did. I am so overjoyed to meet you, so glad, so thankful to the Divine

Spirit that we both have learned that life is continuous. When at the home of Mr. Wicks we were about to part to meet no more on Earth, you said, "Oh, Will, promise me that if you die before I do, and shall continue to exist, and can return to this world, that you will come to me to tell me if there is another life than this," how little I knew of what would come to me and to you, too, dear Lady Sara. When I passed to the Spirit side and to my own place, almost my first Earth memory was of my promise to you, and for your sake, and that you might be better able to comfort my dear, sorrowing mother, I, with the assistance of kind spirit friends, strove to reach your consciousness, and when, after two years, we succeeded, I wept for very joy. I should so like to talk with you indefinitely, but I must not abuse the special privilege of this visit to you. Then, too, I am one of a Band of Spirits to whom has been assigned the accomplishment of a certain mission, and my leave of absence must not exceed the time specified. Be assured, dear friend, that I never lose sight of you. Your sorrows have been my own, and when Bernard passed to our side of life, and your condition was so critical that we feared that you, too, might come before this Mission should be accomplished, your friend Will was one of many who sustained you with our strength until you regained composure and a degree of health.

I have learned that these friends have given you a new and I must say an appropriate name, but for the sake of old times and memories, to me you are Lady Sara, and when the hour of your coming to the Spirit side shall arrive, I will be one of many loving friends to meet and greet you. Some day my dear mother and other dear ones may learn of this meeting, and she and they will know that I love them always. Now kiss me good-bye until we shall meet where not even a thin veil hides beloved faces from the gaze of lovelit eyes.

Gentola--Good-bye, Will, good-bye, and watch out for me, for the years are falling away like beads off a broken string, and it will not be long before I shall come to the World of Spirits. Until then I may not again see your face, but I will not forget, no, I will not forget.

Aaron Poole--It was a little unfair to take you so by surprise, but Will, dear fellow, insisted upon it. He was curious to learn if you would recognize him. You will be glad to know that he is very aspiring and ever ready to lend a helping hand, and that his progress is all that those who love him could desire.

Now I shall tell you why my coming was so delayed. You all are aware that I have been on the Spirit Side nearly thirty years, and that at the time of my passing over I was a little under thirty years old. Within a few following years, my dear parents also passed to the Spirit Side, my four brothers and two sisters, all younger than myself, surviving them. Suddenly, this morning, my eldest brother also came. Leaving him in the care of our parents and other loving ones, I have hastened here, but desire to as quickly as possible return to assist in restoring him to consciousness. Gentol[a:], you may not know that those who suddenly pass from the physical body require special treatment for restoration to a consciousness of their changed condition. The occasion of his sudden passing over was arterial suffusion of the brain, which almost instantaneously released him.

Gentol[a:], the special reason for my coming at this time is that we may select from this fine collection of plants a subject or two for illustration. You no doubt have recognized the Enrica vine. I had thought to have the pleasure of showing it to you, but, as De L'Ester would say, "L'homme propose, et Dieu dispose," which perhaps is as true as many other aphorisms. Now we will look about for a subject or two.

Gentola--Here is a pretty vine laden with pink blooms. Is it too delicate for our purpose?

Aaron Poole--Rather so; still I will sketch it. Its name is Ilsoimen galistan (bride of morning). As it is difficult to control we must select simple if less beautiful forms. Here is a flowering shrub, the Floitza, that I will venture to sketch. It is attractive, and its foliage and blooms are not at all complex in structure. Yes, those are varieties of the same shrub, pink, purple, blue and white. We will attempt the blue variety. Now we will look through the conservatories and you shall select the next subject.

Gentola--Dear me, there is such an endless variety, and all so pretty that I cannot decide; were it not so difficult to control me, I should select this lovely crimson flower, but the foliage is so extremely delicate that it is not to be thought of. George, you have mentioned a certain plant that I should like to see; then I will decide. Ah, that is indeed a very attractive plant; looks as though it might be of the cactus family. Aaron, what do you think of it? Is it too complex for my poor ability?

