stand the middle and +lower cities of Montalluyah. + +The hanging mountain mass, with its promontories and high hills, +presents all varieties of shape and outline, and is itself intersected +by rocks, ravines, cataracts, and torrents. + + +One great torrent runs on for many miles, and having been swelled by +tributaries into an immense gathering of mighty waters, rushes +impetuously seaward, to the extreme point of the suspended mountain, +whence from its aerial height it falls into the sea beneath, the spray +bringing refreshment to the parched atmosphere of the lower and +intervening cities, built on the ridges and peaks of the sea-worn heart +of the mountain. This torrent, called the Great Cataract, forms a +feature of great grandeur and beauty. + + +On the suspended mountain itself is built a city larger than your +largest capitals, called the Upper city of Montalluyah. The Lower city, +nearer the sea-level, is distant vertically about three miles from the +nearest under part of the projecting mountain-arm above. The cities +swarm with human beings, whilst the wealth of the districts is +incalculable. + +Before my time many of the under parts of the suspended mountain had +broken from the parent mountain arm, burying cities and their +inhabitants under the masses of rock. + +In the then state of science these catastrophes could scarcely have been +prevented, but at that time the inhabitants of Montalluyah rarely +thought of preventing accidents till after they had occurred! + +Although in my reign the suspended mountain did not threaten immediate +danger, I saw that unless means could be devised to support it, like +catastrophes would at some time recur, and perhaps the whole mountain +arm would give way, hurling the upper cities to destruction, and +crushing the nether cities under its falling masses. The terrible +consequences that would ensue were more appalling even in their +remoteness than the most vivid imagination dared realize. + +Acting therefore on the principle governing my polity--that of +preventing evils--I determined to use the immense mechanical and +electrical powers with which the marvellous progress of science had +supplied me, to construct a work strong and durable enough to support +the suspended mountain. + +I assembled from all parts the mighty men of our world, men of truth and +wisdom, fathers of science and knowledge, chiefs in all the principal +departments; for it was provided by one of my laws that before any great +work was undertaken these men should be consulted, and that, so far as +was in accordance with the chief intent, the work should be carried on +in harmony with the requisitions of the principal sciences. + +After much thought, deliberation, and study, a stupendous work was +undertaken; a work so great in the parent thought, and so wondrous in +the execution, that it is looked upon by the people as the wonder of our +world. + +With your limited mechanical appliances, and backwardness of electrical +science, you will perhaps have difficulty in realizing the practicability +of such a construction. + + + + +X. + + +THE MOUNTAIN SUPPORTER. + + + "Let all hearts unite in gratitude to Him who sent His angels to + aid us in this work. + + "He inspired the directing mind, and gave strength to those that + executed. He created the fire that married the two substances into + one indestructible compound mass. + + "Behold, and wonder!" + + +A circular tower, whose base above the foundation is more than a mile in +diameter, and whose round walls are more than a hundred feet in +thickness, is carried up from the lower land nearest to the sea-level +until the head of the tower reaches and supports the projecting mountain +mass above. + +The diameter of the tower-head is one-third of the diameter of the base. +The diminution being very gradual is scarcely perceptible, and appears +to be the effect of distance. The height of the tower is the same as its +circumference at the base. Our ordinary powers of vision generally +exceed yours, and the light in our world is more intense; and yet the +head of the tower can from the lower cities seldom be distinguished from +the illuminated clouds above. + +The area in the interior of the tower at the base, and for some distance +above, is divided horizontally and vertically, and the compartments are +used for storehouses, including the storing of scientific instruments, +and for experiments connected with science. The different strata and +incidents of the atmosphere at various elevations are there studied with +peculiar advantage, as there are numerous landings at different +distances, and we have the means of ascending and descending the whole +distance, or of alighting on any of the landings by means of a machine +raised and lowered by electric power. + +As the work progressed, stages were constructed at different heights on +which buildings were erected, where the workmen and their families lived +until the task was completed, the materials and electricities used, as +well as provisions and necessaries, being raised to these stages by +electric power. The principal material used is the hardest and most +durable substance known in our world--an amalgamated material consisting +of certain proportions of iron and marble fused into a solid compact +mass by the action of fire and electricity. + + +HEAVY MATERIALS LIGHTENED BY ELECTRICITY. + +The blocks used were of immense size, so huge, that even with our +electrical and mechanical levers, many expedients were employed to raise +them to their assigned places. + +Electric science had greatly advanced in my reign, and electric powers +had been discovered by which the heaviest masses could be lightened +temporarily, so that their specific gravity, called by us the "tenacious +electricity," and its tendency to seek the sympathetic electricity of +the earth was temporarily diminished, if not entirely neutralized, +without injury to the mass subjected to the operation. + +Though the means and end are different, the principle is not unlike that +by which you often lighten the specific gravity of bodies, and even +change their nature by chemical combination, the action of fire, and +other expedients, the bodies often resuming their specific gravity and +original form. The means we employ for lightening bodies are far more +rapid and effectual, and, at the same time, the materials acted upon are +less abruptly or violently changed. + + +Notwithstanding all our knowledge of electric and mechanical powers, our +thousands of artificers employed, and all the industry and energy +exerted in obedience to my will, nine of our years[1]--more than thirty +of yours--were spent in the completion of this stupendous work. + + [Footnote 1: Our year is not calculated like yours. The + year is marked by a peculiar appearance which the sun + assumes at equidistant epochs.] + +The tower of itself is an object of great grandeur and beauty, and is +richly ornamented. The external walls of the plinth at the base of the +tower are overlaid with gold and ravine[1] metal, inlaid with large +transparent stones of varied colours. The ravine metal--a metal prized +beyond gold--possesses beautiful veins of colour, which change with the +temperature--veins of watery green, of purple, blue, and steel. When +refined, it is most beautiful. The colours are sometimes so bright that +it is dazzling to look at them. + + [Footnote 1: So named from being found in the great + ravine, the largest ravine in Montalluyah.] + +On the tower are scrolls and images of peculiar meaning, and of large +characters in gold and ravine metal, ornamented with transparent stones. +The sun's rays playing on these stones, and particularly on a large +yellow stone like an amethyst, illuminates the column with what may be +called a supernatural light. + +Alternating with the scrolls are designs representing episodes in my +life and reign. These designs are in pure white marble in relief, and +with the light of our world stand out prominently from the iron-marble, +sufficiently large to be plainly seen at great distances from nearly all +parts of the city. The proposal for thus recording the events of my +reign came from the kings and people who loved me greatly. + + +As before observed, a person can be raised from the base to the top of +the column, and through a shaft into the Upper city. The movement is +rapid, and takes less than half an hour either way, whilst the journey +by our external roads, by reason of the circuits to be taken, and the +ascents and descents would, even to descend, occupy two days on a fleet +horse. The passage through the Tower, however, is seldom used either for +ascent or descent, except in cases of great emergency, because the great +difference of the atmosphere above and below materially affects the +health of the passenger. + +The machinery, too, in the descent requires much care and calculation, +for the weight of the descending body would otherwise increase to such +an extent, that accidents would occur. + +The difference of the atmosphere and the effect on the human frame +between the Upper and Lower cities is remarkable; those accustomed to +live in the Lower city have a disposition to spring from their feet when +first arriving in the Upper city. I recollect a lady--rather weakly--who +seemed mad, but was rational enough; only she could not for some time +resist the impulse of springing upwards. + +This mode of communication would perhaps have been more resorted to had +we not possessed the telegraph. The electric telegraph is, in its +rapidity, not unlike that used in your world, but is different in +construction and mode of working. What is written at one station is +reproduced in its exact size and form at another. Even a portrait +designed at one end of the telegraph with the electric acid would be +instantaneously reproduced at the other end, perhaps many hundred miles +distant. + +At different stages of the Tower the colour of the atmosphere sensibly +changes. This phenomenon is caused by certain minute particles which +contain animalcula, or their ova, and exist at different distances in +layers, and which as they are developed and become heavier have a +tendency to fall into lower regions of the atmosphere, till they awaken +into life under the influence of the sun. Blights, called by us Viscotae, +"infectious visitors," are often thus generated, falling from layer to +layer till they settle on plants and trees. + +These ova, moved by the winds, are sometimes mixed together, but when +the winds subside the more advanced and heaviest tend to settle in the +lower regions of the air just as the heaviest particles of a mixture +have a tendency to sink and settle below. + +All this has been shown beyond doubt by a quantity of air being +collected when falling fast, and at different times and altitudes. Each +portion of air being secured in a separate glass case, the ova were then +viewed through our powerful microscopes, and subjected to various tests. + +The Mountain Supporter, which can be seen from nearly every part of the +Middle and Lower cities of Montalluyah, is an object of inconceivable +grandeur and beauty, its appearance varying according to the point +whence it is seen. + +This great work often seems broken into numerous parts of varied length, +by mountains, rocks, and ravine sides, raising their heads between it +and the spectator. Often, particularly when the clouds have been high, +and the sky has been clear, I have seen from a distance parts of the +huge Mountain Supporter seemingly broken into vertical lines towards the +middle and lower parts in a way that, in conjunction with the upper +parts, has produced an effect like that of an immense flower raising its +head towards the skies, supported by a long stalk resting on many +elegant but slender tendrils. + +The grandeur and beauty of the tower is, if possible, heightened by the +Great Cataract, in conjunction with which it is almost invariably seen. +The falling waters vie with the Mountain Supporter in breadth, and +overtop it by the height from which they are hurled; the one firm, +stately, and magnificent in its solidity and repose, the other vapoury +and grand in its gracefulness and movement; both inconceivably +beautiful; the Cataract, a work of all-powerful Providence, whose wise +purposes no one can scan in their entirety; the Supporter symbolizing +the inspired genius of man, who, with the beneficent purpose of saving +innumerable lives from destruction, had, by the sweat of his brow, +constructed a work more stable than the solid rock,--work whose head +might be said to "reach unto Heaven." + + + + +XI. + + +ELECTRICITY + +IN MONTALLUYAH. + + + "A spark of Heaven power." + + +In the construction of the Mountain Supporter you will have perceived +that we were greatly aided by our extended knowledge of electricity. + +Before my reign, although electricity was used for some purposes, the +existence of varieties in electricity, and the manifold uses to which +their wondrous powers could be applied, were unknown. + +Electricity was not then utilised for locomotion either on land or sea, +or for raising ponderous bodies to an immense height, or in the various +products of manufacture and art, or, in short, for any of the almost +innumerable purposes where the various electricities are now employed, +either separately or in combination. + +This could not well be otherwise; for beyond a contrivance like your +Leyden jar, for collecting "air electricity," no means of collecting, +still less concentrating, electricity of any kind then existed. + +The belief once generally entertained was, that there were but two +electricities, or rather two varieties of the same electricity, one +repellent and the other attractive, answering in a measure to your terms +of positive and negative. Some, indeed, thought that several different +kinds existed; but the renowned electricians--truly great men, for they +had opened the gates of science--proclaimed that all electricities were +in reality one and the same, modified only by accidents. + +They referred to certain phenomena always resembling each other in +whatever way the electricity producing them might be generated; and they +argued, with an appearance of truth, that the electricity which produced +these similar phenomena must be one and the same: for, asked they, are +not like causes indicated by like effects? The principle was right, but, +as was subsequently shown, the application and the conclusion were +wrong. The error had arisen from the fact that electricities of every +kind possess certain properties in common: thus, air electricity enters +into the composition of them all. These common properties produce +phenomena varying only in degree, but so similar to each other that, in +the absence of further knowledge, the electricians concluded that their +theory was correct, and, in consequence, many valuable discoveries were +retarded for centuries. + + +MANY KINDS OF ELECTRICITY. + +In my reign, however, tangible and visible proofs established beyond +doubt that every kind of body and substance, whether animate or +inanimate, contains an electricity of its own. + +Although all electricities contain air electricity, and are similar in +some other respects, yet each differs from all others by reason of some +properties peculiar to itself, the species being different, though the +genus is the same. As in the case of the blood of animals, which is +called by the common name of blood in spite of material differences, +when the species is different, so we have a generic name for all +electricities, a term signifying "A spark of Heaven power." + +Some electricities are diffused and attenuated; some are concentrated; +others are so tenacious of the body to which they belong that they are +all but steadfast. Some are sympathetic; some antipathetic, attracting +or repelling each other; some mingle gently; others, when brought into +contact, cause violent explosions. + + +DRAWING OUT AND CONCENTRATING ELECTRICITIES FOR USE. + +WE discovered the means of drawing out the various electricities from +the body to which they are appetent, and of concentrating and preserving +them for use. + +Man, beasts, birds, insects, fish, reptiles, trees, plants, water, in +short, all substances organic and inorganic, possess each its own +peculiar electricity. In naming fish, I refer to each species, and not +merely to those already known to you as electrical, and which have the +power of emitting strong currents of their own peculiar electricity. A +huge fish, well known on your earth, supplies us with the most powerful +of all electricities--an electricity of immense value. Docks +sufficiently large are built expressly where the sea monster is driven, +there to be subjected to the process by which he is made to yield up the +electricity contained in his huge frame. + +The different kinds of electricity collected and concentrated are stored +ready for use in a large building called "The Electric Store-house,"-- +the electricities, secured in non-conducting pouches, being placed in +separate compartments. This is the more necessary, since explosions +arise when antagonistic electricities come into contact with each other, +and the commingling of sympathetic electricities deteriorates their +quality. For that reason care is taken to keep out light. By the +electricity of light most other electricities are affected. + +To the storehouse are attached extensive grounds for experiments and for +exhibitions, which at the same time delight and instruct the people. I +should observe that beautiful as well as humorous effects are produced +by certain electrical combinations. By means of sympathetic action +living bodies can be attracted and raised without removing their +inherent electricity, as you attract light substances with the magnet or +the electricity known to you. + + +WILD BIRDS CAUGHT BY ELECTRICITY. + +The kind of electricity by which the body to be operated upon will be +best attracted is well understood in Montalluyah. As a simple example, I +will state that wild birds are caught by means of a sympathetic +electricity. For this purpose a long, hollow metal tube is used, at the +bottom of which is a globe containing a powerful acid. A receptacle at +the top of the tube contains seeds much liked by the birds. They hover +about these seeds, and, when they are within a certain distance, a +slight pressure on a wooden spring causes a drop of the acid in the +globe to escape into the tube, and so to set in movement a current of +electricity, which, being very sympathetic to the bird, acts as an +attractor so powerful, that it cannot get away. The tube is then gently +lowered, and the birds are gradually drawn near to the earth, when a +light net is thrown over the captives, and they are shaken into a +cage-net at the bottom. Calmed by the electricity, they do not flutter or +struggle when thus secured. It is very interesting to see the birds come +nearer and nearer as the rod is lowered towards the ground. + + +For electrical purposes it is necessary to catch the birds alive. Those +required for food are also caught in the same way, that they may be +killed without pain, as, indeed, are all birds and animals used for +food. Birds supply an electricity for lightening ponderous bodies; and +by means of this, the immense blocks of iron-marble used for the +construction of the Mountain Supporter were temporarily lightened, that +they might be raised to their assigned places. + + + + +XII. + + +THE PAIN-LULLER. + +VIVISECTION. + + +"Cause not pain, lest you yourselves be afflicted." + + +From a small pet-bird of pink and green plumage, called in our language +the Nebo, is extracted an electricity known as the "Pain-luller." + +The preparations previously used, though very serviceable, did not +fulfil all requisites, and they so seriously suspended the vital action, +that the patient often died in consequence. By means of the +"pain-luller" vivisection and the most difficult surgical operations can +be performed safely and painlessly, without any part of the system being +affected by the action of the "pain-luller," with the exception of the +nerves of sensation. We knew that the feeling of pain in animals depends +on the action of a particular set of nerves. When this pain-lulling +electricity is introduced into body, it is attracted to the nerves of +sensation, and the sense of feeling remains suspended during several +hours, whilst the other nerves and muscles--as, indeed, all the rest of +the organization--continue to perform their functions as in their normal +state. + + +VIVISECTION. + +In vivisection the animal's eyes are bandaged, so that he does not even +know what is going on, but is free from pain, whilst all the springs of +action, with the one exception, remain in their normal state. This would +not be the case if the animal suffered from acute pain and terror during +the operation. The continued energy of the functions is thought +essential to the complete success of the operation, whether on the human +frame or in vivisection. + + +HOW DISCOVERED. + +The efficacy of the "pain-luller" was discovered by an accident. A +little girl carrying a pet Nebo was knocked down, and the wheel of a +chariot passed over her legs. In a convulsive effort to save her pet, +the child pressed it to her bosom with so much force that she broke, the +bird's skin. When the people ran to her assistance, and lifted her up, +they found that both her legs were broken. To the surprise of all, she +did not cry, but only asked to be taken to her mother, and continued to +press the bird to her breast. From kindness, those near wished to take +away the bird, but the girl would not loose her hold. + +The doctors were astonished; for the severity of the fractures would +ordinarily have caused acute pain, more particularly during the setting +of the bones. The child, however, though quite conscious of what was +passing, did not suffer in the least, but continued to pet her little +bird. + + +After many experiments, my scientific men found that this entire absence +of pain was due to the Nebo's electricity, which had escaped by the +breaking of its skin. This electricity, attracted by the nerves of +sensation, had entered the child's body when she pressed the pet +convulsively to her bosom, the seat of great sensibility. The +electricity only suspended the sense of feeling, but did not affect any +other part of the child's system. + + + + +XIII. + + +THE MICROSCOPE. + +CONCENTRATED LIGHT--MUSIC--EXPERIMENT ON +THE LIVING MAN. + + + "The same Almighty Power that governs the universe of worlds + governs the minutest particles of creation....In both is shown His + infinite power." + + +The properties of our Microscopes (as of other optical instruments) are +wondrously increased by the aid of an electricity called "concentrated +light." [1] + + [Footnote 1: In Montalluyah light in the ordinary state + is said to be a highly attenuated electricity.] + + +In our fields is found a little worm, whose body is surrounded by a +beautiful and powerful light, visible by day and by night. + +While meditating on the cause of this phenomenon, it occurred to me that +the light was probably attracted and concentrated round the little +creature by its own electricity. After many experiments, my great +electricians found that this was the case, and many valuable discoveries +were the result. + +A machine, called the "Enticer," charged with electricity abstracted +from this worm, is placed in a high open spot, and light is attracted +and concentrated in a marvellous manner. When the pouch for receiving +the concentrated light is fully charged, and secured against the action +of other electricities, it is detached from the machine, and its +contents are preserved for use. The appearance of concentrated light is +that of a beautiful halo. + + +MUSIC. + +The power of music, beyond that derived from its mere execution, is +greatly influenced by the amount of electricity infused into the sounds +by the performer; and in our planet the human voice has often been known +to soothe, and sometimes to restore, a disordered brain, by awakening +the powers of some dormant division, when the electricity accompanying +the sounds is sympathetic with the light in the brain of the listener. +The human voice, other things being equal, is more electrical than +sounds from musical instruments; for in the one case the emanations of +light come direct from the living singer, whilst in the latter instance +the electricity coming from the executant passes by contact with the +instrument, and is thus transmitted through an intermediate conductor. +The beauty and effect of many of our musical instruments, and +particularly of the harp, are greatly increased by the application of +electricity. + +A skilful executant on our harp can assuage the passions of a +multitude,--nay, he can excite many of the aspirations and sensibilities +ascribed in your legends to Orpheus and other mythical personages. + +It is thought in Montalluyah,--though it was never demonstrated,--that a +modification of concentrated light forms the point of union between the +immortal soul and the perishable portions of man. + + +INTERNAL CONCENTRATED LIGHT. + +There is concentrated light--the very essence of light--within +ourselves, particularly in the brain, to which the light, having +travelled about the body, is conveyed, through the instrumentality of +the blood, to the nerves and other organs. + +In speaking of the brain, we often use words belonging to vision. Until +the discovery of "concentrated light," we did not know how truthful were +these expressions, one of which in our language answers to the "mind's +eye." The eye as well as the brain contains concentrated light, and +physical impressions received through the visual organs are by this +electricity immediately conveyed to the sympathetic "light" of the +brain. + +By the application of concentrated light we can even increase for a time +the intellectual powers, or, rather, we can strengthen the instrument +through which the intellectual powers are manifested. + + +EXPERIMENT ON THE LIVING MAN. + +The possession of concentrated light led to the discovery of the exact +mode in which the brain acts in the living man. By experiments on +transparent fish of the zoophyte class, and on the eyes of animals, we +discovered the means of making a living body for a time transparent. The +skull was rendered transparent accordingly, and by the aid of +concentrated light and of an instrument called an "electric viewer," the +currents of electricity in the brain were made visible. + +These currents include myriads of electrical lines--literally composed +of electricity--lines the nearest approach to your definition of a +mathematical line, that which hath length without breadth. + +The filaments, as we may truly call them, are of different forms, +straight, spiral, and otherwise curved, and of varied length and +colours. They are set in motion by the impulsion of thought. When we +talked to the patient on a particular subject, one series of lines would +be set in motion with indescribable rapidity; other topics would call +into play other series of straight or curved lines. They can also be set +in motion under the influence of certain electricities. + +Although the experiments on the living man proved very valuable, they +could not be conducted with impunity, and were therefore not often +repeated. The man operated upon was insensible for some time afterwards, +and felt the effects for years. He was, however, cared for during the +rest of his life, and was not expected to work. Moreover, every kind of +comfort, luxury, and amusement was provided for him and for a certain +number of relatives and friends whom he selected as companions. Still he +was not allowed to marry, that being one of the principal conditions to +which he subscribed on being chosen for the experiment from amongst a +host of candidates to whom all the serious consequences attending the +operation were made known. + + + + +XIV. + + +PHYSICIANS. + +DISEASE GERMS. + + + "Cure all evils in their early germ, so shall ye be spared endless + suffering." + + +Physicians take very high rank in Montalluyah; they are furnished with +palaces and gardens; their revenue is great; they are wholly provided +for by the State, since on their knowledge and efforts depend greatly +the prolongation of life, the prevention of disease and suffering, the +preservation of beauty, and of invaluable nerve and brain power. As in +the moral, so in the physical constitution, the aim is to discover and +crush evils in their germ, before they have taken proportions dangerous +to the individual and to the community. + +Formerly the chief duty of physicians was to wait patiently until +disease had worked great and even fatal mischief. Their chief occupation +now is to preserve the patient's health and prevent disease, and if, +from any but accidental causes, any one fell ill, it would be a disgrace +to them. They were formerly called by a name answering to "Disease +Doctors," whilst they are now known by a term signifying "Health +Guardians." + +Prior to seasons formerly unhealthy, the physicians make visitations +from house to house. With the aid of powerful microscopes, they examine +the minute particles of the perspiration issuing through the pores. The +perspiration, being the result of efforts made by the system to throw +off impurities, indicates whether the patient is in good health, or +whether there is a tendency to disease. The state of the perspiration, +though varying greatly, does not always show the exact nature of the +malady; for many diseases present the same appearances, and, in that +case, tests are applied, which do not fail to indicate to what malady +the impurities belong. + +To give an instance: There is a disease of the lungs called Scrofiuska, +which impedes respiration, and is besides often attended with cough, +emaciation of the body, and other symptoms like those that accompany +consumption, for which indeed it was formerly mistaken. It is now well +known to be a different disease, requiring different treatment. In +scrofiuska the lungs swell inwardly, but tubercles are not generated, +and, unlike consumption, this disease can be cured even when at its +height. I recollect a bad case, early in my reign, where our physicians, +mistaking the complaint for confirmed consumption, declared that the +right lung was gone. A short time afterwards the real nature of the +disease was discovered, and the patient was completely restored to +health. + +In both complaints, however, the perspiration, when viewed through our +microscopes, presents exactly the same appearance. In consumption, and +to a greater extent in scrofiuska, the lungs are covered with a web-like +moisture, portions of which are thrown off by the system with the +perspiration. + +The ordinary appearance of perspiration in a healthy state is that of an +oleaginous liquid consistency resembling, say, a thin cream; but the +water exuded by the lungs has the appearance of dew, and is indeed +called by a term signifying "lung-dew." It does not amalgamate with the +oleaginous part of the perspiration. + +Our doctors at first thought that they could detect incipient +consumption from the appearance of this dew, whilst they had only +ascertained that the germs of some one of several diseases existed in +the system. For although the presence of lung-dew in any quantity gives +intimation that all is not right, the specific malady is not indicated +with certainty. The application of certain tests to the patient is +necessary to discover the particular disease with the incipient germs of +which he is afflicted. + +Disease and contagion difficult to deal with in their advanced stages, +when they have already made their presence known by symptoms too +palpable to be disregarded, are easily mastered in their germ. + +To collect the perspiration, a little instrument, called "the scraper," +is passed over the skin, and at each turn deposits the perspiration in +an air-tight receptacle attached to the instrument. + +The blood was found to be but a partial test of disease, for there is +much in the body which does not mingle with the blood, whilst the +perspiration contains impurities thrown off by every part of the +organization, and, when examined through our microscopes, never fails to +give warning. + +At the same time the blood is the subject of deep study in Montalluyah; +and every point connected with its component parts, colour, circulation, +heat, quality, purification, is thoroughly understood. + + +The physicians sometimes examine the breath. With this view, the patient +breathes on a little instrument saturated with a preparation which +condenses and retains the breath. Ample opportunity is thus afforded for +its microscopic examination, and for the discovery of the unhealthy +particles with which the breath may be impregnated. + + + + +XV. + + +MADNESS. + + + "Think not others blind because ye will not see....The concentrated + light of the soul is not visible to the naked eye." + + +The microscope also led to the discovery of the incipient causes of +madness, by the facility it afforded us for the dissection and +examination of the minutest portions of the numerous divisions of the +brain. + +Before my laws came into operation the incipient symptoms of monomania +were rarely noticed, and many were driven into confirmed madness and +crime by neglect or improper treatment, whilst some of the supposed +lunatics were really wiser than their keepers or the doctors who +attended them. It often happened that the aspirations of a superior mind +were mistaken for indications of the malady, and led to the +incarceration of the supposed lunatic. For instance, a poor man, who +lived in the reign of my predecessor, thought, and truly thought, that +electricity might be used as a motive power for the heaviest bodies, and +supply the place of wood used as fuel in manufactures. He also thought +that electricity, then impalpable to the senses, was the material +ingredient affecting the weight and coherence of bodies. People laughed +at what they supposed to be illusions, and there the matter might have +stopped; but the poor man persisted in his assertions that the sun +contained electricity, which could be attracted, concentrated, and +applied to various purposes. He appealed to the well-known fact, that +the sun ripens the fruits of the earth, changes the colours of +substances, affects the brain, and produces many wondrous phenomena +without visible contact. His lucubrations, instead of suggesting +experiment, were received with derision, and the man himself was cruelly +treated, his very persistency in the truth convincing the world that he +was a confirmed madman. In vain he appealed to the officers charged to +visit the monomaniacs, and, in spite of all his efforts, he died in a +lunatic asylum. + +So dangerous, indeed, was it formerly to announce new ideas opposed to +those already received, that we had a proverb to the effect, that he was +not mad who had "droll" thoughts, but he was so who told them to the +world. The proverb is now somewhat reversed, and he is thought wicked +who, being favoured with gleams of light, allows them to perish with +him. + +Accompanying all laws, I gave to the people my reasons at length for +their promulgation, together with answers to anticipated objections; and +in the exposition of the laws relating to madness I bid them recollect +that had I endeavoured to put my thoughts into action some years +earlier, I should undoubtedly have suffered similar persecution to those +under which many others had succumbed. + +Monomania is not now assumed, as formerly, from the seeming extravagance +or supposed absurdity of people's words; for it is well known in +Montalluyah that thoughts which a few years before were scoffed at as +the height of absurdity are now acknowledged facts, and they who could +doubt the existence of the now familiar phenomena would alone be thought +mad! It is known, too, that people often say strange things from +confused or indistinct recollections of what has befallen them in a +prior state of existence, or from prenotion or intuition of things as +yet unknown to others; and although in the sciences we accept nothing as +conclusive that is not confirmed by experiment, the vastness or +strangeness of the thought, far from attracting ridicule, generally +leads to inquiry, experiments, and results. Many of our great +discoveries have been suggested by hints which formerly would have +seemed the ravings of a disordered mind. + +With our microscopes we have been enabled to examine and dissect all the +minutest divisions of the brain, each of which responds to certain +trains of thought, and to ascertain the physical cause of madness. + +This knowledge enables us to discriminate with certainty, to detect the +existence, nature, and locality of the germ, and apply effectual +remedies during the earliest tendency to the malady. Until this +discovery was made, I took effectual means for curing the numbers in +whose brains madness had already been developed. I erected many great +buildings, where each patient was separated from the others, for in +Montalluyah madness is thought to be more or less contagious; but after +I had reigned some years the deserted divisions only served to show for +what purpose they had been formerly used, and, with one single +exception, kept in case of need, these buildings are now appropriated to +other purposes. + +Amongst the discoveries that astonished the brain-doctors and +mind-tamers was the following:--It was formerly thought that the disease +existed in the _overworked_, portion of the brain; but this was found to +be an error, inasmuch as the disease exists in those parts of the brain +which have lain dormant or have been little used. From these the +oleaginous fluids essential to their life and activity are drawn to +supply the overworked portion, which remains in full health and power. +The doctors admitted that their original belief would alone suffice to +account for their having failed to cure so many cases of madness. + +The heat of the climate, the power of the sun, the then excessive use of +stimulants, and the excitability of the people,--whose pulsation is more +rapid than yours,--all tended formerly to augment the victims of the +scourge. + + + + +XVI. + + +THE DEATH SOLACE. + +INSECTS. + + + "Seek diligently and you will find healthful good even in noxious + things." + + +In Montalluyah learned men are employed wholly in the study of the +properties of insects, for these contain valuable electricities. + +Colonies of insects, brought by the storms, formerly destroyed whole +crops, till a simple mode was discovered for protecting our fields and +capturing the marauders. + +It was ascertained what plant the insects liked most. This, fortunately, +proved to be a common plant--one that could be produced in great +abundance. Large beds of it are grown in a place concealed as much as +possible from view. Amongst the coveted flowers is sprinkled a strong +scent, which attracts the insects, who, finding the plant they like so +much, congregate there, abandoning entirely the other plants. + +We have gauze of a very fine and yet strong texture, with which nets are +formed. One half of the net is laid over the plant-bed when certain +winds foretell the coming of the insects, and as soon as these have +covered the favourite plant, the top of the net, moved by a spring from +either side, closes over and secures the swarm. Where not necessary to +secure the insects alive, we sprinkle over the attractive plant-beds a +strong poison, which is itself extracted from insects. + +There are at times certain impurities in places very difficult of +access. Swarms of insects, secured in immense cages, are brought as near +as can be to the spot. The cages opened, the insects instantly rush out +in swarms, and soon consume everything that has produced the noxious +exhalations. All insects,--indeed all created things,--have, in +Montalluyah, some properties useful to man. + + +THE DEATH SOLACE. + +After some years had passed, and my laws had time to operate, disease +and crime were reduced to the smallest proportions. Life is now +prolonged to a period which, before my reign, would have been thought +fabulous, and people rarely die but of old age. + +Man's progress having become a pleasant journey, I was encouraged to +believe that the traveller might be enabled to quit the world without +the ordinary death-struggle and convulsion, and with his expiring +faculties so refreshed, that he would give his last directions with a +clear brain and a cheerful heart. + +From a little insect, my men of science extracted a material from which +is prepared a potion agreeable to the taste. This is administered to the +patient as soon as the physicians are satisfied that life is ebbing +fast; and it, at the same time, calms and rouses the dying man. + +Within five minutes after it has been taken, all signs of suffering +disappear, and the countenance acquires a calm expression, succeeded by +a smile of joy rarely seen in the most perfect health. The faculties of +the dying man are brightened, and his sensations rendered delightful. He +looks calmly on death, makes his dispositions with the serenity of +robust health, converses familiarly with those dear to him, gives them +his blessing, and passes away as though he were leaving only for a short +and pleasant journey. I have seen many exhort their children and +relatives, and speak of their departure for another world with an +eloquence seldom heard on other occasions. + +The effect of the potion on a person in full health is very different; +it stimulates and excites, and is altogether prejudicial; and although +it would rather do good than harm to a weakly person, its great virtues +are only shown when taken by a man in his last moments. Where it is +desirable merely to calm or to rouse, there are other and more effectual +preparations. + + + + +XVII. + + +INTERNAL CITIES. + +SUNSHINE PICTURES. + + + "Let the great be blessed for