JOURNEYS TO

THE PLANET MARS

OR

OUR MISSION TO ENTO

BY

SARA WEISS

Author of "Story of Decimon Huydas: A Romance of the Planet Mars"

THE BRADFORD PRESS

45 BROADWAY NEW YORK

Copyright, 1903,

BY

SARA WEISS

CONTENTS.

EXPLANATORY NOTE.

In the Ento language, the accented A has the sound of a̤h. The horizontal line over E, gives it the long sound of a. The circumflex over ŷ and û, closes them, and in certain words I takes the sound of E. Thus, Info sta̤ tiva̤ Zēnossa̤a̤ oovistû is pronounced Info sta̤h teva̤h Zēnossa̤a̤ oovistû. In English this signifies, To the care of the gods until we meet again, and Info oovistû bears the same meaning as the French expression, au revoir. Largely the Ento language is a language of inferences, it expresses far more than words indicate. Various movements of the hands convey subtle meanings, adding to, or detracting from apparently simple statements, questions or replies. Tylû is Ento for city; y and û being closed it is pronounced Tilloo. The interjection, Loha̤û is Ento for the English word, hail; a form of greeting, as Loha̤û, ēmano (Hail, friend!) and is pronounced Lohowoo amano. These are simple examples of a language not at all complex, but replete with charming expressiveness.

PREFACE.

To all who may be concerned in an endeavor to acquire information relating to affairs beyond the range of physical vision we offer for consideration what may be regarded as an incredible narrative of journeys to, and explorations of the Planet known as Mars, and we entreat that you shall not pass unfriendly judgment upon that which may impress you as a merely imaginative composition, but which, in all sincerity, is a statement of facts.

Desiring to, as far as practicable, simplify the relation of this absolutely truthful narrative, of a not unexampled undertaking, I, and others of the Evon-thia, have thought it well to present it in colloquial form, as being more realistic than any other mode of expression, and also we have thought it well, that only a limited number of our numerous Band shall present themselves as actors, in what may appear a fanciful drama.

We are aware that we might offer certain special pleadings, which, in many minds, would induce favorable consideration of the unvarnished relation of our varied experiences, but we prefer to leave to the more or less enlightened seekers after truth, such verdict as their inner perceptions may accord, not only for the facts and philosophy involved in the narrative, but also for the services of our intrepid conscientious and faithful instrument, who, during nearly two years, devoted her time, her energy and such ability, as she alone of Earth's sensitives, at this period possesses, for the accomplishment of an object which long has concerned the denizens of our and other spirit worlds, an object for which wittingly she became re-embodied.

With occasional brief interruptions, our journeys to the Planet, astronomically known as Mars, but to its inhabitants as Ento, which in the Ento language signifies "chosen, or set apart," extended from October 6, 1892, to September 16, 1894. During this period, through a rather rare phase of mediumship, which we term semi-automatism, the objective, or soul consciousness of our instrument was controlled to write certain observations and experiences, but through various unavoidable conditions, the record was somewhat imperfect, fragmentary and altogether too voluminous for the purpose in view. Hence, when after quite two years, during which she gradually recovered from the devitalized condition, to which her devotion to a most worthy object had reduced her, she expressed her readiness to permit herself to pass under my control for the purpose of revising the manuscript, the contents of which she was almost wholly ignorant, I found myself a little dismayed over the magnitude of our mutual undertaking, which I well knew would tax our endurance to the utmost, and certainly, only patient, persistent endeavor on the part of our instrument, and myself, has resulted in what, at the best, we all consider a not very satisfactory rendition of experiences as unique as ever have occurred to one yet embodied in physical form. So unique, indeed, that she shrinks from the probable, nay, the certain unpleasant criticism which the presentation of not new, but unrecognized facts, may elicit, and it is only through the persistent entreaties of friends on both sides of life that finally she has decided to offer for publication the rather sketchy narrative of our journeys to Ento. Possessing neither a natural, nor a cultivated ability, for a pictured presentation of form, our spirit artist, Aaron Poole, has found it difficult to, through her automatism, represent even some of the simpler examples of the Flora of your neighboring Planet, but I may assure you that, though from an artistic standpoint, they are somewhat crude, they convey a fairly correct idea of the form and color, of the species of plant life they represent. Also, I may state that our mission to Ento was undertaken for a specific purpose, the record of its various features being a secondary affair, but of sufficient importance to induce us to undertake the task, which to all concerned, has been purely a labor of love. Largely, it has been written for the purpose of affording our Earthians information which only through the mediation of discarnated spirits can be obtained. To scientific inquiry, in whatsoever direction, there is a limit beyond which the physically embodied man cannot penetrate, but to freed, most exalted spirits from whom we receive instruction, the depths of unthinkably boundless space are accessible. To spirits less exalted as we are, the planets of our solar system afford free fields of observation, and in some far distant time you and we, dear reader, through loving service for Humanity, may find ourselves so purified, through earnest investigation and lofty aspiration, so learned, so exalted, that together we may journey beyond suns and worlds of which your photographers catch imprints, as faint as smiles on the white faces of your dear dead. And may we hope that in reading of our mission to Ento, you may find some expression of thought, some lesson which may aid you in ascending the heights, ever leading toward exalted states of being, thus nearer to a realizing sense of the all pervading, infinite spirit of an infinite universe. We pray that it may be so.

To all who love their fellow man, to all who love truth, for truth's sake, and who earnestly, prayerfully seek for it wheresoever it may be found, we dedicate this narrative of loving endeavor.

Carl De L'Ester,
Counsellor and Guide of one of the Spirit Bands, in Planetary language known as Evon-thia (for love's sake).

JOURNEYS TO THE PLANET MARS.

[CHAPTER I.]

INTERVIEW WITH THE EVON-THIA.

De L'Ester—Madame, we greet you, and rejoice to perceive that our last prolonged visit to Luna has not proven detrimental to your health, but hereafter we must endeavor to be more prudent. Now, I pray you, to attentively listen to what I may say to you.

During the years of your present re-embodiment, for a definite purpose, and toward a definite period, certain Spirits have occupied themselves in shaping the unfoldment of your Mediumship, the anticipated period has arrived, and with blended emotions, we, your Spirit friends, question the momentous future, which we trust contains the glorious fulfillment of a stupendous undertaking. Soon after your son Bernard passed to our side of life, we informed you that you no longer would be used for automatic writing, but that later on your Mediumship would be manifested through an altogether different expression. We did not then, and we do not now deem it advisable, to more than refer to this change of phase, considering it best that, through your own experiences, you shall grow into an understanding of what otherwise no one can make plain to your comprehension. Our paper on Earth's Satellite nears a conclusion; indeed, for the present, in that direction, to-day will end our investigations. May we hope that your recent experiences have proven sufficiently interesting to have awakened in you a desire for a larger knowledge and a more comprehensive view of the wonders of Starry Space?

We are aware that in the minds of Earth's thinkers there is a lively interest relating to a world of our Solar System, astronomically known as the Planet Mars. We, too, are greatly interested in the same direction, and it is our ardent desire that we may use you as a means through whom Earth's peoples may obtain a closer acquaintance with the Planet, and through whom we may accomplish an aim very dear to our hearts. We also are aware that your desire to acquire knowledge, at even a sacrifice of personal ease, and other allurements, will induce you to regard our proposal with favor, so I shall not urge you into hasty compliance with our wishes. You carefully will consider the matter, and we with some anxiety will await your decision.

Now close your eyes, tranquillize your thoughts, and quickly we again will visit Luna.

October 4th, 1892.

De L'Ester—Yes, again we are with you, and are delighted to find you fully recovered from your exhaustive experience of yesterday. Are we to felicitate ourselves upon your having favorably considered our proposal? You hesitate; yet in the past you have trusted yourself to our care and guidance. Surely you safely may trust us for the future.

Medium—If I seem to hesitate, it is not that I fear trusting myself to your care, but you are aware that this phase of Mediumship is very devitalizing, so you will understand that I a little shrink from incurring possible injury to my health. Then, too, if you may consider it advisable, I should like to be informed concerning the proposed undertaking. Since my early youth I have greatly desired to study astronomy, but always circumstances have prevented my gaining more than a very slight knowledge of this, to me, most wonderful of sciences, so, as in the undertaking some astronomical features are involved, without further hesitation I accept your proposal to attempt to make use of my organism for what I feel assured is a wise and beneficent purpose.

De L'Ester—Madame, in our undertaking much is involved that will be unfolded as we progress toward its fulfillment. Aside from the principal object in view, we desire, and hope to give through you, descriptive sketches of the geographical divisions, geological formations, fauna, flora, race characteristics, social conditions, religious beliefs and rites, government, educational methods, arts, sciences, architecture, mechanics and other features of the planet Mars. Certainly we fully understand the devitalizing effect of your peculiar Phase of Mediumship, and I will not conceal from you that your acceptance of our proposition may bring about possible undesirable consequences which we cannot foresee, so again I say, we will not urge you, but should you comply with our wishes to have you accompany us in a series of journeys from Earth, to Mars, our gratification will be boundless, and your experiences will be so unique that in any event you will find no cause for regret. Friends who are known to you, and others with whom you will become acquainted, will share with us the responsibilities and pleasures of the undertaking. For the most part these persons are interested in such sciences and pursuits as engaged their attention while in physical form, thus they are specially fitted for such purposes as they have been chosen to serve.

No, madame, we do not anticipate even a remote possibility of a fatal disaster to your physical existence; but, through exhaustion, your health might receive injury, so you will weigh the matter well before positively deciding to devote yourself to what I may assure you is a beneficent purpose. Should your decision meet our wishes, after the first step shall have been taken we will expect you to be steadfast to the end.

We, as well as yourself, have duties and occupations, and in the event of your positive acceptance of our proposition, it will be necessary that we shall make certain arrangements for the successful inception and after-progress of our journeys and investigations.

You are not yet fully developed in your peculiar Phase of Mediumship, and unfortunately you are extremely skeptical and over-cautious, which renders you very positive, and doubtless there will be occasions when it will be difficult to harmonize conditions; still, as you possess in an unusual degree the graces of patience, perseverance and earnestness, may we not expect that you will prove equal to such occasions as may occur? Indeed, we feel assured that you will.

Medium—You know the conditions under which I consent to place myself at your service, and in as far as my ability may serve, I shall endeavor to meet your wishes.

De L'Ester—Your conditions are perfectly reasonable, and we promise you that we faithfully will observe them. Shall we then consider your decision as final?

Medium—Yes; and as I also shall have to arrange my affairs so as to place myself at your service, I shall require a delay of two days. On the 6th I shall be ready to accompany you.

De L'Ester—At what hour?

Medium—At 9 A.M.

De L'Ester—Let it be so, and remember that during the hours you may be with us you positively must secure yourself against intrusion. This is imperative. Do you understand the necessity for this requirement?

Medium—I do, and shall arrange for it.

De L'Ester—Then on the 6th day of October, 1892, our initial journey will occur. Until then, adieu.

October 6th, 1892.

De L'Ester—Good morning, madame, I am pleased to find you quite prepared for our journey Starward. Accompanying me are George Brooks, an Englishman, whom ere now you should have known; Agassiz, one of earth's noted naturalists, and his close associate, Alexander Von Humboldt, whose fame is not confined to Europe. Allow me to make known to you these friends who are Members of the Band whom I have the honor of directing.

Medium—Gentlemen, I indeed am pleased to make your acquaintance.

Agassiz—Madame, our acquaintance is not of to-day, and our mutual friendship dates further into the past than at present you are aware of. Through the immutable Law of Attraction, humans are as links of an unbreakable chain, and real friendships are as enduring as eternity.

Von Humboldt—As no words of mine would add force to this statement, I shall only say that I am, and ever will be, your friend Alexander Von Humboldt.

George Brooks—And may I add that as all humans are akin I not only am your devoted friend, but, after a fashion, am your brother George Brooks.

De L'Ester—And it has been arranged that George shall assist you in your flights through space, and that I shall take upon myself the responsibility of conducting our observations and investigations. To each member of our Band has been allotted some special duty, thus no confusion can occur, and from time to time Spirits of our Spheres, and of other Planetary Spheres, for certain purposes, will join us. When desirable, further explanations will be offered you.

Ere we begin our journeys to another world, we will turn our thoughts toward the Infinite One, in whom we indeed live, move and have our being.