Aaron Poole--I cannot quite determine, but we will try it. I shall have to ask one of our Ento friends to give us the name of this plant. Inidor[a:], as you are something of a botanist, you may enlighten us.

Inidora--It is Ilno bers[a:]. Zenest[a:] says that in Gentol[a:]'s language it would be hairy crawler. The habit of the plant is to crawl over rocks or any like support, though here it is trained over both a rockery and a low trellis.

Aaron Poole--This hairy crawler is Ilno bers[a:], and the vine with its wealth of pink blooms is Ilsoimen. The shrub is the blue Floitza, a pretty name for a pretty shrub. With these three sketches for the present we will content ourselves.

Now I must leave you, but as soon as my dear brother shall have regained consciousness and grown somewhat accustomed to his changed condition, I shall be free to again be with you. Gentol[a:], while all your dear ones are deeply interested in this Mission, they long for its culmination, so that you may find leisure to receive them, for they, perhaps more than yourself, miss their former frequent communion with you. With pleasure I shall bear to them your loving message. Now, mes amis, au revoir.

De L'Ester--Gentol[a:], these great conservatories, devoted to the special cultivation of these red and yellow blooms, furnishes the temple flower offerings, which, with the crystal Sun of the dome, the mosaic Sun radiating from the altar, and the red and yellow robes and ornaments of the High Priest and his assistants, symbolize the imaginary abode of Andûman[a:].

Now, George, we will rise and move slowly around Taimon, thus affording Gentol[a:] and Bernard a view of the scenery and architecture of the many towns and villages beautifying its shores. Gentol[a:], again we have for you a surprise and the fulfillment of a promise, which we anticipate will add to your enjoyment of your visits to Ento. Bernard, dear boy, you are only strong enough to sustain yourself. Allow George to assist your mother. Is not it pleasure enough to journey by her side? Ah, fond hearts, I understand, I understand.

Gentola--I am sure that you do. Never mind, dear lad, I will take the will for the deed. Do not rise higher, friends, else I shall not see so clearly as you all do. What lovely views. Certainly the architecture of those towns and villages is very beautiful. Yonder is a long train of Tuzamos rushing across the country, and see those huge vessels crossing the lake in all directions and coming and going on the Waterway. To me those Waterways are a source of continual wonderment. How were they excavated? How have the Entoans found courage, endurance or means to accomplish such gigantic works?

De L'Ester--To show you the process of excavation, which is so excellent as to not require extraordinary courage or endurance, will be the most satisfactory reply to your first two questions; as for the means required, the general government attends to that. I promise you that, a little later on, you shall observe the construction of a Waterway.

Gentola--I shall not forget to remind you of your promise. Yonder is another pretty town, and there are one, two, three circular temples, and again it occurs to me that nowhere have I seen a spire.

De L'Ester--The tall, pointed spire is not a feature of Ento architecture. On our planet its origin dates back to a period when humanity was on a low animal plane. Yes, the architecture of Ento is exceedingly ornate; exteriorly, to my mind, it is used to excess, while interiorly, sculpture, carvings and mosaics produce wonderfully rich and beautiful effects. In some of the public edifices and sumptuous private residences which you yet will see there are mosaics so exceedingly fine that nowhere have we seen anything of the kind surpassing them. On certain edifices you have observed lofty towers of excellent design. They are not merely architectural features, but are towers of observation. Not skyward, oh, no, but for horizontal distances.

You have been informed that their religion prohibits the Entoans from attempting to learn aught concerning Astranol[a:], the imaginary realm beyond the clouds, wherein dwells their revered and feared Gods and Goddesses, so their telescopes, which are of great excellence, are used only for field purposes; that is, for observation of the annual floods and the like. But soon the radiance of their Spirit World will penetrate their consciousness, and advanced Spirits will be able to disabuse their minds of their fallacious beliefs relating to the here and the hereafter, and ere long, aided by enlarged telescopes, their learned ones will be gazing upon the wonder of myriad worlds, moving in stately grandeur through measureless space.

