e or female, for no
distinction was made between them. The same custom prevailed in all
kinds of ball games and sports.

"Another impression one quickly notices is that the extremes of riches
and poverty are not seen among the people, for there are no very rich or
very poor; everyone having all the necessary comforts of life and many
of its luxuries.

"After staying a week at the Menegam, I felt I was prepared to adopt the
customs of the people of Tiestan; so I engaged a room and board at the
Eshandam, or Natives' Home. Most of those who stop at the Eshandam are
natives who live in the province of Tiestan, they having come to Semhee
either on business or pleasure. Only two meals a day are served:
Breakfast from 7.30 to 9 a.m., and dinner from the hours of 1 to 3 p.m.

"I arrived in time for dinner. Persons staying at the Eshandam are all
looked upon while there as members of one family, and it becomes the
duty of the manager to see that all persons sitting at the same table
have been introduced. It would be considered a breach of etiquette to
eat the meal quickly and in silence. I never was in a hotel dining room
where there seemed to be so much freedom and enjoyment among the guests
while taking their meals. Everyone has plenty of time to eat his meal
leisurely. Most of the guests coming from the different parts of the
province of Tiestan, and being well informed, and all able to converse
in two languages, and all having their minds free from uncertain
business enterprises, made their conversation very interesting and
elevating, and their company a pleasure to enjoy. Meat is never seen on
the table. They would feel indignant and be as much disgusted if meat
were set before them, as we would be to have a cooked baby brought to
the table. Eggs are used in some of their cooking; they are also served
in various ways. Their bread and pastry cannot be excelled anywhere. The
dessert consists of a large variety of nuts, confectionery, and fruits.
From two to five o'clock guests are entertained with music in the
beautiful hotel gardens, where fountains are playing, sending water out
in the form of leaves, umbrellas, hats, rings, and other interesting
forms. After the music is over some indulge in games, others read or
write, others chat. In the evening for those who wish to attend are
classes for literature, science, and spiritual philosophy. It is the
business of the hotel to supply all the wants of its patrons; to see
that