There are at times certain impurities in places very difficult of access.  Swarms of insects, secured in immense cages, are brought as near as can be to the spot.  The cages opened, the insects instantly rush out in swarms, and soon consume everything that has produced the noxious exhalations.  All insects,—­indeed all created things,—­have, in Montalluyah, some properties useful to man.

THE DEATH SOLACE.

After some years had passed, and my laws had time to operate, disease and crime were reduced to the smallest proportions.  Life is now prolonged to a period which, before my reign, would have been thought fabulous, and people rarely die but of old age.

Man’s progress having become a pleasant journey, I was encouraged to believe that the traveller might be enabled to quit the world without the ordinary death-struggle and convulsion, and with his expiring faculties so refreshed, that he would give his last directions with a clear brain and a cheerful heart.

From a little insect, my men of science extracted a material from which is prepared a potion agreeable to the taste.  This is administered to the patient as soon as the physicians are satisfied that life is ebbing fast; and it, at the same time, calms and rouses the dying man.

Within five minutes after it has been taken, all signs of suffering disappear, and the countenance acquires a calm expression, succeeded by a smile of joy rarely seen in the most perfect health.  The faculties of the dying man are brightened, and his sensations rendered delightful.  He looks calmly on death, makes his dispositions with the serenity of robust health, converses familiarly with those dear to him, gives them his blessing, and passes away as though he were leaving only for a short and pleasant journey.  I have seen many exhort their children and relatives, and speak of their departure for another world with an eloquence seldom heard on other occasions.

The effect of the potion on a person in full health is very different; it stimulates and excites, and is altogether prejudicial; and although it would rather do good than harm to a weakly person, its great virtues are only shown when taken by a man in his last moments.  Where it is desirable merely to calm or to rouse, there are other and more effectual preparations.

XVII.

INTERNAL CITIES.

Sunshine pictures.

     “Let the great be blessed for the joy they cause to fall on the
     world like refreshing dews.”

There are two seasons in our world—­the one called “moderate,” the other “extreme.”  In the extreme season the heat is far beyond the most powerful heat prevailing in your tropics.  Special precautions are then necessary to preserve the health of the people.  None are allowed to expose themselves to the sun during the greater part of the day; a cooling regimen is enjoined, and animal food is forbidden for a certain period.  In both seasons the light by day is intense; its nearest approach to colour is a warm, bright, golden hue, not the cold, white, greyish hue of your climates; and its red shades are sufficient to light our caverns and passages through the rocks to a certain distance.