the joy they cause to fall on the + world like refreshing dews." + + +There are two seasons in our world--the one called "moderate," the other +"extreme." In the extreme season the heat is far beyond the most +powerful heat prevailing in your tropics. Special precautions are then +necessary to preserve the health of the people. None are allowed to +expose themselves to the sun during the greater part of the day; a +cooling regimen is enjoined, and animal food is forbidden for a certain +period. In both seasons the light by day is intense; its nearest +approach to colour is a warm, bright, golden hue, not the cold, white, +greyish hue of your climates; and its red shades are sufficient to light +our caverns and passages through the rocks to a certain distance. + +Those who confer large benefits on the world are naturally entitled to +enjoy a portion of the wealth and well-being they have successfully +laboured to increase. + +This truth I constantly bore in mind, and in spacious galleries +perforating the rocks I built the Trombetski, or Internal Cities, for +the especial use of those whose superior intelligence had been occupied +for the good of the world. Here, sheltered from the scorching rays of +the sun, are the palace residences of the higher classes during the +extreme season. These galleries serve also to shorten distances between +remote parts of the external world. With their streets and passages they +form of themselves cities, with scarcely less movement than in those +without. + +Light is admitted through occasional apertures--some natural, some made +by man. It is not as vivid as that of the external world, but subdued +and beautifully soft, is ample indeed for all purposes by day, like the +pale red of the shade in the external world. Even at night artificial +light is not ordinarily required in the open air, the shade of the red +light of night being sufficient. Both sea and fresh water in abundance +is brought to every part of the internal cities, which abound in +waterfalls and fountains, nothing being omitted that may contribute to +beauty, health, or comfort. + +Many of the most lovely flowers and plants in the external world are +those which flourish in the red shade, and are, therefore, eminently +suited to the internal cities, where, planted in profusion, they +flourish greatly, and emit aromas like your essences, but invariably +fresh, sweet, and wholesome. Their natural beauty and odours are +increased by electricity, an agent by means of which we can give most +beautiful fragrance--nay, colour, form, and variety to flowers in +general. + +The communication from the palaces in the external world is often by +means of a winding path, descending from the basement of the upper +palace to the palace in the internal world. By means of machines worked +by electricity we have facilities for excavating earth; and where rocks +or hard substances intervene we can remove large masses by the +application of explosive electricities. These paths are therefore +excavated with ease. + +My palace, situate on the summit of the upper mountain city, +communicates with a magnificent summer palace, reached easily by a well +lighted descent. The daylight in the internal palaces is peculiarly +beautiful, almost unearthly. Pictures of life-like power are painted +expressly for this light. + +In my summer palace is a saloon of very great proportions, with a floor +of ivory inlaid with pearls. This saloon contains more than 150 +pictures, works of our great artists, representing the principal events +of my life. In these the figures are large as life. Here are depicted +extreme perils which I had undergone; here are the present times +contrasted with the past; and thus the benefits conferred by my reign +are presented in a manner which appeals at once to the heart. + + +SUNSHINE PICTURES. + +Great discoveries had been made of the enormous resources afforded by +the sun. By the aid of machines this power is greatly utilized in +manufactures, sciences, and arts. The loveliest colours of our fabrics +are those imparted by the action of the sun with the aid of instruments +fitted to the purpose. + +When we desire to produce in a painting the effect of sunshine, the rays +of the sun are attracted and permanently fixed on the parts of the +picture we wish to illumine. The effect produced is as though the sun +was actually shining on the picture. The effects of sunrise or sunset-- +the effects of the most brilliant, as well as the least vivid, +sunshine--can be produced at will, and are exactly those of nature. Some +of these effects are so vivid, that it would dazzle the eye to look on +the sunny parts of the picture for any length of time. + +A preparation sympathetic to the sun's rays having been rubbed over the +part they are intended to illumine, the rays are concentrated there by +means of an attracting and concentrating instrument. Another solution is +then thrown rapidly on the part illumined in order to fix the rays +permanently. A brush was used at first; but, in spite of all care, this +left its deep shadow, which greatly marred the effect. Even now much +care is necessary, and the solution must be thrown from the side with +considerable address, so that the sun's rays may not be intercepted. +This solution serves also to fix the rest of the colours. The picture is +painted on a fine material like linen, of great durability. + +This art of using the sun's rays was much used on the paintings in my +summer palace. The brilliant sunlight of the outer world thrown on the +principal figures produced a greater effect in the subdued light of the +internal city. + + + + +XVIII. + + +THE PICTURES. + + + "Let pictures speak to the eye, to the ear, to the taste, to the + heart, to the head, to the concentrated light of the soul, to the + imagination as well as to the understanding. If they do not rouse + good aspirations, cast them into the fathomless ravine, there to + perish, a fitting food for the poisonous fungi that cover its + sides." + + +Among the pictures to which I refer is a series representing the +following subjects:-- + + I. FOUNDING OF THE SCHOOLS. + II. THE OPENING OF THE AMUSEMENT GALLERY. + III. MAN. + IV. WOMAN. + V. MARRIED LIFE. + VI. FLOCKS AND HEEDS. + VII. THE ALLMANYUKA. + VIII. THE STAR INSTRUMENT. + IX. NAVIGATION BEFORE AND SINCE MY REIGN. + X. CONSUMPTION OF THE VITALITY. + XI. MADNESS. + XII. THE EXPOSITION OF THE NEW DOCTRINES. + XIII. THE REBELS. + XIV. THE MOUNTAIN SUPPORTER. + XV. INVENTION OF THE LEAF INSTRUMENT. + XVI. SUN-POWER AND ITS APPLICATION TO MANUFACTURES, + AND FOR HEALTH PURPOSES. + XVII. OPENING OF THE ELECTRIC THEATRE. + XVIII. INVENTION OF THE INFANTS' EXERCISING + MACHINES. + XIX. THE INSTALLATION OF THE CHARACTER-DIVERS + AND PRECEPTORS, IN PRESENCE OF THE + TWELVE KINGS. + XX. THE VALLEY OF THE ROCKS. + XXI. THE CONSUMMATION. + + +I. THE FOUNDING OF THE SCHOOLS. + +Education before and since the Tootmanyoso's reign is typified. + +On one side a number of poor intelligent children are depicted wandering +in ignorance. On the other is seen the college as now established, with +indications of results. The one part of the picture is seen as if it +were enveloped in darkness, whilst on another part the sun is shining +brilliantly. + + +II. THE AMUSEMENT GALLERY. + +The opening of the first Amusement Gallery is here depicted with the +Tootmanyoso attending. + +This is an interesting picture. It exhibits the gallery, with the +different playthings and amusements, toys, musical instruments, live +birds, small animals, flowers, and other objects. Amid these are shown +the interest and delight of the little ones, happy groups of merry +faces, the joy and gratitude of the mothers, the Tootmanyoso's +satisfaction in contemplating his work, and the intent observation of +the "Character-Divers," and "Overlookers," with other varied and +interesting features.[1] + + [Footnote 1: See p. 202.] + +III. MAN. + +Man is shown as he was before, and as he had become after I as +Tootmanyoso had reigned about one hundred of your years. Man's life had +been lengthened from your average age to one which before the employment +of the means enjoined and carried out in my reign would have been +considered impossible. + +The different stages of man's life during both eras are here contrasted +in every gradation. Thus we have the child as he was, the child as he +is, commencing his education, and his entry into manhood; the coxcomb +and dissipated man of former times, and the man of the present era, +following the road leading to his own happiness and the good of others; +middle age--the man struggling to draw the load up the hill with painful +efforts, the other man engaged in congenial occupation; lastly, the +disappointed and the happy old age. + + +IV. WOMAN. + +In like manner we have a series of pictures showing woman's former +state; her present education, in the representation of which episodes +are given of her progress in her own sphere to the level and +companionship of man. Reference is made to the means of increasing her +beauty, and employing her charms for her own and man's happiness;[1] the +gentleness of her nature in softening man's lot, whilst she is supported +and defended by him; woman as a mother, her devotion to her children, +and her joy and gratitude in contemplating the development of their +strength and beauty through the means enjoined and practised in my +reign. + + [Footnote 1: See p. 94.] + +One picture, let me add, represents the mode of choosing a husband,[2] +and another represents ceremonies used in the preparations for +marriage.[3] + + [Footnote 2: See p. 104.] + + [Footnote 3: See p. 120.] + + +V. MARRIED LIFE. + +In the picture relating to this subject we first show marriage as it +was. The wife and husband are rarely by each other's side; when they +meet they are in common attire, and receive each other with frowns; the +wife, in grand costume, smiles on strangers, and so on with other +episodes of former married life. + +With this state of things is then contrasted, in every detail, the +happiness of the married state as it now exists. + + +VI. FLOCKS AND HERDS. + +These are pictures showing the spare and lean cattle of earlier times, +the former paucity of our flocks and herds, and the present innumerable +supplies,--the result of good treatment, and of people's obedience to a +law of mine which forbade them to slaughter the female, so that our +resources for multiplying our stocks should not be diminished. The +present humane method of treating animals, and the dispatching of the +animal without pain, are admirably depicted.[1] + + [Footnote 1: See p. 213.] + + +VII. THE ALLMANYUKA. + +The different stages of my progress in creating the Allmanyuka, or new +food, substituted by me for a strong, stimulating, and injurious +condiment previously in general use, are represented in another series +of paintings, showing the incipient thought and its perfection, the +fruit in its various phases, my anxiety while watching the growth of the +fruit, my joy when success had crowned my efforts, and the gratitude of +the people.[2] + + [Footnote 2: See p. 220.] + + +VIII. THE STAR INSTRUMENT. + +The Tootmanyoso is seen looking through the "Star Instrument," while +worlds are opening in the distance. This "star instrument," or "world +viewer," is a gigantic telescope of immense power, aided by electricity, +constructed for me at my suggestion.[1] The power of our telescopes is +wondrously increased by electric and chemical combinations, but this one +excelled all others in magnitude and power. + + [Footnote 1: See p. 299.] + + +IX. NAVIGATION. + +Navigation before and since my reign is here depicted. The frail and +sluggish ships of former times are contrasted with the swift and +powerful ships constructed in my reign.[2] + + [Footnote 2: See p. 268.] + + +X. CONSUMPTION OF THE VITALITY. + +An episode connected with the discovery of the incipient cause of this +malady is here represented.[3] + + [Footnote 3: See p. 235.] + + +XI. MADNESS. + +In a series of pictures are portrayed various incidents illustrating the +injuries formerly inflicted from ignorance of the causes of the malady, +the really mad having often been regarded as sane, whilst many of the +sane were treated as mad. Every phase of the malady as it formerly +existed is depicted, as also the discoveries and incidents attending its +detection and cure in its incipiency. + + +XII. EXPOSITION OF THE NEW DOCTRINES. + +While representing the Tootmanyoso expounding some of his leading +doctrines, the artist has given to many of the countenances a fearful +expression of hatred and incredulity, while the Tootmanyoso's calm and +settled purpose is grandly expressed in the dignity, eloquence, and +unswerving faith depicted in his aspect and general bearing. + +In this picture, too, are seen figures of children clothed in rich +habits, who had been brought up in idleness, and taught to respect +little else than money; some deriding, some in the act of throwing +missiles at the principal figure, whom others are revering. + +The poor people's joy when relieved by the Tootmanyoso from misery and +oppression, and told that the gates of honour were open to themselves +and their sons and daughters, is plainly shown. The beaming intelligence +of beautiful children with lofty aspirations, expressing innate love of +good and desire of knowledge, hitherto held back by want, is also +represented. All this is more beautifully expressed by the painter than +words can convey. + + +XIII. THE REBELS. + +An episode in the Tootmanyoso's life when, alone and unarmed in his +study, he was surrounded by a band of armed men, who had bound +themselves by oath to murder him unless he complied with their +rebellious demands, is here recorded in a picture, in which is portrayed +the noble figure of the Tootmanyoso, unarmed and bareheaded, at the +mercy of these furious armed men, who have the expression of wild beasts +in their rage. The painter nevertheless has succeeded in giving to the +faces of the rebels a cowering expression, as if they were inwardly awed +by the undaunted calmness and aspect of the man they had come to +destroy. + + +XIV. THE MOUNTAIN SUPPORTER. + +Besides the most remarkable views of this wondrous work, the different +interesting incidents attending its construction are recorded. Here, +also, is portrayed the unsupported Mountain Arm, threatening many cities +with destruction, as it appeared before the construction of the +Supporter. + + +XV. INVENTION OF THE LEAF INSTRUMENT. + +The discovery of the properties of leaves, and the invention of the +"Leaf Instrument," by the aid of which fallen leaves are utilised as a +valuable means of enriching the Earth. This was a great boon to my +world, greatly increasing the fertility of the land and the excellence +of the crops. + + +XVI. SUN-POWER. + +The discovery of Sun-power; its application to manufactures and the +arts; to various medicinal purposes, and to invigorating the +constitution and brain of man. + + +XVII. THE ELECTRIC THEATRE. + +The opening of the first Electric Theatre, and the exhibition of the +wondrous feats accomplished by Electricity. + + +XVIII. INFANTS' EXERCISING MACHINES. + +The Tootmanyoso suggesting to one of his scientific men, Drahna by name, +the machines, the use of which prevented many of the accidents and +diseases incident to infancy. There are many other pictures illustrating +the discoveries by which health and beauty are preserved, and man's life +is prolonged.[1] + + [Footnote 1: See p. 187.] + + +XIX. INSTALLATION OF CHARACTER-DIVERS. + +The Installation of Character-Divers and Preceptors is a ceremony of a +very solemn character, and takes place in public, the Twelve Kings +presiding. The candidate engages solemnly to fulfil the duties strictly +and impartially. + + +XX. THE VALLEY OF THE ROCKS. + +The Tootmanyoso addressing the people in the Valley of the Rocks; an +extremely picturesque locality, studded with rocks, which, by his orders +were sculptured into groups of gigantic statuary, calculated to impress +the people's minds with grandeur and beauty. + + +XXI. THE CONSUMMATION. + +The Tootmanyoso, on the completion of his work, is seen offering up +thanks to Heaven. + +The principal figure stands out from the picture in a marvellous way. A +glory of light shines on the monarch's brow, and his eyes are illumined +with heavenly fire and inspiration. In the background are the people, +surrounded by plenty, and guarded by myriads of angels. Our painters +have the art of giving to their delineations of angels an incorporeal +vapoury appearance, like that of forms sometimes seen in sleep. The +Tootmanyoso is in the act of accompanying his hymn of praise with the +grand music of the harp. This instrument with us is of gigantic +proportions, and, touched by a skilful player, produces lovely effects. +It is not supported by the executant, but revolves easily on a ball and +socket, to which, having been placed at the exact inclination required, +it is fixed by a small bolt before he intones his hymns.[1] + + [Footnote 1: See p. 243.] + +It was delightful for me to go down occasionally to the great room, and +to meditate on these pictures, and the subjects that had inspired the +painters. The light and tone of the place, and the general impression +made upon me, seemed to savour more of heaven than of earth. + + + + +XIX. + + +WOMAN. + +CHOOSING BY HAND--CHOOSING BY FOOT--GIRLS' +DOBMITORIES--EARLY RISING--PRAYERS. + + + "Let woman be as soft as down, as sharp as a lancet, as sparkling + as the diamond, and as pure as Stainer's fount." [1] + + + [Footnote 1: See p. 149.] + +Woman is the object of much solicitude and consideration, and enjoys +many privileges. The tendency of her education is to qualify her for the +position which nature intended her to hold as the companion and helpmate +of man. However she is instructed, though not to so great in degree, in +many branches of art and science, cultivated by the stronger sex, the +design being to enable her to appreciate the efforts of man and to +encourage and comfort him in his progress, but not to take his place. +With us women are happy and contented, and words of complaint rarely +fall from their lips. + +Great precaution, however, is taken lest they should overwork themselves +in the severer studies, or even in the lighter occupations, the tendrils +of their nerves being so delicate, that, if once injured, they would +seldom be restored to their normal condition. + +There is this marked difference in the education of the two sexes. Boys +are educated in manly and athletic sports, in all that can give them +strength and physical development, and call out their masculine +qualities, while the occupations and exercises allotted to girls tend to +confirm and develope their natural delicacy, gentleness, and sweetness. +The result, is, that whilst men are large of frame and endowed with +great force and strength, the women in Montalluyah scarcely ever exceed +the middle size. They are beautiful, and thoroughly feminine in form and +feature, while in disposition they are sprightly, ingenuous, and +truthful. Their carriage and movement are marked by elegance and grace, +their voice is of melodious softness, and they are altogether +distinguished by a peculiar charm and fascination. + +Most of our women are brunettes, with rich black silky hair and eyes-- +large and beautiful as those of the gazelle; but the fair with blue eyes +are considered the more beautiful--probably on account of their rarity. + +The beauty of the woman, like the muscular development of the man, is +greatly aided by the care now taken of children from their birth. Women +were formerly left to themselves, and many, either from ignorance or +want of thought, neglected to do justice to their proper qualities and +charms, whilst they became enamoured of ostentation and indulged in a +thoughtless extravagance which served to kindle the envy of their +neighbours, and to bring ruin to their husbands. Whilst seeking +extraneous aids to beauty, they neglected the simplest precautions for +its preservation, though, when their charms had faded, they eagerly +sought means to repair what were incorrectly called the ravages of time, +but were only the unavoidable consequences of their own neglect. The +heavenly light of their eyes had become dim; their complexions, +originally of a warm purity, had become of a yellow tinge; their skin, +soft to the touch and beautiful to the eye, had become shrivelled and +hard; their dark and beautiful hair had become grey or fallen off, +deprived of the nourishment which had been prodigally wasted, and the +undulating and elegant form had often sunk into a misshapen mass. + +We have now a belief that the harmonious development of the body is not +only physically and aesthetically desirable, but assists in the +healthful development of the mind, to which, for a time, that body +belongs; beauty being regarded as "a precious gift from Heaven which it +behoves every woman to preserve and improve." The exceptions to beauty +are now rare, and women are scarcely less lovely in age than they were +in youth. In many cases time has actually enhanced their attractions, +improved, through the additional charm impressed on the countenance, by +the sweetness and gracefulness of their nature. + +Cosmetics for the reparation of beauty are not needed, but women of all +ranks are enjoined to use various precautions for its preservation. We +have cosmetics very efficacious for protecting the face from the burning +sun, for keeping cool the natural moisture, for preserving the +complexion, and for preventing wrinkles. In our climate the heat +distends the skin, and by inducing excessive perspiration, reduces the +fat required to support it. But for our cosmetics, wrinkles would be +formed at an early age. As it is, the skin and complexion, as well as +the form and features, are now preserved to the last period of life. + +The hands and feet, and indeed all the details of beauty, are much cared +for. The toes of the feet are exercised in a variety of ways, and are +almost as elastic and pliable as the fingers, being, as well as the +ankles ornamented with jewels. Soles, secured with sandals protect the +under part of the foot. On many great occasions the sandals are +dispensed with, the sole being secured by a preparation rendered +adhesive by the warmth of the foot. This preparation is easily removed +by the application of a sponge and water. + + +CHOOSING BY HANDS. + +A lady's hands and feet form so great a feature in the estimation of her +beauty, that they are made a distinctive test for deciding preferences +on certain occasions. + +Thus, partners for the dance are sometimes chosen in a way that excites +a great deal of mirth. The custom is called "choosing by hands." + +A large round screen, made expressly for the purpose, stands at one end +of a ball-room; behind this a certain number of ladies--generally twelve +at a time--place themselves, accompanied by the master of the +ceremonies. The opening in the doorway is then closed. The screen, +though not closed at the top, is sufficiently high to completely mask +the ladies, and there are in it twelve or more small apertures, lined or +faced with a soft crimson or other warm-coloured velvet, sufficiently +large to admit of a hand being passed through, so that it may be seen +and criticised on the exposed side of the screen. Through one of these +openings each of the ladies passes her right hand, and the gentlemen +choose the hand they prefer, each by touching a spring nearest the hand +selected, and at the same time announcing his name. The chosen one is +immediately led out from behind the screen and presented by the master +of ceremonies to the gentleman, in the midst of the applause or +merriment of the company before the screen, and of the rest of the +ladies behind it. Ladies are very particular about their hands and +nails, and, as may easily be conceived, give them a little extra +attention before going to a party. + + +CHOOSING BY FOOT. + +There is another peculiar mode of choosing partners--"by foot"--but +this is conducted in a different manner, and is made to depend on the +superior beauty of the foot, as decided by an arbiter, who is chosen by +the company, and who is, of course, a man famous for his taste and +knowledge of the beautiful. + +While the arbiter pursues his duties, the ladies are concealed behind a +screen, which is, however, open sufficiently at the bottom to disclose +the foot and ankle. She to whom the palm is awarded has the first choice +of a partner, and the others follow in succession in the order in which +they have been ranked. This diversion, though exciting great interest, +is not so happy as "the choice by hand." The ladies whose feet are +placed in a lower rank often think themselves aggrieved, and are +slightly jealous of their rivals, for in spite of the efficacy of my +laws, I could not--whilst giving just triumphs to superior beauty-- +altogether prevent a feeling of disappointment in ladies who saw the +palm given to others by one recognised as an honest and able judge,--a +man whose taste was known to be irreproachable. + +When the hand and foot of a young lady are inclined to coarseness, while +at the same time her talents and goodness entitle her to a superior +position, the fingers or toes, and afterwards the hand and foot +themselves, are bound up, for a certain number of hours each day. We do +not like "contradictions," or, as I have before observed, we object to a +garment partly of rich brocade, partly of common stuff. + + +GIRLS' DORMITORIES. + +At the head of all the means for preserving beauty are cleanliness, +frequent ablutions, and a habit of early rising. In these girls of all +ranks are well schooled, and to show you that in their education we do +not neglect what are erroneously called trifles, I will tell you of one +of the modes of treatment commonly employed in connexion with such +matters. + +In the colleges each girl has a separate sleeping-room, as we have a +great objection to young girls sleeping together in one room, and +inhaling each other's peculiar gas thrown off in the form of breath +during their slumbers. Besides, when that practice prevailed, as it did +formerly, the girls were in the habit of talking to each other upon +subjects which often suggested inconvenient thoughts, even to the best +disposed, and confirmed others in tendencies which eventually grew into +confirmed vices. + +On the pupil's retiring to rest, the door of her sleeping-room is +fastened from the outside by one of the matrons. The girl has no means +of opening it herself, but by touching a little spring at the head of +her couch she can at any moment communicate with the matron +night-watchers. These matron night-watchers--two for a certain number +of girls--are on the alert during the night, remaining in a place called +the "watch," where are suspended the electric bells, underneath each of +which is the name of the girl occupying the room to which it +corresponds. + +Light is supplied to every dormitory by means of a lamp inserted in the +wall, and opening from the outside. Half an hour after the door has been +closed the matron extinguishes the light, without entering the room. The +external red light of night is also excluded; for, as with you, darkness +is thought much more conducive to refreshing sleep. + +In consequence of the warmth of our climate, girls, being naturally +rather luxurious, are not inclined to rise early. They are, however, all +required to rise at the same hour, and this is the mode adopted for +rousing them. At the end of each room, opposite to the sleeping-couch, +is a kind of gong made of metal and formed like a pair of cymbals, +united at the base by a hinge, and kept together by a bolt at the top. + +At the hour of rising these cymbals are set in motion by the matron in +the watch room, who touches a spring by which the bolt fastening the +cymbals together is removed. Thereupon the cymbals immediately clash +together, and produce loud discordant sounds. The girl, not liking the +discordant noise, loses no time in stopping it, which is beyond her +power unless she leaves her bed and fixes the bolt that keeps the two +cymbals together. + +This done, she goes into an adjoining room, in which are a bath and +other preparations for her ablutions. The door communicating with the +sleeping-room closes of itself, whereupon the matron enters the +apartment, pulls off the bed-clothes, and opens a large skylight at the +top, to admit the fresh air. + +The ablutions of all the girls ended, they descend to their repast, +after which they say a very short and simple prayer. In this thanks for +their refreshing sleep and for the food they have partaken are united +into one petition that the labours of the day may be blest by the +Supreme. + +The practice which formerly existed of saying long prayers before the +girls partook of their first repast is abolished. Many young people have +keen appetites after a night's rest, and when the old custom prevailed +their thoughts would be wandering in a direction very different to that +ostensibly taken by their prayers. + +Although saying set prayers before the early meal is now not required of +the young girl, gratitude to the Dispenser of all good is successfully +inculcated. On the walls of the repast room are inscribed in large +characters appropriate precepts adapted to the young intellect--such as +"Think of God before you eat." In the meaning of these the young are +instructed at an early age, and by various devices are imperceptibly +led, through the medium of the eye, the ear, and the understanding to +acquire the habit of directing their thoughts in conformity with the +spirit of the precepts. + +A careful discipline prevails, as I have intimated, in all matters +relating to the education of girls of every rank, but, as soon as they +attain one amongst the higher positions and marry, they are allowed, +nay, encouraged, to indulge in many luxurious habits, to dress +beautifully, and to wear magnificent jewels, but only according to their +means. + +As an instance of luxury in simple things, I will mention a peculiar +soft reclining cushion, or settee, particularly adapted to exhibit the +lady and her costume to the greatest advantage. As the lady sits down, +however gently, it yields to the pressure, leaving her surrounded by the +portion not pressed, which thus forms a background, and, as it were, a +frame to the living picture. When she rises, the elastic cushion resumes +its pristine form. The least movement is sufficient to cause the seat to +rise or fall, and I have often seen ladies amuse themselves with this +gentle exercise. + +To these settees a pad is attached. On a spring being touched this +opens, and forms a fan which by its own movement fans the lady, and at +the same time emits a refreshing perfume, continuing to act until the +lady closes it by touching a spring. + +These settees are covered with silk of various colours, adapted to the +ladies and their costume; a peculiar crimson ornamented with gold is the +favourite colour. They are allowed to be used by the married ladies +alone, and are much liked by them, the more so perhaps that in the +colleges girls of all ranks are not allowed to use any seats but those +without backs. + + + + +XX. + + +CHOICE OF A HUSBAND. + + + "Women are the mothers of the nation. The happiness of our life + depends on theirs. They have much to bear. If we neglect them we + neglect ourselves." + + +Having taken care by means of education to eradicate all incipient +faults in woman, to confirm her health, to increase her powers of +attraction, and fit her for the station which her talents and virtues +entitle her to fill, we take the best means to ensure that the maiden +shall at the proper age marry the man most pleasing to her, and most +likely to secure the happiness of both. + +In every district a council of ladies, who have passed through certain +ordeals, and a council of elders, regulate all matters relating to +marriage. Over each of these presides a man of a certain age, and of +spotless character, whose qualities, actions, and mode of life have been +observed and recorded from early youth. + +Let me more particularly describe how the lady makes choice of a +husband. + +During thirty-one evenings in succession the girl intended for the +marriage state is placed in an assemblage composed of eighty-five young +men, one of whom she is expected to choose, but however quickly her mind +may be made up she is not allowed to announce her decision till the +thirty-first evening has arrived. + +The eighty-five young men are selected by the councils from those only +who have declared their intention of marrying. Any man of the same rank +as the lady, who is desirous to be one of the eighty-five, is generally +nominated at once, and if the girl has any especial liking for one +particular person, she is allowed to communicate the fact privately to +one of the ladies of the council. + +In cases, however, where both the councils are of opinion that there is +any serious objection to the eligibility of the young man, they have the +right to withhold the summons. This right they rarely exercise, and +never until after communicating with the lady where she has named the +gentleman. Every contingency is well considered; besides, the +regulations which govern every step connected with these meetings, and +the sacred feeling with which the councils regard the delicate trust +confided to them, prevent any inconvenience which might otherwise arise +from their proceedings. + +At these meetings the girl wears a peculiar headdress with a star in +front, to distinguish her from other ladies who are allowed to be +present, but who however are expected not to pay court to the gentlemen. +It would have been unreasonable to require the exercise of so much self +denial under the old system, but an acquisition of the power of self +denial forms part of the training prescribed by my system of education, +and is now ordinarily practised when needed. This privilege of being +present is highly prized and eagerly sought by ladies, if only for one +of the thirty-one chosen evenings. + +The gentlemen who wish to have their pretensions favourably viewed, pay +court to the young maiden of the star, and any gentleman who it is +thought may prove agreeable can be called by the lady of the council, +one of whom is always seated near the girl. + +On occasions when some of the gentlemen present would rather not be +amongst the aspirants, it is amusing to see them retire behind the +others, hoping to escape without offence against the rules of good +breeding. Should one of these be called by the lady superior, he will +probably give himself awkward airs, and endeavour to be as little +engaging as possible. The maiden generally looks modest and blushing, +and needs the assistance of the lady superior, who is not unfrequently +obliged to represent her in conversation. + +Before a week has elapsed the maiden of the star has generally intimated +by look, who is likely to be the selected one. Sometimes, however, she +is fickle, and when one, encouraged by her expressive glance, has paid +her court, she will encourage another and another, and another,--for on +these occasions she has full liberty of action. + +It is amusing to see the efforts of pretenders, and the expression put +on, whilst overwhelming the lady with amiabilities when her thoughts and +perhaps her glances lie in another direction. She in turn may be obliged +to use all her power to attract the one she desires to select. If she be +a coquette, each one of many will think that he himself is the fortunate +swain on whom her choice will fall. The doubts existing in these +instances cause great excitement and amusement, and between the meetings +pearls against rubies, diamonds against diamonds, and other precious +stones are staked on the event. + +Great is the agitation on the thirty-first evening, when the maiden is +expected to declare on whom her choice has fallen. She proclaims it by +presenting the chosen one with an appropriate flower, and thus is spared +the pain of a verbal declaration. A band of music then announces by a +particular and well-known strain that the choice is made, and a march is +played, to the measure of which the chosen one leads his intended to a +throne on a slightly raised dais. + +Each of the gentlemen then approaches, successively +presenting to the maiden a flower,[1] which he lays on +the table in front of the dais, wishing her at the same +time happiness and joy. + + [Footnote 1: See p. 126.] + +The lady will perhaps kiss the flower presented when anxious to show +regard for the giver, whom, however, she has not been able to choose. +This ceremony of presenting flowers having been concluded, the future +bride and bridegroom lead the way to the banqueting-room. + +On the evening following, a meeting of three hours' duration takes place +between the chosen one and the maiden, who is accompanied by the lady +superior of the marriage council. The two converse, and if after mutual +explanation anything incongruous is found, either party is at liberty to +object, and the marriage does not take place; but if the three hours +pass without objection no further question can be raised. The two are +then looked upon as betrothed, and after a certain interval the marriage +takes place. + +It sometimes happens that at the meetings of the eighty-five the maiden, +distracted between contending aspirants, is unable to give the +preference to any. In that case she is put back for another year. + +At the end of the year another assembly of young men is called; the +number invited is limited, however, to forty-five, and the evenings are +reduced to twelve. Should the lady again fail to select--a very +improbable occurrence--another and final assembly would be called for +the following year, the number of gentlemen being reduced to twenty-one, +and the evenings to seven, and if the lady should still remain undecided +she must be content to enjoy single blessedness during the rest of her +life. For my own part, I do not recollect more than one case where the +selection was postponed beyond the second year. + + + + +XXL. + + +THE DRESS OF SHAME. + +SUN-COLOURED SILKS--THE ART OF PLEASING. + + +"Let not the ranks of the good be defiled by the presence of him + who has betrayed his trust." + + +I never knew an instance of the trust confided to the Marriage Councils +being in any way abused. None are selected for the office, who have not, +after years of probation, shown themselves in every way worthy of the +sacred trust. + +A severe punishment would attend any deviation from the strict path of +honour; the offender, condemned to wear "the dress of shame," would +probably be degraded from his rank. After a time had passed, sufficient +to exhibit his punishment as a warning to others, he would, perhaps, be +banished to a distant country. It should be understood that every other +part of our world is less agreeable than Montalluyah. + +The dress of shame to which I have just referred, is a common robe +formed of one piece, and of sombre colour, on which dress are placed +marks indicating the nature of the offence and the name of the offender. +Similar marks are likewise placed over his house, and are well +understood by the people. + +Independently of the deep degradation implied by this costume, the +entire privation of his ordinary dress would alone be a punishment to +the offender, for the people are very fond of dressing well. I +encouraged the love of dress particularly in woman, for I thought that +when properly regulated it was good, and heightened the beauty of the +picture. With us the style of dress and the taste of its arrangement are +thought indications of the mind within, but none are allowed to dress or +wear jewels beyond their station. + +After marriage ladies, according to their rank, are allowed to wear very +rich costumes. The textures are beautiful and the colours very +brilliant. + + +SUN SILK. + +The sun gives lustre to fabrics and imparts colours which can be +supplied by no other means. In your planet such brilliancy is never seen +except in the sun itself. We have, for instance, a silk of a very +remarkable colour, which is highly prized by the ladies. Of this you may +form a remote notion if you imagine a bright silver green radiant with +all the vividness and brilliancy you sometimes see in the sunsets of +your southern climes. + +Some of our silks in the natural state are of a chalky white. This +silver green is obtained by exposing the silk, when woven into the +piece, to the rays of the sun during the half-hour after noon; no other +time of the day will answer as well. If the silk were kept beyond the +half-hour, the tint given would be unequal. The material is exposed to +the influence of the sun in a machine, which has two different actions; +by one, that lasts for a quarter of an hour, the silk is unrolled, and +by the other, which is of exactly the same duration, it is rolled back, +the two operations being so regulated as to finish in the half-hour two +"pangartas," equal to about twenty of your yards, the quantity required +for a lady's dress. The colour penetrates through the silk, but the side +exposed to the sun is the more brilliant. + +Our Ladies also wear a silk most beautiful in texture and colour, called +"Sun Silk." To obtain this silk, the sun is made to bear on silk-worms +at particular hours of the day, and the result is, that the silk of the +cocoon is of a colour resembling that of a bright sun. + +There are numerous other beautiful colours prepared in different ways +under the influence of the sun, and, by the action of the same luminary, +fabrics for ladies' dresses are endowed with the power of repelling +heat. + + +THE ART OF PLEASING. + +Women are instructed in the art of pleasing, and the handsomest and most +gifted exert themselves to this end. They are required to attend to +their personal appearance abroad and at home. The married especially are +enjoined to attend to this