be a curse to the state, and consequently a sharp
battle ensued against the liberal element.

The Church won the conflict and now the profession of atheism is not
allowed. If it can be shown that any sane person takes such a position,
he is given a certain period to recant. If recantation is not
forthcoming, he is placed in the public work-house until he
acknowledges the existence of Deity. Atheists are scarce under this
severe ruling.

You may well know how I was startled to see such summary action taken in
regard to unbelievers. At first I prided myself that I belonged to a
world of free thought and free speech, but when I saw the magnetic
effect of these Jupiter regulations I was in doubt as to the superiority
of our religious and irreligious liberties.

The soil of Jupiter yields abundantly. The animals are all large and of
species unknown to us. They have animals that resemble our elephant and
ox; these they use for food. Common birds, as large as geese or turkeys,
flourish in the extensive forests and furnish about one-third of the
food for the giants.

The vegetation is after the order of our world, except that the curse of
weeds and thistles is only one-fourth as great. But the people of
Jupiter have learned more than we of the use of these weeds, and certain
of them are cultivated to a wide extent.

I spent a long time on the planet. I saw the fiery lakes that are fed by
subterraneous streams of lava, and the geysers of blue flame darting
their immense tongues high in the air.

As near as fifty miles to these fiery centers can be seen gardens of
vegetation and fields under cultivation. I yielded at last to a desire
that prompted me to make a personal appearance. So I stopped on a
thoroughfare and occupied a rustic seat at the roadside. I was dressed
in my earthly costume, and sat composedly awaiting developments.

The first living creature that observed my presence was a passing
quadruped. It was larger than a wild goat, and was a small specimen
after its kind. For want of a better name I will call it a "dog."

As soon as I was spied by this animal he set up a hideous howl and ran
at full speed. Knowing my own homeliness, I had all charity for the
animal and did not censure him for being so terribly frightened at my
appearance.

Soon a full grown giant came along. He chanced to be a learned professor
out for an evening walk, as we would say. He seemed to be in deep
meditation and did not notice me u