Earnestly, humbly, prayerfully, we turn toward Thee, Thou Eternal, Infinite Intelligence, who art the All Pervading, All Knowing Energy, controlling every atom of the Universe. Ever Thy children are seeking after truth. Ever they who blindly grope their ways through mortal existence, unconsciously, are striving to draw nearer to a realization that Thou art. Oh, Thou Dual, yet indivisible One who art the All and in All, as now we are entering upon a mission of loving endeavor, with loftiest aspirations, and with perfect trust we offer ourselves for loving service, well knowing that in Thee are the issues of all things, and that Thou wilt give Thy angels charge concerning us. Amen and amen.

Madame, you now will close your eyes and endeavor to render yourself passive. That is well. Now, with utmost assurance, rest upon George's outstretched arms. Have no fear. Remember our promise. Gently, gently, George. Upward, upward now, and outward on this wondrous magnetic current we glide. Swiftly as thought traverses space, so swiftly we journey toward Mars, which, like a great ruddy jewel, enmeshed in gold, gleams yonder in space.

Now that we are nearing the Planet, we slowly will descend to such an altitude as will enable you to observe how varied is the scenery, and how very similar it is to portions of our Earth World.

A little lower, George. Madame, do you now see clearly? And are you not at all alarmed?

Medium—I see quite distinctly, and am not at all alarmed.

De L'Ester—Truly you are a courageous woman.

Through personal observation you will learn that the geological formations, natural divisions, atmospheric conditions and other features of Mars are very similar to corresponding features of our own Planet.

The same may be said of its fauna and flora, which will surprise you by their familiar appearance. We will remain at this altitude, and as we pass slowly onward we desire that you shall closely observe such views as may be presented. We do not at present wish to discuss them, but should they suggest to you questions which may be relevant to our purpose I shall be pleased to attempt replies.

Medium—Then may I ask which of the two Planets, Earth and Mars, first came into existence? And also I should like to know how Planets are formed.

De L'Ester—So much is involved in your questions that I cannot now afford you a comprehensive reply. So I may only say that we have been made to understand that Suns are, so to say, magnetic stations or centres of magnetic energy, and in so far as exalted spirits of highest spirit spheres can determine, in their relative positions and functions, they are eternal and unchangeable, also, they affirm that the elements, not only of Suns, but of all bodies of infinite space, are homogeneous. That periods arrive when through magnetic attraction of elemental substances Suns become surcharged and their pregnant energies exhibit inconceivable activity, casting into space the extremely attenuated elemental substances of which worlds are made.

We, as well as those Wise Ones, are aware that during incalculable lapses of time, Infinite, Intelligent Law brings order out of chaos and formless aggregations of atoms become observable bodies of incandescent matter. That cycles upon cycles elapse, during which cooling and condensation proceed, and these gaseous bodies contract to the measurable dimensions of globes. In this manner Mars, and much later Earth came into the family of our Solar System, and in the course of time about either Planet a crust was formed, encompassing their super-heated masses. Numberless cycles added unrecognized years to the ages of the infant Planets. Continuously their confined energies burst forth with tremendous force, rending the gradually thickening crust and casting into space masses of incandescent matter, some of which formed satellites of the Planets. Others, not projected with sufficient force, were drawn back within the mass of such Planet as had cast them forth. No, I do not mean to say that all satellites of Planets have their origin in this manner, and at another time I shall speak to you of this matter. Backward, as the ages flew, the surfaces of Mars and Earth were upheaved into mountain chains, anon these were engulfed within fiery abysses whose measureless energies tumultuously threatened to burst asunder the entire surfaces of the young Worlds. But time flies on tireless wings, and at last atmospheres for them become possible; not beneficent atmospheres, but such as heralded the possibilities of a later time, when dew and rain would, like blessings, fall upon the hot bosoms of the new Worlds. The lapse of time from the beginning of the formation of a Planet to a period when the crust has cooled and thickened sufficiently to have become somewhat stable, when natural forces have made it possible for, so to say, the generation of an atmosphere, is inconceivable, and quite as inconceivable is the time that must elapse ere the cooling of the atmosphere and consequent condensation and deposition of moisture shall have made life conditions possible; truly, my friend, only the Infinite Mind is equal to such a conception. Understand, please, that I am not indulging in mere speculation. In a simplified and perspicuous manner I am trying to convey to you such facts as may furnish brief replies to your questions. I wish you to learn that World building is not only a process of bygone ages, but that far off in the depths of space innumerable Worlds are now being formed, just as this Planet and Earth have been formed. As the primitive history of one corresponds with the primitive history of the other, I shall say that in the earlier ages strange conditions prevailed. Geographically the surfaces of the two Planets changed, as change the forms in the kaleidoscope. Oceans and Seas were being deposited, and from their depths Continents were upheaved, only to disappear beneath unquiet billows, leaving isolated Islands or Archipelagoes to mark their subsidence, and from the heated waters dense vapors arose enveloping the new Worlds as in winding sheets.

As it is not possible to compute the ages, much less the years, during which Mars and Earth passed through the various stages of evolvement, up to the period when either Planet became sufficiently cool and stable, the waters of a suitable temperature and atmospheric conditions favorable to a degree that life in its earliest expression became possible, necessarily I must remain silent in relation to that matter. But in this connection I may say that the formative history of one Planet is the formative history of all Planets of all systems of Worlds. First, a nebulous condition of substance, which, through natural activities or laws, gradually contracts into measurable dimensions. Secondly, a somewhat spherical, gaseous body extending in all directions into space. Thirdly, a positive, individualized, observable body in a highly incandescent state, followed by such gradual evolvement as your geologists well understand. In a fragmentary and simplified fashion I have as concisely as possible replied to your second question. As to the first, such authorities on our side of life as are known to be unquestionable, declare that the Planet Mars is incalculably older than Earth. That during the ages when our globe was almost wholly incandescent, Mars' crust was measurably solid and cooled and its earliest life expressions were teeming in its tepid waters. The interval elapsing between the earliest appearance of life on Mars and the period when it became possible for the earliest life expressions to appear on our Planet is not to be computed through years or through centuries of years, the duration of such an interval is inconceivable.

We desire that you shall understand that we do not propose that this shall be an astronomical, geological or other scientific work, but in so far as we may be able to use your organism we shall touch upon such recognized sciences as may subserve our purposes of comparing degrees of knowledge attained to, in the same direction by the peoples of two Planets, Mars and Earth.

Medium—I should like to know how the lowest life forms of a new Planet originate, where do they come from, and what are they?

De L'Ester—Truly a large question, to which I must make a very brief reply. Your scientists declare that protozoa are the first, consequently the lowest, forms or expressions of life. The statement to a degree is correct, but as the life, the active principle of the cell, relatively is as great as the active principle of a universe, one cannot accurately designate it as either high or low. Life, the imponderable potentiality of the universe, is a unit, expressing itself in every atom, in the formation of every cell, floating in the tepid waters of new Worlds. It is as truly substance as is the cell brought into form through its intelligent activity. It is the Infinite, Intelligent Energy, permeating all that is. It is the Infinite Spirit whose countless manifestations we recognize, but whose nature is beyond the conception of angels or of archangels. It is that which we term GOD. On all Planets sufficiently evolved life expressions first appear in cell formations. In these cells, for which scientists have various names, are all the potentialities necessary for the evolvement of all forms of animal and vegetable life. Through the ceaseless activity of Infinite, Intelligent, Immutable Law, these germ cells, step by step, are evolved from lower to higher planes of expression, and this is a truth, the cells containing the potentialities of the human animal are unlike those containing the potentialities of the mere animal. Infinite Intelligence makes no mistakes, and in the primordial cells are all the possibilities of all specific orders of animal and vegetable life. In every direction life expressions strive to advance on straight lines, and however thwarted and baffled, go forward with invincible, intelligent energy toward definite ends. But the subject is inexhaustible, and we must for the present defer its further consideration.

We are now resting in space, about one English mile above Mars' surface. Freed spirits see where mortal vision perceives naught. As you now are, to a degree, liberated from physical limitation, you perceive that all your senses are enlarged and intensified, and you will not find it difficult to carefully observe the view presenting itself, and to describe what you may perceive.

Medium—I cannot realize that I am gazing on the planet Mars, for it is so strangely similar to our own far distant Earth, I see cities and towns, some near by, others in the dim distance. There are Lakes and streams of shining water and there are wide spreading plains over which I see some animals moving, but I do not see them very distinctly. Directly beneath us are fields of waving grain and meadows green with verdure, with here and there clusters of many bright hued flowers. Away off yonder I see what appears to be moving trains of railway cars, but the motive power must be different from that in use on our railways, for I do not see either steam or smoke, and the locomotive is quite unlike any I have seen. What direction is that? South? Well, far Southward I see a considerable body of water, and on it, moving in all directions, are large and small vessels, some with sails, others without any visible motive power. But, dear me, what is that moving so swiftly through the air? An air transport? How very wonderful, but I see neither sails, balloons or any propelling power. I wonder how they rise, and what keeps them from falling? George, it is very impolite in you to laugh at me. Of course I am excited; so would you be were you in my place. Oh, that one over yonder town is slowly, slowly dropping down, and now it has landed on a great platform and passengers are alighting and others are entering, as one might enter a railway car. Now it is ascending with a sort of undulatory movement, dipping and rising like a bird in flight, and now it has risen to quite a height, and is going toward the South. Cannot we go nearer to one of the strange conveyances? I am very curious to learn more about them. How they are constructed, and what their motive power is, and what sustains them in the air, and what—George, if you do not stop laughing at me you will let me fall. De L'Ester, do tell me something about them.

De L'Ester—Patience, patience, madame. Your curiosity is quite natural and commendable, and in good time shall be gratified, but as this is an experimental trip we do not think it prudent to hold you longer. As you grow accustomed to unusual conditions gradually we will prolong our journeys, but now we must return you to your Earth home, and if we may find you sufficiently vitalized, to-morrow, at the hour of 9.30, we again will come for you, and we promise you that your experience of to-day is but the beginning of a series of the same, which will greatly add not only to your pleasure, but to the profit of many, for whose benefit our journeys have been planned.

Now, Earthward, George. Yes, the sensation of moving with such tremendous velocity is peculiar. To move so swiftly as to experience a sensation of immobility is quite beyond the conception of mortals, who cannot conceive the fact of an ever-present now in a spaceless universe.

Here you are in your quiet room, and none the worse for your starward journey. Now you are in your normal state and I have something to say to you.

For a reason that later on you will appreciate, you are not to read what your conscious self has been made, and will yet be made to write. Do you understand? Then at the conclusion of each journey put away whatever may have been written, and in some coming time together we will read it, and then you will comprehend why I make this request.

May divine and loving influences guide and guard you. Au revoir.

[CHAPTER II.]

SPECIAL FEATURES OF MARS.

De L'Ester—Again we have the pleasure of greeting you and of observing your attempt to secure yourself from intrusion, and we urge upon you the imperative necessity of continuing this precaution. Now, assume a comfortable position. How close your eyes and endeavor to compose your too active mind by joining us in harmonizing prayer.

Eternal Infinite Intelligence! Eternal Infinite Energy, we, Thy children, desire to come into conscious relation with Thee. Unto Thee we offer our loving, reverent adoration, and Thou wilt guide us in all our ways. Amen, amen.

George, for a little while, we will move slowly, so that madame may more clearly observe the scene below us. To physical vision the Earth's surface would appear somewhat depressed, but to our spirit vision this illusion is not apparent. To mortals, at this altitude, the atmosphere would be too rarefied and too cold to be endurable, but, as you perceive, Spirits sufficiently evolved, are not subject to physical conditions. How deep is Earth's atmosphere? He who estimates the depth of the oxygenated portion of Earth's atmospheric envelope at ten English miles may safely add another half-mile, and the entire depth of Earth's atmosphere is so greatly in excess of what your scientists conceive it to be that on your account I a little hesitate to say that it runs into hundreds of miles, and through the activities of natural forces ever it is deepening. Yes, necessarily, all inhabited Planets possess oxygenated atmospheric envelopes, but you are not to confound atmosphere with ether, which fills all interstellar space, and is substance, but so refined as to be imperceptible to physical sense.