Extending from northward to southward is an elevation covered with great forest trees, undergrowth and vegetation. It is another mountain vestige, and once the waters of Lois[a:] T[a:]imon bathed its rocky base, but now a level stretch of some miles lies between it and the lake. Look now far along the plateau toward the north, and tell us what you see.

Gentola--Afar off I see a great city, extending from the lake shore across the plain, up the slope, across the plateau, down its further side, and--that is as far as my vision reaches.

De L'Ester--We will draw nearer. Now what do you see?

Gentola--I see a city so extensive, so marvellously beautiful, that I am almost persuaded that you have brought me into some spirit realm. Never have I seen anything so grandly, so magnificently beautiful as yonder white and gold city, and this is the fulfillment of your promise to some time, somewhere, show me a city surpassing any city of Earth. To, if possible, enhance its beauty, nature has luxuriantly draped sculptured walls and loftiest towers with wreaths of flower-laden vines, amid which are bees and birds innumerable, all adding their beauty to the enchantment of the scene. The streets are of great width and paved as smoothly as floors. There are no small, mean-looking houses, no evidences of poverty or degradation. With all my heart I wish that this city might be exhibited to our Earth peoples as an example of what humanity may attain to. The streets are alive with people, and motor and tramway carriages are passing in all directions, yet there is very little noise and no apparent confusion. I should like to know why those tramway carriages are so noiseless.

De L'Ester--I only can say that they are so scientifically constructed that I cannot explain their mechanism. The tramway rails are welded into unbroken lines, which, at short intervals, rest on cushions of an elastic substance very like caoutchouc, which prevents noisy jolting and jarring. Then, too, the speed of all manner of vehicles is carefully timed and regulated. Unlike the immature peoples of our own immature Planet, the Entoans are exceedingly careful of their own and the lives and rights of others.

You perceive that all street intersections are spanned by elegantly constructed bridges, over which people and vehicles pass slowly and safely. No, the Entoans are not indolent, but they are too wise to rush toward the undesired end of their existence. Indeed, every possible precaution against injury or death is observed. No, owing to the annual inundation, underground transit is not feasible. Yes, of course, the construction and maintenance of such public utilities is costly, but as Ento has no wars, the governmental revenues are amply sufficient for all necessary purposes.

Now we will descend to the lawn of yonder white golden-domed residence of the governor of this Province of Wy[a:]mo, whose capital is the white and gold city Kûltymo Tylû, which, in the English language would be Elevated City. It is the largest, and to my mind, the most beautiful city of Ento.

Facing us is the governor's residence. To the right are the official departments. To the left is a spacious structure devoted to such amusements as Entoans indulge in. Yes, they dance, but in a rather serious fashion. The movements of the various dances are slow, graceful, stately and rhythmically in harmony with the musical measures, with which their forms, more than their feet, keep time. Yes, the drama, too, finds its place among the amusements of the people, but its purpose is to instruct as well as to amuse. I scarcely know how to characterize the plays. Certainly, they are not tragic, neither do they represent the serio-comic. I should say that they are more nearly on the plane of high comedy, and Earth's pleasure loving peoples would consider them very tame. I can say for them that, in composition and representation, they are models of purity and of art. This is one of Ento's finest official residences, and in every niche and angle of its massive walls are sculptured forms of divinities or of distinguished Entoans, so finely executed as to command one's profound admiration. A grand flight of steps leads up to the spacious portico, whose lofty roof is supported by massive fluted marble columns, whose capitals are a strong reminder of the Corinthian capital.

