This knowledge enables us to discriminate with certainty, to detect the existence, nature, and locality of the germ, and apply effectual remedies during the earliest tendency to the malady.  Until this discovery was made, I took effectual means for curing the numbers in whose brains madness had already been developed.  I erected many great buildings, where each patient was separated from the others, for in Montalluyah madness is thought to be more or less contagious; but after I had reigned some years the deserted divisions only served to show for what purpose they had been formerly used, and, with one single exception, kept in case of need, these buildings are now appropriated to other purposes.

Amongst the discoveries that astonished the brain-doctors and mind-tamers was the following:—­It was formerly thought that the disease existed in the overworked, portion of the brain; but this was found to be an error, inasmuch as the disease exists in those parts of the brain which have lain dormant or have been little used.  From these the oleaginous fluids essential to their life and activity are drawn to supply the overworked portion, which remains in full health and power.  The doctors admitted that their original belief would alone suffice to account for their having failed to cure so many cases of madness.

The heat of the climate, the power of the sun, the then excessive use of stimulants, and the excitability of the people,—­whose pulsation is more rapid than yours,—­all tended formerly to augment the victims of the scourge.

XVI.

THE DEATH SOLACE.

Insects.

     “Seek diligently and you will find healthful good even in noxious
     things.”

In Montalluyah learned men are employed wholly in the study of the properties of insects, for these contain valuable electricities.

Colonies of insects, brought by the storms, formerly destroyed whole crops, till a simple mode was discovered for protecting our fields and capturing the marauders.

It was ascertained what plant the insects liked most.  This, fortunately, proved to be a common plant—­one that could be produced in great abundance.  Large beds of it are grown in a place concealed as much as possible from view.  Amongst the coveted flowers is sprinkled a strong scent, which attracts the insects, who, finding the plant they like so much, congregate there, abandoning entirely the other plants.

We have gauze of a very fine and yet strong texture, with which nets are formed.  One half of the net is laid over the plant-bed when certain winds foretell the coming of the insects, and as soon as these have covered the favourite plant, the top of the net, moved by a spring from either side, closes over and secures the swarm.  Where not necessary to secure the insects alive, we sprinkle over the attractive plant-beds a strong poison, which is itself extracted from insects.