as much in the presence of their husbands as +before strangers. A different custom prevailed in former times, when +women after they had been some time married, thinking that their +husbands' affection was secured, gave themselves no further care to +please him, though still taking pains to appear handsome and fascinating +to others. It was for visitors and strangers that the most comely +apparel and the most engaging manners were put on; the consequence was, +that the husband often preferred the society of those who in appearance +at least seemed to care more for him than did his own wife. This was the +cause of much of the immorality which formerly existed in our world. + +The example, too, on children, was most injurious; it schooled them in +deceit and disingenuousness. My laws declare that those, whether man or +woman, are dishonest, who wear a behaviour to each other after marriage +different to what they did before, for they have gained the affections +of their victim by deceit--pretending one thing and doing another. + + + + +XXII. + + +COSTUMES. + + + "The harmonious beauty of dress gives often indication of the mind + of the wearer." + + +While speaking of materials for dress, I will venture to interrupt "the +preparations for the marriage" by giving a short description, of some of +our costumes. + +As certain of our manners and customs, besides having a character of +their own, may be said to partake both of your Eastern and Western +usages, so do our dresses partake both of your oriental and classical +costumes. + + +LADY'S COSTUME. + +The costume of the lady is loose and flowing. A jacket or bodice of +purple tissue covers the right arm, and one side of the body to the +waist, leaving the left arm, shoulder and part of the bosom exposed. + +A small waistcoat, made of a crimson tissue, is worn underneath the +bodice. + +The tunic is of white tissue, beautifully embroidered with a gold +thread. The short skirts show trousers of golden tissue, full, and not +unlike those of your Turks. They are confined at the ankle by anklets, +made of plain gold for the middle classes, whilst those worn by the +upper classes are of ravine metal, ornamented with precious stones. + +There are fringe trimmings to the tunic made of precious metals of every +variety of colour, selected for their lightness and beauty, and enriched +at their extremities with precious stones. The colours of the costume +vary with the taste of the wearer, but are selected to harmonise one +with another, and all with our brilliant light. + +The feet are protected by a sole secured either by sandals or by means +of an adhesive material. + +Women are not allowed to wear stays, or in any way to confine the waist. +Indeed such encumbrances would serve no good purpose, inasmuch as their +forms are actually beautiful; their spines, in consequence of their +physical education, are strong, and every part of the person, which +might otherwise possibly require support, is in its proper place. + + +HEAD-ORNAMENTS. + +In the hair is sometimes worn an ornament forming two wings, each +consisting of a single diamond, which moves on small fine hinges, and is +so arranged that the least breath of air will set it in motion. In the +centre uniting the two wings, is a small crimson stone surmounted by a +large round stone of purple-blue, from which sprouts out a very fine +dagger of a greenish-gold colour. The rest of the head-dress is made of +fine metal, chosen for its lightness, of the same tints. These metals +are of equal, perhaps greater value, than gold, but are chosen for their +qualities. The necklace and anklets correspond in character to the +headdress, with the addition to the former of one large pearl, which +hangs to the wings and rests on the lady's bosom. The bracelets are made +in your Greek style--bands of gold set with large pearls. The soles to +protect the feet are gilded with ravine metal. The sandals, which are of +purple enamel of a peculiar kind, are often ornamented with jewels. The +fan is composed of the choicest feathers of our native birds, and set in +ravine metal of the most beautiful kind, studded with pearls and other +precious stones. + +We have pearls, diamonds, and other precious stones of a very remarkable +kind, whose electricities are supposed to have a certain influence over +the wearer. Thus, diamonds in Montalluyah have, it is thought, a +tendency to increase the circulation; and when I have been fatigued by +excessive study, a chain of peculiar diamonds has been placed near my +skin to revive me. + +Ladies sometimes wear a small turban with a gold tassel on the crown of +the head. For the open air the head is covered with a turban, in front +of which is a small shade, which, by means of a spring, falls down and +protects the eyes and face from the sun. + +Ladies of superior quality rarely wear turbans, for they seldom go +abroad in the heat of the sun, and when they do, they are shaded by a +canopy, supported at each corner by a pole, and borne by four men. When +walking in their grounds ladies use long veils, covering them from head +to ankle, which they also wear when on horseback, but they never mount +in the heat of the sun. + +Every unmarried woman, without exception of class, wears a distinctive +feature on her dress. The drapery is fixed with a jewel to the right +shoulder, and the right arm is bare. On the other hand, the married +woman's arms are always covered with falling drapery, though by certain +movements she shows the arm. It is not till after marriage that the lady +is allowed to wear very elaborate costumes. + + +GENTLEMAN'S COSTUME. + +By men an elastic linen case or chemise, made of a material which will +stretch to any size, and cling to the form, is worn next the skin. This, +reaching just below the knee, is short in the sleeves, and very +ornamental about the neck, leaving the throat bare. It is changed daily +by the poor, and twice a day by the rich. Over it is worn a tunic of +rich material, with sleeves differing from each both in form and colour. + +The trousers of the men consist of a large mass of drapery of very fine +light material finer than cambric, prepared from leaves which have +passed through a certain process, and are afterwards woven. This is +wound round and round the leg. As many folds are required to protect the +body from the scorching heat, it will be seen that lightness is an +essential quality. The trouser, otherwise full, is narrow at the ankle, +where it is confined by a band of the same material, of gold or of +jewels, according to the quality of the wearer. Gloves are not worn by +men, but their trousers being so massive they can place their hands in +the ample folds when walking in the sun. + +Another important article of male attire is a large piece of drapery, +which, fastened in front and on one shoulder with a jewel chain, is +carried to the back, and being attached to the opposite arm, falls in +graceful folds below one knee, where it may be fastened. It may also be +thrown back and worn as a cloak or covering; in any case it descends in +graceful folds. + +The feet of our men are bare, and are rubbed with an oleaginous +preparation, which keeps them lithesome, and prevents them from being +browned by the sun. The under part of the foot is protected by a sole +secured by sandals. The hair, whether of the head or beard, is never +cut, and we have no shaving, but we have means to prevent the hair +growing on any part of the face. + +The colours of the costume vary greatly; each man selects according to +his taste, but they always harmonize. To give an example. If the drapery +were crimson on the outside, the inside would be blue; the tunic, a very +rich brown; the legs of the trousers, one red the other blue. + +The only ornament worn by the men is a chain of ravine metal, sometimes +plain, sometimes set with costly gems, and we have costumes all brown, +relieved by this chain alone. + +Out of doors the men wear a turban or head-covering, made of a very +light material, beat out to the thinness of the finest wafer, and +repellent of heat. It is very large, that the face and eyes may be +protected from the sun; and, moreover, it is furnished with a +contrivance by which a current of air is kept constantly playing on the +top of the brain. + + + + +XXIII. + + +PREPARATIONS +FOR THE MARRIAGE. + + + "Cling to each other, concentrate your hopes in each other, and if + peevishness on either side arise, chase it away by a smile." + + +Shortly after the choice of a husband has been confirmed, preparations +for the civil marriage commence. Night and morning the bride is purified +with baths of choice herbs and flowers. During the fortnight prior to +the solemnity myrrh and choice spices are added to the baths, and the +hair, to which great attention is given, is combed with a comb that +emits a peculiar perfume, which retains its force for months, attracted +by the warmth of the head. + +This comb is made out of one small part of the wood of a rare tree, the +rest of which has no particular virtue; so that from a whole tree, only +a single comb is obtained. Such combs are used solely for the brides, +and for every bride a fresh one is provided. The hair is combed down +loosely, the long hair hanging about the neck, shoulders, bosom, and +waist. + +The marriage costume is generally purple and gold, the rich being +magnificently attired, and wearing beautiful jewels in the hair, on a +small turban worn on the crown of the head, on the bosom, waist, hands, +arms, and one of the feet, which is bare, while the other foot is +covered with what may be called a silk sock, bearing various +inscriptions, such as-- + + "May thy footsteps lead thee to virtue." + "May thy footsteps bring thee and thine to glory." + +The bride is radiant with light and beauty; her face is not allowed to +be hidden, and her neck, shoulder, and bosom are left bare on one side. + +The parties meet in a great public hall, and in presence of witnesses, +after stating their wish to be "doubled," _i.e._ married, sign a scroll, +which the friends present subscribe. + +The names of the newly-married pair are written in large clear +characters, and affixed to the wall, that all passing by may see them. + +The size and height of the hall are immense, but when after a certain +time the scrolls accumulate, they can easily be rolled and raised +higher, and with equal facility be lowered when this is requisite. + +The civil ceremony over, we have feasting and rejoicing, and certain +observances not unlike what formerly took place in some of the marriages +among the more cultivated Eastern nations in your planet. + +Seven young maidens wait at the bridegroom's house to receive the bride. +The room intended for the reception of the married pair is beautifully +arranged, various-coloured ornamental glass reflecting subdued tints on +the objects around. + +On each side of the bridal couch is the figure of an angel holding a +scroll exhorting to wisdom, purity, love and truth. Hidden in the +drapery of the couch are self-playing instruments, whose soft music, +awakened by the agitation of the air, and accompanied by delicate +perfumes, sounds like the song of angels. + +The bridesmaids undress the bride and throw over her a silver-gauze +transparent lace, which gives her a fairy-like, vapoury appearance, as +she reclines on the couch, with her long hair partly covering the +beautiful outline of her figure, and the bridesmaids strew flowers +around her. + +When all is ready, the young maidens send to bid the bridegroom enter, +who, clad in a silken garment, is conducted by two friends to the +threshold of the bridal apartment. The seven maidens then chant a short +prayer, wishing the married couple all joy, and, each having kissed the +bride, depart. + +The day of the civil marriage is one of unalloyed joy. In the selection +of the day even the elements are studied by men specially devoted to +meteorology, who, with perfect infallibility, can predict the weather +for a fortnight. + +Three months after the birth of each child the marriage ceremony is +repeated, the same assembling of friends, the feasting, and the same +purification and adornment of the bride taking place as when the parties +were married. + +No religious ceremony, with the exception of a short prayer, takes place +on the day of the civil marriage. The bride and bridegroom are supposed +to be too much engrossed with the thoughts of their coming joys to give +proper attention to prayers pronounced by others. The bride and +bridegroom, however, are each expected to pray in private as their own +hearts may prompt, and some days prior to the marriage a paper is given +to each, in which some of the leading responsibilities and +considerations are noted, to the end that, if necessary, their pious +thoughts may be directed into the right channel. + +The religious ceremony takes place at a convenient period, when a year +has expired after the civil marriage, and we are justified in hoping +that the newly married pair, by their conduct to each other, have given +evidence that they are worthy of the blessings now to be solemnly +invoked. When the day arrives the bride is dressed in white without a +single jewel. Both she and the bridegroom prostrate themselves when +receiving the blessing. As the ceremony is supposed to be exclusively +religious, there is no feasting. + +If the couple have had any serious dissension during the year the +religious ceremony is postponed, but great efforts are made to reconcile +the difference, and if these are successful the solemnity takes place. + +When, on the other hand, a reconciliation cannot be effected, the law +insists on a separation of the parties, who, however, may be reconciled +at any time. As neither is allowed to marry again, polygamy is +forbidden, and as irregularities are out of the question, a +reconciliation can almost always be effected, unless, indeed, there is +some cause sufficiently grave to render a separation necessarily final. +Such causes are exceptional in the extreme. + + * * * * * + +The precautions taken in the selection of a husband and the watchfulness +of our system, prevent any great incompatibility of disposition, and the +existence of those evils which formerly were of daily occurrence. +Provision is made even for those accidents which sometimes occur after +marriage, and which of old had often led to disappointment and misery. +For example, when it happens that a child is still-born, or for some +reason must be put out of the way, neither the father nor mother is at +first made aware of the fact, but the loss is immediately supplied. +Every birth is instantly communicated by telegraph to the central +department, at whatever hour of night or day it may take place. The +number registered every instant is great, and the birth of twins is a +frequent occurrence. When a child is born dead, one of a pair of twins +is transferred to the mother, and placed in her arms. If she ask any +question the nurse and doctor answer her gently and kindly, but are not +allowed to mention the substitution. + +It is not until the patient is completely re-established, and all is in +order, that she is informed of what has passed, and she has then the +option of retaining the child, or of allowing it to be taken back to its +own mother. Cases of premature birth, or of deformed infants now however +rarely occur, except as a consequence of accidents which cannot be +prevented. + +Husband and wife are now really considered and treated as one. At places +of amusement, and in public conveyances, they pay for one only. In +calculating the number of persons present, we say, for example, "there +are 200 doubles, and 100 singles;" this with you would make 500--we +count them as 300 only. + + + + +XXIV. + + +FLOWERS. + + + "In the celestial spheres, flowers breathe music as well as + fragrance." + + +Allusion has been made to the use of flowers at the "choice" meetings, +as the medium through which the maiden indicates the gentleman on whom +her choice has fallen. + +Flowers are very beautiful in Montalluyah. They are highly cultivated, +and great pains are bestowed upon them; their names are given to stars +and to women, so that often a lady will at once be associated with a +beautiful flower and a brilliant star. + +Every flower has a well-known language of its own; many convey +comparatively long expressions of emotion, both pleasing and the +reverse, and the meaning of each may be qualified or increased by its +union with others. In the language of flowers all at an early age are +instructed. The meaning associated with each flower is universally +understood, its name at once conveying its language as distinctly as +though the whole of the sentence were spoken in so many words. Indeed +many interesting, and even long conversations are carried on between a +gentleman and lady through a floral medium. + +A young lady, instead of entering into conversation or expressing her +sentiments in words, may present a flower either in the first instance +or by way of answer. A married lady receiving visitors has generally +fresh flowers at hand, which she often separates to present one to the +visitor. + +The following are instances of language associated with flowers:-- + + +Vista Rodo.--A plant bearing a little flower like a diamond in +transparency and brilliancy, and exhaling from every green leaf a +beautiful perfume. + +"The stars in heaven thou makest to blush by the sweetness of thy + breath." + + "I deny not that they possess thy brilliancy, + But thy fragrance they deplore. + May I hope for the boon of thy lustre near me + Through the journey of life, + To teach me to be happy, + To cultivate my admiration of the beautiful, + To bid me seek the joys of home, + And teach me the greatness of my Maker!" + + +Oronza.--A flower unknown to your planet. It is white, the centre studded +with little spots in relief, so closely resembling turquoise and pearls +that unless touched they might be mistaken for real stones placed on the +flower. + + "At sight of thee, malignity flies away and the spirits of peace + and goodness surround me, encouraging me to + all great and noble deeds, making me forget to look + back on my folly, and bidding me gaze forward into the + future and the realms of hope. + + "You exalt me; you purify me; say you will part from me + no more." + + +Mosca.--The moss rose. + + + ...."Come to me, + Thy virtues are more brilliant than precious stones; + Thy breath exhales intoxicating perfume; + Thy beauty is a continual feast. + Tell me thy heart shall be my haven, + To my bosom I will press thee, + And thy leaves shall embrace me with their fragrant affection." + +Each kind of rose has its separate language. Thus, Javellina, the +single-leaf hedge-rose, is associated with lines indicative of "the +sweet purity of youth." Angellina, the white rose, is associated with +lines indicative of "gentle endurance and pure love;" and Orvee, the +yellow rose, with lines indicative of "affection combined with +jealousy." + + * * * * * + +Some flowers have qualified, some disagreeable meanings attached to +them. + +No man, however nearly allied to a lady, or however great his cause for +displeasure may be, is allowed to say to her anything unpleasant except +through the medium of flowers. + +The only exception is in favour of the husband, whose privilege is +seldom used; not only because it is thought more civilised to use +flowers as the medium on such occasions, but more especially because +marriages are now so well assorted that occasion for complaint scarcely +arises on either side. + +At the marriage meetings flowers having the slightest disagreeable words +attached to them are strictly forbidden. + +As an example of flowers having a qualified or disagreeable import take +the following:-- + + +Ragopargee.--The white lily. + + +"Cold but truthful, and as constant as the drops of Mount Isione." + + +In a small recess of Mount Isione two drops of water, clear as crystal, +constantly fall, having percolated the rock above. As soon as two drops +have fallen two others succeed, two being the invariable number. The +interval between the fall of each pair of drops is equal and scarcely +perceptible. + +These drops never cease to fall night or day, and they have already by +this accumulation formed a lake at the base of the mountain. + + +Voulervole--Convolvulus. + + "False allurements! + Thy beauty is to please but for a day, + Like the magnet it attracts us, + And then thou wouldst make us weep + By fading before our eyes. + + "Go, fickle flower, + For thou shalt not be mine + Until more lasting; thou canst learn to be." + + +Mooreska.--Fuchsia. + + "Thy beauty is dazzling; + But, alas! its bloom will fade + The nearer we approach. + For thy external attractions find no echo within. + I can never take thee to my bosom." + + * * * * * + +Romeafee.--The pink lily. This flower is associated with excessive +love of dress, and the language attached to it ends with the words. + + "As glaring to the eye as Kiloom." + +The gorgeous appearance of sunset is personified in +poetical legends by a master spirit, called "Kiloom." + +The colours of sunset are gaudy and vivid beyond +measure, and cast intense hues on all objects. Our +sunsets, though grand, are far from being so agreeably +soothing as those in your planet, but they leave an +after-glow, which gives light during the night when +darkness would otherwise prevail. + + * * * * * + +Flowers are profusely used in our great festivals. I +collect a fete given to me on the occasion of an anniversary, +when there appeared a cavalcade of one hundred camelopards, +bearing each on its back a kiosk, in which was a beautiful +woman. All the camelopards were united together, as it seemed +to the eye, by wreaths of flowers, though in fact these +concealed strong thongs, with which the animals were really +secured. Each animal was attended by a swarthy native of the +country whence it came. + + + + +XXV. + + +FLOWERS IMPROVED BY ELECTRICITY. + + + "Marry nature's gifts the one with the other, amalgamate + sympathetic electricities in their due proportions, and give + increased beauty to loveliness, even as ye give increased strength + to iron and marble, by welding their particles into one + imperishable mass." + + +We discovered the mode in which nature operates in the production of +plants and flowers, and our discovery has enabled us to give them new +forms and varied colours, to increase their natural odours and to endow +them even with fragrance of which in their natural state they are +devoid. + +Enclosed in every seed is a portion of electricity, and on this depend, +in the first instance, the life of the plant, its form and colour, its +leaves and blossoms. If any crack or injury to the seed has allowed the +electricity to escape, the growth of the plant is prevented. + +When, after some time, the seed having been sown, its electricity has +attracted a sufficient quantity of the electricity of the ground, and +the two electricities are, as it were, married, their united heat and +power force the seed to burst. + +Part of the united electricity serves for the leaves, and when its +supply is deficient the leaves wither and die, despite every effort to +preserve them. + +Another part serves to give form and impart colour to the plant. Green +is the colour that the earth, in connection with the electricity of +light, has the greatest tendency to generate. + +In many plants, after the electricity has thrown off its principal +strength in the leaves and blossoms, what remains sinks exhausted into +the root, there to repose, and, like a child forsaken by its mother, the +leaves become sickly and fade. When in due season the electricity again +becomes invigorated by repose, and by union with the electricity of the +ground, the united essences go forth again to seek the light and busy +themselves in the reproduction of foliage and flowers. + +The essence of the combined electricity having acquired additional power +from the contact with the electricity of light and of the sun, is forced +to the extremities and joints of the stem, where the forms of the flower +are permanently developed and preserved. + +The electricity concentrated or, rather, coagulated at the joints and +extremities of the plant there forms hard gatherings, which, after being +saturated with the electricity of light and of the sun, ripen and burst +into flower. + +There are, as you know, great resemblances in many of the operations of +nature. From observing the mode in which electricity thus coagulates and +forms gatherings or tumours in flower-plants, we acquired valuable +knowledge, including the secret of the formation of gatherings or +tumours of all kinds in the human body. + + +The sap of the plant is the repository or reservoir of the united +electricities, from which every part of the flower is to be nourished. + + +PROCESS FOR CHANGING FORM. + +This is an outline of our process when we would change the form of +flowers: + +A slip from a plant, according to the kind of flower desired, is placed +in a flower-pot filled with mould, the bottom of which can be unscrewed +and removed at pleasure. + +As soon as the slip has taken root, and the smallest fibres have sprung +from the stem of the plant, the form of the desired flower is made out +of a piece of ravine metal as thin as a piece of silk. + +This metal-flower, after immersion in a solution which attracts the +particular electricity to be used, is enclosed in a hollow block of the +same metal, corresponding to the flower form, from which it rises in a +shape somewhat like that of a funnel, till it ends in a very fine point +or orifice as fine and as hollow as the finest hair. This point is +inserted in the root of the plant. + +Underneath the metal-flower form is placed a bag of sympathetic +electricity, and the mouth of the bag is so arranged as to fit closely +round the form of the metal-flower in such a way that the electricity +has no escape but into the hollow metal block and through its fine, +hollow point. The metal point, previously to its insertion in the root +of the plant, is prepared with a solution to prevent the escape of any +of the electricity through its pores. + +As soon as the bag is opened the electricity is attracted into the metal +form, and having no other escape, proceeds instantaneously through the +funnel and through the hair-tube into the plant. In doing this, it +retains the form implanted by its contact with the metal model, and by +the forced passage through which it has become married with another +electricity. + +As soon as it is attracted by the solution with which the inside of the +metal is covered, a shock is produced which materially assists the +operation, by causing the electricity to imprint itself with greater +force and certainty on the embryo plant with which you will recollect +the hair-point has been connected. + +It is essential that the charge should be sufficiently strong to modify +or overpower the electricity already existing in the plant, in order to +change the form which this would otherwise take; but, at the same time, +care is taken that the charge is not too powerful, for in that case, and +particularly if an antipathetic electricity be employed, the flower +would be instantly killed. The electricity is therefore applied in +gentle proportions at first, and then the operation is repeated several +times. + + +PRODUCTION OF COLOUR. + +It is electricity that, as I have said, gives colour to plants. Their +varied tints depend on the sympathy or attraction of their electricity +to sun and light electricities. Particular parts of the plant, from the +nature of their fibre, have the power to attract larger portions than +others of the colouring electricities. + +When it is wished to produce different colours in the flower other +electricities are used, with or without those producing variety of form. +The electricities for producing colours are contained in small pouches, +as many in number as the colours we desire to produce. Then, being +placed together at the base of the flower-pot, each on the particular +part of the "flower form" which is to be affected, their orifices are +opened and the contents of each one are instantaneously emitted. + +Most plants are susceptible of every variety of colour; thus are +produced roses, pink, blue, green, lilac, brown, fire-colour, and +sun-colour, which last is a colour so brilliant that the eye that has +long gazed upon it stands in need of repose. + +Amongst the electricities for giving colours is sun electricity, +received in different ways. Again, the electricities of some birds give +lovely colours; and so does that of the gold-fish. Moss gives a colour +resembling fire-sparks. Frogs produce a beautiful violet. + +Where the flowers and leaves have not a decided perfume of their own, we +can give a beautiful fragrance to either, though not to both on the same +plant. To produce this result, we inoculate the plant with certain +fragrant gases. Our dahlias, unlike yours, yield a highly fragrant and +delightful perfume. + + * * * * * + +The plants treated by us in these ways are fitly called flowers, +presenting as they do a mass of blossoms and exhaling delicious +perfumes. They act, mediately or immediately, on the concentrated light +of the organization through the nerves of smell, as beautiful sounds +through the medium of the ear, or as beautifully harmonised colours +through the eye. You will recollect that a modification of concentrated +light is supposed to be the link through which the soul communicates its +impressions to the brain, on whose divisions it is made to act in +electric forms. + +Besides an infinite variety of flowers, we produce every variety of +colour and perfume in the leaves of the evergreens which adorn our +streets and habitations, emitting healthy and refreshing fragrance, +increased by every movement of the wind. + + * * * * * + +CREATION OF FORMS. + +Not wholly unconnected with this subject is the creation of electric +forms for amusement at a distance from the operator. This is effected by +the aid of tubes made from the membranes covering the eyes of birds, +which are invisible to the naked eye even when at a short distance from +the observer. + +In the mouth of one of these tubes, which spreads out slightly, is +placed a small form made of grains of powder obtained from the coloured +seeds of flowers, and, a bag of electricity being applied, the fluid +rushes through the tube. Instantly, at the other end, appears the figure +or form traced at the mouth, but of ordinary or gigantic stature, +proportioned to the power or quantity of electricity employed. + +The forms can be varied or changed at will, and have so life-like an +appearance that I have seen persons go up to the supposed gentlemen or +ladies and speak to them, and only discover that they were shadows when +they have come up close to them, or when the operator has at will made +them vanish. + + +I should tell you how our attention was first called to the subject of +reproducing forms by electricity. + +We had observed numberless instances in which copies of forms were +reproduced by electricity, as in the case of pictures in water, +reflections in mirrors, mirages, apparitions, and pictures in the air; +and had noticed that lightning would frequently imprint, on substances +like trees, pictures of surrounding objects. These appearances have, I +believe, been observed even in your world. + + +SUN-FORCING. + +There is a highly beautiful flower called Luania, a name of which the +approximate translation is the _soiree_ or "assembly" flower. Its +colours are most brilliant, but its blossom only lasts about ten hours. +When that short term has expired, the leaves fall, and nothing remains +but a small pod, containing seeds. + +In the following year, but not before, the flower blossoms again, and +falls in like manner. + +The seeds of the Luania do not mature for three years,--that is to say, +until after the flower has blossomed three times; but we have, however, +the means of producing flowers from the seeds in three days. + +The seeds are placed in handsome vases, which contain fine sand and some +new goat's-milk, and are covered over with perforated zinc, taken from +the great ravine, the metal having been previously prepared to attract +the rays of the sun. + +The vase, with the metal thus prepared, is exposed to the light of the +sun, between the hours of seven and eight in the morning. + +The power of the prepared metal is great, and so strongly attracts and +retains heat, that it renders the surrounding atmosphere quite cold. + +One hour in the sun is sufficient to bring leaves from the Luania. The +metal covering is then removed, and the vases are placed under a +forcing-glass, the power of which is doubled on the second day, and +further increased on the third. The flowers then appear at once clad in +all their brilliancy and beauty. + +The forced flowers, like the natural blossoms, which they excel in +beauty, live ten hours only, but they so far differ from them that +their pods do not contain seeds. + +The colours of the flowers are bright pink, golden, lilac, lilac striped +with white, and a beautiful green striped with white gold. The leaves of +this, instead of being green like the others, are of a coral colour +mixed with purple blue. + +The perfume of these flowers surpasses every other fragrance; it is most +refreshing, and a lady will have no other for a _reunion_ when she can +obtain this flower. + + + + +XXVI. + + +SONG OF ADMIRATION. + + + "The beautiful is an attribute of heavenly perfection. + + "Give vent to your emotions in words, in flowers, in music, and + above all in good and noble acts." + + +The enthusiastic admiration of the lover has modes of expression besides +the graceful presentation of flowers, and the soul-stirring breathings +of the harp. + +The following, to which I have added the explanation of certain terms, +conveys as nearly as may be the meaning of some verses addressed by a +lover to the object of his admiration. Many of the expressions will +probably be thought hyperbolical. You will, however, remember that our +pulsation is more rapid than yours. + + * * * * * + +Like Lertees[1] at sunrise, opening into life, are thine eyes; + +Sparkling and darting like Zacostees[2] the most rare. + +Their light overpowers as the air before a storm, when Raskutshi spreads +his wings across the temples of his people.[3] + +Soft as the Kamouska[4] thine eyes penetrate and search the soul with +ingenuity exercised by Orestee[5] to find a treasure. + +Sweet as the milk of the Meleeta[6] is thy breath. + +Thy breasts are like the electricity of Turvee.[7] + +Thy laugh is like the shooting of the stars,[8] silvery and wondrously +charming. + +Dangerous art thou, for thou allurest mankind from every pursuit, and, +like to the electricity of the whale,[9] dost thou draw us far and near. + +Then as the Martolooti[10] dost thou fascinate us to the spot. + +Graceful as the Castrenka[11] move thine arms. + +More playful than the Chilarti when it smiles,[12] and more luscious +than the juice of the Tootmanyoso's fruit[13] is the balm of thy lips. + +The charms thou displayest are like the perfume emitted by the +everlasting gulf;[14] + +Durable in their attraction as the Yurdzin-nod.[15] + +As surely dost thou penetrate the heart as the venom of the serpent +permeates the blood. + +Precious as the fat on the serpent's head[16] is the marrow of thy +bones. + +Firm as the Mestua Mountain[17] is thy will. + +In thy goodness thy maker must rejoice. + +Thy constant love doth make me live many lives in one; a day seemeth a +year, and a year but a day. + +Rise, wet thy feet,[18] and onward let us go to Stainer's fount.[19] + +There to calm our thirst before singing to our Maker's praise. + +And even as that sweet source ever flows, + +So may our lives flow to the end of time, as constant and as bright. + +Then come to my arms, and twine thyself about me, and I will support +thee with strength and power, as the Mountain Supporter[20] sustains the +air-suspended cities of Montalluyah. + + * * * * * + +EXPLANATION OF CERTAIN TERMS USED IN THE +PRECEDING SONG OF ADMIRATION. + +1. Lertees.--A lovely mountain spangled with transparent +stones, which is so resplendent at sunrise that none can look at it +without putting gauze before the eyes. Many of the stones were used to +ornament the Mountain Supporter. + +2. Zacostees.--Precious stones found near the tomb of a +celebrated and beautiful woman, named Zacosta, whose loveliness, +goodness, and varied talents, created for her many bitter enemies, and +exposed her to cruel persecutions. She died heart-broken, and her tears +are said to have been petrified into these precious stones called +Zacostees which are greatly prized as ornaments for turbans and for +ladies' bosoms. + +Though reviled and persecuted, Zacosta suffered without a murmur, and +rose superior to oft-renewed temptations, and to the bitter taunts of +the many incarnate evil spirits who called her an idiot simply because, +lovely and accomplished as she was, she patiently bore privations and +sufferings when many were ready to pour riches into her lap. To the last +she resisted the tempter, however fascinating the form he took, and +never lost faith to the day when she calmly closed a life in which she +had so greatly suffered. + +The legend adds that Zacosta was wafted by angels to one of the +celestial stars, there to dwell in love, peace, and joy, and that she +daily prays for the alleviation of the sufferings of her persecutors, +doomed to pass through bitter ordeals, so pure and magnanimous is her +spirit. + +It should be added, that according to the prevalent belief, the higher +order of spirits, those of the truly good, blessed in their own +celestial spheres with every joy, occupy themselves by seeking to +benefit others in the nether worlds. Their prayers are necessarily +unselfish, unless we regard as selfish the joys, to them great indeed, +which result from the delight of doing good. + +One of the leading principles of the system which I gave to Montalluyah, +namely, the promotion of those possessing superior talents, goodness and +industry, was intended to imitate the mode in which, according to our +belief, the spirits of the good are elevated to superior ranks of +spheres according to the manner in which they pass through their several +progressive states. + + +In Montalluyah slander is regarded with horror. A person of either sex +who slandered a woman, and even one who gave credence to a slander +without careful investigation, would be severely punished and condemned +to wear "the dress of shame," on which would be exposed the nature of +the offence, and the base motives of the traducer. + +In the cases of slander that occurred at the beginning of my reign the +offence was generally traced to envy, to the inferiority of the +slanderers to the standard of their victims whom they sought to reduce +to their own level, rarely to a desire for good. + +Our horror of slanderers had been increased by the persecutions which +numbers of virtuous persons like Zacosta had suffered from the +malevolent; the very anxiety of the innocent to repel accusations having +formerly been looked upon by our hot-blooded people as evidence of +guilt. Many had preferred to suffer in silence rather than seem to give +life and consistency to a charge by their efforts to repel it. + +We have a saying in Montalluyah that to attack beauty and goodness is to +attack Heaven itself, from whose attributes they are derived. + +3. Raskutshi.--Supposed to be the king of the air, and ruler +of all the zephyrs and spirits of the region. According to our poetical +legends Raskutshi comes near the Earth when angry, and his advent is +followed by a terrific storm. The air preceding certain storms in our +climate has a peculiar effect in creating a species of torpor. It is +then supposed that "Raskutshi spreads his wings over the temples of his +people." + +4. Kamouska.--A loving little animal like a bird, very +beautiful and gentle, with an eye of jet black, and of great brilliancy, +but softened when the little thing wishes to be petted. She likes much +the electricity of the mouth, and puts up her face as though wishing to +be kissed, at the same time emitting a beautiful musical sound. Her body +is covered with the softest down, finer than that of the ostrich or the +marabout. The feathers are of the richest gold and crimson, mingled with +grey, her breast of the richest crimson conceivable. The top of her head +is gold, the rest of her body greyish white, her beak pale pink, her +tail of green and gold, intermingled with touches of greyish-white and +red. She feeds on the blossoms of a flower growing amongst a peculiar +grass, and on all kinds of fruit. She does not drink, but is satisfied +with juices from the rich fruits which we have all the year round. +Kamouska, I should say, is the name of the female bird, who alone is +petted, the male being vicious and without feathers. Frequent reference +is made to her by our poets. + +5. Orestee.--The name of a man who invented an ingenious +instrument for discovering diamonds in the bowels of the earth, and for +penetrating to the spot where they lay. + +This instrument possesses an electricity sympathetic to diamonds only. +The presence of them is indicated by an exceedingly sensitive arm of the +instrument which being retained on the spot indicated, puts forth +tendrils that gradually perforate the earth, and do not stop until a +precious stone is reached. + +6. Meleeta.