De L'Ester—Gentola̤, the time allotted for this series of object lessons has expired, and to the Galarēsa̤ and our friend the antiquary who is tranquilly dozing, we will say au revoir.
We now will view Camarissa̤, so that you may form an idea of its extent, its architecture and other features. Observe this slope largely is devoted to detached private residences, and that the wide, beautifully paved streets intersect at right angles. At each intersection is a statue or group of statuary, or a fountain, or column, or other ornamental feature. This group of heroic size represents Genessano Allis Immo and his wife, through whom this great city honors itself by bearing her name. These statues are faithful representations of two of the most admirable spirits I ever have met. Yes, Genessano is very like his father, and Inidora̤ resembles his mother, who is a marvellously lovely woman.
From the slopes eastward the city extends about ten English miles, but from its northern to its southern limit is quite twenty English miles. Being the head of the Irrigating and Waterways System, naturally a large population has centred here and it is, with the exception of one other, the most populous and wealthy city of Ento. The population is about one million seven hundred thousand, and it is the greatest manufacturing and commercial city on the Planet.
Beneficent, indeed, was the conception and execution of the System which has recovered for the uses of the people lands which long ago would have become deserts. The system now extends more than four thousand miles, and rapidly is progressing toward encircling the planet. On our planet the undertaking would not be considered feasible, but with the means at command of the Entoans, it is not now regarded as extraordinary. With them the science of engineering in all its expressions is far in advance of what is known of it on Earth. Then, too, they so well understand the energies of electricity and vibration that, if they desired, they might shatter their planet into fragments. Looking along the waterway we see lofty columns whose massive bases are of stone, but the columns are of a metal known to the Entoans as Flaûen. It is very light and very ductile. As yet it is unknown on Earth. The elements do not corrode it, and it is a non-conductor of electricity, which renders it suitable for this and some other purposes. Those columns are used as electric light towers, and so high is the illuminating power that it well nigh turns night into day. Electricity as an illuminant and for all possible purposes is so cheaply procured as to be within the means of all requiring its use. Throughout the irrigated belt and on most portions of Ento there are Stations where thoroughly trained persons attend to the production and distribution of electric currents, and so valued is life that accidents are of very rare occurrence.
Were we not obliged to hasten our movements, we would take you through some of those stately as well as through some of those less pretentious residences. As you perceive there are no mean or squalid homes. Nowhere on Ento are there impoverished persons, and everywhere there is cleanliness, comfort and more or less of the elegancies of culture. Ento has progressed beyond the crime of privileged classes, those generators of debauchery and poverty. Industry is made obligatory upon all able to work and few, excepting the very aged, are unable to labor. Right living engenders health and aside from their dread of death which depresses them mentally, consequently physically, the Entoans live righteously and enjoy length of days.
No, there are no jails, penitentiaries, or almshouses. Those whom age, accident, disease or other causes have rendered helpless, are cared for, not as paupers, but as hapless children of Andûmana̤ for whom it is a pleasure and a duty to provide. Alcohol in its various forms is a commercial commodity, but drunkenness is forbidden and unknown. Chastity is universal. Polygamous relations do not exist. Official corruption or betrayal of a trust are reckoned as heinous crimes against society, and no one seems inclined to sin in either direction. Have I answered all your questions?
Gentola—Yes, all that occur to me at this time, and while paying close attention to your replies I have been gazing at this great and beautiful city and those wonderful Air Transports, rising like huge birds, then moving away so steadily, so noiselessly, save for that singing sound which is rather agreeable. I am curious to see their mechanism, but first allow me to see more of Camarissa̤. When all those great light towers are ablaze, from this elevation the view must be magnificent. You have said that some time I should see Ento by night. Pray do not forget your promise.
With all my heart I wish that some of our Earth architects might see some of those grandly beautiful temples and public buildings. I miss one feature of our temple architecture, which is the spire, but I consider those great shining domes with their delicate ornamentation, far more beautiful.
What flower lovers the Entoans must be. Wherever we have gone there is such an exquisite display of blooms that constantly I am wishing that I might carry some of them home with me, and really it seems odd that I cannot.
See that great vessel coming so swiftly along the waterway and what a swarm of smaller ones go darting along the street canals. De L'Ester, how are they propelled?