Observe this imposing entrance, whose rose tinted doors are framed in rose tinted woods, so highly, so exquisitely colored, that their beauty is but slightly enhanced by these very artistic carvings. We will now enter and afford you and Bernard a view of the interior of the dwelling. This wide and deep hallway, with its broad staircase, leading upward to a second floor, thence to other floors and the domed roof, is very admirable. It is a composition of rose marble, onyx, carved, rose colored woods and mosaics so exquisitely beautiful, as to be incomparably artistic. It is well that the dainty blooms, child faces and lovely arabesques of the floor are protected by these fine rugs.

Evidently the staircases are more for ornamentation than for use, for at the further end of the hallway is an elegantly appointed elevator, into which, at this moment, a stately looking gentleman is stepping. He is Darraon Olēv[a:]s, Governor of Wy[a:]mo, and as uninvited guests we will proceed to the dining hall of his excellency's residence. To do so we will pass through this panelled vestibule, whose ornamentation of inlaid fruits and flower designs, is indeed very fine. The light filtering through the large rose and opalescent crystal window irradiates it with a softened glow which is a fitting prelude to the rich coloring of the apartment beyond this sumptuous silken drapery. Stand here, Gentol[a:], and attempt a short description of this immense, elliptically formed room and its appurtenances.

Gentola--Where shall I begin? With the floor? Well, to my taste, it presents the most beautiful mosaic work I yet have seen. It is so exceedingly lovely that it seems a profanation to step on it. The field is opal tinted, and the border is very broad and rich, but not at all highly colored. From among its foliage and flowers, vines and delicately hued blossoms trail all over the field, and they are so realistic that they seem to be growing there.

At equal distances around the walls of the great room are wide panels of a wood resembling mahogany, but tinted a dull rose color. In the centre of each wide panel is a narrow fluted one of a lighter shade of rose colored wood, and all are carried up the walls and across the curved ceiling, where they meet under large rosettes of rose colored woods. In the centre of each rosette is a lighting apparatus, which is not at all like a chandelier, and which I am not competent to describe. I can only say that it is a combination of gold filigree work and many rose tinted crystal lilies inclosed in a gauzelike network of some transparent material.

De L'Ester--You might add that when the electric light is turned on, the network forms a sort of halo about the flowers, whose pale rose tints lend a softened and beautiful effect, and I will add, that, in the near future, one of your inspired ones will invent a very similar electric appliance.

Gentola--Where the panels curve between the walls and ceiling there are great carved clusters of flowers and foliage, of woods of various colors and the shadings are so fine that the compositions are very beautiful and lifelike. Between the panels, the walls are opalescent, and are adorned with paintings and handsome shelf-like projections, on which are the loveliest vases, statuettes and other bric-a-brac. At the west end of the room are two wide and lofty windows, over which falls exquisite lace and rich rose colored silken draperies, the borders ornamented with gold embroidery. Between the windows is an immense buffet, built into the wall, which appears to be a combination of carved and inlaid woods, of precious metals and jewels. On its highly ornamental shelves are various wares, very like some of the fine wares we have on our planet, and there are goblets and other vessels of crystal that shine with the brilliancy of diamonds. Some pieces are set with jewels of various colors, and they are exceedingly pretty. Through the crystalline doors of its compartments I see vessels of gold, of silver and of a metal that appears to be enamelled in tints of pale, lustrous green. The latter are ornamented with stones of a deeper tint of green, and they are so beautiful that I should like to have one of them. As for the shapes of these many lovely things, I am surprised that they are so like the forms of Earth's china, glass and other wares.

De L'Ester--Recall a lecture you heard in the Galarēs[a:], in which it was stated that not only is art long, but that form in its manifold expressions is universal. It is the manifestation of a natural law, and in accordance with the degree of their evolvement, everywhere, not only humans, but all orders of life express it in finer or cruder fashion.

Gentola--I believe that it is true, for through my limited observation of our moon, and my larger observation of Ento's and Earth's forms, whether natural or mechanical, I have found startling resemblances; frequently exact likenesses of the forms of either planet.