--A pet animal of most peculiar formation. Its body +resembles that of a beast, and is covered with hair of a light hue, +interspersed with dark chestnut spots. Its belly is white, as likewise +are the feathers of its bird-like wings and tail, though these are +varied with touches of crimson, blue, and gold. Its eyes are large, and +of a jet black, its neck is long and graceful like that of a swan, its +back is short and sleek, and its legs and feet, which are armed with +claws, are small, graceful, and mobile. But its most remarkable +peculiarity is the resemblance of its face to that of man. The males, +which have horns like polished white ivory, are not petted. + +The female yields a delicious milk, sweet and refreshing to the smell as +to the taste, and with peculiar qualities when taken fresh from the +animal. Meleetas are brought into the room during the early morning or +"fruit-meal" repast, and each answers to her name, and stands still to +be milked. + +I had one much attached to me, who would come of her own accord, flutter +her wings, and crouch at the top of my chair. The attendant was obliged +to milk the animal close to my chair, and the affectionate little thing +would watch the man until he handed me the milk, as though she feared he +might give it to one of the guests. Infants are suckled by these tame +animals. + +At the beginning of my reign the animals were very rare, and indeed +nearly extinct, their only food being the nut of a tree then extremely +scarce, for before the discovery of the application of electricity the +tree had been burnt for use. By my order large tracts were planted with +these trees, and there are now large enclosures in which herds of +Meleetas are preserved. + +The young are very precocious, and can soon be fed on nuts, and +consequently taken from the mother, who remains in milk for a long +time--nearly a year and a half. + +Great interest is taken in the Meleetas, and they are treated with much +gentleness, each having a small house to itself, lined with soft down, +and furnished with a perch. + +They are very intelligent and grateful, and I well recollect the +astonishment of my favourite when she laid her first egg. She would take +hold of my robe and pull me, that I might look at the novel production, +and she would make all the time a pretty noise like a laugh, seeming to +be astonished and overjoyed. + +I sometimes wore long flowing robes, and was often accompanied by this +little creature when I strolled through my grounds. If it was at all +damp she would hold up the hem of my garment with her mouth, that it +might not get wet. When with me in my study, she would crouch down and +remain quiet at my bidding. + +The Meleetas resent ill-treatment, though not spitefully. They can only +raise themselves a small distance from the ground, but I have seen one +when offended flutter, fly up quickly, and descend, giving the offender +a smart box on the ear with her wing. + +7. Turvee.--An insect whose electricity forcibly attracts and +subdues the power of man. + +8. Shooting stars are, in our legends, said to be companies of +good angels, linked in brightness and despatched from one star to +another, on messages of love and peace, sometimes to protect an inferior +world from the too great inroads of legions of evil spirits. + +9. Whale electricity.--Of all, the most powerfully +attractive. + +10. The Martolooti.--A basilisk, or serpent, possessing +wondrous fascinating power over its prey. + +11. Castrenka, or Flower of Grace.--A plant with two branches +only, which spontaneously or at the slightest breath move always +together in a most graceful manner. + +12. Chilarti.--A little pet animal, always playful and +smiling. + +13. The Tootmanyoso's fruit.--That is to say the Allmanyuka-- +the fruit invented by me, of which hereafter. + +14. The perfume of the everlasting gulf.--A gulf the waters of +which emitted a delicious fragrance, and when taken from the gulf would +not keep together, but separated into drops like tears. + +In our legends it is supposed that a lovely woman had for some grave sin +been turned into a gulf, and that her breathings were continually wafted +towards Heaven in prayer. + +15. The Yurdzin-nod.--The hide of the hippopotamus, which is +of extraordinary durability, and when prepared for use may be said to be +imperishable. + +16. The fat of the serpent's head is very precious, and is +used for many important purposes. Prepared in a certain way it is even +supposed to strengthen the intellect. + +The "mind-tamers" attending madmen--who were numerous when I began to +reign--carried with them this fat, and sometimes the head itself, as an +antidote against the contagion of insanity. + +17. The Mestua Mountain.--The largest in Montalluyah, supposed +to be the firmest and most lasting of mountains. By her firmness the +sea's mighty inroads have been arrested in their progress, and the +waters have been driven back. The "will," which is likened in firmness +to the mountain, is "the will to overcome evil." + +18. Wet thy feet.--This ablution is required before prayer. + +19. Stainer's fount.--Stainer was a good man, who was never +known to harm or pain any one by action or word, and from whom, as he +drank of its waters daily, the spring derived its name. The water, +wholesome and cooling, is said to be the purest in Montalluyah. + +Water, a thing of hourly use, and moreover supposed to enter largely +into man's organization, is in Montalluyah treated as of the utmost +importance to health, and its quality is watched with great care. The +water for the especial use of the city is collected in reservoirs, and +is always examined before the people are allowed to make use of it. If +certain electricities are wanting, though it might be faultless in other +respects, both the supplies, within and without, are stopped until means +have been taken to infuse the deficient electricity. The water from +Stainer's fount never required testing. This was always pure, never +changed its component parts, and never ceased to flow. + +20. The Mountain Supporter.--Reference to this great work is +made in nearly all our poems, which invariably refer to the beauty, +splendour, strength, firmness, durability, grandeur, and usefulness of +the work, and to its resemblance to my polity. + + + + +XXVII. + + +SYLIFA. + + + "Here the soul has illumined its temporary dwelling with rays of + light--the gift of Heaven." + + +Among the children of poor parents taken care of and educated by my +orders, there was a beautiful girl named Sylifa, the daughter of a +labouring man who worked in the ravines. + +In the early part of my reign I had been struck with her beauty and +intelligence, and directed that she should be brought up and educated in +my palace. + +Her eyes were almond-shaped, large, long, lustrous, and languishing; and +might be pictured by fancy as beaming with ethereal flowers, crystalline +fountains in all their brightness, painting, sculpture, and poetry. + +Her lovely mouth never gave utterance to a thought that was not kind and +good; indeed, all her features were beautiful, and the soft and +luxuriant hair hung down to her feet in graceful curls--the back hair +was much longer, and, when unbound, fell to the ground in rich masses. + +She had a musical, merry laugh, which, whether they would or not, could +set all present laughing, however seriously inclined. + +Her talents were many, her versatility was great; for she was +accomplished in various pursuits, and in most of them excelled. When +singing or playing the harp, her dreamy eyes were more than earthly, and +seemed as though beaming with poetry inspired of Heaven. + +The beauty of her mind could be read in her face; she looked so +heavenly, that when grown into womanhood I have, in a moment of +enthusiasm, been almost tempted to fold her in my arms; but I never +forgot my great mission, even in the most perilous moments. + +I took particular care of the lovely girl, and selected for her husband +a very handsome man and a great poet, who was chosen in due form by +Sylifa at one of our marriage "choice" meetings. + +The union was happy, though, perhaps, they loved each other too well. + +The married couple resided in my palace, and Sylifa continued to afford +to me and my guests the greatest recreation and amusement. + +She was very luxurious, and very particular in her habits. I have seen +her, while amusing us, suddenly (perhaps designedly), stop short, and +direct her attendant to bring the golden salver, telling us at the same +time that her hand (and she had exquisite hands) was a little soiled. +She would moisten them with the perfumed water, and then resume her task +of amusing us; our attention having, in the meantime, been kept in +breathless suspense. + +In my palace under the sea (for I had a submarine retreat, of which I +may speak hereafter) there was a large sheet or basin of water, in which +she would sport most gracefully, modestly attired, as a nymph of the +sea. + +She always identified herself with the part she sustained. As a sea +nymph, she could never be induced to speak; but, when we addressed her, +she always replied in musical tones, because, according to our legends, +mermaids always discoursed in song. + +In the basin of water there were willows, hung with small lyres, through +which Sylifa would show her face, and then, taking one of the lyres, +would play and sing exquisitely, always keeping up the illusion. + +She was very fond of a lion brought up in my palace, with which, as a +cub, she had played when a child. As a woman, she had complete mastery +over the noble animal. Both as a child and as a woman, she, with the +lion, formed the subject of many of the beautiful pictures that adorned +my palaces. + +For a particular reason, we once separated Sylifa from her husband for a +day. She refused to eat; neither would she retire to rest. As the day +was ending she walked into the room where I sat with my numerous guests. + +She said, "Do you love Sylifa?" "Yes," was my answer. "Then give me back +my Oma. Without him I die; already I droop; to-morrow I shall be no +more." + +When asked to amuse us, she said she could not; her heart was too heavy. +We tried to console her, but it was useless; she wept, and her long hair +was wet with her tears. + +After two days, we were obliged to restore Oma to the devoted Sylifa. + + +Sylifa was enthusiastic in her love of flowers. It was she who suggested +that, at the _fete_ of which I have spoken, the camelopards should be +united by wreaths of flowers. She sought and obtained my permission to +mount the tallest of the stately animals, and appeared, resplendent in +beauty, amongst the beautiful women who graced the _fete_. + + + + +XXVIII. + + +THE YOUNG GIRL RESTORED. + +MADNESS. + + + "A sleep of sorrow." + + +Formerly, as before observed, many were pronounced mad who were +perfectly sane, but madness itself was scarcely ever recognised until by +violent actions or incoherent words the patient had excited fear in +others. Numbers, afflicted with incipient madness, might have been +easily cured had its presence been detected; but they were allowed to +inflict great injury upon their neighbours. This they did the more +effectually as their madness was not even suspected until the symptoms +of the malady became too glaring to be disregarded. + + +I will relate to you a case which presented some remarkable features. A +little girl about four years old fell down some stone steps, and +received a violent blow across the nose, which swelled enormously. She +probably was otherwise injured, but the injury on the nose was the only +one then observed. After some time the effects of the accident were to +all appearance completely cured. + +As the girl grew in years, she gave signs of marvellous talent. But +apparently unable to apply herself to any particular pursuit, she became +wearied of one thing after another, and continually thirsted for +novelty. This incessant love of change extended to everything, to +friendship, love, dress, amusements; to the most serious and most +trifling matters. She was happy and melancholy at intervals, and always +in excess; nay, in her fits of extreme despondency she would even +meditate suicide. + +Though disliked by some for her wayward and capricious disposition, she +was a great favourite with others. I should add that she was extremely +beautiful, indeed lovely, very witty, highly gifted, and withal so +fascinating that she never failed to charm every one at the first +interview, the novelty of the excitement, and a natural desire to please +giving impulse to her will. Although possessing so many gifts, she was +very jealous and envious of others. + +Many were the offers of marriage which she accepted in succession, +abandoning one suitor after the other without any adequate reason or any +feeling of compunction. At length she unexpectedly accepted a man of +whom she had scarcely any previous knowledge. + +The marriage, made at her request in a headstrong fit of impatience, +took place a few days after the proposal had been made. A child was +born, but long before its birth she had become tired of her husband. The +child she loved passionately at first, but soon became weary even of +this object of her tenderest affection, and looked upon it with +indifference! All these events had taken place during the reign of my +predecessor. Under my laws such a marriage would have been impossible. + + +At the age of twenty-six a frightful accident happened to this lady--she +fell into a vat of scalding liquor--a beverage prepared with honey. We +have a very effective remedy for scalds, and, though severely burnt, she +was eventually cured, but the fright had sadly shocked her nerves; a +violent fever seized the blood, she fell into a trance, her eyes were +fixed and glassy, and she gave no signs of movement except by swallowing +the little nourishment that was offered her in a liquid form. + +This trance lasted some days. On awakening, the patient asked with the +tone and manner of a child, how old she was? She was extremely calm, and +a remarkable change had come over her. On the doctor's asking why she +inquired about her age, she replied that during her sleep she had been +in what seemed a long, sad, and changeful dream! She then related some +details of the injury she received when at four years old she fell down +the stone steps. Those around her at first thought that her mind was +wandering, but this notion was soon dispelled. She spoke of incidents of +her life extending over many years, as though they passed in a dream; +one incident of this dream being that she had given birth to a child, +and suffered acute pain. At one moment she saw herself in a family of +strangers who were very kind, but she knew them not,--then she saw her +family in great grief. + +One of the impressions that this seeming sad dream made upon her was, +that swarms of insects had followed and enveloped her on all sides, +stinging and causing her excruciating suffering, which had extended over +a series of years of more than lifelong duration. + +Sometimes in moments of despondency she saw the beautiful form of an +angel radiant with light, who spoke to her in soothing tones, and +entreated her to be patient, assuring her that her sufferings were +ordained for a good end, and that by patience and the sweetness of her +nature, she would attain the power of casting from her the torments she +endured, and that after doing much good during her mortal career she +would, when her time came to quit the world, be placed high amongst +myriads of angels. She said that whenever urged by despair to relieve +herself from her pains by a desperate course, this bright and beautiful +angel would stand before her and pour words of consolation and hope into +her ear. + + +In relating the incidents of her supposed dream, her whole manner was so +different from the former state of excitement, to which her friends had +been accustomed, that all saw she was perfectly rational, although +relating as a dream what had occurred during twenty-two years of her +actual life. It seemed as though all the time that had elapsed since she +was four years of age belonged as it were to another and differently +constituted brain; and that she had now resumed the thread of her life +from the time when she was four years old, the period of the first +accident. + +When the husband and child were brought to her she knew them not, though +she had some vague notion of having seen them in her dream. The husband +prayed her to return to him: she said she was not his wife, and could +not accept him as a husband; that she felt no love for the child, and +could not even like it as a playmate. She recollected her parents when +they were twenty-two years of age, and could not understand how they +could be so much changed. + +In all her occupations and amusements she acted as a young child, but +she gradually increased in understanding, and in sixteen years after her +recovery she became a most accomplished person, without, however, +possessing the varied talent of former times. She lived seventy-two +years after the trance (in all ninety-eight years) now a short life with +us; but never, till the day of her death, could she understand that she +had lived during the twenty-two years which filled up the space between +the first and second accidents. Strange to say, during that interval, no +one had suspected that her brain was affected. Nearly the whole period +had elapsed before the commencement of my rule, or the evil would have +been detected and remedied, not by confining the patient and driving her +into madness, but by gentle means. + + +The medical officers had no doubt of her complete re-establishment: +besides, shortly after her return to calmness they applied the tests +recently discovered, and the result furnished conclusive evidence that +the malady had been eradicated. On an examination after death there was +indeed, as the doctors thought, an unhealthy absence of certain +microscopic animalcula, the effects of whose continued presence in +excess in one portion of the brain to the detriment of others, lead to +madness. The substance of the brain was poor and watery, and it seemed +as though at other times there had been more brain than was then found; +the lining of the brain was coated with a substance in outward +appearance not unlike the fur which sometimes accumulates on the tongue +in a fever. The doctors had reason to believe that this fur was composed +of the remains of the insects which, probably, had been killed at the +time of the second accident, either by the shock or the fumes of the +boiling liquid, and it was to this accidental circumstance that they +were inclined to attribute the recovery of those parts of the brain +which had remained, as it were, slumbering since the first accident. + + + + +XXIX. + + +THE LITTLE GOATHERD. + + + "The flower is hidden until the electricities of the sun and light + draw it forth into life and beauty." + + +In speaking of the "choice of a husband," I referred to the only case I +recollected where the lady's hesitation rendered a third meeting +necessary. The exception was interesting. + +Early in my reign, whilst one day walking near the sea-shore, I was +struck by the appearance of a little girl who was attending a flock of +goats. A kid had fallen over a rock into the sea. The child was a lovely +creature, with a beautiful complexion, handsome and expressive eyes, +small hands and feet, and silken hair flowing over her shoulders. Her +beauty was heightened by the expression of tenderness and grief at the +loss of the kid. I was greatly interested, and watched her movements +unperceived. She showed great intelligence and presence of mind. + +Near the sea grows a peculiar kind of stringy reed, very strong and +pliable. She tied several of these reeds together, made a noose at one +end, and with the other end tied herself to a rock near the edge of the +precipice, that she might not overbalance herself, and be dragged down +in her endeavours to recover her kid. She then threw down the noose at +the other end of the line, and after one or two attempts succeeded with +great dexterity in getting it round the body of the kid, which she +gradually hauled up to the rock where she stood. Her movements were most +graceful, and her address and dexterity truly astonishing. As soon as +her success was complete she fondled and embraced the kid as though it +had been a favourite sister whom she had saved. + +In straining over the precipice she had drawn the knot that secured her +to the rock so tight that she could not liberate herself until I came to +her assistance and set her free. I then talked with her, and found that +she had remarkable capacity, tenderness, and sweetness of nature, but +was altogether uninstructed. I said to myself, it is impossible that a +creature could be found so beautiful and intelligent unless Providence +had intended her for something better than her present occupation. + +By my orders she was thoroughly educated and cared for. She showed great +aptitude for her appointed studies, and having passed one ordeal after +another with great honour, she was ultimately, thanks to our +institutions, deemed worthy of a superior rank, and became one of our +great ladies. In mind, form, and feature, she was a remarkable person, +and her manners were most sweet and fascinating. She was a frequent +guest at my palace. I delighted in her discourse on the rare occasions +when my occupations gave me the opportunity of conversation. + +Gratitude to her benefactor had given rise to a deep affection. +Observing this I told her that the peculiarity of my position, and the +necessity for completing my great work, had decided me not to marry, and +that the affection of a friend was all that I could give her. Marry, I +said, and I will always watch over you. Had I married, she would have +been my choice. In obedience to my wishes, she allowed the "marriage +choice meeting" to be called. She was so beautiful and engaging that the +number of competitors was far beyond that required to complete the +meeting. The suitors selected were the most promising young men in the +city, and held the highest positions, but all the three several marriage +meetings remained without result, except to confirm her resolution not +to marry. + +By our laws every woman, however high in rank, who elects to remain +single, is obliged to follow a calling adapted to her capacity and +inclination. This interesting person possessed a peculiar talent for +inventing and improving ciphers for telegraphic correspondence. This +talent was turned to account. She was also entrusted with the +superintendence and examination of the reports made by those charged +with the instruction of the clerks engaged in the telegraph department, +and proved superior in every important quality to any of the men +occupied in similar pursuits. + + + + +XXX. + + +DECORATIONS FOR AGE AND MERIT. + + + "...The gate of future success, honours, and riches is always open + to you." + + +The ornaments, of which I have before spoken, are independent of +decorations worn by women as distinctive marks of age; for the age of a +woman entitles her to peculiar privileges above others younger than +herself, and her decorations are so worn, that these privileges may be +at once recognised. At the end of every five of our years, she is +entitled to a decoration indicative of her age, and the mode in which +the last five years have been passed. Strange as it may appear to you, +with whom old age is associated with feebleness, loss of beauty, and +decayed powers--it is by our ladies looked upon as a privilege, of which +all are very jealous. If such a thing were possible, it would be a gross +insult to say that a lady was younger than was indicated by the last +decoration which she had received; and even the five successive years +are marked by five small appendages, one of which is added each year, so +that she may not lose even one of the years to which she is entitled. + +Amongst other marks of respect shown to age--a younger woman, passing +her senior in years, is expected to give her the inner side of the path, +and to salute her in passing. + +No mistake can be made as to the particular nature of the decoration, +and consequently of the number of years to which the lady is entitled. +Each of the numerous decorations differs entirely from the others. A +decoration called the "Matterode," consists of the model of a very +beautiful bird, that has the peculiarity of always looking upwards, as +though its thoughts were borne to the celestial stars. The wings of this +bird,--from which the Order derives its name,--are fixed in a peculiar +way, and move in graceful motion, so as to suggest the movement of an +angel's wings. + +The plumage of the Matterode is as though it were studded with precious +stones; so bright are the dots all over the body and the wings. + +The decoration is of exquisite workmanship, and made of our choicest +metals, varied in colour, and set with precious stones, to imitate the +bird's plumage. + +This decoration is presented to a lady who, having by her conduct and +years earned successive decorations, has passed the last five years +unexceptionally and uprightly in all things, and has, besides, shown +intelligence of a high grade. + +If, during the five years succeeding that in which she won the +"Matterode," this lady remains unaltered in greatness and goodness, she +is entitled, in addition, to a decoration of considerable value, in +which the "Mountain Supporter"--which gives its name to the Order, is +faithfully copied in the purest and most beautiful metals. And as the +"Matterode" is an intimation that the beauty of the wearer's actions +justifies her in looking upwards to a future home in the celestial +stars, so does the Mountain Supporter indicate her firmness, power, and +strength, that nothing in Montalluyah can surpass. + +When either of these decorations is worn, the greatest honour and +respect are paid to the wearer. All know that none can possess it +without having gained it by sterling merit and goodness of the highest +order. The checks used in our system are of such a nature, that no +favouritism, no accident--nothing but the wearer's years and conduct-- +can obtain this, or indeed any other Order. + +If the conduct of the woman during the five years she wears the +Matterode had been marked by any deviation from goodness, an occurrence +scarcely heard of, a qualified decoration would be presented to her, +which, though beautiful, and indicating the age and position beyond +doubt, would give evidence that a little cloud had sometime during the +past period, affected the vivid colours of the illumined sky! There are +various ways of modifying the Order so as to show the estimate of +conduct, all differing according to the degree of the offence. But if +the wearer's conduct during the five years of the qualified term is +unexceptionable, the decoration for the subsequent five years would be +the same as though nothing had occurred in the meantime to interrupt the +lady's title to the highest decoration. + +Again, if any person, even one who had gained the Matterode, were to +commit something--a decidedly wrongful act--the decoration, during the +following five years, would perhaps consist of a Foot trampling on a +hippopotamus or on a serpent, thus indicating the necessity for bearing +down sin, which is symbolised by both of these creatures. + +You will at once see how easily the two first decorations I have named +are distinguishable from each other, and how the last is distinguishable +from both; and so it is with all the others, too numerous to mention +here. + +However, by their education, and the laws and customs I introduced, +Woman possesses so high a sentiment of honour, and so much becoming +pride, that the instances of degradation from the two first orders has +been remarkably rare--scarcely worth referring to except to show that we +never hesitate to put the laws in force against the highest personages, +even in those cases where, under another system, our sympathies might +have led us, perhaps unconsciously, to screen the offenders. In my laws +on this subject, it is declared, that whilst mercy and goodness are on +one side, might and justice are no less on the other side of the +celestial throne. + +What I have said of these orders is applicable in a great degree to all +the others. + +In our world all particulars of conduct and goodness, as well as +deviations from them, are known; nothing on these heads is, or indeed +can be concealed. I am now speaking of an advanced period of my reign; +for at first, and in what I may call the intermediate or transition +period, it was otherwise. Then there were many laws and precepts +established which are now all but obsolete,--for since, the occasion for +appealing to them scarcely arises. As an example, the love and practice +of truth are amongst the very first things inculcated in the child, and +are now everywhere and by all classes practised in Montalluyah. Laws, +then, which suppose the possibility of a deviation from truth are +scarcely ever appealed to--such as, for instance, the precept, "Ask not +your neighbour what you know he wishes to conceal, lest he lie," and the +accompanying law preventing one person from annoying another with +improper questions, and thus probably drawing forth untruths. These, +like the laws and precepts enjoining all to industry, and many others, +belong to a bygone age, and to another state of things, and were only +needed in the intermediate epoch, just as particular remedies were then +required to cure the diseases of those who, having been born before my +reign, had in their childhood and youth been weakened by disease, or had +received into their systems the germs of future intense suffering, +which, had the child been born later, would have been completely +eradicated in their incipiency. But as these maladies existed in the +intermediate epoch in their virulence, we were for a time obliged to +continue the principle formerly adopted,--that of expelling one poison +by administering another. + +The fact that everything belonging to women is now known and adequately +recognised and rewarded makes them contented and happy. Under the system +existing before my reign this was not so,--the most beautiful were often +the most discontented; they were more easily acted upon by evil spirits, +who assumed the fairest and most seductive appearances to lure their +victims; they were often the most susceptible to flattery, and easiest +led astray; and when once drawn from the proper path, they were the most +cruelly persecuted by a class of inferior persons, who, had their own +secret conduct been known to man as it is to a superior order of beings, +would never have dared to throw even the smallest stone at their poor +persecuted sister, who had, as was often the case, been led astray by +the very excess of a virtue which defective education had left +unbalanced by its regulating qualities. + +Although it was one of the best known precepts of our religion that the +fold should always be open to receive the strayed sheep, these +piety-professors, with this precept on their lips, took care that the +strayed ones should be cruelly worried and scared from the fold. + +This, however, is not surprising when it is recollected that those who +were themselves most impure were ordinarily the first to vilify and +persecute the offending one. From tests, the accuracy of which left no +doubt, I learned that this acrimonious bitterness against their +suffering sisters was nearly always instigated by a desire to conceal +their own defects, to raise themselves, as they thought, by depreciating +others, and to lay hypocritical claim to a superior austerity and +goodness which was not theirs. The really pure--and for the honour of +the past age of Montalluyah, I must say there were some few who were +truly good--were those only from whom the sinner received sympathy and +encouragement to return to the path which had been for a time forsaken. + +Even she who receives a qualified or indifferent age-decoration can, if +she pleases, bring her case before the kings, and strict justice is +invariably done to all. None rebel in word or spirit, but all invariably +use their efforts to recover lost ground before the time arrives for +receiving the next decoration. In these laudable efforts they are +assisted; all means being used to cure the patient. When, from tests +ofttimes repeated, we are satisfied that the penitent's reform is +complete, she is received with open arms by the highest of her rank, as +though she had been ever spotless; and at any time to remind her of the +past, or even to make to another the slightest allusion to what had +occurred, would be looked upon as a heinous offence, and punished +accordingly. Thus, a qualified order acts at the same time as a censure +and a protection. + + +ADVOCATES. + +I ought to mention that there are advocates selected by the State from +amongst the most eloquent and able men, charged specially to bring +before the proper tribunals every case where any persons, men or women, +think themselves wronged. There are also able men, advocates to +represent the interests of society. The former, or people's advocate, if +he thinks right, advises his client by the gentlest means to desist from +her cause; but if his efforts prove ineffectual, which seldom happens if +he is right, he is bound to proceed with the case, and if necessary to +bring the question before the kings. Did there prove to be any real +doubt or serious difficulty, the case would be referred even to me. The +advocates of society, like the people's advocates, are disciplined in +the practice of truth and justice, and if they think that there is +anything in the case in favour of the appellant they are honourably +bound to state it to the tribunal. This is done in the interest both of +justice and of society itself, which might otherwise be injured in the +person of one of its members. + +Both classes of advocates occupy very high positions, and would not +condescend to take fees of their clients. They are wholly remunerated by +the State. They have no interest in the issue, and are equally honoured +whatever the result may be, for society always gains by a just decision. + + * * * * * + +I may here mention a privilege belonging to every woman of every rank +and of every age, viz., that, when a man meets a woman in the street, he +is expected to bow, and, unless accompanied by a lady, he must step off +the principal path till she has passed. Any one omitting either of these +marks of respect would be considered vulgar and ill-bred. He would be +severely censured, and a repetition of the offence would render him +amenable to more decided punishment. + + + + +XXXI. + + +BEAUTY. + +HEALTH--LONG LIFE--INFANTS. + + + "A precious gift from Heaven." + + +"How rare is beauty!" was formerly a common exclamation in Montalluyah. +It _was_ rare indeed; for although children were generally handsome and +well formed, the adult too often became misshapen and ill-favoured. +Deformity was the rule, beauty the exception. + +Even amongst those who were called handsome there were scarcely any who +fulfilled every condition of the beautiful. A critical observer would +have found defects in the beauty of the features, in the form, in the +foot, the leg, the arm, the hand, the fingers, the teeth, the neck, the +throat, the head, the hair, the complexion, the contour, the carriage. +One, and generally more, of the many essentials constituting the +perfection of beauty would be wanting. + +Hence, when our great artists required an ideal of beauty in painting or +in sculpture, they would take several models, each supplying some +beautiful detail not to be found in the rest,--one model furnishing the +features, another the general outline, each a separate limb. So +difficult, if not impossible, was it then to find perfection of detail +in the same person. Nay, even this expedient did not ensure success; the +models differing from each other in size, complexion, and general +proportions, complete harmony was rarely obtained, and, judging from our +old painting and sculpture, I should say that no ideal was then produced +equal to that which in Montalluyah now exists in the living form. +Beauty, formerly the exception, now constitutes the rule, the ill +favoured and deformed being more rare than were the handsome in +preceding reigns. + +To beauty is now added longevity; for, as I have before stated, the +duration of human life is extended to a period which formerly would have +been thought fabulous. This assertion will probably be received by you +with an incredulity, which will not be diminished when I add that, +notwithstanding the great increase in man's years, all his faculties are +preserved in a state scarcely less perfect than that of pristine +manhood. The eye is not dimmed, there is no deafness, the limbs are +strong and agile, the teeth remain free from decay, pleasing to the +sight, and valuable for the chief purposes for which they were given. In +a word, whatever can contribute to beauty and health in man and woman +remains all but intact to the last. Decadence in any particular, if so +it may be called, is scarcely less marked than is the almost +imperceptible decline by which man descends, or rather ascends, +peacefully to another state of existence. + +The facts I state would appear less extraordinary, nay, they would be +regarded as the natural and inevitable result of an actual state of +things, if you knew all that is done and prevented in Montalluyah to +protect the health, strength, beauty, and intelligence of the child from +its birth, indeed prior to its birth; for with us the care of the mother +precedes that of the child. Nor is our care confined to infancy; it is +extended to later years, and does not cease until the limbs, both of +male and female youth, are developed, and their joints well knitted; +until their features and person have received the impress of beauty, and +their intelligence is matured to the healthful extent required by +nature. + +You should also be conversant with the means that are taken to secure +the health of the city, the purity of the water and air, and the +wholesomeness of food, the extreme cleanliness, and the general +precautions taken for the prevention of disease, and of that prostration +and waste of vital force by which disease is preceded, accompanied, and +followed. You should realise, in thought at least, the blessed results +of the employment of all in congenial occupations, and the contentment +of each with his lot! You should also be able to realise the +ever-multiplying inventions and discoveries resulting from our system, +all tending to promote human perfectibility and happiness, every +successive step being assisted by the one preceding, as well as by +innumerable co-operations, all tending to one grand result. + +You should also bear in mind that these inventions and their resulting +forces had originated with and were governed by none but natures prone +to good; powerful men from whose organization early education had +eliminated the germs of evil propensities. + +You should also realise the advantages arising from the fact, that +whilst elevating knowledge, and rendering the rich happy in the +possession of their wealth, my laws protect those who formerly would +have been called poor. As there is no misery resulting from the neglect +of society, or from the selfishness or oppression of man, poverty in +your sense of the word does not exist. They, who are qualified for a +"poor" grade only, are nevertheless the objects of solicitude and care +to so great an extent that, whilst under my system the happiness and +enjoyments of the rich are greatly increased, the poor are far happier +and have keener enjoyments than the rich of former times, when the +acquisition of money or its indifferent expenditure was the dominant +thought in the minds of all. + +You should also appreciate, in part at least, the effects of the +numberless sights of beauty everywhere in Montalluyah, within and +without, in the houses and the public thoroughfares, all by their +influence on the mother, the child, and the adult contributing towards +perfection of form, beauty, intelligence, and length of life. + +Amongst other things, one result of the labours of the Character-divers +must not be forgotten. The mobile countenances of our people are easily +impressed with the marks of their emotions, and formerly nothing was +more plainly furrowed on the countenance than signs indicating bad +passions and evil propensities, the eradication of which with the +development of good qualities (one of the principal duties of the +Character-divers) has had a remarkable effect in adding to loveliness of +expression, in improving the features, and even in increasing the +elegance and gracefulness of the form and bearing. + +Had I been content with a mere ordinary increase of beneficial results, +any one or more of the numerous precautions taken would have done much +good; but my object was to establish my laws on so broad a foundation +that no adverse gale could shake the edifice,--that the laws should be +strengthened one by the other, that every one should be interested in +observing and supporting institutions under which he enjoyed the largest +amount of happiness, and that, strange and visionary as it may seem to +you, the necessity for punishment might be diminished, and eventually +removed. + +I should have as little thought of erecting the tall and graceful but +huge Mountain Supporter without a broad and solid foundation as of +establishing my laws, all tending as they did to the perfectibility and +happiness of the people, without spreading their base in all directions, +and taking care that the human instrument through which the soul acts +was fortified and prepared to respond to its noble ends. + +I had early perceived that to obtain the desired end, every particular +must be studied and provided for, so that all elements of enduring +success should be united, and all obstructive elements removed. I felt +that no effort, care, or thought would be too great if it would only +produce the desired results, by securing health, beauty, intelligence, +and long life in man, to the utmost extent that nature permitted. + +I felt that the boon of long life would greatly lose its value, even if +it could have been otherwise obtained, unless man's forces were +economized, and the senses and faculties preserved in health and vigour +to the last; that without these the happiness