Page:The Diothas, or, A far look ahead (IA diothasorfarlook01macn).pdf/96

 land of some hundred adjacent families. He performs the ordinary work on the land by means of bis own machinery and his own employees. But, in accordance with long-standing custom, he is entitled, on pressing occasion, to call on all the able-bodied proprietors to aid in saving the harvest. Even the women voluntarily turn out, on very urgent occasions, when warning of a rapidly approaching storm comes at a critical time."

"But," said I, "since you have no cattle, whence do you obtain your fertilizers?"

"By allowing nothing to go to waste," was the reply.

"Our sewage, instead of poisoning rivers, is made to fertilize the land. The rocks, too, and the ocean, are made to render aid. But our most effectual means of insuring fertility is a thorough system of irrigation. Not a drop of water, for example, is allowed to run to waste from our numerous bath-rooms. It all runs to a reservoir, whence, by appropriate means, it is distributed over the soil. But come," said he, rising. "I have something interesting to show you."

In obedience to this summons, I followed to a glass-framed shed near the house. There, beside the curricle on which we had come the day before, stood another, all resplendent in the unsoiled gloss of novelty. Learning that this vehicle had been procured for me, in accordance with directions from home, I examined it with all the keen interest a boy would display on coming to possess his first bicycle. As I moved it to and fro over the smooth floor,—it moved at a mere touch,—Utis anticipated my wish by proposing a trial on the road.

"It seems to be seated for only one," said I. "But will it be safe for a novice to venture alone?"