ed, he is sent to the hospital to be cured; thus this process is
rather a correction than a punishment. A member of the council, or any
one high in office, would be removed, should it be found necessary to
bleed him.

The reason why the surgeon, who performed the operation on me, was
astonished, was, on account of the redness of my blood. The inhabitants
having a sort of white fluid in their veins, the purity of which is
proportional to their innocence and excellence.

I was put at my ease when I observed that the trees generally possessed
a large share of humanity. This was displayed in their little attentions
to me. Food was brought to me twice a day. It consisted of fruit and
several kinds of beans; my drink was a clear, sweet and exceedingly
delicious juice.

The sheriff, in whose house I was imprisoned, had immediately given
notice to the King that he had by accident got possession of a somewhat
sensible animal of an uncommon figure. The description of my person
excited the king's curiosity. Orders were given to the sheriff, that I
should be taught the language of the country; on which I should be sent
to court. A teacher was appointed for me, whose instruction enabled me
in a half year to speak very comprehensibly. After this preparatory
course of private study, I was sent to the seminary, where particular
care was taken both of my mental and physical education. Indeed, so
enthusiastic were they to naturalize me, that they actually fastened
branches to my body to make me look as much as possible like themselves.

[Illustration]

[Illustration]

CHAPTER III.

DESCRIPTION OF THE TOWN KEBA.

During the course of my education, my landlord frequently carried me
about the town, and pointed out the most remarkable things. Keba is the
town next in size and importance to the capital of the kingdom of Potu.
The inhabitants are distinguished for their sedateness and moderation;
old age is more respected by them than by any other community. They are
strangely addicted to the pitting of animals against each other; or, as
they call it, "play fight." I wondered that so moral a people could
enjoy these brutal sports. My landlord noticed my surprise, and said,
that throughout the kingdom it was the custom to vary their lives with a
due mixture of earnest duties and amusing pleasures. Theatrical plays
are very much in vogue with them. I was vexed, however, to hear that
disputations are reckoned suitable for the st