Upon all the planets of our solar system, our glowing, radiant Sun sheds its life-preserving beams. Its magnetic waves, pouring across space, quicken into activity latent energies, thus making progress in all directions not only possible, but inevitable. Mars, being many millions of miles further away from the Sun than is our Planet necessarily it receives less direct solar heat. On the other hand, Mars' atmosphere is such as to both receive and retain an amount of solar heat sufficient to render its climatic conditions very favorable for its various life expressions, and being much older, and hence, in proportion to its bulk, far more magnetic than Earth, its density, as compared with that of Earth, much less, its atmosphere rarer and lighter, it follows that to a limited degree its climatic conditions vary from those of Earth. Still, as you will have opportunity to observe, the temperature of its different zones is not greatly unlike that of the various corresponding zones of our own Planet.

Yes, the panorama now below us is a reminder of many similar views on various portions of our far distant World, which, to our vision, now appears as a rather diminutive, luminous sphere in immensity of space.

Certainly, madame, ask such questions as may occur to you, to which, as we slowly move onward, I shall to the utmost of my ability reply.

No, the depth and quality of a Planet's atmosphere does not altogether depend upon the age of the Planet. With both its quantity and its qualities other factors are concerned. Were not this true, Mars' atmosphere, relatively, would be deeper than that of Earth.

As a fact, the depth of Mars' oxygenated atmosphere is rather under half the depth of that of Earth. As to its qualities you already are informed. Yes, equability of temperature characterizes the various regions of Mars, only at the equator, and on either side for about seven hundred English miles, can the temperature be considered high, and even at the equator the heat is less torrid than in a corresponding latitude on our Planet. Disintegration and attrition have so worn away Mars' mountain ranges and other elevations that they offer slight diversions for its air currents. Through ethereal disturbances cyclonic storms occur, but at rare intervals. A noticeable peculiarity of Mars' atmosphere, which later will attract your observation, is its extreme humidity, which ancient Mars spirits have told me increases as the Planet ages. Even the polar regions are under the influence of this exceptionally humid condition, and there, during the year, snow falls nearly continuously. As spring approaches, at the north pole vast accumulations of ice and snow begin to melt, and as the season advances, immense volumes of water threaten to inundate portions of the Planet. Against such a calamity wise provision has been made, but of this presently you will become better informed.

We near our destination, and now, gently descending, we stand upon solid ground. Madame, we salute you, and welcome you to a land visited for the first time by a spirit yet embodied in the physical form. The energetic and adventurous American is a born pioneer, so it seems quite in keeping with your national tendency that you are here.

Medium—It may be quite in keeping with my nationality to be adventurous, but I confess that at this moment I do not feel very courageous.

De L'Ester—Fear not. Many times you shall come hither, returning to Earth safely. You wish to know on what portion of Mars we now are? I can only reply in this manner: Relatively we are in about the same latitude and longitude as is St. Louis. For purposes of comparison, and for the instruction not only of yourself, but of some who possibly may read these pages, we have decided that it will be well to afford you a glimpse of Mars' interior, so you will stand beside me while I shall endeavor to direct your spirit perception, and that you may more readily comprehend what I shall say I shall make use of such terms as our Earth scientists have established. In succession, the Azoic, the Silurian, the Devonian, the Carboniferous, the Reptilian, the Mammalian, and the crowning Age of Man have carried Mars and Earth to their present states of evolution. As we perceive, the merging of one age into another was through such imperceptible degrees that it is not possible to note lines of demarcation, yet we easily can trace the wondrous vestiges of the passing ages up to the appearance of the evolved human animal man, of whom, at another time, I shall further inform you.

Yes, gold, silver, copper, iron, tin, in short, all the minerals with which Earth abounds, are equally abundant as constituents of Mars, and like our planet, Mars contains vast stores of mineral salts, which in solution form nature's remedial springs.

Naturally, as cooling of the Planet has proceeded, the primitive stratum has deepened, and as we perceive within its compass is a vast volume of highly heated matter, which, to a degree, corresponds with the interior of the World upon which you so serenely dwell.

Very true, to one unaccustomed to such a view, it appears amazing and awe-inspiring.

Following the Devonian age the dank atmosphere was laden with noxious gases, and the fauna and flora of this Planet attained to gigantic proportions. This was the Carboniferous age, during which largely the coal fields were formed, and I may say that during a corresponding age of Earth like causes produced like effects. All over this planet, in various localities, deposits of coal abound, and through unnumbered centuries, it served for the Marsians the purposes of fuel and illumination.

Now, madame, turn away your gaze from yonder fiery abysses and allow it to rest upon pleasanter views.

From the slight elevation on which we stand we gaze upon a very attractive scene. Stretching away into the distance are level plains, sustaining luxuriant verdure and a wealth of grains and other vegetation. The plains are dotted with towns and villages and animals of several kinds are grazing in the nearby inclosed fields.

A silvery haze veils the distant landscape, partly revealing, partly obscuring its exquisite beauty, and in all directions the land is abloom with many-hued flowers, each exhaling a fragrance all its own. Nature adorned as a queen demands her rightful measure of homage, and thus we salute thee, thou beauteous expression of the Infinite Good.

The ceaseless activities of nature accomplish manifold wonders, and in the peculiar looking animals under the shade of yonder great trees we observe one that may surprise you. Madame, we will draw nearer them. At times I forget that your vision is not as far reaching as our own. You will allow me to assist you. Do you now see them clearly? Yes? Then for a little we will pause here. Your amazement does not at all surprise us, for indeed those creatures are strangely formed, colored and clothed. We desire that you shall attempt a description of that one standing apart from the others.

Medium—But where shall I begin? With its head? Certainly that is its strongest, strangest feature, and it is formed very like the head of a giraffe, but its enormous horns, curved spirally, extend upward, and its ears are small and drooping. No one on Earth ever will believe me when I say that its large, gentle eyes are placed, one in the front, the other in the back of its head, yet truly they are there. Its neck is very like that of a horse, but rather longer, and its shoulders are much higher than its haunches. It is covered with short, reddish brown hair, perhaps I should say wool, for it is rough and crinkled, and on the end of its tail, which nearly touches the ground, is a great tuft of long, crinkled hair. Its mane is short, thick and upright, and both mane and tail are of a lighter tint of brown than is its body. At its shoulders it is the height of an ordinary horse, but its long neck and its great horns extending upward adds to its apparent height. I cannot imagine a more grotesque looking animal. I wonder what purpose it may serve?

George Brooks—I should say, to illustrate that when nature sets about it she can turn out enigmas difficult of solution. Another reason for the existence of such queer-looking animals may be that nature intends them as a background on which to exhibit the good looking ones, for grazing near yonder clump of shrubbery is an exceptionally handsome animal.

De L'Ester—George, you may not be either a philosopher or scientist, but certainly you are original.

Madame, will you also attempt a description of this animal?

Medium—I shall do my best, and where I fail you will prompt me. This animal reminds me of a horse, but it is larger than any horse I ever have seen. Its head is well proportioned to the size of its body and is as delicately formed as the head of a deer. Its ears are erect, pointed, rather small and set closely to its head. Its eyes are large, gentle and beautiful. Its neck is rather short, but symmetrical, and fringed with a long, silken mane. Its legs are well proportioned and its hoofs are daintily formed and semi-transparent. Its tail, almost sweeping the ground, is covered with long hair the color of its mane, which is a very dark brown, and its body is clothed with hair of a lighter shade of brown, rather, I should say, with shades of brown and white arranged in spots, like those of a leopard. I think it a very handsome animal. Is my description at all accurate?

De L'Ester—Quite so; and this animal is a Lûma̤, and the other is a Vetson. As I already have intimated on this Planet there are in its animal kingdom forms bearing striking resemblances to some existing on Earth, but owing to Planetary conditions they are of a larger type than their kindred of our Planet. You are to remember that all life germs are homogeneous, their varying expressions being the result of varying conditions. Thus throughout the myriad life expressions of different Planets there are endless strong resemblances. Why not? The conditions of the several Planets of our Solar System are not so utterly dissimilar as some of your learned persons declare them to be. And mark what I shall say: On Earth's physical plane there are at this time re-embodied ones whose inherent qualities will within the next half-century enable them to give to Earth's peoples undreamed of facts concerning other Worlds. Facts which will necessitate a readjustment of accepted scientific conclusions. Yes, necessarily, resemblances between the fauna and flora of Mars and Earth are closer than between those of any other two Planets of our Solar System. I say necessarily, for the reason that like produces like, and the conditions of Mars and Earth, being more nearly similar than are the corresponding conditions of any of their Planetary kindred, it follows that their productions must keep pace with conditions.

Another question? Certainly, but I must make a brief reply. Throughout the animal and vegetable kingdoms of all inhabited Planets structural divergences ever have marked the lines of evolution, the human animal alone excepted. True, the human animal evolves through all the gradations of animal existence, but unlike other animals, he diverges neither to the right nor to the left. His specific, inherent energy impelling him ever onward, ever upward and straight ahead. Man is the culmination not only of forces but of qualities which set him apart from all other physical existences. He is the apex of intelligent direction, the final, expression of God in form, not only on Mars and Earth, but in the human everywhere.

We will now proceed, observing as we move onward whatever may be instructive or interesting. Embowered in yonder grove of magnificent trees is a stately dwelling. We will approach it more nearly, we even may enter it, for I doubt not, madame, we might find in it much that to you would be new and of interest. From its dimensions and imposing style we may conclude that it is the home of persons of wealth and distinction. For a little we will pause under the shade of these great trees, which impart a sense of restfulness.

Medium—You speak of a "sense of restfulness." May I ask do spirits, like mortals, experience a sense of fatigue?

De L'Ester—What I mean by a sense of restfulness is a state of tranquillity, through which a Spirit comes into harmonious relations with its surroundings. Spirits do not become wearied as expressed by the word fatigue, but upon entering the physical plane, Spirits, to a certain extent, take on the conditions with which they come in contact, and they experience what may be termed a sense of unrest or inharmony, and in exact proportion to the progress attained by Spirits is this sense of unrest accentuated. Hence, Spirits of the higher spirit realms seldom enter the physical plane. Have I made the matter clear to your comprehension?

Medium—Perfectly so.

De L'Ester—We now will look at this massive and really fine structure. As it is a good example of the many imposing residences to be found throughout this North temperate region, it shall serve as an object lesson for you, madame, and I shall take upon myself a description of its exterior.

A large structure of gray stone, extending on either side of a central entrance for at least forty feet. The entrance, which is wide and lofty, is approached by a fine flight of stone steps, leading easily up to it. Artistic and elaborate sculpture frames in the doorway, and on either side of the entrance are sculptured life-size forms in bas-relief. Their upturned eyes and upreaching hands lead one to conclude that they represent a guardian God and Goddess.

The entire front is pierced by many large windows surrounded by wide bands of intricate sculptured designs. Story above story to the height of four, the central portion of the building rises, and on either side of it are wings, two stories in height. Its entire front is beautified by traceries of delicate sculpture, among which are groups of life forms of various kinds. No doubt these forms hold certain meanings, and we regret that our Mars friends have not yet joined us, as they might enlighten us in this direction.

We now will move around to the right. Ah, here is a sort of annex and evidently devoted to pious purposes. Being a Frenchman I would term it une Temple, and you, madame, would name it a Chapel. It appears to be an extension of the dwelling, but really is quite a separate structure, which later on we will examine. As we perceive, these spacious and comfortable apartments at the rear of the dwelling are occupied by the domestics. As you, madame, are aware, to most Earth dwellers, Spirits are invisible; to the Marsians they are even less so, so we safely may enter the dwelling to have a view of the interior, but, George, you are to play no pranks to startle the occupants.

We will enter at the front. What a beautiful interior. This grand staircase, rising from this central hall, is fine enough for a royal palace. Evidently an able architect designed this dwelling, and intelligent and cultivated persons occupy it.

How very quiet it is. What is it, George? Not a soul in the house? Better so, for really this seems a sort of intrusion, all the more so were the occupants at home. Now, madame, which part of the dwelling shall we first investigate? Ah, we might have guessed that, as you are such a devoted housewife. To the kitchen then, but I shall expect you to describe this apartment, as really it is more than I am equal to.

Medium—I fear that I also am unequal to a description of it. It appears to be better fitted for chemical experiments than for a kitchen. What a large, sunny, airy room it is and what a variety of utensils. I cannot even guess at the uses of many of them. Am I mistaken in supposing that these bowls and platters and some of these pretty vessels are of gold and silver? No? Then those metals must be very plentiful, or the owner of this residence very rich. As sure as I live here is a weighing apparatus, and in design not very unlike one I use in my own kitchen. What are you saying, George? That one touch of nature makes worlds akin. Well, while this is not a touch of nature, it has a wonderfully homelike appearance. And here is a cooking range, but it is not designed for the use of coal, wood or gas. I wonder what kind of fuel these people use? De L'Ester, can you enlighten me?