To return to a further description of the buffet. Its table of pearl tinted onyx, veined with palest green, is bordered by a luxuriant vine, whose leaves are composed of minute green stones, so shaded as to present a very natural effect. The vine and tendrils also are of stones, representing their brown and green tints. The large, purple clusters of fruit are of amethysts or similar stones. Genessano says, that the vine is a taliss[a:] fûen[a:], but I should say, it is a veritable grape vine. Anyway, it is very pretty, and its purple fruit suggests a question. Do the Entoans make wine and other intoxicants?

De L'Ester--These Ento friends, Inidor[a:], Genessano and Zenest[a:] H[a:]o, say that, since time immemorial the Entoans have used fermented and distilled liquors, but never as intoxicants, their Sacred Writings forbidding the abuse of any of Andûman[a:]'s gifts to His children. No, although of a wine drinking race, I never during my mortal existence, experienced a sense of intoxication. Did mortals understand that drunkenness is not alone a benumbing of the senses, a more or less pronounced anaesthesia, but that gradually it occasions a separation between the ego and the animal soul or conscious self, and that continued excesses lead to a wider separateness, a final domination of the animal soul, and that when dissolution occurs, the alcoholized spirit body has become a fit tenement for its wretched occupant, in fear and horror they would recoil from a peril so deadly. These friends will verify my statement that on no other planet have we observed such a strong tendency toward drunkenness as exists on Earth. Why is this so? Briefly then, the activities of heredity never fail, and some dominant primitive races of Earth, having looked upon wine when it was red, transmitted the vicious tendency to their descendants, and they in turn to after generations unnumbered. Certainly, it is true that, what are termed acquired tastes for this or that, are nearly, if not always based upon hereditary tendencies. Now, pray proceed.

Gentola--Against the walls are many chairs of beautifully carved, rose tinted wood. The seats are not upholstered, but are of a highly polished, very pale rose tinted wood, and oddly enough they are held or rather they hang on pretty golden brackets projecting from the walls. There is no dining table or even one small one. On what is food served?

De L'Ester--Wait a little and you shall learn. In the meantime we will enter an adjoining room used for the storage of table and other appointments, which doubtless we will find attractive. You will please mention such as may interest you.

Gentola--How very beautiful. What a wonderful collection. Gold, silver, crystal and other lovely wares in endless profusion. Evidently many of them are for decorative purposes. Such a collection is enough to make one covetous. Imagine me landing in my own home with one of these magnificent vases in my arms. Not for a moment would any one believe that it came from the planet known to them as Mars. Neither would I believe it were I some one else.

Again, I cannot refrain from a sense of surprise that I find here plates, pitchers, bowls, cups and saucers and all that constitutes an elaborate table service. And here are goblets, and a great variety of drinking glasses and other pieces of glassware, of such beautiful shapes and of such exceeding brilliancy that it is superior to any cut glass I ever have seen.

De L'Ester--Zenest[a:] says that in a province immediately south of Ondû is a deposit of a peculiar sand especially adapted to the manufacture of this fine glass. Although diligently sought for, nowhere else has a like deposit been discovered; hence, this ware is highly prized. Observe this elaborate centre piece of gold, crystal and precious stones. It is a great, four handled bowl with a small, beautiful vase on either handle. The bowl is for fruit, the vases for flowers.

As your question relating to the serving of food is about to be answered, we will stand in this doorway, which, you perceive, is slightly above the level of the dining hall floor. Observe that nearly the entire length of the floor is in two equal divisions, so nicely adjusted as not to be perceptible. Now they separate, and noiselessly are drawn under this and the opposite apartments, and from below rises a sumptuously appointed table laden with viands of most tempting appearance. Thus is your question answered.