of man in every stage, and +even his obedience to my laws, and my power to dispense with +punishments, would be greatly impaired. For I had observed that the +sufferings and degeneracy of the man would make him discontented, +restless, and miserable, notwithstanding the blessings with which +Providence had surrounded him. + +Discontented men--and discontent and wickedness are not far apart--would +have used the new powers for their own wicked purposes, just as formerly +they rent the veil that concealed from the uninitiated the secrets of +powers in nature; having been admitted under the guise, or rather while +in temporary possession of all the great qualities of will, undaunted +courage, energy, and perseverance. + +Had I not reflected on this danger, I should only have allowed numbers +of persons to receive an education which, neglecting the paramount +principle of eradicating the faults of men of talent, would have laid +them open to the promptings of evil spirits, by whom, perhaps, under the +guise of beneficence, they would have been led to use the powers of good +for purposes of evil. Our very progress would have given strength to +powerful bad men, and my system, in spite of improvements, would have +carried within it the cause for its own eventual destruction. + +Many beautiful systems had been tried in Montalluyah, but, from +inattention to small details, they had perished. The men who used for +evil purpose powers given them for good, have unknowingly laboured to +their own destruction and that of the highly civilized communities where +they dwelt; which have thus been swept from the face of the earth. + +They had tasted the fruits of the Tree of Knowledge before they had been +thoroughly disciplined in the powers of resistance and of self-denial. +Hence the wholesome food was changed to poison; the sweet waters were +made bitter; the stream, which in its fullness bore fertility and +refreshment, burst its banks, and carried destruction everywhere. + +So was it even with the priests of one of our ancient religions, who had +the custody of great secrets intended for good. During a time extending +over some generations, they practised the virtues they inculcated, and +used their power for a beneficial end. They increased their power by +their virtue and goodness; but their successors, from whose natures the +minute germs of physical and mental perversity had not been removed, +used their increased might for evil purposes, enervating to the +governing will, and to the directing powers necessary to guide an +irresistible force. + +It is known that the results of every act, whether good or evil, will be +felt for all time. The result of evil was likened in Montalluyah to a +virulent disease, which had its beginning in a minute germ; a good act +to an ear of nourishing corn, that goes on propagating till it has +supplied nations with food. + +It was not enough that my laws worked with the beauty, regularity, and +unity of a well-balanced machine, the parts of which assisted each other +in attaining the immediate object of its construction. The political and +social machine possessed also the faculty of acquiring at every movement +increased powers of production. + +I had satisfied myself that amongst the numerous precautions to be taken +to secure the highest degree of beauty, power, and intelligence in +adults, on which so much depended, was the care of the infant, and that +this should commence from the earliest period, before the features, +form, and organization had received the first approaches of enduring +outline, since then all would be in a malleable or plastic state, ready +to take any impressions caused by accident or design, whether tending to +good or evil, to beauty or deformity. + + +RIDICULE ATTACHING TO THE SUBJECT OF BABIES. + +Before my reign eminent men, statesmen, legislators, and philosophers, +scarcely _condescended_ to notice such "trifles" as were comprised +in the nurture and care of infants. Perhaps in a worldly sense they were +right, for those who had attempted to instruct others in these +all-pregnant "trifles" had been invariably ridiculed for the interest +they took in "babies," and such-like "trivialities," which, in spite of +many lessons, the people would not regard as possibly prolific of serious +results. + +The contempt thus thrown even on eminent men was the more extraordinary, +inasmuch as our sages had familiarized the people with the grand truth +that the greatest effects are often produced by trifling causes; that +out of the little egg came the large eagle of the country, and the huge +boa-constrictor; that innumerable mighty operations in nature have their +origin in small beginnings; that the narrow rivulet goes on gathering +strength till it becomes the Great Cataract; that the minute plague-spot +generated the virulent disease; that the acorn produces the oak; that +the impaired seed failed to produce goodly fruit; that a small drop of +leaven affected a huge mass. Lessons on the fecundity of little things +had indeed grown into commonplace household words. + +Besides these lessons of the wise, love and respect for children were +mingled with the religions feelings of the people; for Elikoia, the +founder of our earliest civilization, was a child when he led the people +from idolatry to the worship of the living God. + +All these considerations, however, were insufficient to shield great men +from the contempt thrown on them and on their words, when they had the +courage to let it be known that they occupied themselves with things +which, to an ordinary observer, seemed beneath notice. + +From the first, however, I had been convinced of the importance of the +despised "little" things, and looked not so much to the dimensions of +the instrument as to the amount of good or evil it was capable of +effecting, having learned by experience that the magnitude of results +was often in an inverse ratio to the means employed, more especially +when applied in due season. + +Soon I discovered that many of the maladies incident to children, to +youth, and to adults, owed their origin to the neglect and injudicious +treatment of the infant. I had seen numbers of interesting children, +with handsome features and well-formed limbs, who in their riper years +had become ugly, with ill-favoured features, sallow complexions, bad +expressions of countenance, misshapen forms, and crooked limbs. Many who +in early years had displayed great intelligence had become positively +stupid. It was not that the intelligence had been prematurely developed, +but that the organization had been prematurely injured, and the +brain-machine rendered incapable of giving proper expression to the +yearnings of the soul. None suffered more keenly from early physical +neglect than children of genius. + +Satisfied that my observations were accurate, and that everything +contributing to husband the health, strength, beauty, and intelligence +of the child, would likewise contribute to the beauty, happiness, and +contentment of the adult, as well as his obedience to my laws, I +resolved to occupy myself with what proved to be the very important +subject of babies. In meditating on the mode of obtaining the desired +results, I considered nothing too insignificant,--not even so "small" a +thing as the scratch of a pin, sufficient at all events to make an +infant cry. The acts of crying and making wry faces disturb the lines of +the plastic clay of the child's countenance, and even the lines of the +form. The state of suffering calls off the vital electricity from its +duties in other parts of the organisation, and is attended with other +inconveniences, slight indeed in immediate perceptible effects, but so +powerful in their cumulative and germinating effects as to lead to +results which, were they related, would seem incredible. + +I must content myself by saying, that although the march of these +cumulative effects is not one-tenth as visible as the almost +imperceptible movement of the hand that marks the seconds in one of our +smallest electrical watches, they nevertheless eventually show in their +result great and increasing evils, seriously affecting the child, the +youth, the adult, and the man. It would not be too much to say that the +traces of an injury, however slight, are never altogether obliterated, +whilst every successive injury and deprivation of force renders the +sufferer more open to every new inroad. + +Although the minute hand of our electric watches moves almost +imperceptibly, marking minutes, hours, days, and years, it advances in +measured, limited progression; whereas the effects of suffering on the +child go on advancing in an increasing--nay, multiplying--ratio, by +which, up to a certain point, that of geometrical progression is far +exceeded. If you can realise the fact, which in Montalluyah is +incontestable, that even a scratch, however slight, will injure a child, +it will require little stretch of imagination to form some conception at +least of the injury caused to the beauty, form, health, strength, and +mind of the adult, by the many diseases and sufferings which were +allowed to leave their imprints on the young, impressionable clay and +delicate organisation of the infant. Our children were formerly +afflicted, like yours, with diseases resembling whooping-cough, croup, +measles, small-pox, and other maladies, forming an almost endless list, +and although the child survived the attacks and the incidental suffering +and waste, the evil consequences could never be effectually removed. + + +The precautions now taken are very numerous. Many by themselves alone +would be productive of great good, but when all are carried out, some +contemporaneously, others successively, a result is scarcely less +certain than the solution of a mathematical problem, based on accurate +premises, save of course in the case of inevitable accidents. My laws +provide for the protection of the child from its birth, nay, as I have +before stated, prior to its birth; for the protection of the parent +precedes that of the child. I knew that if the mother was sickly, or +indulged in injurious habits, the child would suffer. I enjoined +attention to these laws as a portion of the religious duties of the +people. Amongst other things I explained the value of beauty in the +human form, and how, when united with other qualities, it tended to the +happiness of the individual and the well-being of the world. This I did +at length, and in a manner to secure conviction, because it had been the +fashion to decry beauty as a matter of minor importance. + +At the risk of repeating myself, I assert that I omitted nothing, +however seemingly insignificant, looking as I did upon my system as upon +one large continuous volume, in which every page had its value. The +absence of a single leaf would somewhat mar the general effect, but +still the remaining pages might retain their worth if pregnant with +good. On the other hand, if every leaf that was torn out had the effect +of loosening the rest, and causing them to be lost, till but a few would +be left in the cover, the effect would be far more serious. + + + + +XXXII. + + +INFANTS' EXERCISE-MACHINES. + + + "Does a man throw his precious pearls and diamonds into the sea?" + + "Why, then, do ye cast the priceless health and beauty of your + children to the winds?" + + +I cannot undertake to relate at present one tithe of the precautions +taken in the care of infants. Did I venture so to do I should have to +"descend" to the minutest particulars, such as the dispensing with +"pins," and the making the baby's dress in one piece, the nursing, and +form of the cradle, to the mode in which the baby is to be placed at the +side of the mother, to prevent its being overlaid or injured,-- +everything, in fact, which in Montalluyah is thought essential to +protect infants and save them from unnecessary suffering, in order that +their young strength may be husbanded for the future requirements of the +man. + +To give you some notion, however, of the minutiae to which our care +extended, I will explain to you one series of precautions which has +great influence on the child's health, beauty, and intelligence. + + +Young children formerly suffered greatly from fits and various diseases, +caused by the want of healthy circulation. When more advanced, and +whilst learning to walk, they were subject to falls. This was amongst +the most serious evils of early neglect, for it was demonstrated beyond +doubt that accidents to the infant, prominent amongst which were blows +received on its head, not only affected its after-growth, and laid the +foundation of nervous and other disorders, but were often attended with +the sadder result, that the child's intellect was impaired. +Nevertheless, so little was this danger apprehended, that many people +long indulged in the foolish habit of boxing children's ears, unaware +that the shock produced on the nerves of the head, which are the +conduits of electricity, often made a child stupid, if, indeed, the +effects of this brutal practice were not in after-life attended by more +serious consequences. In learning to walk, also, the weight of the +child's body, pressing on the legs too heavily, has a tendency to make +them crooked or bent, and to affect other parts of the body. + +To obviate these evils, a man named Drahna invented, at my suggestion, +certain mechanical contrivances, which were so efficacious, and +prevented so much suffering, that his name will never be forgotten as +one of the great benefactors of our world. + +These contrivances are respectively adapted to the infant when it cannot +sit up, when it can sit up, when it has acquired strength beyond the +second stage, and, lastly, when the limbs have acquired sufficient +strength to support the increased weight of the body. + +The contrivance, in the first stage, is calculated to give the infant +healthful exercise, circulate the blood, and, at the same time to +protect him from injury. It consists of a soft spring-cushion, on which +the baby is laid; two little elastic bands on this cushion secure the +arms, whilst other bands secure the head, ankles, and waist. By turning +a small handle the machine is very gently set in motion, but by pressing +down a knob its velocity may be increased at will. So agreeable is the +action of the machine, that when the motion is altogether stopped the +child will often cry, or rather coo, that the movement may be repeated. + +For the second stage, the instrument is similar to the first, but larger +and stronger. + +The third stage is adapted to the time when it is judicious to begin to +teach the child to walk. The legs, and, indeed, every part of the body, +are supported by the instrument, which cannot be overturned. When this +is put into motion, the child's left leg is first moved, then the right, +and so on alternately. A perfect idea of walking, with the necessary +movement of the joints, is thus given to the child, without the +slightest strain on its limbs, as yet unfitted to bear the weight of its +own body. The machine continues in motion for a time sufficient to +exercise without causing fatigue. + +As soon as the child has acquired the knowledge of the motion, and his +limbs are strong enough to support the weight of the body without +injury, these machines are put aside, and the fourth contrivance is +used. In this, the mechanism consists of a framework with very light and +soft bandages, made with the plumage and down of birds. With these +bandages the child's head, knees, elbows, wrists, shoulders, and loins +are gently bound. The framework to which the bandages are attached has a +projection from every point, on which the child, in case of accident, +can possibly fall, and he is thus effectually protected; for, as the +projection allows of his falling only slightly out of the perpendicular, +the concussion is but slight, and the young one is only pressed gently +on the soft down. + +As the child increases in strength, the projections are removed at +intervals, one by one, commencing with those corresponding to the knees, +the last removed being those protecting the head, which are retained for +a long time. Even when they have been removed, the head is still guarded +by a light turban with inside springs, made so as to yield gently to a +blow, and thus save the head; so important is it considered to protect +this superior portion of the human frame. + +When the bandages are first removed from the knees, the child has +perhaps some falls; but these, the head and other parts being protected, +are not attended with any serious consequences; and if the child +actually falls, the sensation of pain he may experience may teach him to +be more careful in future. Such lessons would, indeed, be valuable at +all times; but they would be purchased at too great a cost if learned at +the price of injury to body and mind. + +The use of these four instruments was followed by remarkable results; +and they are thought of such great value to the community that the +districts supply them gratuitously to the poor. Those thus charitably +bestowed are less ornamental than the others, but equally efficient. + + +THE TEETH. + +The teeth are also subjects of great care, and the infant is spared all +pain in cutting them. When the teething-time is near, and before the +pains attending it have even commenced, the child's gums are rubbed +night and morning with a bulb or root so softening and relaxing in its +effects, that after a short time the teeth make their way through the +gums with perfect ease. When the teeth are too numerous the redundant +ones are extracted, without causing the patient the slightest pain. A +hot solution of the same bulb is applied to the portion of the gum which +encloses the tooth to be extracted; causing the gum to separate from the +roots of the tooth, which is then removed with perfect ease. None are +extracted after the last have appeared, for decay is effectually +prevented. In seeking remedies for the maladies of those who were born +before my laws came into operation, the immediate cause of decay was +discovered; but we did not rest until we had detected the remote cause +and the means of preventing the evil. + +By the aid of the microscope and other scientific appliances the +discovery was soon made that decay in teeth is produced by a minute worm +resulting from the absence of the proper electricity, necessary for +preserving in the tooth a healthy action. When this electricity is +deficient, the circulation in the bone becomes sluggish, the fatty +matters stagnate, and through the warmth of the gum acting on the +stagnant accumulation, a single worm is generated. + +Though we had discovered the existence of the worm and the cause of its +being bred, some time elapsed before we were able to discover whether +the necessary electricity was wanting, and, by supplying the deficiency, +to prevent the generation of the worm. At length a professor, by name +Jerronska, invented an ingenious little instrument, of a form +corresponding to the upper and lower jaw, and furnished above and below +with small points or minute spikes; the instrument in a contracted shape +is introduced into the mouth and is there expanded to correspond to the +form of the jaws. It is charged with an electricity that can escape +through the spikes only, and is opposed to the electricity of the teeth, +which if healthy will cause a slight shock to the patient, without any +other inconvenience. On the other hand, if any of the teeth do not +contain the proper kind or quantity of electricity, they will turn to a +colour like fire, leaving the healthy teeth untouched; for the +instrument affects those teeth alone whose electricity is defective. + +We have then the means of impregnating the unhealthy teeth with the +proper electricity, and thus destroying the incipient ovum, which cannot +live in an electricity healthful to the tooth. + + +In like manner, minute precautions are taken to preserve the beauty and +power of the eye. Formerly, in consequence of the intensity of light in +Montalluyah, and through other causes, the sight suffered severely. + +Our physicians also found out the means of tracing and removing the +germs of defects in the ear, the nostrils, the tongue--in short, +everything that, if neglected, might impair the adult's energies and +beauty. + +Great attention is paid to the quality of the air in which children are +bred, for air affects both the blood and the nerves. Its effect on the +blood was long known, through the fact that air is one of its important +ingredients; but its effect on the nerves was first demonstrated by +observing that nerves taken from a person recently dead shrivel and +contract in a vitiated atmosphere, and revive and expand when brought +into the open air. + +The proper mode of rooting out incipient evils is thoroughly understood +in Montalluyah, there being eminent men, who make each division and +subdivision of various sciences their sole study and occupation. The +sight, for instance, is a great subject of study, and affords a striking +instance of our subdivision; for although there are scientific men who +have a general knowledge of the eye and of the human system, these make +particular subdivisions of the subject their peculiar study and sole +occupation. Thus, one great subdivision is the "Bile of the Eye;" +another is the "Moisture of the Eye;" another the "Concentrated Light of +the Eye;" another "The Relations of the Eye to the rest of the System," +and so forth. + +To resume: these matters, and, indeed, many more, receive effectual +attention from the moment when the child is born. Every good attained +goes on increasing under direct and collateral influences, until by a +prolific and cumulative process, extraordinary and beneficial results +are obtained in lieu of the evils that would otherwise have arisen. In +short, to understand fully the extent of the good achieved, one must +have been, as I was, a witness of the means and their effects--of the +marvellous consequences of our attention to "little things." + + + + +XXXIII. + + +GYMNASTICS. + + + "Let your statue be beautiful, but neglect not the pedestal, lest + with every adverse wind it receive a shock." + + +Our care of the future man is not, as I have said, confined to his +infancy, but is extended to all the critical periods of life. The proper +development of the frame and of manly qualities is looked upon as an +essential part of the boy's education, and much of the strength, beauty, +and longevity of the people is due to the physical training of the +student. + +Formerly little discrimination was used in the selection of bodily as of +mental exercises; the same exercises being allotted to the brave and the +timid, the weak and the strong boy. + +Now, on the other hand, the exercise is adapted to the boy's strength +and physical organization, which often differ as much as his genius from +that of his companions. Exercises beneficial to one constitution are +prejudicial to another, and would, perhaps, develop a part of the body +already having a tendency to exaggeration. + +Thus a youth inclined to be tall and lanky, or whose limbs are disposed +to be too long for symmetry, is not allowed the same exercises as those +of a youth with short limbs or inclined to be corpulent. + +We have numerous gymnastic exercises. Some parts of our apparatus are +much like yours, as, for instance, a cross-bar, on which the boy swings, +holding on with his hands. + +In the case just mentioned a tall, thin, long-limbed boy would not be +permitted to use this bar; whilst a boy with short limbs and inclined to +corpulency would be encouraged to use it daily. + +A medical man attached to the college attends on the gymnastic ground to +observe the efforts each boy is obliged to make in performing his +exercises. When the exercises are ended, the doctor examines the boy's +pulse, and, with the aid of an instrument invented for the purpose, +tests the heat of his brain. The boy with whom the exercises agree will +show a healthy heat and a strong, full pulse; whilst others will have +the brain extremely hot, with the pulse very quick, but feeble. The +doctor having formed his opinion, orders that these boys should +discontinue the exercises antagonistic to their system, and they are led +to those more adapted to their capabilities. The weaker boys are also +often separated from the stronger, to prevent that overstraining to +which a weak but high-spirited lad is frequently impelled by the +emulation of example. + +In the allotment of exercises our aim is to develop thoroughly the +muscles, and to give a regular and general action to all the members, +but not to overstrain them. The power of each boy being thus carefully +remarked and regulated accordingly, all gather strength rapidly, and +most are soon able to resume the exercises for a time abandoned. Indeed, +by the precautions taken and the exercises selected, the body is +fortified and rendered so firm, that in after years it will bear very +great fatigue without sustaining injury. + + +BATHING IN THE SEA. + +As already mentioned, ablutions are in great favour in Montalluyah, and +bathing is in constant use. At a certain period of the year--about six +weeks in the whole--our boys are made to bathe every morning in the open +sea, into which they are taught to leap from adjacent rocks. Having been +told off according to their strength and capabilities, they are +gradually led to higher and higher rocks, till at length they become +accustomed to jump from a vast height with ease and without fear, and +thus to dive in the sea. + +When there is a timid boy, six or seven of the bravest are selected to +accompany him. They are directed on no account to urge him to jump off +the rocks, or to taunt him for not doing so, but to let him act as he +pleases. If he does not imitate their example by jumping off the rock, +the overlooker who has the care of the party will say, "As you have not +bathed from the rock, you had better bathe below;" and the boy is then +sent to bathe with the younger ones from the beach. Ere long, of his own +accord, he becomes desirous to imitate the braver boys of his own age; +though I have known twelve or more mornings to elapse before the higher +leap has been attempted. + +When at last the boy has resolved to jump from the rock, great care is +taken neither to praise him too much nor to reproach him with +awkwardness. On his return to the school, he is examined by the doctor, +to see if his nerves have received too great a shock, and directions are +given accordingly. After a time all traces of timidity vanish, and +numbers of children have thus been cured of their first aversion to jump +from great heights into the sea. + +No boy is allowed, under any circumstances, to taunt another with any +weakness or failing; and, consequently, the boy himself scarcely knows +that it is fear which has prevented him from doing the same thing as his +companions. + +Every day throughout the year the boys are required to take a bath +either in the sea or at the institution, unless the doctor orders the +contrary. + +Besides the consideration of cleanliness and its effect on the +complexion and health, the water used contains iron, which in our +climate is of itself very beneficial to the system. + + +TREE-EARTH BATHS. + +Where a boy's aversion to study arises from physical weakness, we do not +urge him to persevere any more than we urge him against his inclination +to leap from a high rock; but, on the contrary, when a boy's bodily +strength fails him, and more especially in a case of superior +intelligence, his studies are suspended until the weakness is remedied. +Were the boy forced to persevere, he would probably suffer both in body +and mind. He is merely placed in a separate department of the college--a +kind of infirmary for strengthening the young, and promoting their +healthy development. + +For giving the desired strength we most commonly employ "Tree-earth +Baths,"--that is to say, baths of fresh earth taken from beneath the +roots of certain trees, in which the boy is as it were buried, every +part of his body being covered, with the exception of his head. This +earth bath is placed in another bath containing hot water. The effect of +this operation in renewing the boy's strength and repairing the waste of +his body is marvellous. + +When removed from the bath the boy is washed with tepid water, mixed +with a solution of bark, and on the following day a cold _douche_ +is administered. The bath, in which the boy is kept for about an hour, +is administered at intervals of about ten days, and is so efficacious +that not more than twelve are required for the worst cases. + +Previously to being immersed the boy is made to walk sharply for half an +hour, and, while he is in the bath, warm liquid food is administered. +The pores being opened facilitate the reception of the fresh exhalations +from the earth and the expulsion of the impure gases from the body. The +boy often sleeps whilst thus immersed, as it is considered highly +beneficial to inhale the fresh fragrance of the earth. + +The electricities proper to the earth and trees being very sympathetic +to the human frame, they readily mingle with the electricity of the +patient and assist in repelling the unhealthy gases and impurities in +his body. + +Earth electricity is of itself most beneficial, but its curative and +invigorating effects are vastly increased when impregnated with tree +electricity, which is strongest about the roots. + +There are men whose sole occupation it is to collect the tree-earth, and +who become skilful in digging and removing the soil from underneath the +roots, without in the slightest degree injuring the tree. + +The earth under many trees is good for the purpose above described, but +that about the roots of the oak, especially when of a ripe middle age, +is exceptionally efficacious. + +The roots of another tree that you have, viz., the weeping willow, +offers a good earth for girls and also for boys of a susceptible nature, +for whom the oak-root earth might be too strong. + +The elm, horse-chestnut, and lime-earths are all more powerful than that +of the oak, and therefore are rarely used, for their exceeding strength +would overpower the natural electricity and leave a lassitude in the +patient. The tree-earth baths are rarely used for adults, except in +cases when, earlier in my reign, the mental powers of several persons +had been overtaxed at the expense of their physical strength. + + + + +XXXIV. + + +THE AMUSEMENT GALLERY. + + + "The simplest electricities are often meet to discover the most + precious." + + +The Amusement Gallery constitutes an interesting feature in the child's +education, and so admirable have been its results, that the opening of +the first institution of the kind--recorded, as I have said, in one of +the great pictures in my summer palace--is regarded as a memorable +event, and is celebrated by the people in a yearly festival. + +In a very long gallery, attached to each college, is a collection of +instructive toys adapted to all ages and dispositions. Amongst these are +harps and other musical instruments, made on a small scale to suit the +capacity of children, materials for drawing, painting, modelling, and +sculpture; maps, in relief, of cities and other parts of our world, and +all kinds of small birds and dwarf animals. I should not omit to state +that we have living horses and deer _in miniature_: they are about the +size of an ordinary lap-dog, though in many other respects resembling +the larger species. These with their little clothes and harness are +placed in the gallery, which likewise contains fresh fruit and flowers, +indeed almost everything that can be imagined for the recreation and +enjoyment of the child. + +In the Girls' Amusement Gallery there are various kinds of fancy-work, +lace-work, and basket-work. Our basket-work is very beautiful, the +baskets being elegant in form and elaborately painted. Indeed, elegance +of form and harmony of colour are studied in all the objects selected. + +Boys, being trained by manly recreations, necessarily have their +Amusement Gallery separate from that of the girls, though many of the +more elegant and refined amusements are to be found in both. The girls +attend their gallery, whatever may be their age, until they leave +school. On the other hand, the boy ceases to attend when the Character +divers and Judges think his attendance no longer desirable. + +At each of the stalls in the gallery is stationed an intelligent person +skilled in some particular art. Of these some play on musical +instruments, some paint or model, others give oral instruction, +according to the nature of the compartment or the wishes of the child. + +There are also "Walkers," who perambulate the gallery, encouraging the +child to amuse herself with what she likes, explaining the use of +different objects, answering the young inquirer's questions, and noting +in her any particular qualities or peculiarities. The results of these +observations are drawn up in the shape of reports for the use of the +Judges. + +No restraint is put upon the children when in the gallery, but they are +allowed freely to follow the bent of their own inclinations. I have +often observed some of these little creatures ardent for amusement +responding to their own predilections; others taking interest in +frivolous things; others, again, listless, and interesting themselves in +nothing. Whilst many would examine with breathless attention, others +would ask questions, more or less intelligent, of the persons at the +head of each stall. + +I have seen some children with an engrossing taste for painting, music, +and sculpture, who would rush straight to their favourite pursuit, +without being diverted by anything else, and who, if they found the +desired place already taken, would show disappointment, and perhaps +refuse any other occupation. Many, on the other hand, as soon as they +entered the gallery, would simply play with the little animals and +birds, or perhaps do nothing but eat fruit till the last minute, when +the bell announced that the time allotted for recreation was ended. + +Some would do nothing but talk, and, in their simplicity, would find +fault with everything, after the too frequent fashion of adults, either +imagining they could do most things better than the rest, or +depreciating pursuits which they knew were beyond their ability. + +Natures of this kind, where vanity is so predominant, require the +greatest care, for the failing is difficult to eradicate and would, if +not cured, be a source of great unhappiness in after life. To prevent +such a result, generally, means are taken to refine the taste of the +patient (if I may use the word), and call out the quality most opposed +to the infirmity, viz., that of looking out for beauties instead of +defects. + +I have seen a little one change her amusements several times during the +hour. When a child, particularly a girl, continues to do this during +many weeks, it is regarded as a sign that if the disposition be not +checked she will grow up a capricious woman, and a treatment is +therefore adopted to stop the growth of the infirmity. Many a girl, who +would otherwise have proved a misery to herself and to others, has, by +the precautions taken, become a reasonable and meritorious woman. +However, children of a capricious temperament, even when seemingly +cured, require constant watching during some time, since they are very +prone to return to their old inclination for incessant change. + +Versatility, it should be understood, is not confounded with caprice, +the difference between them being easily detected by the Character +divers. I have seen children show a love for seven or eight different +things and go from one thing to another, not from caprice, but to +satisfy the natural yearnings of their genius. I recollect a girl, and +she was but one amongst many, whose versatility was marvellous. One day +music would occupy her, and, although untaught, she would give promise +of becoming a brilliant performer; another day she would commence +sculpture, and at once go readily to work. She first made a ball with +the plaster, and then, on the second or third attempt, she would execute +something really well. So was it with painting and other arts. This love +of variety would formerly have been called caprice, and strenuous +efforts would have been made in a wrong direction to the discouragement, +perhaps to the ruin of the pupil; but I acted on a contrary principle, +knowing, as I did, that in giving varied talents Providence intended +that they should be exercised, and that, therefore, it would not be +decorous "to care for one part of the garden, and leave the others +overgrown with weeds." The girl was treated in accordance with this +view, and taking the highest honours and position, became a very +remarkable woman. + +Judges are not expected to form an estimate of the child's character +until a certain time has elapsed and the reports of the different +officers have been examined and compared. Their decisions are then +registered, to be again examined and compared with subsequent reports. + +The results obtained through the medium of the Amusement Gallery greatly +aids the Character-divers and others occupied with education, in rightly +directing the child's steps. The imposition of useless tasks, fatiguing +to the children and perhaps injurious to the young intelligence, is thus +avoided. + + + + +XXXV. + + +PRAYER. + + + "Forget not the source whence all blessings come." + + +While stating that the prayers said by girls after their early meal are +short, I ought to have added that the same rule is followed with regard +to children of both sexes. + +We even vary our forms of worship and services to suit different ages. +Before my reign adults and children went to the same places of worship, +repeated the same prayers, and listened to the same discourses, most of +which being perfectly unintelligible to those of tender years, the evils +and inconveniences resulting from the practice were very great. The +children, finding the routine irksome, the constrained decorum required +of them during a time which seemed to them never ending (for the +services were then very long) was painful in the extreme, though they +were sometimes relieved by turning their thoughts in other directions, +perhaps to subjects irrelevant if not opposed to the ostensible object +of the meeting. + +Thus pain and weariness became then and in after life naturally +associated with the most sacred of duties, and generally those, who at +an early age had been obliged to attend most regularly to an +unintelligible and irksome routine, were in after life those who +absented themselves most frequently from the place of worship. I have +known some, and this will scarcely be credited, who from an early age +had in obedience to their parents' commands attended church with what +was to them painful and monotonous regularity, and who, as soon as they +were old enough to leave the parental jurisdiction, never entered a +place of worship again until the day of their death, so great had been +their stifled repugnance, created by the unnatural surfeit which had +been inflicted upon them. + +This was not all: the repugnance thus engendered often extended even to +the faith itself which the prayers and discourses had been intended to +inculcate, and led the way in after life to doubt and disbelief. + +There was another though a secondary evil, attendant upon these old +formalities. In our climate, where children are very susceptible, it +happened that when on rare occasions any striking observation attracted +their attention, they would put questions very difficult for their +parents or preceptors to answer. + +The forms of worship and service are now adapted to three several ages +and classes of intelligence. The first series is for children of from +seven to ten years of age, the second for children from ten to sixteen, +the third for adults. If the children, however, show any deficiency of +intelligence, they are kept in the first or second series, though the +stated age has been passed. + +The discourses addressed to the young people are adapted to their age +and intelligence, and ordinarily bear reference to their own passing +actions, and consequently to their hours of play and of study. They are +intended to inculcate lessons of self-control, love for parents or +associates, contentment, and the mode of showing gratitude for benefits +received, by cultivating the faculties which God in His goodness has +bestowed. The discourse often points out the mode of contending against +any bad feelings that might possibly be awakened. They might be told, +for instance, that if during play any dissatisfaction with their +companions arose, and they felt they could not control themselves, they +ought immediately to retire from the game, in order that their feelings +might have the opportunity of returning to their proper channel, and on +no account to urge anything against the supposed offender until they had +advised with some friendly adult, or more especially a Character-diver. + +The children are encouraged not only in their affection to their parents +and immediate associates, but in brotherly love to all, and the whole +discourse, which is very short, is pointed to their duty to God, being +calculated to instil feelings of love and adoration for His goodness. + +In the first series, for very young children whose intelligence is +undeveloped, we have forms and ceremonies, the tendency of which is to +fix their attention and inculcate thoughts and habits of a good +tendency. + +In the second series the addresses are of a more elevated character, and +are accompanied by fewer forms and ceremonies. + +In the highest series there are scarcely any ceremonies, and although +the service and discourses are short, every one is expected to pass a +certain time each day in voluntary prayer and meditation in the private +cabinet which in every house is set apart for devotion only. + +Though the prayers for children are short, the preacher is greatly +assisted by our method of education, inculcating the worship of the +Supreme by habits which the child is led to form. Thus we require the +greatest attention to cleanliness, to the mode of eating, sleeping, +talking, and indeed to all the daily practices of life. + +The inculcation and exercise of good habits is considered to form, as it +were, a perpetual living hymn to the Creator. + + +LECTURES. + +Besides all this, twice a week, amusing lectures are delivered, on +familiar subjects, to explain and illustrate the power and goodness of +God. + +A flower, for instance, is taken, and, in simple terms, intelligible to +nearly every capacity, attention is called to its thousand fibres, its +construction, growth, perfume, colour, delicacy of texture, loveliness, +and to the wonders associated with its birth, death, and resurrection to +life. + +Another day, perhaps, the subject may be a child, a fly, or some other +familiar object; but, whatever be the subject, the discourse is of a +good tendency, and youth are early imbued with love and admiration for +the Supreme Being. + +Our objection to children repeating or listening to words which they do +not understand is not confined to those of sacred import. During the +education of their young minds the subjects taught and the expressions +used are adapted to their intelligence. Even though they may repeat +every word of the lesson set with minute accuracy, they are not allowed +to quit it, or to attend a lecture on another subject, until they have +passed through examination in different forms, and often by different +masters, and the result has clearly shown that they thoroughly +understand what the words of the lesson are intended to convey. + +So important is this considered that, on the occasion of the public +solemn ceremony, when in presence of the Kings the preceptor is +appointed to his responsible duties, one of the obligations to which he +is required to subscribe is, that he will teach the pupil to understand +thoroughly, and not merely by rote,--"monkey-like," or as you would +probably say, "parrot-like," were the same obligation imposed in your +world. + + + + +XXXVI. + + +FLOCKS AND HERDS. + +TREATMENT OF ANIMALS. + + + "Why are the poor hungry?