De L'Ester—Since a very remote time the people of this Planet have for heating, lighting and as a motive power used electricity. In this instance it is the heating agent.

Medium—And Earth's peoples, who regard themselves as highly evolved humans, are only beginning to learn of the many uses to which it may be applied. One cannot question the fact that the same metals used on Earth are used on Mars, for here are vessels and utensils of gold, silver, iron, copper, tin, and what looks like brass, and of alloys new to me. Then here are vessels which I shall call porcelain, and there are various other wares similar to some with which I am familiar. I cannot find words to express my amazement at all this, it seems so utterly incredible, and yet I cannot question the evidence of my own senses. A woman with a genius for cooking would be enchanted with this kitchen. Is the dining-room as well worth seeing?

De L'Ester—It may be, but the family being absent, to an extent it is dismantled, so we prefer that you should not see it. Then, too, we have in mind a certain dining-hall which we purpose showing to you.

Now we will look through the rooms at the front of the dwelling. We will enter this one on the right. What a superb apartment, so spacious, so sumptuously furnished. Art and luxurious appointments combined have produced charming effects. Here, and elsewhere, we anticipate the pleasure of showing you many evidences of the wealth and culture of the Marsians. Before proceeding further we desire to inform you of something which, for a reason, until now, we have withheld. This Planet, known to Earth's peoples as Mars, is, by its inhabitants, known as Ento, which, in their language, signifies CHOSEN, or SET APART. They believe that as an expression of His love, Andûmana, the Supreme One, created Ento, and that when their home was prepared for their occupation He created His children, who with other living things should manifest the power and greatness of His Divinity. In future we will speak of the Planet as Ento, and of its peoples as Entoans, and during our journeyings and investigations you will learn that on Ento there is a state of civilization and consequent culture quite in advance of that of our own immature Planet.

Observe now those paintings. What marvellous creations they are. And those sculptured forms, so beautiful, so true to nature. Only the mind of a genius and the hand of a master could have conceived and executed either of them.

Here is a masterpiece. I know not what title the artist may have given it. I shall name it "Love's Awakening." It represents the sculptured form of a young girl just budding into womanhood. How charming is the angelic expression of her upturned eyes and smiling lips. The face, no longer that of a child, yet scarcely that of a woman, is rarely beautiful. She seems to be listening to Love's first whisperings, and almost one can fancy her lovely mouth tremulous.

So eloquent is the silence of her slightly parted lips, that in expectant attention, one listens for the faint murmurings of a soul awakened to the infinite possibilities of the passion, which welds into a unit all things animate and inanimate. Observe that the drapery, half concealing, half revealing the exquisite form, is as transparent as a mist wreath. Truly it is a marvellous expression of art. These friends and I are not unused to the finest representations of art of many planets, yet seldom have we seen a piece of sculpture equal this; still less seldom have we seen one surpassing it in design, or excellence of execution.

No, madame, the extent of this collection is not unusual, for the Entoans are liberal patrons of the arts. But we will look further.

Here, on a grassy knoll, is a group of three quite young boys, their forms lightly clothed in loose garments, which but partly conceal their rounded, shapely limbs. The middle, and larger boy, holds on his knees a book, from which apparently he reads a stirring story, to which the other boys listen with rapt attention, their beautiful faces expressing liveliest emotion. Notwithstanding that this group does not strongly appeal to the imagination, there is that which obliges one to feel that in it the sculptor has embodied much love and a reverence for art.

Now we will learn what this draped recess may contain. Ah, a descriptive composition, and in tinted marble. Not an agreeable representation, but an instructive reminder of a religious rite of happily bygone centuries.

Before us is an altar, on which lies the draped form of a young girl, her eyes closed as though in sleep. The loose robe drawn aside from her bosom reveals the contours of a maiden in the first blush of womanhood. At her side, holding in his upraised hand a long, keen bladed knife, which he is about to thrust into the heart of the unconscious victim, stands an aged, majestic looking Priest, his crimson robe in strong contrast to the white robed, golden-haired girl, who is to be sacrificed by knife and flames to an imaginary god or gods.

While one must admire the consummate art which so faithfully has represented this scene, one shudderingly turns from it, as being a horrible reminder of the many crimes and cruelties, which in the name of Religion, have been, and still are perpetrated.

Madame, it is a lamentable truth, that incorrect conceptions of the attributes of the Supreme One, ever are allied to cruelty. This statement applies not only to Ento, and Earth, but to all Planets inhabited by humans. It is only when man has become highly evolved, that spirit, the ego, dominates the animal soul, and God is apprehended as love, not hate.

Ancient Ento spirits, and others of comparatively modern times, have informed us concerning their religious rites and customs, which during the passing centuries have, with the exception of the sacrificial rite, remained almost unchanged. They relate that the victims of that horrible rite generally were drugged into unconsciousness, yet at times, willing victims, hoping thereby to appease the offended Gods, and thus avert some calamity, went consciously, courageously, to their death. Though deploring the ignorant fanaticism of such an act, one feels impelled to admire the heroic and generous nature of one willing to yield his or her life as a sacrifice for the real or fancied good of others.

In this adjoining recess is another composition, scarcely less pathetic, but devoid of the element of cruelty. On a large malachite base is a stone altar, on which lies the nearly nude body of a dead boy, and over and about him is a mass of inflammable material, bursting into flames. Thus in very ancient times the Entoans disposed of their dead. It is a very realistic representation of a custom of remote times, and certainly is not the production of an artist of recent days. Yes, incineration of their dead, is with the Entoans, a universal custom but during many centuries it has been accomplished in a more scientific, and less repellent manner.

You still express surprise, that the Entoans, physically, are formed as are we, and the peoples of our Planet. My dear madame, believe me, when I reiterate, that humans, no matter of what Planet, are essentially the same. Disabuse your mind, now, and for all time, of the idea, that necessarily, different Planets must produce entirely different expressions of life. One Intelligent Energy directs the universe, and one universal Law prevails. Should you visit Venus, Jupiter, or indeed any Planet inhabited by humans, you would find man, only as you know him. Evolved, it is true, on some Planets, to a higher spiritual, consequently to a more perfected physical plane, and a more advanced state of civilization. Spiritualized humans are the expressions of spirit entities. These spirit entities must act within their limitations, and never, never, by any possibility, does a spirit entity take possession of any other than the evolved human organism. Spirit knows no such negation as retrogression. When man on any Planet has evolved to a certain condition, or degree, he becomes a partially self-conscious soul, and then he walks erect. Ages pass and he becomes a Spiritualized Being, Spiritualized through the incarnation in him of a Spirit entity, which enables him to fully recognize himself. Not until then, is he evolved into the Spiritualized IMMORTAL—THE GOD MAN, as are all Spiritualized MEN everywhere.

Nay, you owe me no apology. I quite understand your mental state, and desire that you shall ask such questions as naturally must occur to you.

Observe now the very beautiful hangings of this apartment. They are of thick, lustrous silk, and their rich shades of crimson and gold form an excellent background for these superb paintings and marbles. It is to be regretted that limited time and space will not admit of a more detailed description of the many works of art in this collection. As it is, we must content ourselves with glances here and there. We think it advisable to notice this large painting, which vividly illustrates another feature of the sacrificial observance. It represents the interior of a richly ornate temple, and on a raised space stands a number of Priests and Priestesses, clothed in long, flowing, crimson and yellow garments. With the exception of three Priests, who are brown haired, blue eyed, and fair skinned, all are very dark hued. The hair of the younger, dark complexioned Priests is very black, and worn quite to their shoulders, and that of the aged ones is as white as wool, and worn in the same fashion. Around the heads of all are narrow fillets of gold, binding back their flowing locks. On these fillets, directly over the forehead, are golden suns, the points of the rays tipped with yellow jewels—topazes, I should say—and the centre of each sun is what appears to be a fine ruby, encircled by topazes.

The Priestesses are young, dark skinned, and dark eyed, and their long black hair falls loosely toward their feet, which are concealed by their crimson and yellow robes. Around their heads are fillets, corresponding with those worn by the Priests. In the foreground are a number of youths and maidens, and back of them a throng of men and women, all with anxious, terror stricken faces. Well may the eyes and faces of the assemblage be full of fear, for some one's child will be selected as a sacrifice to their Gods, whose dwelling place is beyond the clouds which veil the portals of Astranola̤, lest impious, inquiring eyes gazing upward, may behold what mortals may not see, and live.

This painting depicts a scene once of frequent occurrence, but during four centuries past the horrible cruelty has not been practiced.

We now will pass into the adjoining apartment. This appears to be a sort of lounging room, in which form and color combined have produced some fine effects. Over the lofty corniced windows and doorways, velvet-like, crimson drapery falls in graceful folds. Luxurious divans line the cream tinted walls, over which sprays of lovely, dainty blossoms are scattered. The floor is a mosaic of exquisite effects. The field, a rich cream color, the designs, graceful, lifelike flower pieces, united by trailing vines. A deep border of aquatic plants, grasses and vining lily blooms, forms a fitting frame to the lovely floor picture, over which very beautiful rugs are disposed.

This large and massive table, so exquisitely carved, and inlaid with rare colored woods, in a design partly arabesque, partly floral, is indeed a thing of beauty, but more beautiful still is this superb vase, occupying its raised centre.

These portfolios of pictured illustrations we can only glance at. Yes, in conception, coloring, and execution, they are highly meritorious. The same may be said of these handsomely bound volumes. You had not thought to find books on Ento? Why not, madame? Do not you yet comprehend that the inherent attributes of the genus homo, not only impels, but inevitably compels him in one common direction? This is a universal law, and there is no escape from it. As I already have declared, its expression, wherever demonstrated, is essentially the same. We doubt not that many things we shall show you on Ento will surprise you, more by their likeness than by their unlikeness, to what may be found on our Planet.

The entire ornamentation and appointments of this apartment are rather quiet in tone, but le tout ensemble, is very refined and beautiful.

George is so urgent to hasten our movements that I suspect he is up to some mischief. Yes, yes, we are coming. George, George, you are incorrigible; it is not surprising that madame is startled, for this figure is wonderfully lifelike, and what an odd conceit, to use one of its long arms to hold back this heavy drapery.

Medium—Really, for a moment, I thought it a living creature. Does it represent a human being? It looks very like one.

De L'Ester—Truly it does appear very human, but it represents a species of Ento anthropoid, so intelligent, that frequently it is trained for simple requirements, mostly of a domestic nature. As later on, you will see living specimens of the same creature, I shall not now describe it. Enough cannot be said of the fidelity with which the artificer has reproduced the form, coloring, and expression of the living animal. Of what metal is it made? Of a composition of copper and tin, and if you choose, you may call it bronze, for that is what it is. Yes, the enamelling is very fine, the tinting is true to nature.

Here is a collection of miniature paintings, and be assured that these illustrations of Ento female loveliness are not at all exaggerated. Some are types of the blonde, blue eyed Northern races, others of the dark skinned, lovely women of the Orient, with eyes as dark and liquid as quiet pools in shady nooks. As you perceive, all are arrayed in graceful flowing garments, unlike the hideous robes worn by even the most highly civilized women of our Planet.

Ah, what a gem! We cannot pass this by unnoticed. Madame, you will carefully observe this painting, as some time you may have occasion to recall a memory of it. In the foreground is a youth in the early flush of manhood, whose shapely head is crowned with black hair waving down to his shoulders, and bound away from his fine forehead by a jewelled silver fillet. His smiling, parted lips, form a perfect Cupid's bow, and above them is a nose as straight and finely formed as ever graced the face of a Grecian statue. A robe of azure blue, bordered with silver embroidery, clothes his very tall, graceful form, and falls in artistic lines to his sandalled feet. Looped high on his left shoulder is a loose sleeve drapery, caught into folds by a jewelled ornament, indicating that this youth is of exalted rank. Bending slightly forward, he smilingly listens to the words of a young girl, reclining on a low couch, who is costumed in a soft, clinging, white robe, which scarcely conceals the outlines of a fragile but perfect form. Her golden hair, which is caught back from her low, wide, white forehead, by a silver fillet, adorned with sapphires no bluer than her lovely eyes, seems to have caught sunlight in its tresses, as it falls in rippling masses over her shoulders and onto the floor, where it lies in golden confusion, on a rug of rich, dark hued fur. She is as fair as the youth is dark, and in her beautiful face is the innocence and mirthfulness of the child, with the promise, too, of a gracious womanhood. Remember these faces, for one day you may see the originals.

