of a mild system of laws, genial climate, and fruitful soil, until, about a century ago, we found that our numbers were greater than our country, abundant as it is, could comfortably support; and our seasons being unfavourable for two successive years, many of our citizens were obliged to banish themselves from Okalbia; and their education not fitting them for a different state of society, they suffered severely, both in their comforts and morals.  It is now a primary moral duty, enforced by all our juvenile instructors with every citizen, to adapt his family to his means; and thus a regard which each individual has for his offspring, is the salvation of the State.”

“And can these prudential restraints be generally practised?  What a virtuous people!  Love for one another brings the two sexes together—­love for their offspring makes them separate!”

“I see,” said the magistrate, smiling, “you are under an error.  No separation takes place, and none is necessary.”

“How, then, am I to believe.....?”

“You are to believe nothing,” said he, with calm dignity, “which is incompatible with virtue and propriety.  I see that the most important of all sciences—­that one on which the well-being and improvement of society mainly depends,—­is in its infancy with you.  But whenever you become as populous as we are, and unite the knowledge of real happiness with the practice of virtue, you will understand it.  It is one of our maxims, that heaven gives wisdom to man in such portions as his situation requires it; and no doubt it is the same with the people of your earth.”

I did not, after this, push my inquiries farther; but remarked, aside to the Brahmin,—­“I would give a good deal to know this secret, provided it would suit our planet.”

“It is already known there,” replied he, “and has been long practised by many in the east:  but in the present state of society with you, it might do more harm than good to be made public, by removing one of the checks of licentiousness, where women are so unrestrained as they are with you.”

Changing now the subject, I ventured to inquire how they employed their leisure hours, and whether many did not experience here a wearisome sameness, and a feeling of confinement and restraint.

“It is true,” said the magistrate, “men require variety; but I would not have you suppose he cannot find it here.  He may cultivate his lands, improve his mind, educate his children; these are his serious occupations, affording every day some employment that is, at once, new and interesting:  and, by way of relaxation, he has music, painting, and sculpture; sailing, riding, conversation, storytelling, and reading the news of what is passing, both in the valley and out of it.”

I asked if they had newspapers.  He answered in the affirmative; and added, that they contained minute details of the births, deaths, marriages, accidents, state of the weather and crops, arbitrations, public festivals, inventions, original poetry, and prose compositions.  In addition to which, they had about fifty of their most promising young men travelling abroad, who made observations on all that was remarkable in the countries they passed through, which they regularly transmitted once a month to Okalbia.  I inquired if they travelled at the public expense or their own?