--Why do not your flocks and herds + multiply and increase?--Why do ye maltreat the sire and kill the + mother of many progenies." + + "Obey my Laws, and your flocks will equal in number the drops of + water in the great Cataract, which ever flowing, ever merging in + the mighty Ocean, is constantly supplied with new increase for the + refreshment and delight of Montalluyah." + + +Amongst the numerous precautions for the promotion of the general health +is the attention given to the subject of animal food, the care taken of +the beast, the mode of slaughtering, and the rigour with which every +beast having the slightest tendency to disease is rejected as unfit for +food. + +All animals, and particularly those intended for food, are now treated +with great kindness, gentle treatment and cleanliness being thought +essential to the excellence of the meat. Formerly, when the beasts were +improperly treated, the growth of the young was impeded and the quality +of the meat deteriorated. They are now watched over with the utmost +care, the greatest attention is paid to the most minute particulars, and +so well are they treated, that, notwithstanding the heat of the climate, +they are quite tame. When any one goes into a field, the sheep and lambs +will come round him and lick his hand. Their pasture is changed every +week, for it is found that, when in our climate grass is eaten too +closely, noxious insects are bred by the accumulation of stale manure. +In or near every pasturage are pools of running water, to which the +animals are conducted daily. These are supplied by a very high jet +which, when in action, throws its water from a reservoir to a long +distance, which may even be increased by means of pipes, and thus +fertilizes the field. Much of the water proceeds in the first instance +from the cataracts, which begin high above the level of the meadows. As +soon as the animals are turned out, the jet is made to play on the +fields they have quitted. Then the moisture, mingling with the fresh +manure, and our glorious sun enrich the land, and luxuriant grass is +quickly produced. + +In former years diseases prevailed amongst our flocks and herds. We had +one amongst the sheep, not unlike the smallpox of your world. These +diseases were generated partly by the filthiness of the pasturage, and +partly by a want of change, which I believe to be principal causes of +many of your cattle diseases. We now give far more attention to the +cleanliness and health of the animal than in our world was formerly +bestowed on the poor. + +In every field is a shady spot, contrived to protect the animals from +the sun during the heat of the day. The ground being very undulating, a +shade is obtained by merely throwing out, from the higher land above, +some wood or other material to serve as a roof. + +In case of illness among the animals, the great remedy used is a +particular kind of electricity, which gives an impulse to the blood and +changes the humours. This, with diet and care, is the only expedient +employed to restore the animal to health. If a female animal is of a +sickly nature and likely to give birth to inferior beasts, she is +quietly put out of the way. + + +THE MALE ALONE KILLED. + +To the care taken of the beasts is greatly due the perfection of their +breed and to a certain extent their numbers; but the law that +contributes most to the marvellous increase of our flocks and herds is +that which forbids the slaughter of the female. In every species the +male only is used for food. If we killed the mother we should, as it +were, kill the progeny that would otherwise be bred from her, and our +immense stocks would not then be a hundredth part as numerous as they +are at present. + +The cow, after she has ceased bearing, is used to carry the women's +baskets, or for very light draughts. The ewe, when she has ceased +bearing, is trained to assist in field and garden operations, to pull up +cabbages, carrots, and other vegetables, being, in short, more useful to +us than the dog. + + +SLAUGHTERING ANIMALS. + +In killing animals for food all painful processes are avoided. Under the +old system the cruelty with which the animal was treated, and its +suffering from the violence of the death-struggle greatly affected the +quality of the meat, lessened its nutritive powers, and rendered it less +digestible, and very often exciting and injurious. Now, when an animal +is to be killed, it is placed in a large lighted stable, over which is a +loft, communicating with it by means of a grating. In this a man is +stationed, who thrusts through the grating a long stick, baited with a +bunch of fresh grass, in the middle of which is contained a small +globule endued with the property of depriving the animal of all +consciousness and sense of feeling. As soon as the beast has eaten the +grass, and consequently swallowed the pill, he staggers and falls; and, +before he has time to recover, the butcher despatches him by cutting his +throat and letting out the blood, whereupon he dies a painless death, +without a struggle. Only one animal is despatched at a time in the same +stable, so that one does not see another killed. There is reason for +this precaution. + +A lamb takes the ball of grass from the hand, for it is thus our +shepherds sometimes feed them. Poultry are killed by very small +quantities of the preparation being mixed with their grain; the fowls +sometimes take up two or three grains not impregnated with the material, +but as soon as the smallest particle is swallowed they stagger and fall. +It is interesting to see this, the effect is so instantaneous. The +ingredient used does not in any way injure the meat and is indeed +considered beneficial, even to the human system, when administered in +small quantities, since the torpor it causes at the moment is succeeded +by increased vitality and strength. + + +THE BLOOD OF ANIMALS. + +When the animal is killed we are very scrupulous in pouring out the +blood, which we avoid using for any purpose connected with food. On +_every_ occasion of the kind "field doctors" are present to see that all +due precautions are taken. They analyse the blood, and if it does not +contain the proper ingredients, the animal is looked upon as diseased, +and its flesh rejected as so far unwholesome; in our climate it would be +difficult of digestion, and produce heaviness, disinclination to study, +despondency and other inconveniences. Blood is said to contain the +electricity that, in connection with the electricity on the nerves, +gives action, feeling, pleasure, and pain. Blood, indeed, contains as it +were the material through which the life of the animal carries on its +operations. + + +PROTECTION OF THE MEAT FROM INSECTS. + +The animal as soon as killed is cut up into different portions, each of +which is placed for a few minutes in a large vessel containing an +infusion of a certain herb, to which flies and winged insects of all +kinds have a great antipathy. The steeping of the meat into this +preparation effectually protects it against their approach. There are +immense numbers of winged insects in our climate, but none will approach +food which has been steeped in an infusion of this herb. By these and +other precautions they are kept within certain limits and driven to the +uses for which nature intended them. It is not necessary to keep the +meat in the vessel for more than a few minutes, nor does the liquid +deteriorate the quality or taste of the meat. Far from being noxious to +the human race, the herb, which is free from smell, contains a healthy +bitter, is cooling and refreshing, and cleanses and preserves the pores +of the skin. + +Formerly numbers of persons were affected by the deposits, which, left +by flies on meats and provisions generally, caused irritation of the +bowels, diarrhoea, and vomit, and were otherwise very injurious to the +system. + + +I may here mention that a preparation of the herb to which I have +referred is used for fruits and provisions generally, which are +protected by a light gauze steeped in an infusion of the herb and thrown +loosely over them; though, indeed, it is only necessary to place the +gauze at the side of the provisions to prevent the approach of the +enemy. + +This infusion is also used in our houses, and during repasts; couches, +bedding, and coverings are sprinkled with the liquid. A preparation is +also used for the toilette, in order to protect the head and face from +the flies. + + +CRUELTY TO ANIMALS. + +Cruelty to an animal, even when not intended for food, entails so much +disgrace that it is an offence of the rarest occurrence. My laws provide +various punishments according to the grade of the offender and the +nature of the offence. + +If a common man were really cruel to his horse he would be compelled to +draw his merchandise by hand. If the offence were committed by a man of +high position the punishment would be more severe, and not only would he +be treated as though he were unworthy of exercising power over good +animals and consequently deprived of all his horses, but he would be +supplied with a vicious horse, which, perhaps, he would be obliged to +ride along a dangerous path, that he might thus be made to appreciate +the superior gentleness of the one he had maltreated. If the offence +were repeated, he would be degraded from his position or condemned +during a certain period to wear "the dress of shame." + + + + +XXXVII. + + +THE ALLMANYUKA. + + + "Improve Nature's gifts, and with her elements form new + compounds.... + + "Were man's faculties given that they should slumber?" + + +Nothing engaged my attention more than the health of my people. I had +satisfied myself that the most virulent diseases took their development +from minute, nay, almost imperceptible causes. + +As I had determined to find out the germs of faults in children, which, +when neglected, led to confirmed vices in the adult; so I was determined +to discover disease in its incipience, and wherever possible, to remove +the exciting cause. + +I have already referred to the creation of a new fruit-vegetable, as one +of the subjects of a series of pictures in my summer palace. I will now +relate to you some facts regarding the production of the fruit, the +offspring of my anxiety for the health of the people. + +In the early part of my reign, before the means had been discovered for +detecting the incipient germs of disease, the people were afflicted by +the return of a painful malady, with which they had often been afflicted +before. It was attended with irritation of the intestines, and carried +the sufferer off rapidly; for, although all the doctors were familiar +with the symptoms, none of them had been able to discover the cause of +the disease, or its cure. + +I remarked that the children at the colleges were not attacked by this +disease, and therefore thought that it had probably originated in +something used by adults and not by the young. + +The truth of my hypothesis was soon tested. A person of robust frame, +whom I much esteemed, died suddenly of the malady. I entreated his +friends, in the interest of humanity, to allow his body to be examined. + +The people at this period indulged in the use of sauces, seasoned with +strong stimulating spices. These were excluded from colleges, and +consequently were used by adults only. + +I communicated my opinion to the doctors: viz., that in the case they +were about to examine, it would be found that these burning condiments +had inflamed the intestines, and impeded nature in the discharge of her +functions. My impressions were correct. With the aid of the electric +microscope upwards of forty minute ulcers, highly inflamed, were +discovered in the intestines of the deceased, and in each of these +ulcers were seen several minute grains of some very hot condiments much +in use, which had affected the inner membrane, generated the ulcers, and +caused a hasty but painful death. + +Assured of the baneful effect of the condiments, I determined to forbid +their use, though I knew this would be a serious infliction on the +people, inasmuch as the extreme heat of our climate made stimulants +necessary. The condiments were much liked, and amongst all the many +fruits and vegetables we possessed there were none that could be used as +substitutes. + +On forbidding their use, I made known publicly the discovery that had +been made, every particular being clearly explained, that the people +might be convinced that I was acting for their good. + +In obedience to my orders, the spices were collected from every quarter, +and placed in large warehouses secured under lock. The "bolts" were +delivered to the kings, who were astonished at the rapidity with which I +had obtained obedience to a decree depriving all of what had become a +daily want. + +I saw, however, that unless the people were supplied with a substitute +for what they had lost, they would soon return to the deleterious +condiments in spite of my decree. + +Having made known to all about me that I wished some hours for serious +thought, I shut myself up in a little cabinet at the summit of my +palace, where I could see only the heavens. All around me was silent and +calm as night. + +Having prayed the aid of the Great Power, I endeavoured, by intense +meditation, to discover what healthful condiment could be substituted +for the deleterious spices of which the people were deprived. + +After many hours of deep meditation, a ray of light burst on me and I +was inspired with a happy thought. I could not as yet see the result +clearly, but nevertheless I felt that in the end my efforts would be +blessed with success. I did not hesitate to publish the fact that I had +made a discovery which, when perfected, would repay the people twenty-fold +for the loss of the condiments they had given up in obedience to my +decree. + +In the mean time, until I could fully carry out my intention, I allowed +the people a particular kind of cordial; for I found that, after the +extraordinary heat of the day, many persons required stimulants, +especially mothers, who had been educated before my laws had come into +operation, and whose health and constitution had not consequently been +properly fortified. + +I proceeded with my work. We have a small vegetable, called Jappeehanka, +that hangs from its stem like a fruit and has a rich creamy taste, +without any other flavour. I grafted this vegetable on a tree called +Klook, the fruit of which, used generally by persons of delicate +digestion, had a sour aromatic flavour. + +After many disappointments and unsuccessful attempts to obtain the +vegetable I wished, I succeeded, by artificial means frequently +employed, in growing a small vegetable, combining the flavour of a +delicate cream with the piquancy of lemon. + +The most difficult part of my task had however not been accomplished, +namely, to give to the vegetable all the aromatic and stimulating +flavours of the prohibited spices. + +A fine specimen of the seed of each of the spice plants having been +procured, I took from the heart of each seed the smallest possible +particle, and, having with the greatest care made an incision in one of +the finest seeds of my new vegetable, I inserted therein one specimen of +each of these minute particles. + +The incision was made in the centre of the seed, but not deep enough to +enter or injure its heart. + +The seed of my cream-lemon vegetable, containing the spice seed +particles, I confided to the care of my principal gardener, a man of +great scientific skill and intelligence. + +I must not omit to say that we extracted the oil out of the roots of +each of the spices formerly in general use and mixed the oils with the +earth in which we planted the newly-compounded vegetable seed. + +We watched the precious seed night and day with anxious solicitude. I +had other seeds ready prepared and planted, in case this should fail. + +One night in my slumber I was disturbed by my attendant telling me that +the gardener had an important communication to make. I bade him enter. +He came to make known to me that my labours had been so far successful, +that, in the vase of earth in which the seed had been planted, a little +white bud was bursting from the ground. He brought the vase in his arms, +and I will not deny that I shed tears of joy. + +About three years from that time, to my delight, fruit made its +appearance. I watched with greedy eagerness the day when it would ripen. + +I cannot tell you with what anxiety I tended its growth. I fancy at this +moment I feel the heart-beatings that always accompanied me as I +approached the spot where the plant was placed. + +The gardener, desiring to save me some of the pain of deferred hope, +told me that the time of ripening would be later than I had anticipated. + +A little in advance, however, of the time I had foretold, the gardener +entered my study, with a face radiant with joy, and placed before me one +of the prettiest little baskets I had ever seen, though the beauty of +our basket-work is, as I have said, remarkable. I thought it must be a +present from his wife, for she was very skilful and often presented me +with baskets of her own work. Loving my people as I did and looking on +them all as my children, I saw the nervous state of the man, and to +reassure him, I said, "This is kind of your fair Lineena." At the same +time I admiringly examined the basket, but its weight indicating that +there was something inside, I raised the lid, and beholding its contents +I uttered a cry, such a cry of joy as might escape a parent on finding a +long-lost child. + +The basket contained a specimen of the precious fruit quite ripe. I +turned it on every side with anxious interest, and, having congratulated +my faithful gardener, who had so zealously carried out my wishes, I +descended to the culinary department, for I would not trust the precious +treasure to others, and I immediately proceeded to cook the vegetable of +my creation. + +I directed a small bird to be prepared with which to eat the new +condiment, that I might thus test its properties; when it had been +served, I directed the gardener to sit at my table. The success was +beyond my best hopes. By the process of cooking, the fruit-vegetable had +been dissolved to the consistency of a jelly, and formed the most +relishing sauce ever tasted,--aromatic, stimulating, and appetising. + +To a richness like cream was added the pungency and aromatic flavour of +spices, with the relish of salt and the piquancy of fresh lemon-juice-- +in a word, the combination presented the finest flavour for a condiment +that could possibly be desired, surpassing all the spices and sauces +hitherto known in my world. Indeed, it was so exquisitely appetising +that an epicure might easily be tempted to eat the vegetable without the +addition of the meat. + +During the growth of the tree, many slips had been planted, which were +then in a flourishing state, so that in a very short time the vegetable +fruit was cultivated extensively, and became a household necessity. + +On examining the Allmanyuka (for so we called this fruit-vegetable, +meaning, that it combined every valuable quality), and observing its +effects, the doctors pronounced it very wholesome and nutritious, and +admirably suited to persons of dyspeptic habit, inasmuch as it dispelled +all symptoms of flatulency and, by its tonic and digestive qualities, +gave a feeling of lightness to the senses. + +The people wondered, and were loud in the manifestations of their +gratitude, but my joy was even greater than theirs; for I had +accomplished a lasting good for the subjects I loved. + +Accompanied by my harp, I sang praises, with all the fervour of my soul, +to Him who had inspired me with the thought, and had endowed me with +patience and strength for its consummation. + + +Fruits had often been increased in size or improved in quality and +productiveness, by grafting one tree upon another; but no new fruit had +previously been created. There were instances, where trees of different +kinds, the one grafted on the other, had borne two kinds of fruit. This, +however, was the first instance where other means, besides grafting, +were employed, and where an entirely new fruit had been brought into +existence. + + +The Allmanyuka grows like a tree, and its stem is supported by sticks. +The fruit, which hangs from its branches, is in shape, but in shape +only, not unlike your vegetable-marrow, being covered with little +circular divisions, each containing others still more minute. + +Its colour, when raw, is of the brightest violet, which through the +culinary process becomes a beautiful red, though I should observe, that +the first compound vegetable in the seeds of which I inserted the spice +particles was yellow. + + +It may not be uninteresting to know that the Allmanyuka is cooked in a +vessel over steam. Indeed, everything with us is cooked by steam, this +being especially serviceable, on account of the steadiness of its +action. There are machines to regulate the force and action of the +steam, and the attendant has only to obey mechanically the simplest +instructions. + + +The Allmanyuka is used in some sick-rooms as a fumigator. For this +purpose it is cut into slices, and the exuded juice which it bleeds is +accompanied with an agreeable aromatic odour. + +The fruit possesses many other valuable properties. After its discovery +my people were never more afflicted with the maladies for the prevention +of which it had been created. It was sometimes called by the name given +by me,--often by a term signifying, "Inspiration of the Father of the +World." [1] + + * * * * * + + [Footnote 1: Although it may appear incongruous to + refer to a philosopher of this earth as illustrating + the work of a philosopher of another planet, the Editor + cannot help quoting a passage from a man possessed of + wondrous prescience, who, to use his own words, "held + up a lamp in the obscurity of philosophy that would be + seen ages after he was dead." It will also in a measure + convey the difference between the process of grafting + and the course pursued by the Tootmanyoso in the + creation of the Allmanyuka. + + The inspired philosopher says: "The compounding or + mixing of kinds in plants is not found out, which, + nevertheless, if it be possible, is more at command + than that of living creatures, for that their lust + requireth a voluntary motion; wherefore it were one of + the most noble experiments touching plants to find it + out; for so you may have great variety of new fruits + and flowers yet unknown. Grafting doth it not; it + mendeth the fruit or doubleth the flowers, etc.; but it + hath not the power to make a new kind. For the scion + ever over-ruleth the stock."--_Bacon's_ 'Sylva + Sylvarum.'] + + + + +XXXVIII. + + +PAPER. + + + "...A handmaid and messenger of Memory. + A recorder of the aspirations of Genius." + + +There is a peculiarity in the leaf of the Allmanyuka which I will now +mention; but, to make myself intelligible, I must give you some few +facts about our paper, of which we have an unlimited supply, and which +is made from the leaves of nearly every kind of tree, gathered just +before they begin to fade, but whilst still green. Dead leaves are used +for other purposes. + +The leaves of some trees make finer paper than others, and, though every +kind of leaf is available, one kind only at a time is used to make paper +of the finest quality. Mixed leaves are used to make paper of a common +and coarser kind. + +All papers, when dried in the sun, have a glossy surface, and none can +be torn, or ignited by the application of fire; the paper will smoulder, +but not burst into flame. Our paper is transparent, and is besides so +very light, soft, and pliable, that in warm weather it is used for +children's dresses. Very pretty it is to see the graceful movements of +the little creatures' limbs through the pellucid costumes, which are +made complete without a seam, the material being most beautifully fine, +like one of the silk gauzes of your India. + +In our world it was well known that paper could be made from rags, but +this material was not as plentiful as leaves, and we discovered, +moreover, that it was injurious to the workmen, whilst the manufacture +from leaves not only produces a paper far superior to that made with +rags, but is a most healthful occupation. + +Our trees are, I believe, more numerous than yours; but you have many +trees even in Europe from the leaves of which excellent paper of a kind +similar to ours could be made, as, for instance, the horse-chestnut and +oak. The horse-chestnut leaf makes some of the best paper; the leaves of +the lilac-tree and of the apple-tree are also excellent; but perhaps the +best leaf of all for very fine paper is the vine leaf, which has less +moisture, and gives less trouble in the preparation. + +In the manufacture of paper the leaves are subjected to a great +pressure, and the fragrance emitted from the crushed leaves is +delicious, and considered very wholesome, so much so indeed that young +children are often sent to reside near the place where the leaves are +being crushed to inhale the fragrance. + +The original moisture is removed by a substance, chiefly consisting of a +very fine sand, beautifully compounded with other materials, and spread +over a hard pliant stuff. This laid on the pressed pulp sucks out all +the original moisture. The fine sand material, though possessing quite a +smooth surface, is like a sponge in its power of suction, and, when +used, is unrolled and pressed over the pulp by a machine. + +This done, the plate containing the paper is moved to an adjoining part +of the building, which is roofless, and is there exposed to the rays of +the sun, which finishes the drying process and gives a beautiful glaze +or polish to the paper. Nothing so well dries the paper as the sun, as +we have proved by frequent experiments. After the sun, fire is the most +efficacious agent; but this gives the paper a dead and chill appearance. + +Our paper is as good as yours, though not better to write upon. I have +already informed you of some of the points of difference between them. +Paper can be made to almost any size, and without any seam. One other +peculiarity is that our paper makes no more noise when doubled up than a +piece of linen. + +The colour principally in use is that of cream or a very light yellow; +for though we can produce a chalky white, we do not use it in our +stuffs, except for linen. + +There is a paper which we call "natural," because its green colour +exceptionally resembles that of the leaf, although it is purely +artificial, being produced by the use of a powder obtained from a +particular fruit which hangs from a tree in the shape of small eggs, and +contains a white powder of a sticky consistency. This powder is mixed +with the leaves, and the paper thus prepared is very transparent. At +first it has a kind of primrose tint, but, when subjected to heat, or to +the sun, turns green. The egg called "Brulista Tavi," or "Lime Egg," +follows a small blossom, but the fruit alone is used. The trees are +plentiful, growing on marshy ground, a long distance from, the city, for +there are no marshes in its vicinity. + + +GOLDEN-COLOURED PAPER. + +Some paper is of a pure gold colour, the result of a property inherent +in the leaf itself and needing no extraneous application. + +I have told you that the coarse paper is made with leaves of every +description mixed together. On one occasion some of the paper, when +dried, became speckled with gold in different parts, presenting a +beautiful appearance, which astonished the overseer and workmen. The +paper was brought to me, and I directed the overseer to endeavour to +detect in future processes the cause of these beautiful specks. Many +trials were made, but he did not for months find any gold in the paper. + +I meditated much on the subject, and one night I retired to rest with +the singular phenomenon still in my mind. In my sleep I saw my tree, the +Allmanyuka, all gold. + +On awaking I immediately sent for the overseer, and, without relating +what I had seen in my sleep, I told him that I was impressed with the +belief that it was the leaf of my tree that produced the gold specks, +and requested him to have some paper made entirely from the Allmanyuka +leaf, and to use the most delicate machine for the experiment. + +Though accustomed to obey my orders in implicit faith, the overseer +confessed to me afterwards that for certain reasons he had great cause +to doubt whether the experiment would succeed. It, however, was +commenced without delay. The pulp, or jelly, after having passed through +the process of boiling, was of a neutral tint, without the least +appearance of gold, and all hope of the desired colour vanished in the +thought of the workmen. It was, indeed, reported to me that no golden +tint was apparent; but I did not yet despair. + +When the pulp was spread out with the trowel, it remained still +colourless, but after it had undergone the process of pressing, which +generally took place immediately before sponging, it presented to the +astonished workmen the appearance of one sheet of gold; and when it had +been exposed to the sun, it acquired the highest golden polish possible. + +The material thus obtained is finer than cambric, and is used for +beautiful scarfs, sun-turbans, neckties for ladies, slippers, covers, +cushions, and various ornamental articles. + + + + +XXXIX. + + +CONSUMPTION. + +THE EMEUTE. + + + "The huge poison-tree once lay concealed in the heart of the minute + seed. Why seek ye not the germs of disease poison in their minute + receptacles?" + + +Formerly, in certain parts of the low marshy lands, the moist and +noxious exhalations generated various diseases, particularly one +answering to your phthisis, and called by us karni-feroli, that is, +"absorption of the vitality." Numbers lingered, with energies depressed +and faculties impaired, till cut off by death. In its early stages, the +disease gave no indications of its presence beyond the signs common to +the most ordinary illnesses to which, indeed, they were attributed. +However, no remedy was found by the doctors. + +Even where the possible presence of the disease was suspected, the +respiratory organs of the sufferer were subjected to various tests; but +if certain symptoms were absent, and the patient breathed easily, the +physicians concluded that there was no danger in the case. The signs +they sought were in reality those belonging to an advanced state of the +disease and, when these appeared, the malady was generally beyond cure. + +No effectual measures were taken for discovering indications of the +earlier stages of the malady before the beginning of my reign, when I +observed that many young girls, who at first seemed to suffer only from +debility and lowness of spirits, soon afterwards withered, and died of +what was then called by a term answering to your expression of "rapid +consumption." This often happened where the patients had been previously +pronounced free from organic disease. + +I knew that, in the physical as in the moral constitution, evils, +however grave, have their origin in some incipient germ of small +proportions, and I would not believe that the confirmed ulcers, which I +had seen during the examination of diseased lungs in the Theatre of +Anatomy, had arisen suddenly, for I reflected that the operations of +nature are gradual. These ulcers, which are, I think, called "tubercles" +by your physicians, had been the immediate cause of many deaths. + +After much meditation, I concluded that the actual beginning of the +malady was unknown, and that the inability of the doctors to master the +disease arose from the inadequacy of the means employed for its earlier +detection. + +I had frequently expressed my convictions to the ablest medical men, but +they held to their opinions and practice with unyielding tenacity. Our +doctors at that time thought that there was no science beyond what they +themselves knew, just as there were many able men who maintained that +there was no other world but Montalluyah, until the invention of my +telescope brought your earth and other worlds within the limit of their +vision. + + +A young and interesting girl, a penitent, from a course of incontinence +and excess, suffered much from weakness and lowness of spirits. The +doctors examined her in the usual approved way, with and without their +instruments, and declared that her lungs were healthy and sound; all +that now ailed her, they said, was the depression arising from +involuntary regrets and longings for the excitements of her former life. +I had a strong impression, however, that this was not the cause of her +prostration, firmly believing that her lungs were affected, though the +doctors assured me that they had used every test with scrupulous care to +detect disease and had arrived at a contrary decision. Not being +convinced, I requested them to give me a daily report of the girl's +progress. + +As she grew weaker, the doctors determined to administer a powerful +potion, which would lay the foundation of her cure, if their estimate of +the malady was right, but would accelerate death if the lungs were +really affected. Persuaded that, in the then state of medical knowledge, +the girl's life could not be saved, if the disease was really phthisis, +and knowing that, if it was not the case, the potion was calculated to +do good, I did not prevent the doctors from acting according to their +own convictions. + +The potion was administered accordingly, and the girl soon fell into a +calm and tranquil sleep, from which, to the surprise and consternation +of the physicians, she never awoke. + +The body was examined, and on the right lung were found pimples, small +indeed, but visible to the naked eye, which, on closer examination with +the microscope, proved to be incipient tubercles; the left lung was +similarly affected. These incipient tubercles, though sufficient to +cause languor and debility, by attracting the vitality of the body, had +not yet become of sufficient size and virulence to affect her breathing; +hence her lungs were considered sound by the doctors, who only regarded +the usual tests. + + +I called together the principal physicians, chemists and heads of +science, and requested them carefully to study this formidable disease; +and, after a time, the discovery was made that all the most fatal cases +of consumption were ushered in by the appearance on the lungs of minute +incipient spots, which attract and feed on the vital juices of the body. +These spots swell gradually into pimples of a reddish hue, on which +ultimately a small yellow head appears. This breaks in due course, and +the matter discharged spreads, combines, and assists in the growth and +accumulation of other and larger tubercles, which cause much pain, +greatly impede the passage of the air, and eventually carry off the +patient. + +Although pain is sometimes felt in the earlier stages of the malady, the +passage of the air through the lungs is not as yet affected to any very +perceptible extent. It was also found that the ordinary symptoms +accompanying the presence of these spots were similar to those produced +by many other causes; so that the symptoms of one disease might easily +be mistaken for--as was actually the case--those of another. + +The tests hitherto used were thus clearly shown to be insufficient for +detecting the disease, until the tubercles had assumed a size and +virulence sufficient to affect the breathing,--until, in fact, the +malady was too often beyond cure. + +After some time and many experiments, most efficacious means were +discovered for detecting and curing this dreadful disease while still in +its incipient state. + + +I ought to mention, that on the death of the girl to whom the potion was +administered, her friends learning that I had not opposed the +administering the fatal potion, were very violent against me and, +instigated by those who had at first opposed my law, openly declared +that she had been put to death by my orders. They thus succeeded in +arousing the passions of the multitude. At that time many young persons +were dying of consumption in a marshy valley, while others were +afflicted with disorders, which baffled the skill of the physicians and +were accompanied with the same symptoms that attended the malady of the +deceased girl. During the popular excitement to which I have referred, +the parents of these sufferers were made to believe that potions similar +to those which had already been administered with such fatal results, +were now to be administered to their own sick children, and that similar +results would ensue. + +I lost not a moment in summoning before me the heads of families and +friends of the sufferers, at the same time announcing the subject on +which I wished to discourse. + +The meeting took place in the great hall of my palace, which is capable +of containing many thousands, and I explained to the assembled multitude +that when the potion was administered to the deceased girl, the malady +was so far advanced that there were no means of saving her life, and +that in administering the potion the doctors had hoped to do good, +believing, contrary to my own convictions, that the complaint was not +organic. I explained that her death, and the knowledge gained by the +examination of her lungs, would be the salvation of most of their +children, of the nature of whose malady the doctors were now convinced. + +Asked by the girl's friends if I would myself take a potion similar to +that administered to the girl, I offered to drink double the quantity, +in the presence of the assembled multitude. When the cup was close to my +lips, and I was about to drink the potion, a woman in the crowd called +out that the liquid I held in my hand was innocuous, and very different +to the poisonous draught administered to the girl! So convinced was she +of this, that she offered to let her own child drink the potion out of +my cup! + +This child being, as I believed, afflicted with incipient consumption, I +cautioned the mother, explaining to her what would be the consequences +of her rashness. Still she insisted, and adhered to her opinion that if +I could drink the potion with impunity, the child could do the same. I +resisted, until at length many in the crowd, who had before been +influenced by my words, inferred from my hesitation that what the woman +said was really true! Perceiving that further hesitation on my part +would result in great evil, and in many deaths, I allowed the child to +drink a quarter of the potion, and I swallowed the rest myself. My lungs +being perfectly sound the potion only stimulated my system, but the +effect on the child was the same as it had been on the girl: it slept, +and woke no more. + + +Having addressed the people for a long time and calmed their anger, I +requested them to proceed to the place where the girl's body lay, to +convince themselves of the advanced state of the disease under which she +bad suffered. They were then marshalled by the officers of my palace, +and proceeded to the Anatomical Theatre, where they satisfied themselves +with their own eyes of the truth of what I had told them. Public +confidence was restored, and many sufferers were saved from premature +death. + +Effective means were afterwards taken to detect the minute incipient +pimples with which the disease was always ushered in, and never +afterwards was it allowed to reach serious proportions. It was destroyed +in its earliest germ, and thus much power and vitality and thousands of +lives were saved to the State. + + + + +XL. + + +THE HARP. + + + "Music....the emanation of the concentrated light of the + soul....The language of the angels." + + +The harp is our principal musical instrument. We have one that is +portable and in form like a lyre; but our great harp is much larger than +yours, differently constructed, and far more effective, combining, as it +does, in its tones all the delicacy, expression, and oneness of a single +executant, with the brilliancy and power of a combined body of +performers. + +It rests on a ball firmly placed on a massive pedestal, which is easily +moved from one place to another by means of small wheels. The ball on +which the harp rests revolves in a socket, so that the instrument can +easily be placed in the position the performer desires, and then, by +means of a bolt, fixed firmly in its place. No support from the +executant is needed. The harp does not rest upon him in any way, and he +has, at the same time, entire power over every part. + +The instrument is divided into fourths, that is, into four sets of +chords. The first only of these four sets is touched by the player, but +on any of the first set being intoned, each corresponding string of the +three other sets, all of which are stouter and more powerful than the +set played upon, resounds in harmony. + +The power given out by the three sets of strings is proportioned to the +sound produced on the first set by the performer, as the force of an +echo is stronger or weaker according as the sound producing it is +increased or diminished in volume. + +In the framework of the harp there are conducting strings of +electricity, which unite all the rest with the first set and with each +other. The electricity is generated by a liquid contained in a small +tube, and is set in motion by the movement of the strings of the first +set of chords. The tube can be placed in or removed from the instrument +with the greatest ease; without it, the first set alone responds to the +player's touch. + +The musician has the power of varying and depressing the notes of the +instrument in a marvellous manner, so as to produce instantaneously the +most delicate or the most powerful sounds, with endless modulations and +variety of tone. I have heard echoes and responses given out as though +the music had been breathed from a great distance;--the gentlest +whispers were alternated with all the force of a band of music. + +I could not, without much expenditure of time and labour, and without +explaining our science of music, which is altogether different to yours, +convey to you an adequate notion of the effect produced by a skilful +player. I have seen a multitude turned away from evil designs by the +exquisite playing of the harpist--their passions calmed, their thoughts +raised from earth to heaven. + +By the aid of little knobs on the instrument, the diapason can be +changed to an extent that you would not credit, for it has reference to +a system different to yours. The compass and extent of sound given by +our harps is very considerably higher than the notes produced by your +violins, and deeper than the lowest notes given by your contrabassi. + +We do not count by octaves, but by touching twos or threes different +characters of sounds are produced, indicated by names such as--gaiety, +joy, melancholy, truthfulness, fickleness in some things, fickleness in +all things, an exalted mind, poetry, domestic peace, hatred, jealousy, +morbid sensibility, pardon, receiving again into favour, flowers, decay +of health, sickness, returning health, love in a gentle degree, love in +a sublime degree, doubting, also trusting love, loneliness, +disappointment, ambition. + +These and many other sentiments are expressed by strains that go +directly to the soul, and without the need of words. As all in +Montalluyah understand the language the music is intended to convey, the +player, without opening his lips, can express himself on the harp as +clearly as by discourse; and two persons playing can hold a +conversation. + +As you have certain sounds responding to _do, re, mi_, &c., so have we +certain sounds and harmonies that convey certain expressions; for +instance: "I esteem you;" "I feel you in the pulsations of my blood," +_i.e._ "I love you." Or perhaps the vibrations of the same harmony would +be varied so as to be higher or lower, sharp or flat; and the player +would convey that he felt the presence of his beloved in the appropriate +vibration of his nerves. + +In another harmony, he would compare the admired object to some +beautiful soft bird like the Zudee, or a pet like the Kamouska.