How true it is that art expressions are the mute speech of genius, and genius is but another name for inspiration. It has been said "back of the artist is art, and back of art is that which men name God." That is a fine expression of the unity of things.

George, Agassiz, Humboldt, hasten here. Ah! you too, recognize, this scene, Is not it an agreeable surprise? Madame, I will explain. This is a most exact representation of a locality these friends and I have visited. Rather recently we with some scientific and other persons were, for a certain purpose, making a tour of Ento, and while slowly journeying toward a distant portion of the planet we found ourselves passing over the spot illustrated by this painting. It attracted our attention, and descending, we found it such a quiet, tranquil spot that unanimously we named it the Valley of Repose. With wonderful fidelity and consummate art the painter has reproduced the lovely scene. Stand here, madame, and I will attempt to describe it.

A spacious valley surrounded on three sides by gently rising uplands, which in long gone ages were portions of a mountain range. From a rocky formation in the upper end of the valley debouches a considerable volume of water, forming this sparkling stream, which empties itself into yonder pretty lake, dotted with tiny islands. Those rather fragile looking bridges thrown from island to island form continuous passageways to either side of the valley. The villages dotting the rim of the lake, and those white structures on the larger islands, to one's imagination suggest flocks of white plumaged water fowl nestling amid the luxuriant greenery. Boats laden with the products of labor. Crews intent upon landing their crafts. Other boats carrying pleasure seekers, who call to passing friends, fill up the animated picture. Gazing with admiring eyes upon the lovely scene, we tarried awhile under these great trees laden with sweet scented blooms.

You may like to know that this valley is in the North Temperate Zone, in latitude and longitude corresponding nearly to that of the northern central portion of your State of Tennessee. Being sheltered by the uplands, the climate is very genial, and the loamy soil produces grains, vegetables and fruits in great abundance.

Continually artists frequent this valley to sketch its beauties, and the painter of this picture, who signs himself as Lafon Thēdossa̤, has literally transferred the lake and its surroundings to his canvas. It seems as though we have met face to face a well known friend.

My dear madame, do not vex yourself that we cannot use your organism for all purposes. Were we engaged in a purely scientific work it would be altogether necessary that we should have a Sensitive through whom we might express technicalities pertaining to matters under investigation or discussion. All along we have fully understood your limitations, as well as your extremely skeptical and cautious nature, and we well know that should we attempt to express through you statistics, technicalities, latitude, longitude, and other matters your nearly morbid dread of making mistakes would render you so positive that we could not use you at all. At present we are quite satisfied with what we can accomplish through you, and we anticipate a time when you shall have so developed that we shall be able to use you for ends you little dream of. So we pray you to fret no more that you are not equal to our wishes, for you quite satisfy our requirements.

We must not hold you longer to-day. Gradually you are adjusting yourself to present conditions and ere long we may lengthen our visits to this Planet, but now at once you must be returned to your Earth home. There are indications that the occupants of this residence are about to return to it, so endeavor to hold yourself in readiness, for we may come for you at an unusual hour. Now, George, Earthward. Not another question, madame. We must not allow you to become exhausted.

Safely arrived, and some one is knocking at your door. May loving angels have you in their keeping. Au revoir.

[CHAPTER III.]

ENTO, AND ENTOANS.

De L'Ester—To our faithful comrade we tender our greetings, and an apology for our early appearance. You will arrange quickly for our departure, for the family have returned, and we desire to visit them ere day dawn on Ento. Madame, you have not locked the rear door of the room, and some one might disturb you, which would not be well for you. Now you are comfortably seated, and will endeavor to tranquillize your disturbed equilibrium. We feared that our somewhat abrupt entrée might startle you. George, I think that madame may find herself sufficiently sustained, through simply resting on your extended arm. You are rapidly growing stronger, madame, and accustomed, too, to the peculiar conditions of your unusual phase of Mediumship, and we anticipate that soon you will overcome the timidity you at times experience.

Now you are quieted, and we at once may begin our journey. Upward now, and outward. You are at ease, madame? That is well.

Yonder is the Planet Venus, regal, beautiful Queen of the Earth-night. And in the northwest is the grand constellation known to you as The Great Dipper—whose family of worlds, like Ento, and Earth, pursue their law compelling ways. Four of them are peopled with humans, far in advance of those of either Earth or Ento. In every direction are myriads of Worlds, inhabited by human beings in various stages of evolvement. Throughout limitless space are Suns and Systems of worlds, varying in bulk, and of diverse conditions, yet through intelligently directed energy, each shining wonder traverses pathless space, in conformity with unvarying law. In striving to conceive an idea of the universe, one is overwhelmed by its boundless immensity. Only Infinite Intelligence can compass a thought so far beyond the limit of the finite mind.

We near the residence, and now will descend. Yes, near the fountain, George. Madame, you perceive that there are lights in portions of the house. With the Entoans it is a universal custom to keep lights burning during the night. Later on, you will learn their reason for doing this. There are no developed clairvoyants in this family; of that we have assured ourselves. In what manner? Well, previous to coming for you we investigated their condition. We now will enter the home, so that you, madame, may obtain a general view of the apartments and their occupants, on the second floor.

The front room to the left, George, and you, madame, will please describe whatever may attract your attention.

Medium—This is a large, almost square room, elegantly, yet rather scantily furnished; that is, it is not overfurnished. The ceiling is lofty, of the tint of old ivory, and decorated in a delicate design of wreaths and sprays of foliage and flowers. The walls also are ivory tinted, but of a deeper shade than the ceiling, and are decorated in designs harmonizing with those of the ceiling. On the highly polished floor, which is of some light, rose colored wood, are fine Oriental looking rugs, and there is a very handsome divan, and some richly upholstered chairs, and a large, beautifully carved wood table, and a massive dressing bureau, which is built into the wall, and on it are many pretty toilet articles, some of which have a very familiar appearance. Near the one lofty, wide, front window, in an ornamental tub, is a large growing plant, which looks like some species of palm, but is unlike any palm I know of. It bears an enormous truss of lovely scarlet flowers, which give out a fragrance resembling that of the hyacinth. I am pleased that it is to be included in the illustrations of Ento's flora.

RUVACCA̤ PLIMOS

De L'Ester—It is not related to the palm family. Observe carefully the forms of both calyx and flower, and you will consider its Ento name, Ruvacca̤ plimos, quite appropriate. You may name it trumpet flower. Now, madame, you will proceed.

Medium—How shall I describe the sleeping occupant of this beautiful couch? I am at a loss for words that might do justice to this revelation of Ento female loveliness. Allow me to be silent, De L'Ester, while you, who are more competent than am I, shall attempt the impossible.

De L'Ester—As you will, madame, though I confess to an unwillingness, to attempt through words to convey an idea of the appearance of this extremely beautiful woman. The invasion of the privacy of her apartment, to you, seems an impertinence. But that you may learn many things pertaining to the Entoans, we must use means at our command, so I think we may be pardoned for this intrusion.

The woman sleeping upon this shell shaped couch is young, and indeed "tall, and divinely fair." Below a wide, shapely forehead, shaded by flossy curls, long, silken lashes fringe white eyelids concealing large, luminous blue eyes. A profusion of golden brown hair lies in curling, waving masses, over snowy pillow, and bare, blue veined, white throat. Her complexion is as fair and rosy as pink rose petals, for this is not one of Ento's dark skinned beauties, but one of a Northland race. In her sleep she dreams and smiles, her slightly parted lips revealing a hint of two rows of pearls, in keeping with this shell shaped couch, so closely inlaid with pearl that one can imagine it the former abode of some great ocean creature and the white fleecy covering of its present occupant the foam of storm tossed waters.

Fair dreamer, may you long experience joyous awakenings to happy days and happier years!

We now will pass to the apartment across the hallway.

The dimensions of this chamber are the same as those of the one we have but now left, and the decorations and furnishing is much the same, the noticeable exception being this low, broad couch, of some fine wood, artistically inlaid with a variety of colored woods in a floral design. Its corners are held by heavy, ornamental silver clasps, which add much to its sumptuous beauty. Lying on it in a profound sleep, is a man of apparently middle age, and though quite dark skinned, he is extremely handsome. He is very tall, and finely formed, as are all of his race, and in his quiet face one reads dignity of character, and gentleness. Through his black, silken, curling beard one perceives that he has finely curved lips, and that his black, abundant curling hair graces an admirably statuesque head, neck and shoulders. Yes, all Entoans have abundant hair. Their head covering, which seldom is worn, is not of a kind to destroy the growth of their hair.

This man is a fine specimen of a race known as the Hovana̤, and doubtless were he awake, and clear-seeing, he would find himself greatly surprised, if not alarmed, on perceiving a group of strange appearing persons gazing upon him so intently. Adieu, monsieur, and should we again meet, may it be under more favorable conditions for a mutual acquaintance.

A bath and dressing room adjoins this apartment, which now we will examine.

Quite a large, and well appointed room, with floor of very beautiful marble, its whiteness relieved by veinings of gray and pale rose color. From the floor to half the height of the room the walls are of silver richly wrought in festoons of vines and flowers of various kinds, all suggesting aquatic growths. Thence, to the slightly curved ceiling, the walls are of highly polished wood, of a deep rose color. The ceiling, too, is of wood, of a paler shade of rose, and is carved in exquisite floral designs. The bath is of snowy marble, lined with burnished silver, which curves over, forming a broad rim. The outer surface of the bath is chiselled into a composition of aquatic plants and grasses, which are very artistic and effective.

Here is a large onyx dressing table, on which are various toilet accessories of admirable designs and workmanship. Truly, "Necessity is the mother of invention," and the necessities of humans, everywhere, lead to very similar results, hence these familiar looking objects.

I recall that during my Earth life I imagined that if any of the Planets might be the abodes of intelligent life forms owing to varying conditions, necessarily such forms, and their requirements, must altogether differ from those of Earth, and I assure you that one of the greatest, and most pleasing surprises awaiting my renewed acquaintance with the spirit side of life was the realization, that not only was the genus homo of other worlds essentially like myself in appearance, but that their characteristics, pursuits and requirements were very like my own, and that the Spirits of all Planetary spirit worlds recognized their common origin, and universal relationship.

Your mental state is similar to what mine was, hence you find it difficult to realize the universal homogeneity of substance, which under like, or similar conditions, must manifest itself, in harmony with intelligent, universal laws. I am aware, that as factors, or potentialities, forces and qualities, known as gravity, attraction, repulsion, density, volume, distance from Solar influences, position of Planets, etc., are to scientific minds the pivotal points upon which certain results must of necessity turn, and largely they are correct. But while drawing conclusions from real or apparent facts scientific minds seldom consider the one all-powerful factor, The Infinite, Intelligent energy, the adjuster of causes and effects into a harmonious whole. But really at present we have not time for either scientific or philosophic dissertations, and I must conclude this digression into which your remark has beguiled me by saying that on Ento you will find the same humans, with the same requirements, as may be found on numberless Planets.

Everywhere the man creature evolves along fixed lines, and sooner or later this hairy-headed person requires combs, brushes, mirrors and other appliances with which to enhance his charms or to contribute to his comfort, his well-being or his vanity, consequently here are veritable combs, brushes and mirrors, and here, too, is a familiar looking cleansing preparation. You may doubt it, madame, but I swear it is soap, and a very excellent soap it is. It is delicately scented, too, which may indicate that my lord and his lady are somewhat dainty in their requirements.

You may know that on our Planet, in various localities, there are deposits of a saponaceous character. Such deposits exist not only on Earth, but on Ento and other Planets, which affords another bit of evidence that worlds are akin.

These bath appliances are quite admirable. Overhead are faucets with spraying attachments for both hot and cold water, and here, at the foot of the bath, are silver faucets for the same, and from these yawning mouths of silver nondescript heads both cold and hot water pours into this great silver bowl. But we cannot devote more time to this room. Certainly, for a country house, one scarcely would expect such luxurious appointments.

This door opens into the sleeping apartments of the wife of the slumbering gentleman. Shall we enter it, madame? You are silent. I have observed that curiosity is not your ruling trait. Ah, I see. You think that we gentlemen should not intrude upon the privacy of the lady. Then, that you may acquire certain information, I suggest that you shall go alone, and in the hallway we will await your return.