Observe that the floor on which the table rests is of highly polished, deeply tinted, rose colored wood, which exactly fits into the space left vacant by the withdrawal of the mosaic floor. Yes, in most fine Ento dwellings dining halls for special occasions are arranged in this manner. In ordinary dwellings dining room floors are stationary, as is the floor of the adjoining family dining room. Now a very important looking person enters, takes a critical survey of the table, touches a button in the wall, and a number of attendants enter and quietly detach the seats from the walls and place them about the table. There are twenty covers, and evidently the repast is more of a luncheon than a dinner. Observe the floral decorations. A centre piece, quite as beautiful as the one we have been admiring, is filled with golden hued fruit and sweet scented, creamy blooms, and at either end of the table are lovely vases filled with clusters of the same fragrant blossoms. Though the food is generous in quantity and variety, the table is not overladen. There are breads of various kinds with dainty dishes of fruits and confections nice enough to tempt an epicure, but you will observe that there are no meats, save fishes, which are prepared as a salad. Inidor[a:], what is the name of this luscious looking fruit?

Inidora--Oond[a:] we name it. It is agreeably acidulous, of an aromatic flavor and grows only in tropical and in semi-tropical countries. Gentol[a:] may recall that in the vicinity of Camariss[a:] and somewhat further northward there are many extensive plantations of low, wide spreading trees, wearing dark green, glossy foliage. Those were oond[a:]s lot[a:]s (oond[a:]s trees) and these are their fruit and fragrant, lovely blooms. Nay, you owe me no thanks.

Gentola--I hear a sound as of sweet, low toned bells, and voices of persons coming nearer and nearer; and now they are entering preceded by a very tall, extremely handsome youth of bronze complexion, fine features, large, dark, brilliant eyes, blue-black, waving hair, held back by a gemmed fillet, and white teeth gleaming between his parted scarlet lips. As he approaches, bearing aloft a golden tray heaped high with oond[a:] blooms, he presents a picture of uncommon beauty. There are nine men and as many women, the latter clothed so beautifully in loose, graceful, white silken, gold embroidered robes that, henceforth, I shall detest the dress with which I have been accustomed to torment and disfigure myself. The important looking person seats the guests, and the youth crowns each one with a chaplet of oond[a:] blossoms. But two seats, one at either end of the table, are still vacant. Again the sweet toned bells are sounding. The guests rise, and with a most graceful movement of their hands, salute a stately, handsome man and a very lovely woman, who with gracious smiles and graceful salutations, approach and take the vacant seats, and the guests resume theirs. Now the youth approaches the host and hostess, tendering them chaplets of oond[a:] blossoms, which they receive and retain in their hands. Inidor[a:] will be kind enough to continue the description which to me grows somewhat unintelligible.

Inidora--As a recognition of Andûman[a:]'s gift of this golden fruit to his children the annual feast of the oond[a:] is observed by all Entoans. Oond[a:] in your language would mean divine, and as it is the favorite fruit of the dwellers in Astranol[a:], it is thought to be appropriately named.

Those who have this moment entered are the governor of Wy[a:]mo, Darraon Olēv[a:]s and his wife, the Lady Noûni[a:]. Now the governor rises, and bearing aloft his chaplet, he approaches his wife and places it on her head, fervently praying: "Andûman[a:], Creator and Giver of all good gifts even as I crown Thy child with oond[a:] blooms, so crown Thou her with the priceless blessing of a long and happy life;" and the guests respond, "R[a:]û, r[a:]û, r[a:]û." Now he kneels by the side of his wife, and as she places her chaplet on his head, with trembling lips she implores Andûman[a:] to prolong the days of her beloved, and that they may be as full of the fragrance of noble deeds as are oond[a:] blooms full of the perfume of Andûman[a:]'s breath, and again the guests respond, "R[a:]û, r[a:]û, r[a:]û."