[1] + + [Footnote 1: See p. 145.] + +On the occasion of a love scene between a great harpist and a lady, I +have heard the following, amongst many other sentiments, expressed by +the harp: First Lenordi the harpist expressed his glowing sympathy, his +admiration of beauty, of goodness, his pleading to be heard, his hope +that no other occupied the lady's thoughts, his despair if his prayers +were not listened to, hope, expressions of eternal devotion; in short, +all the possible outpourings of a loving heart. It would be too tedious +to tell you all he conveyed, but he ended thus, "Thou art pure as the +dew upon the leaf of opening day ... but like to that dew wilt thy love +pass away!" + +Giola--the lady--took her place at the harp, and played a response +expressing the following:--"Would I might believe these flattering +vibrations, and the bright hopes raised within an hour to wither in a +day. + +"Could they but last, the skies above would pale beneath their +brightness. + +"Yet I would not doubt thee; thy every look makes life a dream of love." + +The player then made excuses for her seeming enthusiasm, by declaring +that even inanimate matter is moved by his soul-stirring strains. + +"Every flower and every tendril is moved by thee, for, like thee, they +are fresh and gently gay."... + +This led eventually to a "choice" meeting, and the marriage was attended +with many interesting incidents. Their history would of itself form a +curious romance! + +Every one competent is educated in the meaning of the harp-sounds, and +the instruction in this branch of study commences at an early age. +Certain sentences are written, and a sound is given out and repeated +till the young person thoroughly understands what he has heard. Then the +sentence is renewed, perhaps, in connection with another sentence, the +accompanying sound is given, and in a short time the student says the +word or sentence accompanying every sound, and thus he soon learns how +to use these sounds, and how to vary and combine them, just as an +alphabet or series of words would be used by an able writer. + +When the instrument is used as a subsidiary agent, and the player +accompanies his own or another's voice with words, he plays an +accompaniment implying words, but not so as to attract attention from +the singer. There are certain accompaniments which are adapted to +anything that might be sung. These, however, the player can vary, if his +talent is sufficient. + +Our songs are generally spontaneous effusions, but there are songs with +which certain words are permanently associated. + + +The harp itself is beautiful as a work of sculptural art. Around its +framework most elegant and tasteful ornaments are executed with the +minutest perfection--small birds of variegated plumage perched on +graceful foliage of green enamel, with flowers in their natural colours, +so executed as closely to resemble nature. The birds, flowers, and +foliage are connected with the chords of the harp, and conceal from view +small vases or reservoirs set in the framework of the instrument. From +these with every touch of the chords a beautiful fragrance is exhaled, +the force or delicacy of which depends on the more powerful or gentler +strains produced from the instruments. + +The instant the player strikes the chords, the little birds open their +wings, the flowers quiver in gentle action, and then from the vases are +thrown off jets of perfume. The more strongly the chords are touched, +the more powerfully does the fragrance play around. + +In tender passages the perfume gradually dies away, till it becomes so +faint as to be appreciated only by the most delicate organisations. The +result, however, is, that the sense is gratified, the heart touched, and +the whole soul elevated. I have seen the most ardent natures calmed and +rendered gentle by the divine strains of this angelic instrument. + +It is said that in the angelic spheres flowers breathe music as well as +fragrance, and that the sound itself has form, colour, and perfume. This +belief suggested the thought of uniting them in harmonious concert for +the gratification of those who had exercised the gifts accorded them by +Heaven to a good end. As they had gained their position by their own +merit, it was sought in every way to increase their happiness and their +enjoyments. Nothing that art could produce was thought too good for +them. + + +I loved the world. The wicked only are impatient and discontented. I +knew that blessings are everywhere about us, though we are expected to +exercise our intelligence to make them available; and whilst I +inculcated that "intemperance is not enjoyment," and that "intemperance +destroyed the power of enjoyment," I did not hesitate to tell my people +that the world and the blessings everywhere abounding are given us to +enjoy, and that, like guests invited to a banquet, we were neither to +run riot nor to reject the good things offered us in love. + + + + +XLI. + + +SOCIAL INTERCOURSE. + + + "The contact of society is necessary for the nurture and + preservation of the generous feelings implanted in us by the Great + Spirit." + + +In the system I inaugurated, where every man pursued his occupation with +enthusiastic delight, because he was engaged in that for which nature +and education had fitted him, it became necessary to enjoin recreation +and amusement as a duty, particularly in the case of learned men, whose +attention was concentrated on one particular subject. + +Before my reign learned men had been sometimes prone to seclude +themselves from the world, while the opulent indulged in amusements to +excess, and had indeed need of laws rather to restrain than to enjoin +indulgence. Now, however, few, except the "humble" classes (for we have +no "poor" in your sense of the word), would have sought after diversions +had not my laws enjoined them as a duty. + + +As regards learned men, I knew that if one part of the brain was unduly +excited and overworked, the other portions would lie dormant and suffer. +All classes therefore were required to "undergo" amusements, and many +were the precepts to encourage them in the pursuit. I added to these the +force of my own example; for, though occupied incessantly with the cares +of government and with abstruse meditations, I nevertheless attended +amusements of all kinds, and often gave fetes of great beauty and +magnificence for the recreation of the people. I was a frequent +attendant at places of amusement, public games, and races, and refreshed +myself almost daily with the sympathetic contact of the numerous society +which my hospitality brought round my table. + +When my laws on the subject of social intercourse were first promulgated +there were many wise men who questioned the wisdom of my requiring the +learned to cultivate social relations. These addressed to me many +arguments in support of their views and objected that, without having +their thoughts interrupted by the clang of society, simple changes of +subject, or at least the simplest distractions, would amply suffice to +give the necessary repose. I always encouraged the learned to +communicate to me their opinions, to which I invariably listened with +attention; and in this case the arguments they adduced in support of +their views were so plausible that I resolved to convince them by an +actual experiment. + +To satisfy them, and confirm the belief of others, I allowed the chief +opponents of my doctrines to select ten learned men who desired to +pursue their own idea of seclusion, and ten others were selected by me +from those who were converts to my views in matters of recreation and +amusement. The twenty men thus selected were, as nearly as possible, +equal in point of talent, and were all engaged on the same engrossing +subject--one which required great concentration of thought. The utmost +care was taken that the experiment might be fairly and conclusively +tried. + +The result of this experiment, which extended over many years, proved +indisputably that I was right; for whilst the productions of the +"amusing and amused" men were equal in all, and in many respects +superior to, those of the "seclusionists," the latter showed visible +marks of the evils of their abstinence. + +After a few years their indifference for the world had grown into +positive misanthropy. They refused to receive any visits, became +negligent of their personal appearance, and centred their whole +affection upon the object of their study. + +Among those who had lived in seclusion seven out of the ten had lost +their hair and the freshness of their complexion, both of which with us +are highly valued. They were very sallow, and their figures betrayed the +incipient decrepitude of old age, though for our world they were but in +the prime of life, if not of early manhood. Besides which they had +formed contracted notions on many subjects, some of them being what is +called eccentric. + +On the other hand, the collected works of the ten men who had profited +by contact with the world and its amusements were equal in all respects, +and indeed superior in some, to those of the "seclusionists." They were +for the most part large and liberal minded. There was but one who might +be called narrow-minded and eccentric, but his exceptional state was +greatly owing to the fact that the origin of this tendency had not been +attended to in childhood. He had, indeed, been educated under the old +system and consequently before the establishment of the office of +Character-divers. This man was the only one who was subject, though +partially, to the physical accidents which had affected the +"Seclusionists." The remaining nine "Society-sympathisers" remained +fresh, vigorous, and gay. + +What, however, satisfied my wise men the most was, that the works of the +learned men who had lived in contact with the world were actually in +many respects superior to the works of the Seclusionists, although these +also were more than remarkable. + + +In requiring learned men to mix with the world, I did not forbid +frequent solitude and retirement for meditation. I only objected to the +passion being indulged in to the exclusion of the refreshing sympathies +developed by a contact with society. + +The result of the experiment I have referred to seemed to satisfy even +the ten Seclusionists, who at least changed their habits in obedience to +my law, The effects of the seclusion on some of the ten were, however, +not got rid of, until a certain time had elapsed, and, but for increased +knowledge of the malady of monomania, these effects on one of the ten +Seclusionists would have been even far more serious than they +fortunately proved to be. + + +THE MONOMANIAC. + +This man, eminent in the highest degree, believed that another learned +man, his friend and greatest admirer, was his bitter enemy. All efforts +to convince him to the contrary were fruitless, for although remarkably +clear-sighted on most other subjects, he obstinately refused on this to +listen to the truth. Indeed, the remonstrances of his friends had the +effect of strengthening his conviction that the reptile, as he called +the supposed enemy, assumed the appearance of friendship, the better to +mask his infamous designs. + +This delusion went on for some time, but did not show itself beyond +words, and even those were never addressed to the supposed enemy, whose +designs he said "he would meet with simulation and the reptile's own +insidious weapons." Greatly as all this was to be regretted, the man was +so venerated, and was usually so calm, that none suspected any tendency +to a deranged intellect. His strong feelings were ascribed to mistaken +impressions, until a very disagreeable occurrence opened our eyes to his +real state. + +Both he and his supposed "enemy" were present at a dinner, given by a +high official, the chief Knowledge-tester or Examiner. Our dining-tables +are semicircular, and the guests are seated on the convex side only. The +Monomaniac, being a particular friend, honoured by the host, sat next to +him in the centre. The supposed "enemy" happened to be seated at the +extreme end of the semicircle, and consequently in a position to be seen +from the centre of the table. All went on well till about the middle of +the repast, when suddenly the Monomaniac rose, pointed to his supposed +enemy, and addressing himself to the guests, said, "Look there! Do you +not see the grimaces he is making at me?" + +Every one marvelled! The host addressed the Monomaniac in a gentle tone, +entreating him to have more control over his temper, Those seated close +to the supposed "enemy" declared loudly that he had made no grimaces; +but their denial only increased the fury of the accuser. A bird-- +considered a great delicacy--had just been placed before the host. It +was arranged, as were our dishes generally, to please the eye as well as +the palate, being ornamented with olives, sweetmeats, and other +ingredients of varied colours. Birds, I may incidentally remark, are +cooked without the bones; these are skilfully taken out and serve to +enrich the gravy. + +The Monomaniac again rose suddenly and, before his arm could be +arrested, seized the fowl, larded as it was with accessories and +dripping with gravy, and with all his force hurled it whole, with +unerring aim, at the face of the supposed enemy. So great was his +excitement, and so rapid his movements, that he had seized one of the +"knife-spoons," and had he not been arrested, would probably have hurled +that, and, indeed, everything within reach against the object of his +fury. + +At private dinners the number of guests never exceeds twelve, and at the +back of each, corresponding to every seat, is a small closet, ordinarily +used by each guest for his ablutions. Into one of these the Monomaniac +was placed with considerable difficulty, everything with which he could +injure himself having been previously removed. By the doctor's order he +was treated as a patient and, after some time, the result of the +application of the tests, then only recently discovered, showed that he +was much affected with brain animalcula, which had been generated by the +exhaustion of one part of the brain, in consequence of the incessant +occupations of another portion, by one all-engrossing subject, without +the relief of sufficient air, recreation, and bodily exercise. + +The "supposed enemy" and the Monomaniac had been both occupied on the +same subject; the latter was much superior, and had consequently +attained greater distinction. Nothwithstanding this, he was fearful that +the "enemy" would ultimately excel him. + +At the end of a few months the Monomaniac was completely cured. It was +not, however, until after a year's travel and change of scene that he +was allowed to resume his old studies. He now became more brilliant than +ever, and we were indebted to him for some valuable discoveries. He had +learned that his supposed enemy was a real friend and true admirer of +his great talents. He never suffered again from the affliction, which, +had it not been arrested in time, would have ended in confirmed madness. +He became more than ever a strong advocate for the observance of my laws +in favour of recreation. + + + + +XLII. + + +THEATRES. + +ELECTRICAL ENTERTAINMENTS--AMUSEMENTS--INTRODUCTION +OF STRANGERS. + + + "....Even the daisies of the field grow in company...." + + +Besides theatres of another kind, there are large arenas, where the +entertainments principally consist of feats worked out by electricity +and produce effects far beyond anything as yet known in your planet. +These arenas are open to the sky, for electric effects are not exhibited +in roofed buildings, from fear of the explosions which would probably +occur were antagonistic electricities brought in contact with each other +in a covered space. + +The games exhibited are varied; but, in all, electricity has some part. +As I have already said, we have electricities, some attractive, some +antipathetic to the human frame,--and by the aid of both kinds many +interesting feats are performed. + +I have seen a man and horse in the arena, who, at a given signal, would +rise gradually and gracefully to a distance of more than fifty feet from +the earth. When suspended in the air a cloud, like fire, would encircle +them, and then after a certain time, sufficient for the spectators to +observe and admire them, they would alight on the earth as gradually and +gracefully as they had ascended. + + +THE FLYING CHILDREN. + +In one of these arenas is a large sheet of running water, supplied by a +cataract in the neighbourhood; and I have seen the most beautiful +effects produced by children gliding over and as it were dancing on its +surface. The children are selected from the most graceful and beautiful +of those, who, not having sufficient intellect to learn, give no signs +of making a progress which would fit them for more important +occupations. + +These children are taught and _willed_ to move in the most graceful +forms. Joining hands and forming exceedingly beautiful groups, they will +glide over the cascade and over the surface of the agitated lake, +walking, dancing, or reposing. + + +WILL. + +In assuming these graceful forms, the children are aided by a person +skilled in the use of the Will, who, with the assistance of our +"sympathetic-attracting machines," [1] can _will_ the children to take +the most varied and graceful positions. The effect is fascinating, +elevating, and refining. + + [Footnote 1: See p. 265.] + +The man who directs the sympathetic machine, _wills_ the figures from +his imagination or memory, this being part of the art in which he is +skilled. + +In your planet, you do not know the extent of the power of the Will; and +yet it is the Will--the Will of the Soul--which sets our vital +electricity in motion, directs it on particular parts of its own +machine--the brain--or on the sentient faculties of others. This same +vital electricity can be used with greater force and certainty of +direction, when assisted by the instrument which I have called "the +sympathetic machine." + + +THE DEAF AND DUMB CHILD. + +I have seen one little girl deaf and dumb--the only instance in my +time--in consequence of a fright her mother had experienced. The child +was of so nervous a temperament, that she could not be taught anything +intellectual. She was lovely, with long hair that fell about her in +graceful curls, and in whatever way she sat, moved, or reclined, her +poses and movements were angelic. + +It was found that the only thing which would awaken her dormant senses +was electricity; and that, under its influence, she would be well and +happy. + +This child was at length taught to remain for some time together in one +of her beautiful poses. + +The circus in which I saw her is built close to a mountain or steep +ascent, which rises almost perpendicularly to a great height. By the +power of an attractive electricity, she would be made--whilst in one of +her beautiful poses--to rise gradually, and to be borne flying, as it +were, in the air. She would then be made to alight on the top of the +high rock, where a halo of concentrated light was thrown on her; this +clung about her, attracted by a solution with which her dress was +sponged. The light was calculated to remain undissipated for half an +hour. + +After some time, and having taken the most graceful poses, encircled +with the lovely halo, the child would glide off the rock and descend +slowly and gracefully through the air--with the varied colours of the +halo about her--as though she were a being of the celestial stars. + +Of all exhibitions, I have never seen any more beautiful than this. It +served admirably to raise, refine, and rouse the spectator to +enthusiasm. + + +THE MONKEYS. + +On the other hand, some of our electric exhibitions produce mirth. For +instance, the effect of electricity on the monkeys in Montalluyah--who +are very sagacious, having faces white like a human being, and talking +like parrots--is ludicrous in the extreme. When engaged in chewing and +eating their favourite nuts, they find themselves, in spite of their +cunning, raised to a great height, without seeing the man underneath +their pedestal, who impels them upwards with antipathetic electricity. + +When they are thus in the air, and, in spite of all efforts, unable to +descend, their antics are of the drollest kind. They, in turn, threaten +and entreat the audience, but are soon reassured and liberally rewarded +for the parts they have played in amusing the public. + +Apart from the contemplation of electrical effects, these amusements may +appear somewhat puerile. It should therefore be observed that our people +generally retain to the last an almost child-like freshness of feeling, +which renders them keenly susceptible to the most innocent pleasures. +The tragic drama is for us extinct. Towards the middle of my reign, +plays based upon crime ceased to be heard with pleasure, as the new +generation, trained under the wholesome influence of my laws, could +scarcely understand a plot relating to passions entirely foreign to +their nature. The writers for our theatres, properly so called, have +since that period confined themselves to subjects illustrative of +country life in plain and mountain, and to incidents which, though +happening at a distance, are known to occur. + + +No accidents arise. Our professors are very skilful, knowing the exact +quantities of electricity required for a given time, and at what rate +its power will decrease. Electricity in all its variations is thoroughly +understood by our electricians. + +Electricity, indeed, now forms part of the studies of youth in general, +and its leading features form part of the early knowledge taught to both +girls and boys. + + +There are races and public games of all kinds, and, besides the fetes +and amusements given by private persons, there are balls and social +reunions given by the districts. + +Even children have their parties and balls, to which they are taken from +four years of age and upwards. The labouring people, or poor, have +theirs. They go to work more cheerfully when they know that amusements +are to follow, and return to their labours with redoubled energy. They +are now contented and happy. + +Old people, although allowed to attend the soirees of the young, have +parties of their own, to which none who have not passed a certain age +are admitted. + +One day in the week is set apart for amusements of all kinds. + +To the reunions given by the districts, all who have passed a certain +age are invited, every seven days, until the age of forty; after forty, +once in three weeks; after sixty, once in every six weeks. All who have +not passed their fortieth year are expected to attend these reunions. +Those who have passed forty may attend as often as they please. + + +INTRODUCTION OF STRANGERS. + +Amongst these reunions there are balls and parties given on certain days +in every month, for the introduction of strangers coming from other +parts, who are received in a separate room by the Master of the +Ceremonies, or, as we say, "Introducer of Strangers." Having satisfied +himself of the status of the strangers, this officer announces the name +of the eldest and conducts him round the great room, where all the +company are assembled, which duty performed, he conducts the guest back +to the strangers' room, and then, having returned into the assembly-room, +asks if any one wished to make objection to the stranger's +reception. If none is made, the visitor is escorted back and presented +to the whole company, and the most distinguished amongst them are +expected to take him by the hand and seat him by their side. + +This ceremony over, the stranger is allowed to visit every person +present at their residences, where he is received with great +hospitality. + + +When, however, in answer to the Introducer's question, any one says, "I +do object to be introduced to that person," he is required to state his +reasons, which the "Introducer" writes down, and which the objector is +required to read and sign. + +The "Introducer" then proceeds to the strangers' room, and says to the +proposed guest, "We find it will not be agreeable to terminate the +presentation to-night, so we reserve it for another day," which is fixed +accordingly. + +On the following day, the most effective means are taken to test the +validity of the objections, and it has been found that the few cases of +objection that have been raised have been almost invariably based on +error, or on exaggerated trifles, which would scarcely bear a moment's +examination. + +As a record of every one's career is faithfully kept, we have ready +means of making ourselves acquainted with every one's antecedents and, +consequently, of testing the validity of the "objections." + +The objections being removed, the stranger is received with a hearty +welcome. When conducted into the assembly-room, the person who made the +objections having been pointed out to him, he is addressed as +follows:--"In all this great assembly, this is the only person who urged +anything against you, and we find that all he imagined arose from +misconception [or as the case may be]. This we have taken every pains to +rectify, and we leave to you to do what may be pleasing to yourself, in +order to convince him still more completely of his error; and you have +our best wishes that unity, harmony, and peace may exist between you." +This done, the newly-received guest is seated between the principal +personages, and is treated with, if possible, more kindness and +consideration than if no objection had been made. In each class we +follow the same custom, which we find works admirably well. It is +peculiarly adapted to our system. + + +THE ATTRACTING-MACHINE. + +I have spoken above of our sympathetic attracting-machine, and I may +mention here that by means of certain acids acted on by the sun's rays, +a person can be compelled to move even from a great distance towards a +given point in the way willed by the operator. It is, however, necessary +to discover, first; the particular acids that have most affinity with +the person to be attracted. To ascertain these with certainty, there is +a little instrument with many separate cells, all communicating by means +of its tube with one little ball, and each containing a different acid. + +Unless some attraction, or power in sympathy with the acids, is applied +to the ball, the acids remain quiescent, each in its separate +compartment. To discover what acids have most attractive force with a +given person, the ball is placed against his breast, whereupon the +portions of those acids which have affinity with him rush forth from +their respective cells up each tube into the ball, where they +immediately commingle, forming one compound liquid of unequal component +parts. The scientific man charged with the operation then notes the +exact quantities of each of the component acids, and all pertinent +particulars. + +This is an easy process. Each principal acid is weighed before being +placed in its cell, which is open from the top; and before the ball is +removed from the chest, what remains of each acid is taken out from its +compartment and re-weighed. The difference between the weights, before +and after the operation, gives the exact weight of each acid, forming +one of the component parts of the amalgamated fluid in the ball. + +It is rare that the exact proportions of the same acids are applicable +to any two men, though, as in the case of faces, the difference may be +so slight as almost to approach identity. In some it is very great; but +the same kinds of acids suffice to ascertain the attractive power of +every individual. + +The particular sympathetic acids and their proportions having been +ascertained, the attracting-machine is prepared and charged with a large +quantity of the sympathetic compound, sufficiently powerful to attract +the person selected, although placed at some distance. To be effective, +however, the operation must take place while the sun is shining; and it +is also necessary that the person directing the machine should exercise +a certain amount of will tending towards the end desired. The power of +will is great, and there are a few persons who can make others do +certain things without the aid of the instrument, by the power of will +alone; but, in such cases, the person "willing" must be near the person +acted on. + + + + +XLIII. + + +SHIPS. + + + "Would ye triumph over the seas in all their fury? Would ye spare + the lives of those who toil for you? Let your ships he harder than + the rocks, swifter than the message-bird, more buoyant than the + swan, and as enduring as the Mestua Mountain." + + +Our ships are of peculiar form and construction, and of all but +exhaustless strength and durability. In ancient times the form of a fish +had been taken as a model for their construction, and the same form was +continued for centuries. The ships built on this principle, however, +often foundered at sea, or were broken to pieces, when driven against +the rocks, by the violence of tempests. + +Moved by the loss of life and consequent suffering thus occasioned, I +sought to construct a vessel that could neither founder nor be broken, +at whatever speed it might move. + +I reasoned that a fish, formed to live and to act principally under the +water, was hardly a fit model for ships intended to float on its +surface, and certainly not to sink. + +After much consideration on the part of our scientific men, the form of +the swan was successfully adopted as best fitted for sea-going ships. + +Our "Swan-ships," as I may call them, are constructed of timbers, +previously seasoned to prevent insect breeding and to resist all +tendency to shrink, and are completely covered with the hide of the +hippopotamus, which, it should be observed, is impervious to water, and, +when prepared for use, is so tough that no knife or machine, however +sharp or powerful, can cut, pierce, or indeed make any impression upon +it, until it has passed through a process, in which fire has a great +part, and is thus purposely deprived of its impenetrable nature. + +In the construction of the ship, the outline of the swan is followed as +nearly as possible. The prow rises out of the water, shaped like the +bird's neck and head; the keel is rounded like the belly; the stern is +an imitation of the tail; the legs are supplied by two large adjuncts in +the shape of webbed feet, with the addition, however, of numerous wheels +fastened round the swan's belly, which are partially immersed in the +water and moved by powerful machinery within the vessel. + +On each side of the swan's body is an auxiliary platform, forming, as it +were, a wing. These platforms are raised in fine weather, and serve as +open-air promenades for the passengers, in addition to another terrace +on the swan's back, immediately above. + +The ship has no masts, and is thus available throughout for passengers +and merchandise. The apertures between the decking, that admit light and +air, can be closed up at a moment's notice, and the vessel, being thus +rendered water-tight, will ride through the most violent storm. No rocks +can break her, and no sea can swamp her. + +During hurricanes the seas rise so high and in such large masses, that, +in descending, they sometimes submerge her; but she is too buoyant to +sink, soon regains the surface, and floats on as buoyant as ever. + +The navigation in our world would on your earth be considered very +dangerous, if not impracticable. The swan-ship, even when driven by the +tempest, must often pass through narrow inlets between dangerous rocks, +sometimes _under_ the rocks, through channels scooped out by the +sea. The force of the hurricanes and the violence of the seas are +tremendous. Your most powerful ships could not live through them, yet no +serious accident has ever befallen one of our vessels. On one occasion, +when the ship was submerged for a time, the people suffered greatly from +want of air, as the sea was too terribly rough to allow of any window +being opened. After remaining covered by the waters for a length of +time, she righted herself as soon as the violence of the waves had +calmed. + + +On their return to Montalluyah, some of the passengers related to me +their acute sufferings from want of air, and as their narrative affected +me much, I resolved to discover a remedy. + +Telescopic funnels to admit air were suggested by me as a provision for +such a contingency as I have described. These are so constructed that in +case of need they can be sent up to a great height above the surface of +the sea. The principal one is placed in the head of the swan. Several +experiments were made with air-pumps in the ship to draw in and diffuse +air, and they fully answered this purpose. + +Air can still be admitted through the head and neck of the swan, if the +body only is submerged; but if this also is covered by the sea, the +telescopic funnel is sent up to the required height and a new current of +air is obtained. Light and air are, under ordinary circumstances +admitted by means of windows made with a transparent composition of +great strength. + +The swan's head is reserved for the captain's quarters. His rooms are +spacious and well suited to his work; his windows are, some plane, some +concave, some convex, so that he can see both near and distant objects. +As the swan's head is high above the body of the swan, the captain +occupies a very commanding position. Outside the head there is a terrace +for his use. + +Our ships are very large, that each passenger may have the utmost +accommodation, for we do not like to imprison our people in a narrow +space; and an ordinary vessel holds several hundred passengers, besides +merchandise. + +To propel our vessels we use electric power, and they move as fast as +your quickest railway trains; but nevertheless can be stopped almost +instantaneously. The wheels outside the body of the swan, set in motion +by internal electric machinery, revolve with extraordinary rapidity. To +set the machinery in motion it is necessary to wind up powerful chains, +and a strong horse is used for the purpose. One horse is sufficient for +the longest voyage, but four are kept on board in case of accidents. The +machinery could be so constructed that the horse would not be necessary; +but for this arrangement much more space would be required. If even all +the horses were disabled--a thing which hitherto has never occurred--the +machinery could be kept in motion by manual power and leverage. + +Though the propelling power is great, it can be reversed, moderated, or +entirely suspended with the greatest ease. As soon as the ship is +stopped, the two large "web-feet" attached to the keel fall down and +assist in checking her headway. + +To steer our vessels we use a winch or rudder, which runs from stem to +stern underneath the swan's belly, and is connected with a wheel below +the water. This rudder, which is made of metal and covered with +hippopotamus hide, is sharp and slightly rounded. The mode in which it +is fixed gives the steersman great control over the vessel, the more so +as it moves the swan's head as well as the tail by direct action. + + +TIMBER FOR SHIPS. + +Before timber is employed for ships, or indeed for constructions of any +kind, it is thoroughly seasoned by being exposed to the sun at +particular hours of the day. Timbers that have passed through this +process never shrink or warp. + +In accordance with my directions, wood cannot be used in shipbuilding +until so prepared that no insects will touch it. + +In certain parts of the bottom of the great ravine is a liquid, the +admixture of refuse of all kinds. After some years this liquid becomes +of a golden colour for the depth of about two inches only; beneath, it +is of a muddy brown. It was accidentally discovered that the golden +liquor so hardened wood that no insect could make any impression upon +it, and no moisture could penetrate the fibres. There is some difficulty +in skimming and obtaining the liquid in a pure state; but the operation +having been performed, it is carefully preserved in large vats and +remains ready for use. + +The timber having been thoroughly seasoned in the sun, each plank is cut +and shaped to the exact form required, and is then soaked in this +liquid. If the process of cutting were delayed till after the timber had +been soaked, the parts where the cuttings had been made would be +unprotected from the insects. If the soaking were delayed until after +the ship had been put together, the four sides of each of the timbers +where it is joined to other timbers, would in like manner be +unprotected, and the insects would eat their way between. The care +exercised was the more necessary, as it was essential that the wood +under the hippopotamus hide should be preserved from internal as well as +external influences. If the wood had shrunk after it had been once +covered, parts of the hide would become slack, and serious +inconveniences would have ensued. I never knew one of our Swan vessels +to spring a leak or to wear out. The vessels built under my rule will +exist unimpaired for many centuries, whilst those built under the former +system were broken to pieces on account of their foulness and leakage, +chiefly caused by the ravages of insects. + + +THE COMPASS. + +The compass used in our ships is different to yours, being based on the +fact that each country has a different attraction to certain liquids. In +short, we apply an electrical power entirely unknown to you. + + +THE ANCHOR. + +The anchor is made of iron-marble, which is the strongest composition we +have, and which, you will recollect, was used in the construction of the +Mountain Supporter. + +In