Medium—Well, here I am, and will relate what I have seen and heard. Asleep on a couch very like that on which the gentleman lies is a large and very beautiful woman with a most charming expression of countenance. Her complexion is rather dark, but much fairer than that of her husband, and her hair is very black and luxuriant, flowing loosely over the pillow and down on to the floor. Never have I seen hair so abundant or so beautiful, and she has such lovely arms and hands. On tables and on the side shelves of a magnificent dresser are beautiful toilet articles and the loveliest jewel caskets. Of what are the caskets made? Dear me, I cannot say, but I should think of gold and silver. One looks like gold filagree set with different colored stones forming flower sprays, and one appears to be of silver closely incrusted with diamonds and rubies in a peculiar pattern. Another is a rather large shell clasped with some kind of metal hinges, the edge of the upper half set closely with large, lovely pink pearls, which I should think might be worth a fortune. There are several other caskets, but I did not observe them closely.

Clothing of beautiful texture and exquisite coloring hangs in closets and other receptacles. There are robes of what I should call Grecian style. Some are of a plain weave, others are brocaded in admirable designs. Some are of silken texture, others are of wool or silk and wool. Some are undecorated, but almost all of them are trimmed around the neck, sleeves and hems with borders of very beautiful embroidery of gold, silver or in colored silks, imitating foliage and flowers or in arabesque designs, some of them set thickly with small jewels of several kinds. They are the most beautiful garments I ever have seen.

Close by the lady's couch is a smaller one, on which lies the dearest, loveliest child. She appears to be about four years old and is very large for that age. I felt inclined to kiss the darling, but feared that I might awaken her, so stood intently looking at her, when suddenly she stirred and opened her eyes in a startled manner, crying "Omma̤, Omma̤." Instantly I retreated behind the window drapery and peered through. The mother arose in haste and knelt beside the child, murmuring as she caressed her, "Omma̤ estro, Omma̤ estro, gentolēna̤. Emenola̤ grandû, emenissema grandû." That is all I can remember of what she said, but soon the child fell asleep, the mother stole softly to her couch and I came away. I hope, monsieur, that I have satisfied your curiosity.

De L'Ester—Madame, your complaisance overwhelms me. My curiosity. Truly I do not find myself equal to an expression of my appreciation of your effort on my behalf, and can only bow my acknowledgment. May I ask if you looked into the apartment adjoining the one you visited? George informs us that in it is a younger and handsomer woman than the one you have described.

Medium—I only glanced at a very youthful and handsome girl who was asleep on a couch. Although I realize that these persons are unaware of our presence, I cannot avoid an unpleasant consciousness that we are taking advantage of their unconscious state. Of course I know that idle curiosity has nothing to do with it, and that you all are doing your utmost to assist in my Ento education, for which you have my thanks.

George, how do you know that there is a young and handsome woman in that room? I shall have to report you to Inez.

George—While looking through the house I came to her room, merely glancing in as you did. Inez has too much confidence in her other self to listen to an ill report of him; then, too, madame but jests.

While looking through this spacious dwelling and into its history, I have learned that it is modelled in a style antedating what we will term Ento's modern architecture. This style was in high favor four centuries ago, Ento time and for suburban and country residences is yet much favored. It was designed for the requirements of a large family and has served its purpose during several generations and still is so substantial that its massive walls may shelter generations yet to come. At present, only the first and second floors are occupied or furnished.

From the conversation of the domestics I also have learned that the proprietor is a distinguished Government Official, who, with his family, resides in the Capitol and that occasionally he and they come here for recreation and to look after his estate.

It may surprise you, my sister, to learn that all the lands of Ento are held in trust by the government, only the improvements of an estate are owned by the proprietors. Later on we will have occasion to further inform you concerning this regulation.

In the Istoira is a sort of genealogical record of this family and De L'Ester suggests that, as our time is limited, it will be well to at once go there.

De L'Ester—We will enter by way of this inner doorway, and for a moment we will pause here. As you may not correctly estimate the dimensions of this Istoira, I will inform you, madame, that its depth, including the sanctuary, is about one hundred and twenty feet; its width about sixty feet. These private Istoiras are attached to the residences of all large country estates and are used, not only for religious purposes, but for placing of memorial records, and as depositories of the ashes of the dead. As you perceive, the seats are placed only along the sides, and facing us is a beautiful altar, back of which falls heavy drapery concealing from view the sanctuary. In this subdued light the white, very ornately sculptured marble altar gleams like masses of snow flowers. In contrast to its whiteness here are some red and yellow blooms so recently laid on it that the atmosphere is laden with their sweet fragrance.

All over the planet at high noon and at the moment of the disappearance of Andûmana̤'s shining abode in the numerous Temples and Istoiras religious observances occur. At high noon, on occasions, animals are sacrificed and offerings of value are laid on altars. At the evening service only grains, fruits and flowers, the sacred red and yellow tsoina and valseta blooms are offered. Soon, we believe, sacrifices involving animal life will be known no more on Ento.

ISOINA

Medium—De L'Ester, pardon me for interrupting you. You have informed me that the Entoans, as a whole, are more highly civilized than are the peoples of our planet. Why, then, do they still practice these superstitious observances?

De L'Ester—Superstition, madame, is a feature of all religions. The Entoans who offer to Andûmana̤, or the Deific Ones, an animal as an atonement for wrong doing, or to perhaps appease an angry God or Goddess, are no more superstitious than the Christian who believes in the vicarious atonement of Jesus of Nazareth, whom he regards as an embodiment of God. In the early ages of man's evolvement (I speak of man of any Planet) he gropes his way with uncomprehending senses until a period arrives when he becomes a spiritualized being. Then he looks about him. Effects present themselves to his wondering, fearful gaze, and more or less clearly he perceives them, but as yet he is too immature to associate effects with causes of which he has no conception. Gradually he becomes conscious that back of effects there appears to be an intelligent cause or causes, and in accordance with the degree of his spiritual unfoldment he invests this cause or causes with beneficent or maleficent qualities, frequently with both. In time his unfolding ideas become more distinctive, and from them he evolves two personalities, one good, the other evil. The former he reverently adores, the latter he regards with fear and disfavor, yet with a certain respectful consideration. The human ages and ever intuitively he seeks after truth. In his uncertainty he looks this way and that, gathering as he goes fancies which, by and by, he formulates into facts, and these fanciful facts keep pace with his growth, and a period arrives when he establishes a religion which is a concretion of inherited tendencies conjoined to such legendary and other myths as may have come his way. Further along his larger unfoldment obliges him to discard beliefs which do not fit into his wider views which are the logical consequences of his wider experiences, and in his unrest he grows desperate or indifferent as to what may or may not be true. You are aware that at this time among Earth's peoples many are in this unhappy state of mind, and that, what is little less deplorable, multitudes are held in the bonds of ecclesiastical legends and dogmas which ever obscure the truth, and superstition ever is where truth is not.

But the God-Man is coming; he will break his bonds asunder,
And go marching through the ages, his gaze turned toward the blue;
Where the Angel hosts, in tones as of reverberating thunder,
Sing hosannahs to The Highest, who alone is true.

To the Entoans Andûmana̤, the Supreme One, is absolutely perfect, yet his perfection admits of righteous anger against his willfully offending children whom He, for their own good, chastises until, realizing their culpability, they make atonement for their sinfulness. In bygone times the atonement for sin against their Creator demanded human sacrifice, or, perhaps an offering of their most valued possessions, against which no one dared offer a protest.

Gods and Goddesses who are Andûmana̤'s Ministers and Messengers, He created less perfect than Himself, and to appease their anger or to secure their favor sacrifices and offerings without number have been, and are, laid upon the altars of Temples and Istoiras.

VALSĒTA̤

Certainly such beliefs are very childish, very superstitious, but childhood conceives of childish fancies, and man on Ento and on Earth, spiritually, is yet in swaddling clothes.

Beyond the limits of his present unfoldment his infinite possibilities are as little understood as are abstruse utterances by a lisping child, but intuitively, within his being, he perceives godlike attributes, and ever he is impelled toward higher spiritual unfoldment, which is but another expression for what is termed civilization.

On Ento, as on Earth, the Priesthood stem the tide of human progress. Always the Priesthood are conservative, holding tenaciously to old traditions, rites and ceremonies, and, as a rule, they are sincere in their professions, for it is a fact that through their constant affirmations of the tenets of their various faiths they become so self-psychologized as to be unable to perceive beyond their established views. Never are the Priesthood in advance of the people. It is only when the multitudes demand larger views of truth that they yield to the necessity of moving forward, and always under protest.

Yes, certainly, to be religious is a natural impulse; natural, because man is a spiritualized being, the expression of Infinite Intelligence and Infinite Energy in form.

You will allow me to repeat that notwithstanding certain features, the Entoans as a whole are more highly evolved spiritually, hence more highly civilized, than are the peoples of Earth. In the arts, their attainments are productive of most excellent results. As much may be said of the sciences, in which, with two notable exceptions, of which presently we shall speak, they are far more learned than are Earth's scientists. But they are dominated and restricted by their Holy Writings, which declare that Audûmana̤, the Supreme One, ever has been, and ever will be. That in a remote time he said, "I no longer will dwell alone and in silence." So, out of himself he created Astranola̤, a beautiful realm beyond the clouds. A realm ever abloom with loveliest flowers and watered by flowing streams as sweet as nectar. A realm where deep darkness never comes and its dim twilight is irradiated by the innumerable lamps of the Deific Ones, which Ento's children may behold gleaming in the quiet night sky. A realm where storms, sickness and death are unknown and where the air is filled with sweetest perfumes and the land is bathed by dews which fall like clouds of silvery mist. A realm where birds of wonderfully beautiful plumage fill the air with melodious songs, and where no noisome thing exists.

When the creation of Astranola̤ was completed Andûmana̤ contemplated the expression of His will and was satisfied. Then he spoke into existence Gods and Goddesses, who should dwell in this realm and who should be his Ministers and Messengers, and then he created Ento, which, in the beginning, was as beautiful as the children of His love whom He also spoke into existence and for whom he declared Ento should be a home for evermore. Through his Messengers he gave to them a revelation of His will, which instructed them as to their duties toward their Creator, toward his Messengers, toward each other, and toward all living creatures whom He had created for their uses and pleasure. And it was specially enjoined upon them that no eye should ever attempt to penetrate the cloud veil falling between them and the abode of the dwellers in Astranola̤. Should any one presume to disobey this commandment, swift vengeance would be visited upon the offender. To a people entertaining no conception of a continuity of existence and to whom death is an ever present terror, curiosity is not a powerful enough incentive to induce the Entoans to risk their chiefest treasure, life, or to bring upon them and theirs the wrath of the offended deities of Astranola̤. Thus, as a science, astronomy is unknown to the Entoans.

The Holy Writings do not forbid an investigation into, or even allude to, Ento's physical constitution, but for cogent reasons the learned Priesthood ever have opposed themselves to whatever might remotely imperil their cherished dogmas. Thus it occurs that, while many scholars possess a minute knowledge of the science of mineralogy, geology as a science finds small favor. No, nowhere in the Holy Writings is there even a suggestion of human or other living sacrifice. It was not until after a fanatical and powerful Priesthood became the sole interpreters of the mysteries of religion that Andûmana̤, through a revelation of His will, demanded human sacrifice as a test of obedience or as an atonement for sin.

At another time I may inform you further in relation to the Ento Scriptures, which embody not only the revelation of Andûmana̤'s will and the fanciful story of Ento's creation, but also much of the history of ancient times. How far back do the Ento Scriptures date? We have been informed that unquestionably this supposed revelation occurred nearly fifty centuries ago. Yes, Ento time. The age of the Planet no Entoan either in or out of the physical body assumes to know. Soon we shall have with us some learned Ento Spirits, who, we doubt not, will gladly afford us exact information upon this and other subjects of interest. No further questions at present, madame, for time flies and soon we must return you to Earth.

The Sun held aloft in the hand of the statue surmounting the altar is emblematic of Andûmana̤'s supposed abode, and this really fine mosaic, representing sun rays radiating from the circular altar, also is an emblem of the same.

