g in form an ancient temple. Within,
they are hung with rich draperies, which are adjusted at pleasure. The
open dome admits the light and may be covered by a screen when necessary.

These studios are all on the ground floor, and usually with airy
reception rooms attached, opening upon a court gay with flowers, birds,
and fountains, making it a pleasant retreat for the artist and his
friends. As my friend H---- gaily suggests, these accessible studios
compensate the artist for the _attics_ which he occupied on earth.

The art of painting is here carried to greater perfection than it ever
has been on earth.

As the development of the intellect in the material world depends upon
the subservience of matter to mind, so in the spirit world, the same
principle is the great motor power; for there we have matter (that is,
spirit matter), and this we work into forms of beauty as we desire.

Speaking of art, I must digress to allude to the _fete_ which we held in
our park in honor of three quite eminent artists, who have recently
arrived in the spirit world and taken up their abode in this city.

As they were all new-comers, and but slightly acquainted with our manners
and customs, we gave this celebration to surprise them, and also as a
token of our appreciation of their efforts to spiritualize humanity; for
art we regard as one of our most spiritualizing agencies.

In the centre of the park, I had forgotten to state, we have a temple
erected, somewhat resembling those of ancient Greece, and which is for
the use of orators and public singers. This temple was beautifully
decorated with garlands and paintings by spirit artists. Within it were
seated the visitors and a few friends, and without were stationed
musicians, with curious instruments of melody, such as are unknown to
earth.

Various ingenious machines for locomotion and amusement attracted general
attention. Another source of interest were the graceful and picturesque
groups of children moving in the air. At intervals, one of the most
fascinating of their number would descend with offerings of fruits and
flowers for our guests. The amazement expressed by our visitors, as these
lovely children would suddenly sweep down through the air like graceful
birds of radiant plumage was delightful for us older inhabitants to
witness.

This city contains several institutions of learning which are accessible
to all; not only those can become inhabitants of this city who have a