shape the anchor resembles a body with six legs, like a fly--three on +either side. Each leg has a crook at the end, which will grapple firmly +wherever the least hold can be obtained. + +The anchor is let out and hauled in by machinery made on a principle +resembling the machinery of the ship itself, but, of course, on a very +much smaller scale. + +The rope holding the anchor is made of Bisson hair, a very strong +material; and although there is little probability of its breaking, +there are four other ropes of the same material secured to the body of +the anchor, to serve in case of accidents. There is no strain whatever +in the meantime on these reserved ropes, which hang slack, and would +only come taut and into play in case of the principal rope being broken. + + + + +XLIV. + + +PICTURES FROM WATER. + + + "The records of your actions are borne in the waters, in the air, + in electricity, in the unknown powers that, by the command of Him + who made them all, pervade infinite space. His might is everywhere; + and the man who transgresses, sins in the presence of myriads of + witnesses." + + +In my reign some interesting discoveries were made with regard to water. + +From a source situated in the midst of a lovely scene flowed a spring of +remarkably pure quality, some drops of which, taken at a distance, +presented, when viewed through a microscope, a true picture of the +landscape close to the source from whence they came. Rocks, trees, +shrubs, sky, were there faithfully delineated with their varied forms +and colours, together with the resemblances of two persons, lovers, +seated on the banks. As we afterwards learned, they had been attracted +by the beauty of the scene, had sat for a long time in the same place, +and their portrait was, as it were, fixed on the water. + +The electricity of the sun and light had thrown the shadow or picture of +the scene on the fluid, whose electricity had been sufficiently strong +to retain it, and bear it to the spot whence the drops of water had been +taken. This circumstance, and our knowledge that the reflecting power of +the water is the result in part of its peculiar electricity, led to a +very interesting discovery. + +With the assistance of a powerfully attracting electric machine we can +produce, together with the surrounding landscape, the likeness of a +person, or of a group, actually many miles from the machine, if near the +water. The image is received on the reflecting mirror of the machine, +and an artist immediately copies outlines and colours. + +With the aid of the attracting machine we have obtained pictures of our +Swan-vessels, though a long way out at sea, with the passengers on the +decks; who, on arriving, have been surprised to find their likenesses, +with a similitude of the costume they wore while on board. + +The machine, through the medium of the water, throws its attracting +power many miles out through the sea, and reflects objects back on a +large plate of a kind of ground-glass. The objects reflected are not +fixed permanently, but remain on the plate for about an hour and a half +after the connection with the machine has ceased. During this time an +artist traces the picture which it is desired to retain, and fills in +the colours. The reflection thrown is indeed little more than a +pale-coloured shadow, but we make of it a reality at will. + +Our knowledge of the properties of water enables us, with the aid of an +electric-attracting machine, to see the bottom of the sea. Images of the +deepest parts are thrown upon the mirror, the force of the machine being +increased according to the depth of the sea, and the distance from the +machine. + +Some parts of the bottom of the sea reveal nothing but uninhabited, +uneven ground, whilst other parts present the appearance of an inhabited +world. We have seen the entrances to large caverns with what may be +called doors, and immense moving masses; flowers and parterres of most +delicate and lovely beauty; varieties of precious stones, forming +devices and figures of different kinds; and large shrubs that glistened +as diamonds in the sun, and thriving and blossoming, seemed replete with +life. In other parts of the sea lie strewn in irregular masses things of +every description in incredible quantities, heaps upon heaps, as though +these parts had at some time been dry land, where riches of every +description had been congregated. A description of the wonders seen +would fill many volumes. + + + + +XLV. + + +THE HIPPOPOTAMUS. + + + "Ye seek Elikoia's life....Ye watch to make sure of your prey, when + the boy is alone, his thoughts fixed on high....Ye shall wear + hideous forms, ye shall wander on the land, as well as on the + water, but nowhere shall ye find rest. Ye shall dread and be + dreaded by all; ye shall constantly be put to death, that your hide + and carcase at least may serve for useful purposes in the land that + ye have denied.... Ye shall be slain with no more compunction than + when a man cuts down a tree with which to make his hut." [1].... + + + [Footnote 1: The above belongs to the ancient mythology + of Montalluyah.] + +Hippopotami are very numerous in my planet; their breed is encouraged, +for they are found to be invaluable. + +They are of a cruel nature, and there is much antipathy between them and +human beings. Apart from the valuable uses to which they are made +subservient, these beasts are regarded in our planet with a feeling akin +to that with which you regard the serpent, it having been supposed in +the early ages of our world that the hippopotamus embodied a portion of +the spirit of the enemy of mankind. + + +THE HIPPOPOTAMUS HIDE. + +The hide of the beast is of remarkable strength and durability, and is +impervious to water; indeed, its toughness is, if possible, increased by +immersion. It is used for a variety of purposes, forming a covering for +our vessels, the want of which nothing could supply in our tempestuous +and rocky seas. It serves most effectually to insulate and protect our +electric telegraphs both by land and sea. It resists the most violent +usage, and no force, without the application of fire, can break it, for +it is so tough, even in an unprepared state, that it can only be severed +or penetrated by the application of fire and red-hot penetrating-irons. + +The nearest approach to the hide of the hippopotamus is that of the +rhinoceros; but this is not so tough or so durable, and it is inferior +in other qualities. + +The value of the hippopotamus is incalculable. Whilst alive, we can +extract from him a powerful electricity. When dead, besides the +innumerable purposes to which the hide is applied, his bones, marrow, +oil, fat, and, indeed, every part of the carcase, are of great value. + +Some portions of the ugly beast are made subservient to the beautiful, +for they are used in the arts to give additional brilliancy to colours. + +The bones, which are susceptible of a beautiful polish like ivory, and +are transparent, are used for articles of elegant furniture and +ornaments of varied beauty. + + +At some distance from Montalluyah is a large tract of country, called +"Hippopotamus Land," where there is an abundance of everything that the +beasts like or need, such as sand, moss, nut-trees, and a peculiar +plant, which is their favourite food. + +Numerous herds are kept on this land, and also in enclosures, as deer +are preserved in your parks. In charge of them are numerous herdsmen or +keepers, who may be compared to so many shepherds looking after the +sheep, though the animals they tend are far more valuable. + +From habit, the keepers understand all the ways and movements of their +flock. + +With a view to startle the animals as little as possible, the keepers +are clothed in a dress made of hippopotamus-skin, the outside of which +is preserved in its natural state, and it is so arranged that the men +may appear like familiar figures to the mothers and the young, and not +excite their fear. + +It is known in Montalluyah that wild beasts often attack man from fear, +lest he should do them harm. + +The skin worn by the keeper is saturated with a solution made from a +strong-smelling herb, to which the animals have great antipathy; and +even though they may approach and smell the skin, they soon turn away, +without hurting the watcher. + +The beast's antipathy to this herb was discovered by accident. It +happened that a herd of hippopotami were driven on land where it grew +abundantly; they instantly rushed furiously into the water, and, in +spite of every effort and stratagem, could not be made to return to the +shore. + +Suspecting that this herb was the cause of their contumacy, we took a +young hippopotamus, and kept him without food till he became quite +ravenous. Some of the tender herbs were then brought, but he would not +touch them, and evinced other symptoms of antipathy, while he showed his +ravenousness by trying to seize the keeper. He was still kept without +food, and the herbs were left within his reach, but he would not +approach them, though, as soon as some of his usual food was brought, he +greedily devoured it. + +These beasts formerly infested the rivers which run through our cities; +and a very powerful solution from the herb, which they could scent at a +considerable distance, was prepared by our chemists. We have great locks +at the entrances of our rivers. In these are concave places in which the +preparation is deposited, and the dangerous beasts are thus kept at a +great distance. + +In our world the hippopotami are very fond of freshwater rivers. There +is a large stream called the Aoe, the waters of which have a peculiar +attraction for these beasts, and I have seen it covered with them for +miles. + +The waters of this river are very prejudicial to man; perhaps the +qualities which make them agreeable to the beast render them +antipathetic to man's constitution. + +In their native state, the beasts like the land as much as the water, +preferring it indeed during the prevalence of certain winds. I could +tell, by the direction of these, whether few or many of the animals +would come ashore. From my observatory, I have seen thousands together a +long way off, looking like countless swarms of flies, and all moving in +a compact mass, as though they were gregarious to the highest degree. +When seen from a short distance, they look like a moving lead-colour +bog. I have sent to caution the hunters, for on occasion the large herds +are dangerous. + + +HABITS. + +There are times when the hippopotami seek to be invisible; they then +bury themselves in the sand, and not one can be seen. At other times, +miles of country are covered with them. + +When the wind is in a particular quarter it causes a remarkable musical +sound in its passage through the hollow rocks, which seems particularly +sympathetic to the hippopotami. If, at the time the "musical sound" is +heard, the sun shines, they with great rapidity place the young ones +together, running round them as round a central point in a succession of +circles. They jump and bound, pass and repass each other, and as it were +dance with joy, in a state of great excitement continuing their +energetic gambols all the time the musical sound is heard, until, +exhausted with their exertions, they lie down and sleep. + +It is a grand sight to see large herds of hippopotami so joyfully +excited. They never act thus when stimulated by fear, but stand doggedly +for some time, as though examining the cause of the disturbance, and as +soon as the terror has mastered them they rush away, running at a great +speed. + +When they pair, they are generally constant to each other, and the +female usually remains at the side of her mate: but some are capricious, +and go about as if seeking other males of the herd. When the female is +thus inconstant, her partner, after a time, tries to destroy her and her +young, though pains are taken to prevent this result. + +To save the female and her young, we have occasionally been obliged to +kill the male with arrows steeped in a poison so powerful, that the +slightest graze will cause instant death. + + +The mother is generally much attached to her young. She buries it in the +sand, leaving an aperture through which it may breathe, and she lies at +its side. If the temperature changes, or she fancies the calf has not +sufficient heat, she will cover the aperture for a time with her head, +or some part of her body. She gathers nuts, which the young one likes, +and will sometimes wander for miles along the strand of rivers to seek a +small fish, which she kills, and brings back to the spot where the calf +has been left buried in the sand. + +When the young one is sickly, and does not respond to the signs of the +mother, she fancies the little creature does not like her, and leaves it +to die. + + +REARING HIPPOPOTAMI. + +In Montalluyah there are large lakes, protected and enclosed by iron-work, +where hippopotami are reared. + +These are interspersed with land, on which we deposit large quantities +of sand and moss. + +We are very successful in rearing the animals, but we take care that +they should have facilities for following their natural habits. + +I believe you have not been able to rear these beasts in Western Europe. +You might do so by observing their habits, and even by attending to a +few simple precautions. If you were once successful they would increase +rapidly, and you would soon discover their inestimable value. + +This is the course we pursue when the animal is reared in confined +situations: + +As soon as the female has conceived, a quantity of sand and moss is +placed on the ground at the side of the water. This is done without loss +of time, that the beast may be accustomed to the sight. Shortly, if left +to herself, she will wallow in the mixture, and as soon as the young one +is born, will place it in the sand, covering it over with moss. + +As already observed, the female, when running wild in a state of nature, +lays the young one in the sand as soon as it is born, covering every +part of the body, and then overlaying it with moss. On this account, we +take care to deposit the sand and moss where the animal can easily find +them. + +The beasts are of a very suspicious nature, and if the sand and moss +were not placed near the female until after her young one was born, she +would be afraid of them. + +The mother is treated with great kindness, and is not allowed in any way +to be teased or used harshly. + +The hippopotamus is a very nervous animal, and is besides very vicious +and irritable. The female does not easily forget an injury, particularly +when with young. If in any way used unkindly, the effects of the +vexation will endure for a long time after the birth of the young one, +which will come into the world in a weakly state, and will not thrive. +If it does not soon die, the mother will kill it; for, when ill-treated +either before or after parturition, the mother is ordinarily impelled to +destroy the calf. She is often so nervous, that, when with calf, she +cannot bear to be looked at and is then placed apart in an enclosure +reserved expressly for the purpose, which is hoarded round, and no one +but the keeper is allowed to approach her. + + +In a state of nature, the beast is accustomed to wander over large +tracts especially favoured by sun and light; even the water he swims in +is warmed by the sun. In the gardens in which you strive to rear these +beasts, they are kept in dark miserable places, where the water is cold, +and which the sun rarely penetrates. You are not kind to them +yourselves, and, besides, you allow visitors to tease them. + +These errors alone are sufficient to prevent the mother bringing forth a +calf that will thrive. + +In your cold and variable climates you would do well to have an enclosed +place, a kind of conservatory covered over with glass, arranged so as to +be opened in warm weather, particularly when the sun shines, and closed +during the greater part of the winter, at which time the water, in which +the beasts swim, should be warmed by a genial heat diffused through the +building. This plan would be much more profitable than your actual dear +economy. + +If from any cause it is found judicious to separate the mother and the +young one, care should be taken to effect the separation immediately +after the birth, before the natural food has been tasted, or at least +before it has become familiar to the young one, and the calf should be +placed where it cannot hear the mother's moaning call. + +Warmed sand and moss should be in readiness, in which to immerse and all +but cover the little one. + +Goat's milk, or other substitutes for the mother's milk, must be +administered whilst quite warm and just drawn from the goat. If allowed +to stand, the liquid would injure instead of doing good, and even if +artificially warmed would not be so beneficial as the new milk. + +It is not improbable that the calf will at first refuse the proffered +beverage. The expedients for causing the animal to drink should be +devised so as to avoid all unnecessary annoyance, and if this precaution +be attended to the animal will of its own accord soon drink the warm +milk, and take other proper food. + +The room where the young one is kept should be of an equal warmth both +day and night. In a state of nature the mother obtains this equalization +of the temperature, and protects the young one from the comparative +chilliness of the night air by lying across the sand in which she has +placed the object of her care. + +The removal of the young one from the mother is effected with ease; and +as this process is with you accompanied by many inconveniences, besides +being very difficult and dangerous, a few hints as to our mode of +proceeding may be of use. + +We have four very long sockets peculiarly formed at their base, so that +they can be thrust for a long distance into the sandy ground, and there +take the firmest hold. They are placed at certain distances about the +spot where the mother lies, and into them are inserted four poles of +great strength, so arranged that they stand at the angles of a square or +parallelogram, sustaining a framework surmounted by planks sufficiently +strong to support four men in case of need, though sometimes two only +are required. The men, who are very skilful, are stationed one on each +side of the plank, armed with a large strong net, made of a soft and +agreeable material, which, as soon as the young one is born, they let +down very gradually, so as to disturb the mother as little as possible. +Should she be annoyed at the appearance of the net, they hold their +hands, keeping it suspended, and as soon as she is appeased and closes +her eyes, let it down again, still very slowly, almost imperceptibly, +until it has reached the ground, close to where the young one is lying, +so contriving that when the little creature moves it will be upon the +net. + +As soon as the young one is fairly on the net, the men apply several +long canes furnished with grappling-hooks, and draw up the net +containing the young one. While doing this, they throw over the mother a +material which impedes her movement, and which we call by a name that +may be freely translated, "Clinging Flannel." The animal thus encumbered +cannot disentangle herself for a few minutes, more than sufficient to +secure the capture of the little one, which, as soon as it has been +raised is let down into a vehicle ready to receive it. The instant this +is done, the driver and all being in readiness, the horses start off at +full gallop, and the calf is secured in a place far out of hearing of +the mother. + +We can almost invariably tell whether the mother is likely to destroy +the young one; and if from this or other causes a separation is +necessary, a similar course is pursued, even when the mother is at +large. If we had not effective means of driving off the rest of the +herd, the difficulty of the operation of removal would be greatly +increased, for, strange to say, as soon as the calf is born numbers of +hippopotami assemble at certain distances and form a wide circle round +the spot where the mother and little one are lying. They do not +interfere with or annoy them in any way, but, on the contrary, they +stand still, look at them, and utter wild, joyous sounds, as though they +were pleased with the mother and the little visitor. In Montalluyah we +call this "the hippopotamus's visit of congratulation." + +Before I describe the mode adopted when we wish to take one of the +hippopotami from the herd, I should first premise that these beasts have +the sense of hearing, acute to the highest degree, and could note even +the fall of a pin. As, therefore, it is useless to try to approach them +by stealth, the keepers approach them openly. + +These men are, however, clothed with a dress which covers every part of +the body, head and extremities indeed even the face, with the exception +of the eyes, but which is made of a very pliable material, so that the +wearer has free use of his body and limbs. It is saturated with the +antipathetic solution, of which I have spoken above. + +There is a three-cornered nut called the "lava-nut," of which the +animals are very fond, and they will go a long distance in search of it. +The keepers are provided with a quantity of these nuts, and the man with +whom the animals are most familiar throws a few to the one selected. As +soon as the animal has tasted them, he advances a few paces. The keeper, +throwing more nuts, retires a few paces; and as he continues throwing, +the animal advances, the keeper receding and throwing the nuts until he +has attracted the beast for some distance from the herd. + +Near the keeper is a party of men furnished with a low caravan, who, +while the animal is engaged eating the nuts, throw large nets over him. +He struggles violently--it is, indeed, fearful to behold him; but, in +the meanwhile, a very skilful man approaches, and throws over his head a +cap or covering of a particular kind of wool, which for the time +completely blinds him. So utterly is he cowed, that in a few minutes he +is quite quiet, and it is surprising to see the difference that a simple +contrivance has effected. The caravan immediately approaches with levers +attached to it, by the aid of which the animal is easily put on the +carriage and carried off to the place of his destination. + +It is surprising to see the immediate effect on the animal when the cap +is taken off. He is for the time quite docile, and as easily managed as +a child. + +An animal thus captured is never so wild and vicious as when with the +herd, and often becomes comparatively tame. + +On the other hand, the animal increases in cunning, and if again set at +liberty, he still remembers how he was once served, and utterly +disregards the nuts with which he may be tempted. + +In our world a plant grows wild, which is much liked by the +hippopotamus. It forms a bulb which contains a sort of meal, while the +stem contains a juice. In my planet large patches of ground, +particularly in the vicinity of rivers, abound with these plants, which +grow thickly together like wheat, and in long blades. + +The beast eats these plants in the green, the ripe, and the over-ripe +states; and as they are thrown up in some places when others have been +exhausted, the herds will pass over large tracts of country to get at +their favourite food. + +The nearest approach to this food in your world would be parched flour +mixed with water. It would of course be preferable if the plant itself +could be found. + +In confined situations, when the young are sickly, we feed them with +turnips and new milk boiled together. This compound is with us a +sovereign remedy, and almost invariably restores them, but cannot be +safely administered till the animal is at least a month old. + + + + +XLVI. + + +WILD ANIMALS. + + + "The hippopotamus exceeds the mite in size, strength, and + usefulness to man far less than do the riches yet concealed in the + air, in the earth, in the waters, on the land, exceed those already + possessed by Montalluyah." + + +I may mention here, that although the hippopotamus is to us the most +valuable of all the wild animals, nearly all other beasts furnish us +with materials that are turned to account. + +The serpent, and particularly the boa, possesses wondrous properties. +Birds of prey, many insects, and, in fact, nearly all that has life, is +turned to some use. The living animals generally contain electricity of +more or less value. + +A large body of professors are kept by the State solely for the purpose +of examining the various medicinal and other qualities found in the fat, +marrow, oil, bones, and carcases of animals. + +This is the mode of capturing lions, tigers, and many other wild beasts, +when it is desirable to take them alive: + +The huntsmen selected are men of a fearless, daring nature, and of great +address and agility. + +A net of iron-work of very large dimensions is taken into the wilds most +frequented by the beast. This net is placed on the ground and covered +over with leaves and other, materials so as to be concealed from view. + +Close to one extremity of the network a pit is dug, in which is placed a +hut large enough to contain two men. The pit is then covered over, +though an aperture is left sufficiently large to admit air and to serve +for observation and egress from the hut, from the top of which is an +opening corresponding to the aperture above. + +In the centre of the net some dead goats have been previously placed +with a stuff of a very savoury odour, which the beast can smell for +miles off, and which is so strong that when he approaches, he does not +scent the men in the hut. + +The rest of the hunters lie in wait in a secure place. The two concealed +in the pit are on the watch, and as soon as the beast has seized the +goat or is fairly within the net, they give the alarm by hoisting a long +pole, and the men in ambush slip out, and by a dexterous movement close +all sides of the net, which is constructed with this view, so as to form +one large cage. + +The efforts of the animals to break out are useless; they first rage +about in all directions, but the joints of the net are so constructed +that they yield without breaking. + +When it is not desirable to take the animals alive their capture is more +easy. One mode of killing them is as follows:--A man stations himself +among the branches of a high tree, near the haunts of the animals, and +holds a long pole which hangs downwards, and at the end of this a dead +rabbit is fixed, in which, besides a strongly-smelling stuff, is placed +a deadly poison. As soon as the wild beast sees the rabbit, he makes a +dash at the pole, seizes the rabbit, eats it and, the effects of the +poison being instantaneous, falls down almost immediately to expire. + +Dead animals are not allowed to be brought into the city, but are flayed +in the country, where are also our manufactories and other +establishments, in which everything valuable in the carcase of the beast +can be readily utilised. + +Some of our beasts are unlike yours, but the greater number are similar, +though in many of these, the nature of the animal may be somewhat +different. Tigers, for instance, are in form like those on your wilds, +but are not without generosity. Thus, they seldom attack each other +except when the females are young, and after a fight, when one of the +males has prostrated the other, the victor will lick the wounds of the +vanquished in order to heal them. After this the two will be friendly, +the vanquished tiger resigning his pretensions without further struggle. + +I will relate to you a "Tiger" incident that occurred in our world, a +long distance from Montalluyah. + + +THE TIGER AND THE CHILD. + +Our hurricanes disturb wild animals, numbers of which approach the +outskirts of the towns bordering on the prairies. People are on the +watch, for sometimes they have entered the habitations. + +A curious incident occurred on the confines of one of these towns. A +mother had gone into the next house to fetch something required for her +household use, leaving her young child, about three years old, playing +on the ground. The door of her cottage was open, and she little knew +that a large tiger was prowling near. The watchers had gone into the +field, and the tiger approached the outskirts of the town, close to the +hut where the child was playing, entered through the door, and found the +little innocent, who, not knowing what danger was, allowed the animal to +approach, and even patted him. The tiger crouched down close to the +pillow on which the child had been playing. + +The mother returned, and, to her horror and bewilderment, saw this huge +tiger, with her darling child fast asleep, its head resting on the belly +of the animal. She was for a moment paralysed with fear, and was unable +to utter a single cry, but, recovering herself, she ran and gave the +alarm. No time was lost in communicating with the officials, and very +soon hunters and men skilled in pursuit of wild animals were on the +spot; but the comparatively short time that elapsed was to the poor +mother, who saw the child of her affection, beaming with health, in the +power of the monster. + +The huntsmen viewed the great beast, but they were at a loss what to do; +for the chief said, that if they shot him, even in the most vital part, +he would most likely, in his death-struggle, kill the child. After some +consultation, they procured a hook, fixed it firmly at the end of a long +rod, and then took hold of the child's dress and pulled it by the hook +gently towards them. The movement roused the tiger, who caught the rod +in his mouth and broke it, as though desirous to retain the child. The +child woke and cried, but the tiger licked him, and whilst so engaged +the men managed to get partly over him the iron network (used, as I have +described, to secure wild beasts), so as to disable him, and to get the +child away. When the beast saw the child removed he uttered a piercing +howl, such as had never been heard before, and, strange to say, the +child was also grieved to leave the tiger, or, to use his own words, the +"large beautiful cat." + +The animal having been killed, the skin was dressed and presented to the +mother of the child. + + +THE UNICORN. + +There exists an animal in my planet like your heraldic unicorn. He is +very graceful, but very ferocious, not heeding kindness, whilst +harshness increases his ferocity. + +One mode of taming him for a time was discovered--namely, to feed him +with oranges! I saw one who, a few minutes previously had been dashing +about with restless fury, and who, after eating some oranges, lay down +quietly, and even licked the hand of the keeper who had fed him with the +fruit. + +Particular hurricanes bring swarms of insects, which never come near the +unicorn; they seem to have a great antipathy to him. + + + + +XLVII. + + +THE SUN. + +THE ELECTRIC STAR-INSTRUMENT. + + + "The infinity of the universe of worlds is but a faint reflection + of the Infinite Power that created them. By His will they were + called into existence. By His will they, and all that they contain, + could be swept away in an instant!" + + "Not even in thought can ye grasp the boundlessness of His works. + How then can ye measure the infinite might of their Creator?" + + +My palace stands on the highest ground in the uppermost city in +Montalluyah. It is of circular shape, and has twenty floors and terraces +raised one above the other, the circumference of each gradually +diminishing from the lowest to the highest. There are no stairs, in your +sense of the word, but we are raised from one story to the other with +ease by electric power. Besides the internal communication, there is +another circular tower of considerably smaller dimensions contiguous to +the palace, with each floor of which it communicates by a species of +temporary bridge, so that persons can be moved at once to the floor they +desire to reach, without the necessity of entering the palace by a lower +floor. This communication can be suspended instantaneously by stopping +the electric generating power which acts from within the palace, and +communicates subterraneously with the "Lift" Tower. + +On the highest terrace of the palace, and dominating every part of the +upper cities, and many of the other cities of Montalluyah, is erected my +Observatory, whence I could observe the various worlds suspended in +space. + + +We had for a long time possessed instruments through which we could see +many of the most distant stars, but with none of these was electric +power combined, and their scope was not sufficient to solve certain +problems of great interest. + +Electricity, chemistry, the knowledge of sun electricity and of the +sciences generally, had, under my system, made such marvellous strides +as to convince me that an instrument might be made not only to see the +stars more plainly, but to view, in some cases, their interior. + +As was my wont on such occasions, I assembled together all the great +electricians, scientific sun-attractors, mathematicians, oculists, +opticians, and the heads of science generally; and, after many years, my +own particular Star Instrument was constructed. + +Although this instrument is circular, and has numerous glasses, it +differs materially from your telescopes. Electrical combinations play an +important part in its operations, and for the minute examination of +different worlds, a different diffusion of electricities is necessary. +The variation is regulated not by the distance, but by the difference in +the attracting power of the star, and often, through the peculiar nature +of its electricity, greater power is required to view minutely a planet +much nearer to Montalluyah than is needed for one more distant. + +The secrets revealed to me were so great, that when I first looked +through the instrument in all its power I fainted. + + +With the aid of the Star Instrument I discovered the constitution of the +sun, and of many of the stars and their inhabitants. Numbers of the +stars have atmospheres different from that of the earth and Montalluyah. +Many are inhabited by beings, of whom some partake of our nature; some +are of a nature and consistency entirely different to ours; some can +only give effect to their will through a material medium; some possess +creative powers, and can, by the sole exercise of will, invent the most +lovely forms of beauty, and transmit themselves to immeasurable +distances with the rapidity of thought. + +The superiority of these in power and intelligence over man in his +present state is far greater than is the superiority of man over the +insect, which can as little understand the human soul as man with +unaided powers can comprehend the Beings of whom I have spoken. + + +My Star Instrument, however, can only bring to light those Beings who, +to a certain extent at least, possess a material form, though of a +consistency as subtle as electricity. But the instrument does not +possess the power of rendering visible those Superior Beings, whom no +man in his ordinary state is permitted to see through a material medium. +He only can see them even in visions who is blessed with a superior +order of light--light in power and beauty far excelling the concentrated +light known to us--a light like that which was sometimes vouchsafed to +your Holy Prophets! And unless a person be inspired with a portion at +least of that immortal light, the brightness, power, and glory of these +orders of Beings, or their ways, can neither be seen, understood, nor +even imagined. + +The discoveries made through the Star Instrument, however, are too +numerous to relate at present. I must limit myself now to little more +than a few particulars relating to the sun. + + +THE SUN-OCEAN AND MOUNTAINS. + +The Sun is a mass consisting of an immense ocean, surrounded by burning +mountains of fire so huge that it would be difficult to speak of their +extent, each mountain seeming to be a world in immensity! + +I could perceive some portion of the mountains at intervals disengaged +from the fire. The rocks seen between the flames are, with, their varied +colours, magnificent beyond anything that your language can convey; +though I have seen similar colours, but of far less intensity, in some +of our gorgeous sunsets. + + +CONTINENTS. + +In the midst of the Sun-Ocean there is a very large continent, besides +many of smaller size, which, relatively to the larger, might be called +islands. These continents are separated by seas from the large continent +and from each other, and are all thickly populated by beings which, +though human, are somewhat differently formed from ordinary man. + +The continents, though immense, are, even in their aggregate mass, small +in comparison with the hugeness of the Sun-Ocean. The nearest is at an +immeasurable distance from the mountains; and the ocean is only +navigable at certain distances from the outer continents. + + +HURRICANES. + +From a circle surrounding, but at an immense distance from the most +extreme of the continents, this great Sun-Ocean throws off currents of +wind, terrific in their fury, in the direction of the burning mountains. +Your tempest would give but a puny idea of the force of these winds, +which indeed exceeds anything known even in my planet, where the +hurricanes are terrific. + +The winds are attracted, and their fury is increased, by the extreme +heat of the burning mountains. + +The ocean struggles, as it were, to quench the fire, while the fire +contends with the ocean, which raises its head, as though threatening to +cover the topmost mountains. However, the wind, blowing with redoubled +force, supports the energy of the fire. The power and brilliancy of the +burning mass are intensified by reflection in the huge Sun-Ocean. + +There are reparatory powers always at work to supply the waste caused by +never-ceasing combustion. There is, besides, a constant interchange of +electricities between the ocean and the burning mountains, the upheaving +from the ocean bed having probably some connection with the reparatory +powers. + +It has been ascertained, I should say, in Montalluyah that fire is +produced by the union of certain electricities with a peculiar gas; and +it is believed that these electricities are constantly attracted to the +mountains, where they maintain combustion, and that when their nature is +changed by the process, they attract other electricities with which they +combine, and the compound electricity assists in replenishing the +material that attracts the necessary elementary forces to support +combustion. + + +The effect of the burning mountains on the continents in the Sun-Ocean +is mitigated by the direction of the winds and other causes, but the +heat is nevertheless fiery in its intensity. + +Every planet has an electricity of its own, more or less sympathetic to +the sun, and, consequently, more or less powerful in attracting his +rays. Many planets at a greater distance feel his heat more than others +less remote. There are stars where the sun is not even seen, but where, +through the effect of his influence, there is perpetual spring. + + +In my planet the sun, even in material form, presents to the naked eye +an aspect different to yours. It not only seems to be much larger, but +one of its extremities has a globular form, whilst the rest presents the +appearance of a large mass ending in three long peaks or indentations. +Although so different in appearance, it is the same sun that illumines +your earth. + + +Most of the stars are wholly or partly girded and intersected by seas, +which assist in giving them, their luminous and twinkling appearance. To +us your earth has the appearance to the-naked eye of two separate +brilliant stars. + + +COMETS. + +Comets are stars where large bodies of the waters have overflowed, +rarefied and distended by electrical attractions and repulsions. The +overflowing of the waters often makes the star visible when it would +otherwise pass unperceived. + +Some of these overflowings take place periodically; others are the +result of what may be called accident. It is probable that your world, +at the Flood, appeared like a comet to the inhabitants of other +terrestrial stars where, till then, it had been invisible. + +There are huge masses of water in space corresponding to the expression +of "the waters which are above the firmament," and many of these masses +of water appear like stars when seen from our planet. + + * * * * * + +The great Star Instrument had brought to my view the palpable features +of the Sun and the other planets. By means, not unlike those to which +you are indebted for these communications, I acquired the knowledge of +other facts which from their nature are not within the immediate scope +of the instrument, but which were often confirmed by and served to +explain many facts which the instrument itself had revealed. I used for +good ends the knowledge thus vouchsafed me, and was from time to time +rewarded with further revelations rich with hints which greatly aided me +in perfecting the measures I had initiated for the REGENERATION of the +WORLD entrusted to my charge. + + +THE END. + + + * * * * * + + +LONDON: PRINTED BY WILLIAM CLOWES AND SONS, STAMFORD STREET, +AND CHARING CROSS. + + + + + +End of Project Gutenberg's Another World, by Benjamin Lumley (AKA Hermes) + +*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK ANOTHER WORLD *** + +***** This file should be named 16503.txt or 16503.zip ***** +This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: + https://www.gutenberg.org/1/6/5/0/16503/ + +Produced by Clare Boothby, Donald Perry and the Online +Distributed Proofreading Team at https://www.pgdp.net + + +Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions +will be renamed. + +Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no +one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation +(and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without +permission and without paying copyright royalties. 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