Observe, now, this central marble shaft, which rises nearly to the domed roof. Both base and capital are sculptured masses of grains, fruits and flowers. The surface of the shaft is divided into sections on which are engraved names and brief records of departed Entoans. Above each legend is a head in bas-relief, and so well executed are these images of the dead that one can easily determine as to age and characteristics of the originals. Through such knowledge of their written language as I possess I shall attempt to gain some information relating to these people of a bygone day.

Muyolos Kalaf and Feniston Inisella were ancestor and ancestress to Inisellēna. Their sculptured faces indicate that they were handsome and intellectual persons and that all lived to a good old age.

Here it is stated that the original of this admirable bust was one Hûyten Dēmos, who was sire to Endoifan Inivos, who became the mother of Rosilla, who in time gave birth to Stivon Izamma, which also was the name of his sire, who was greatgrandsire to Silvano Izam, the present proprietor of the residence we have been viewing. Engraved on this shaft is quite a family history, but we shall find matters of greater interest to enlist our attention.

This edifice in itself is both Istoira̤ and Fa̤va̤ a croidas, where the ashes of the departed are deposited, and in those sealed, ornamental receptacles are the incinerated remains of past generations. Observe the many sculptured forms on this and on the opposite wall. Here is a face, hoary with age, but with a fine, majestic expression, and here are others of the midday of life, representing splendid types of the human.

Here are faces of youths and maidens as entrancing as dreams of love. Of children, too, angelic in their beauty and innocence of expression. Ah, me! Were mortal life the end of all, better to not have been born into it. Think of all that these sculptured faces stand for. Smiling infants, youths and maidens and mature men and women, who loved with intensest devotion and who passed to their spirit world without either hope or expectation of reunion.

All, all lived and loved, joyed and sorrowed and when death came hopeless despair came also. How could it have been otherwise? To live, to love, to die, and then—nothing. This was their belief and is yet the belief of the entire peoples of Ento, whom it holds in a state of hopeless despair, of measureless anguish.

Medium—Have the Entoans never believed in a continuity of existence?

De L'Ester—We have learned that previous to the establishment of the national religion, which largely was based upon their legendary Holy Writings, there were those who entertained vague theories relating to it, so vague indeed that they do not appear to have influenced those who formulated the Ento religion.

You have been informed that planetary influences are controlling factors, accelerating or retarding the spiritual unfoldment of humans of whatever Planet. The influences dominating the Entoans ever have tended toward a positive mental materialism, but their spirituality has conserved and exalted them, thus enabling them to submissively yield to the will of their Creator.

Then, too, there is that in the human which impels him to submit to the inevitable. In agony unspeakable he may for a time rebel, but in the end he submits. Thus it has been with the peoples of this Planet. They have hopelessly, despairingly submitted to what they have considered inevitable. But for them a brighter day is dawning, and is near at hand; the darkness of a hopeless belief ere long will pass away, for bright rays from their spirit realms are irradiating their inner consciousness and death, the dread messenger who ever stands between them and happiness, soon will be known as the angel who will open for them the gateway into a continuous, glorious existence. To their soul consciousness there is yet no visible sign of the coming religious revolution, yet events are so shaping themselves that you shall see this prediction verified; not only see it, but you will aid in bringing it to pass. Ere long you will better understand my meaning; at present it would not be well to say more in this direction.

We might with pleasure and advantage remain here for another hour, but you are somewhat exhausted, and we must act prudently, else we may find occasion for regret.

George alone will attend you on your Earthward journey. Special duties elsewhere demand our immediate attention. To-morrow at the appointed time we will come for you. No, madame, we will not again return to this locality. Adieu.

[CHAPTER IV.]

DESCRIPTIVE FEATURES.

De L'Ester—With pleasure we salute you, and we are gratified to find you awaiting us. But before starting on our journey I must again insist that you shall protect yourself against interruption. Yes, I see how you are situated, but the fact remains that it is harmful to you to be disturbed. Yesterday, while you were with us, some one attempted to enter your apartments. The locked doors prevented the intrusion but you were so disturbed that it was all we could do to keep control of you. It is not well that you shall be suddenly called back to your physical body. It injures you, and is a great disappointment to your comrades. Cannot you take further precaution against intrusion?

Medium—I do not see that I can. I fully realize that it harms me to be disturbed, but at times I cannot prevent it.

De L'Ester—Well, what cannot be cured must be endured, but we shall hope that you may be left in peace to-day. Your sister Inez accompanies us, and desires to speak to you.

Inez—Dear sister Sara, I bear greetings to you from many loved and loving ones, who, with delight and boundless interest, watch the progress of our mission of loving endeavor to which you and many other devoted ones are for its accomplishment applying such talents and energy as are at your and their command. But our Counsellor and guide grows restive, and we must not delay our journey.

De L'Ester—Now, madame, we are ready for our flight to Ento. Compose your too active soul forces and trust yourself unreservedly to our care. George, we are a little late, so will make a hasty passage. Upward now and outward. More swiftly than the lightning's flash cleaves the sky we are borne on this wondrous magnetic ocean which knows no shore but is as boundless as the universe and changeless as God.

In grandest, sweetest cadences ever its magical undulations are murmuring, "Glory to the Highest! Glory to the Highest!" and angel choirs innumerable join the glad pæan, "Glory to the Highest! Glory to the Highest!" Ah, madame, little do or can mortals know of the wonderful existence on our side of life, and in some not very far away time you again will enter the marvellous spirit realms, which language is too poor to describe, and we, with our dear ones who watch and wait for you will meet and greet you on the threshold of two worlds, the spiritual and the physical.

Yes, madame, we are nearing Ento. Lower, lower, George. That is well. We will move slowly, so that we may closely observe such scenes as may come into view. We now are about 1,400 miles north of the equator, and below us is a mountain range of no great altitude. The height of its loftiest peak is not over 3,000 feet. Those rugged heights are but the vestiges of snow-capped, cloud-piercing giants of bygone ages. Yes, in that shaded cleft is some snow, and to mortal sense the air here would appear quite cool. Lower still, George. Madame, look downward now, for beneath us is the deepest canyon on Ento, but in either area or depth it is not to be compared with many such formations on our Planet.

George, we will alight near the margin of the stream.

Medium—What a quiet, solitary spot.

De L'Ester—It is indeed a quiet, solitary spot. Here is a scant growth of grass amid which are some tufts of flowering plants and on yonder rocky elevation are some low-growing shrubs and stunted trees. From its base upward the mountain's side is worn into deep fissures, partly screened from view by shrubs and several species of conifera. There is no sight or sound of bird or bee or of any living thing. From the rocky ledges tiny rivulets of sparkling water trickle downward, finding their ways to the level and into this limpid stream. From yonder cleft in the mountain side a volume of water gushes with such energy that as it strikes the ledge lower down it is dashed into silvery spray whose myriad drops fall into the deep, dark pool whose over-flow is tributary to this stream, which flows southward, then eastward, finding entrance into an underground channel at the base of the mountain, where it too curves outward, thence debouching on the further side, where it is joined by other streams, all flowing into a small but pretty lake, which later on you shall see.

Madame, you are silent. Does the quiet of this solitary spot oppress you?

Medium—Friends, I feel absolutely dazed. I had thought to find everything on Ento altogether unlike anything on Earth, yet here is water and there are tufts of star-shaped white and pink flowers very like some I have seen on Earth. Then see those pretty purple flowers, so closely resembling violets, and on that elevation and up the mountain's side are shrubs, trees and vegetation so very similar to growth on our own Planet that you will pardon me for saying that not only am I surprised, but in a sense am disappointed. No, George, I did not imagine that I should find either people or trees growing upside down, but I did imagine that surely there must exist more striking dissimilarities between the life expressions of this Planet and our own. Such speculations relating to it as I have become aware of have led me to expect something very different from what thus far I have observed on Ento.

Von Humboldt—Madame, with your and our Counsellor and guide's permission, I shall say that since I have been not of Earth, I have journeyed far and have looked closely into nature as expressed on many habitable Planets, and I have learned that everywhere Infinite, Intelligent Energy is manifested in strikingly similar ways. You have been told that the homogeneity of matter is universal. That the qualities of metals of all Planets are exactly the same and that the constituents of water never anywhere vary, neither do the crystallized forms of either ever vary. So it should not surprise you to find here water quite as palatable as the sparkling beverage of our Earth-world.

Of course their relative positions to, and their distances from central Suns, occasion differences in the bodies of Planets, particularly as to their density; then, too, in accordance with conditions, atmospheres vary as to being rarefied or dense, humid or dry and so on, but life germs of fauna and flora ever are the same, and given like or similar Planetary conditions their expressions will present more or less close resemblances. Yes, environments occasion differences, but environments are the results of Planetary conditions. But that is too comprehensive a question for present consideration. At another time we may recur to it.

The physical and atmospheric conditions of Ento and Earth being so much alike, naturally their Fauna and Flora must present mutual likenesses. As for chemical affinities and their unvarying expressions, they are universal.

As has been said to you the universe is indeed a unit. Everywhere Infinite, Intelligent Energy seeks to express itself not only in harmony and beauty, but along the same lines, and ever toward a state of perfection, beyond the highest conception of Spirit or mortal, for who can conceive an idea of that which is known by many names, but whom you name God? From my own observation and through association with spirits of advanced spheres whose mission, like my own, is Planetary research, I can say with assurance that among the life expressions of all sufficiently evolved Planets there is what may be termed a universal homogeneity, for while there are dissimilarities there are equally close resemblances which may be expressed as unity in variety.

As to man on Ento, Earth and other Planets, we find our brethren so like ourselves that, logically, we all must claim the same origin. Yes, madame, I do assure you that in limitless space there are myriads of worlds, varying as to bulk, density, and atmospheric conditions, but in other respects so like Ento and Earth as to present fauna and flora very similar to those of either Planet. They are peopled by humans like ourselves, in various stages of evolvement, and all, like the peoples of Ento and Earth, are engaged in the endeavor to solve the problem of eternal progress. Between those on the lowest and those on the loftiest heights of progress on different Planets, the intermediate stages represent man in all degrees of evolvement. On some Planets I have visited, man,—the human animal, slowly, through ages,—has pursued his certain way, toward the period in which he is destined to become a Spiritualized being, and now the hairy, unshapely limbed creature who scarcely walks erect, with face full enough of the mystery of existence to startle one, approaches nearly the line of demarcation between the human animal and the Spirit man.

On other Planets, compared with man on either Ento, or Earth, the spiritualized human is as a god.

If what I have said may suffice as replies to your questions and remarks, or may in some measure reconcile you to the close resemblances between features of Ento and Earth, I shall account myself more than fortunate.

De L'Ester—Thanks, Von Humboldt, for your timely remarks, which we hope may lessen madame's regret at finding Ento so like our own beloved Planet, and its human denizens so like ourselves,—with but one head, two arms, and as many legs. Madame, I but jest that I may bring a smile to your perplexed face. Since I have accomplished that I feel that I may hope for pardon.

Aside from affording you a general idea of the varied formations and scenery of Ento, we have a special purpose in bringing you to this spot. We desire that you now shall closely observe these rose-colored, lily-shaped blooms, whose long slender stems springing from tufts of dark green, glossy foliage are crowned with a profusion of the pretty, dainty flowers. As they will be used for one of our illustrations, I will give their Ento name—which is Loisa̤ yanû, in your language water gems or jewel. These compact masses of prettily leafed plants with their numerous white, star-like blooms are named Oina̤ mista̤. Oina̤ signifying lamp and mista̤, snow. You will remember that to the Entoans the shining points in space are the lamps of Astranola̤, hence Oina̤ mista̤, or snow lamp.

Yes, these purplish blue flowers, almost hidden by abundant foliage, in form, color and fragrance are very like Earth's wild violets. Entoans know it as Loisa̤ infûen, but you may name it, Water drinker, for that is as near the significance of its Ento name as I can arrive at. Loisa̤ yanû, oina̤ mista̤, and loisa̤ infûen, always are found growing in marshy places, or by the margin of flowing streams.

LOISA INFUEN

Now we will learn what yonder elevation may offer. No, it is not an isolated mass. Do not you perceive that on the further side it connects with the mountain of which, doubtless, it is a small spur? I have said that in bringing you here we have had a special purpose in view. In this pretty, flowering plant our purpose stands revealed. Yes, this is The Hinifro enora̤. The yellow wonder which requires so little soil or moisture as to be practically independent of either. When, nearly two years ago, through your automatism, Poole created a copy of it, promising to sometime on another Planet show it to you growing and in bloom, you smiled rather incredulously. As we have fulfilled that promise, so shall all else that we have promised you come to pass.

