De L'Ester—As usual, George, you make us your debtors. Now we will rise, and while following the course of the river we will obtain a view of areas of the Irrigated Belt. We are journeying nearly due south, though further on the river curves slightly toward the east, then gradually toward the west, but the general direction is southward until it empties into Hûyda̤fon Loisa̤ (Bottomless Lake), a fresh water lake, partly within the South Temperate Zone, and which is a part of the system. Now the river widens and the elevation grows so pronounced as to suggest a period when its rocky peaks pierced the clouds. Yes, ages have passed since that remote time.
Those great embankments along the western shore are for the purpose of confining the prodigious volume of water which in the spring pours down from the north, threatening to inundate the broad, level stretches toward the west. You have yet to witness, and shall, if all goes well, the spring floods of melted snow, to which are added such downpours of rain as will astonish you. To one unused to the spectacle it might appear as though Ento were about to have an experience similar to the legendary Noachian deluge. As already stated engineering skill has risen equal to all emergencies arising from the spring floods, which no longer are regarded as disastrous, but as a special blessing.
What vast expanses of growing grains, of vegetables and fruits. Yes, Ento's labor saving machines are of such a high degree of excellence that they serve all the purposes of a fine system of cultivation.
Below us now the mountainous height abruptly slopes to the level of the plain, rendering necessary the great embankment which, as you perceive, is carried to the further side of the gap, where it terminates at the foot of the broken mountain, which extends the length of the river. Gama̤lûfan (Town of the Gap), the large town below us, whose wharf is lined with vessels great and small, and in whose Basin a number of large vessels await opportunity for discharging or for taking aboard lading and passengers, is a manufacturing centre of some importance, and its wide, beautifully paved, flower bordered and shaded streets and numerous fine residences indicate a considerable population of highly cultivated people. As is usual, the Temple is the most attractive feature of the town. Its white, sculptured walls and lofty golden dome, on which glows the many rayed emblem of Ento's religion, stands out in bold relief against the background of the verdure covered slope at whose foot it is built. In the large building to the right of the temple is a fine library, and to the right of it is the town school, to which at this moment a large number of children are hastening; not with the noisy hilarity of youths of our Planet, but with the gravity of their elders. It is a pathetic feature of Ento child life which we will hope may ere long disappear.
Why do not we in this region see any Tuzamos For the same reason that on our Planet a time will arrive when, as on Ento, railways, in certain localities, will be impracticable. You have been informed that, in certain regions of this planet, to a considerable depth, the soil is friable and as porous as a sponge, rendering it too unstable for a Tûza̤mo roadbed, which the spring floods undermine and render unsafe for transportation. It is only where the soil is coherent that Tûza̤mo lines are practicable. Of course, as Air Transports can go anywhere over the Planet, for many purposes they are preferable to land or water transportation.
Yonder is a fruit laden vessel drawing to its mooring at the wharf. We will descend so that you and our lad may examine the crates and baskets piled high with the luscious fruits of the various countries. Observe how each variety of fruit is surrounded by its own peculiar aura, which mortals term aroma. It is the vital principle or Spirit essence of the fruit, and is the portion of which Spirits partake, and I can assure you that an indulgence in this direction is never followed by a fit of indigestion. You may believe my assertion that the aura of animal foods attracts Spirits of gross appetites, and the feasters at meat laden boards ever have guests they little dream of entertaining, and the drinker of intoxicants hobnobs with boon companions for whom he unwittingly pays the score.
While on this subject I shall tell you another fact. In all households there is a certain fluidic condition originating in the emanations of the persons composing the family, and also from the emanations of the foods partaken of by the family, and of visitors who in a slight measure contribute to the condition. So sublimated is this fluid that, as a rule, only discarnated Spirits fully perceive it, yet there are instances where it is so decided, so perceptible, that, to a degree, visitors unconsciously are influenced by it, and according as this fluid is Spiritualized or sensualized, will be the class of persons attracted by it. Hereafter, upon entering different homes, observe your sensations, and soon you will recognize the meaning of this statement.
No, animal food does not necessarily debase Spirituality; yet I would not advise you or any one to partake of it. Comparatively few persons are positive enough to repel unseen, uninvited guests, but only decided positives have any assurance that they are not entertaining to their hurt, guests whose mere proximity is a menace. But enough of this, for I do not feel quite certain that this information is not somewhat premature, but let it pass.
Now we will resume our journey. Yes, the generally levelled surface of these Equatorial lands precludes much variety or picturesqueness of scenery. We now have reached the southern confine of the Province of Vohûaka̤, and the river curves a little toward the southwest, rushing through this rift in the mountain, which is known as Yoida̤s hûa̤ (bow shaped). Below us, in the angle formed by the mountain and the river, is the capital city of Vohûaka̤, which is known as Endoina̤a̤ Tylû (City of Bridges), and aptly it might be termed the Venice of Ento. To my mind it is a very beautiful and unique city. Gentola̤, what do you think of it?