De L'Ester--We regret that we cannot devote further time to observation of this attractive festival, but affairs relating to our mission grow more pressing than you are aware of, and we must hasten our movements. We now will ascend to the upper floors. Yes, the decorations and furnishings of these spacious apartments are of the best art productions of Ento, and certainly they are beyond unfavorable criticism. You have learned that Ento's textile fabrics are surpassingly excellent; so you are not surprised at the beauty of designs, coloring and quality of these draperies, rugs, upholstery and other appurtenances of this elegantly appointed residence. Yes, in most Ento residences, large or small, somewhat sumptuous furnishings are the rule, rather than exception. In arts and manufactures the Entoans have progressed beyond the tawdry and mean, and all who so desire, may, at small cost, gratify cultivated tastes.

We now will go out on the balcony, George. Yes, the dome balcony. Do not you think that Vil Tylû (White City) would be as appropriate a name for this city as it was for your World's Fair City? And now that we have fulfilled our promise, may we hope that you are not disappointed?

Gentola--Dear friends, the fulfillment of your promise exceeds my anticipations, and as I gaze in all directions I am filled with wonder and admiration for this extensive, this grandly beautiful White and Gold City. The absence of all indications of poverty is in itself a charm, and it appears so immaculately clean and so new, that one might imagine it the creation of a very recent time.

Genessano--On the contrary, previous to the inception of the Irrigating and Waterways System, it was a city of importance, and as now, the capital of Wy[a:]mo. At the time that the proposed irrigating system was under consideration the then governor of Wy[a:]mo was one of its most enthusiastic supporters and later an indefatigable worker who lived to see the System assume unlooked for proportions and incalculable beneficence. His successors followed his fine example, and a time arrived when the Irrigated Belt touched Kûltymo's limit on the north, and you perceive that now it penetrates quite into the System. During later centuries the population has so increased as to necessitate encroachment upon the agricultural lands northward, and now in that direction the city's suburb is parallel with the northern shore of T[a:]imon.

Kûltymo Tylû is favored beyond any city of our planet, for though it is within the equatorial zone, it is far enough northward to possess a moderately temperate and most salubrious climate. Then northward, Lake T[a:]imon and the great Waterway affords an outlet for shipping, passing not only in that, but in all directions, and Cēhylû Ooltēm[a:]h, rising in the far north, runs southward, pouring its immense volumes into the System, thus affording highways for vessels of the largest size. In the distance, and toward the northeast, is Lake Komû-tēles[a:] (lake of Springs) another considerable body of fresh water, and if you will look in that direction you will perceive that, through a continuation of the Waterway, it communicates with T[a:]imon, and that on its placid bosom vessels great and small are passing to and fro. Later, through observation, you will learn that the Waterways with their attendant feeders, directly or indirectly connect with nearly all the freshwater lakes and rivers of our Planet, and that all within certain degrees of latitude are embraced by the system. Thus, Kûltymo Tylû has at its doors extensive water transportation, added to which Tûz[a:]mos and air Transports bring it into ready communication with all portions of the planet, from whence it receives all manner of products. In turn Kûltymo Tylû exports immense quantities of manufactured goods and art wares, but its principal distinction is its great art school and library, to which come students from all over Ento. I, like yourselves, am enchanted with the beauty of this white and gold city, which to me suggests a great white bird, its body resting on the broad plateau, the tip of one snowy wing touching T[a:]imon, the other spreading toward the lovely valley Ins[a:]lû, and the neck and head gracefully curving downward over the northern slope of the plateau, to drink of the shining, vivifying waters of the beneficent System. Bernard, have you naught to say of this great city?

Bernard--Yes, aside from cities of our Spirit World, I have seen none to compare with it. As my dear mother has said, the beauty of its architecture, its exceeding cleanliness and absence of poverty are its most attractive features, and I quite agree with her. But, Genessano, you did not complete your simile; you forgot to give your bird a tail.