These densely foliaged trees are known as Oona̤mosa̤ tûla̤. In your language this would signify burr-berry. They seldom grow to a greater height than thirty feet. Yes, they do resemble chestnut trees, but the burrs contain berries, not nuts, and they now are fully ripened. Certainly it could not harm you to taste the fruit, but through its extreme acidity and astringency it is very unpalatable.

We now will examine these pretty shrubs whose dark green, glossy foliage renders them quite attractive. The fruit has a luscious appearance but is unfit for human food. Its Ento name is Gûfon litza̤, which I shall translate into Bitter sweet. Once Inez was curious enough to taste this fruit and very much to her discomfiture. As you are aware, your sister was a still born child, consequently her mortal education has been acquired under such difficulties as you, in your present state, little comprehend. Being of an inquiring turn of mind she investigates for herself, at times gaining information at some cost, which makes it all the more valuable.

Inez—De L'Ester, I owe you thanks for regarding my overweening curiosity so leniently. I confess that I am of a very inquiring turn of mind, but since largely through this means I acquire necessary mortal experiences which, through my premature return to the spirit side, were denied me, I feel assured that your forbearance will condone what may amount to a fault.

De L'Ester—Inez, dear friend, I did not mean that my brusquerie should occasion you even a passing thought. Pardon me if I may have caused you a suggestion of pain.

Inez—Pardon is not a word that should pass between two such close friends as are we. There, I offer you my hand with my heart in it and thus the fancied wound is healed.

Medium—De L'Ester, George, what a strange looking animal is emerging from that cleft in the mountain. What an ungainly, ugly creature and what vicious looking eyes it has.

De L'Ester—Really, the creature is as much a surprise to us as to you. As none of us have seen its like on Ento, we must conclude that it belongs to a nearly extinct species. That it is of the marsupial family is apparent. Its structural formation, hair and other characteristics are those of your American opossum, but its size is much greater than that of those creatures. I should say that it is quite two feet in height, four in length, and its weight not under one hundred pounds.

As it comes this way sniffing, grunting and rooting under the leaves for the fallen fruit of the Oonamosa tûla̤, it impresses one with the idea that it is an ill-tempered, pugnacious animal. When our Ento spirit friends join us we may learn its name, habits and so on.

HINIFRO ENORA̤

Although we twice have visited this canyon we have not, until now, seen in it an animal or bird of any kind, but we have been informed that during the mid-summer season of this latitude a species of water-fowl comes here for breeding purposes, but that as soon as their young are able to fly they migrate to other regions. We know that very recently they were here in considerable numbers, now not one remains. Earlier in the summer the canyon produces a harvest of wild grains, and those low growing shrubs bear an abundance of fruit which affords them subsistence.

Madame, you perceive that the mountain curves toward the east; now look quite to our left and you will observe a rift in it extending southward. Once when George with these and other friends were examining this region they discovered an opening in the rift, leading into a cavernous formation which they consider worthy of observation. As neither Inez nor I have yet seen it, we will share with you whatever of interest it may offer. George, you and Inez will lead the way, and I shall have the pleasure of assisting madame.

Yes, the entrance is somewhat forbidding. We will remain here while George lights up the interior. How? Through the ignition of elemental substances. Sooner or later all Spirits learn the laws of chemical affinities. It is a simple matter, the production of molecular combustion. We now will proceed.

This rather low and narrow passage widens as we descend, and now terminates in this vast chamber, which truly is wondrously beautiful. Stalactites depending from the lofty ceiling meet upspringing stalagmites, forming seemingly endless rows of columns, united by snowy arches so singularly perfect in their outlines as to present a spectacle strangely, weirdly, marvellously lovely. In this soft radiance columns, arches, and walls appear as though incrusted with countless, many colored jewels, whose splendor might bedim the rarest, costliest gems worn by Ento's or Earth's rulers.

We now will approach more nearly yonder grotesque formations, which certainly are very remarkable. Sufficiently so to suggest a sermon on what some learned persons might term unintelligent energy in unintelligent matter. Be not alarmed, friends, though in these peculiar formations there are many sermons of a nature to arouse earnest inquiry; at present I am not in a mood for sermonizing but I must say that they positively are startlingly strange. One readily can imagine them animal forms of some far away age whom suddenly death stilled into immobility, leaving to pitiful nature the kindly office of enveloping them in snowy winding sheets.

In this spacious niche is another group, apparently composed of the forms of a man, two females and the torso of a child, all so admirable in outline, pose and drapery as to suggest the skill of an able sculptor. It, indeed, would require uncommon artistic ability to surpass, or even equal the grace of this snowy group.

Here is another formation still more wonderful than those we have been observing. George, you have done well to hold in reserve this masterpiece of nature. It really is marvellous. It is as though some weary mortal of a past age laid down to rest, Death coming this way blew upon him his icy breath and froze him into perpetual silence, then gently enshrouding him in purest whiteness passed on, leaving him to the peacefulness of endless sleep.

How many years have elapsed since nature began these strangely beautiful formations? Who can say? Not I, madame. Such a lapse of time is inconceivable. But we know that here, during an unrealizable length of time, from dripping water charged with lime, atom has been added to atom and thus the stupendous wonder has grown, grown in darkness, and silence, and never have any but Spirit eyes gazed with admiring awe upon the splendor and loveliness of this scene which naught but Infinite, Intelligent activity could create.

On no other Planet have we found formations of this nature excelling these, seldom have we seen them equaled. Those arched openings invite us into other divisions of this underground fairyland. We will enter this chamber on our right. These formations differ somewhat from those we have seen, but are quite as beautiful. See how those great stalagmites, singly and in groups, unite themselves with the white loveliness of descending stalactites, all apparently forming a gateway to a veritable garden of snow trees and vegetation, the drooping branches laden with blossoms and fruit, forbidden fruit, we may conclude, as between it and ourselves there is a swiftly flowing stream. What do I think of the Biblical legend concerning Adam and Eve? Madame, my opinion is, that had the mythical garden been as beautiful as this the commendably inquisitive Eve would have been content with the prescribed diet and the amiable Adam would, to this day, be promenading under the Edenic trees. One is tempted to linger in this strangely beautiful spot, but we must pass on.

We pointed out to you that the stream traversing the canyon entered an opening, at the northern base of the mountain; it is the same stream now rushing by us toward an exit at the southern side of the mountain, thence into the lake of which we have spoken. We now will cross it to glance through other portions of the cavern, some of which, George says, are not greatly unlike those we already have explored.

Medium—Although I have not seen them, I know that on our Planet there are formations similar to these; may I ask are such formations features of all Planets you have visited?

De L'Ester—Yes, of all Planets sufficiently aged. Do not you remember that on our moon we once showed you a cavern similar to, but not nearly so extensive as this that contained stalactites and stalagmites too, but of rather diminutive proportions? You also may remember that we demonstrated to your satisfaction that there was a time when Luna was capable of and did sustain many life expressions of both fauna and flora, but that now the internal heat of the little Planet is so nearly exhausted that but a limited number of peculiar life expressions survive the rigor of its extremely low temperature? The history of a planet may be likened to that of a human. In the case of the Planet, birth, growth, maturity, with a gradual but unceasing withdrawal of vitalizing heat and energy, which finally must culminate in the extinction of all its life forms, aye, of even the cohesive energy which has so long held it in form, followed by inevitable disintegration of its atoms which are the building material of new worlds.

The parallel history of the human includes birth, growth, maturity, then gradual withdrawal of vital energy, during which the heart beats respond less vigorously to the crimson current which flows more and more sluggishly and the history draws near its conclusion. The extremities grow colder, colder, animation dies out of the expressive features, the eyes grow dim and sightless, pulseless, breathless, lies the mortal body, but it is not dead. No, no, there is no death. Life is in every atom of the universe and the disintegrated particles of the physical body afford material for new life expressions, while the freed Ego, the ever conscious, cohesive, vitalizing spirit force which held the mortal body in form assumes other and higher relations and thus revolves the wheel of evolution whose circumference is the universe, whose centre is God.

Madame, you are so given to asking questions and I to loquacity that we too much delay our progress. Your pardon, friends, for having kept you waiting. Now we will move on. Yes, it would be rather difficult for even a diminutive mortal to penetrate this passage which now widens and grows loftier, and now we have reached the last of the series of caverns. Gradually we have been descending and now are far below the level of the entrance and on the brink of a deep and narrow chasm. No occasion for alarm, madame, but to reassure you we will join hands. Inez, you will take your sister's right hand, giving your right hand to Humboldt. I will hold your left hand, madame, and Agassiz, with George, will precede us. George, you will be good enough to light us down the abyss. Yes, it is a tremendous chasm, but here we stand, safe and sound, and you perceive that there was no danger. It is too much to expect that, while you yet are on the physical plane you will wholly free yourself from apprehension. Indeed, we have experienced some misgiving as to the amount of courage you might exhibit on occasions to which, during your mortal existence, you must be unaccustomed.

George, as you are acquainted with this uncanny locality, I desire that I now may stand aside while you shall act as guide and I suggest that you shall say to madame something relating to our mission. Your discretion will limit your statements.

George—You, madame, have been informed that certain Spirits being aware that you possessed such qualities as gave promise of a peculiar phase of mediumship, suited to a special purpose, have since your birth, been endeavoring to prepare you for it. With measureless patience and loving care they have guarded and guided you, sometimes by straight, ofttimes through devious ways, but ever toward a definite end. Finally it became possible to control you for our purpose and I, with Von Humboldt, Darwin, Agassiz, Bulwer Lytton, Giordano Bruno and others of our band traversed Ento, with the purpose of arranging a programme against the time when we should have you with us. As unfavoring events may oblige us to accommodate our movements to such circumstances as may occur, we do not anticipate that our programme will, in its entirety, be carried to its conclusion, but to that end we all will do our utmost, and we feel assured that Divine influences will aid us in our mission which, as yet, you but slightly comprehend, but which in time will unfold itself.

One purpose we have in view is to show you much that will be of interest to you, through whom we hope to bring to the peoples of our Planet the positive knowledge that the neighboring world, about which they are so curious, has much in common with Earth.

Yes, it is matter for regret, that much concerning our journeys and mission must be left unsaid and that necessarily the written account of our experiences must be somewhat sketchy, otherwise it would be too voluminous for the average reader's patient perusal.

Through some Ento spirits we learned of the existence of these great caverns and of a very unique spectacle which, presently, we will observe. This one is much larger than any of those we have examined and, as you perceive, it contains no formation to break its immensity. We are about eleven miles distant from the outer entrance and quite one thousand feet below its level. A half mile further on will reveal the cause of this continuous vibration and the tumultuous detonations which resemble the discharge of artillery. Thanks to our spirit condition, we are invulnerable to the condition existing here, else we would not dare to approach the fiery horror we are nearing.

The roaring of ocean's storm-tossed waves is as nothing to the sounds breaking upon the stillness of these cavernous depths; but fear not, madame, for with safety you may, with us, approach a scene so grand, so appalling that you are not likely to ever forget it.

We now are in another great cavern whose floor slopes abruptly to this precipitous elevation and, standing on its edge, we look down upon a very hell of tumultuous flames. Yes, lacking a stirring feature or two, it easily might hold its own against Dante's "Inferno."

Look, now, away toward the left where is bursting forth a huge column of flame. Up, up, toward the vaulted roof it climbs, twisting, curving, writhing like a gigantic serpent; now it slowly sinks downward and is engulfed. Now in the distance a storm is raging. See how the fiery billows are rising; higher, higher, leaping and curving their angry crests they madly rush toward us as though they would overwhelm us and as they burst against this precipice, involuntarily one shrinks back from their hot, mephitic breath.

Observe that pyramidal fountain near the centre. Is not it grandly, wonderfully beautiful? See how it forms itself into a rose shape, while from its heart numerous jets shoot upward. A moment and it is gone and all over the surface of the fiery lake myriad fantastic shapes of many hued flames are glowing, scintillating and projecting themselves toward the lofty roof, forming a magnificent pyrotechnic display.

The noise is indeed deafening and the ever changing spectacle so awe inspiring that words cannot adequately describe its terrible, but wondrous beauty. Truly, silence is at times golden.

Medium—Still, I should like some one to break the silence by an explanation of this, to me, strange phenomenon. Is it volcanic?