Genessano--You are very right; I did forget. Well, for my tailless bird I shall from among yonder gleaming, golden domes and snowy towers, whose symmetrical beauty is heightened by a southern background of fleecy clouds and azure sky, gather plumage as fine as that of alzoyt[a:]s, the sacred bird of Astranol[a:], whose wide-spreading wings over-shadow death's darkened realm.

Gentola--I beg that you will not take offense at my boy's inconsiderate speech. During his Earth life always he saw the droll side of things, and in that direction I do not find him changed.

Bernard--Mother, dear, I meant no offense; so Genessano could take none.

Genessano--That is as true as truth. Bernard and I are as two opposing mirrors, each reflecting images upon the other's face; thus one never misunderstands the other's motives, and Bernard's ever are kind. Let this fraternal embrace assure you of our mutual good will.

De L'Ester--We will rise to the upper balcony, from which we will command a still more extensive view of the city and its suburbs, and you, Gentol[a:], will give expression to whatever may impress you.

Gentola--To me the extent of this city is surprising. Eastward its limit is beyond my power of vision. Southward domes, turrets and lofty columns lose themselves amid the mists of the horizon. Northward, for mile after mile, on the level; thence down the sloping plateau and across the far reaching plain, the white and gold wonder spreads itself. In that direction, in the middle of some of the wide streets, are canals, on which small boats, carrying passengers or freight, are passing to and fro. At intervals the canals are spanned by handsome bridges, over which a variety of vehicles are passing. Toward the southwest T[a:]imon, which you say is nearly twenty miles away, mirrors in its waters the great warehouses and manufactories which line its shores. It occurs to me to ask why chimneys are not features of Ento architecture. Even those great structures have none.

Inidora--Many centuries previous to my existence on Ento electrical appliances had come into such general use that in all cities, towns, villages and pretentious country places, they almost were the sole agencies for heating, lighting, culinary and other purposes, and yet some families of the Soûvannallos and of another race far southward, still adhere to ancient domestic usages. Certainly they are the only Entoans who persist in using fireplaces and chimneys, which no longer are features of Ento architecture.

De L'Ester--Northward and southward, along the level of the plateau, and eastward and westward, toward Ins[a:]lû-Valley and Lake T[a:]imon, there are many stupendously tall and massive towers, whose average height is about one thousand feet, and whose bases seem substantial enough to support Ento's satellites. The skill and daring involved in their construction is both admirable and surprising. In their interiors are elevators which carry to the height of their summits persons and things connected with their service. They are used for a system of electric lighting, and also as watch towers during the annual floods and on their summits are as fine observation telescopes as we have seen. Yes, when those great towers are lighted, night is well nigh turned into day. How little the peoples of our planet yet comprehend what may be, and ere long will be, accomplished through the agency of electricity, whose civilizing power is illimitable. I should like to inform you as to one of its achievements, and at another time will do so.

You are exhausted, and we must hold you no longer. We will not come for you to-morrow morning, but at two o'clock in the afternoon. Earlier we will be at D[a:]o to meet friends who are interested in our mission. Yes, friends from Ento's and other planetary Spirit Worlds. Be patient; the time is near when you will see them as you see us. For yet a little while Spirit forces will hold Vallo[a:] in her physical form, for it would not be well should she pass to the Spirit side before all things are in readiness for the culmination of our mission.

Friends, George, Bernard and I will bear Gentol[a:] safely to her home; then I must go elsewhere, but to-morrow we all will meet at D[a:]o.

Gentol[a:], rest your right hand on George's shoulder. Bernard, place your right arm about your mother and your left hand on my shoulder, and now for the Sorrowful star, toward which this mighty magnetic current bears us with the velocity of thought, and here in your quiet room, where twilight shadows have fallen, we leave you until the morrow. Bernard, make your adieu, for before she may be disturbed, I desire to see your mother recover herself. Ah, that is well. Yes, we still are here, and pleased that you so readily have regained your usual condition. As we have held you overlong to-day, I pray you, rest, rest, rest. Now au revoir.