e (a quarter of a cent) in a trade. I noticed
this peculiarity so frequently that I inquired the reason for it, and
when I had studied it over I decided that, like all the other rules that
these admirable people had established, it was wise. Said my friend:

"We set a just value on everything we prepare for sale. Anything above
or below that, would be unjust to buyer or seller."

The varieties of apples, pears, peaches and other fruits had their names
attached, with the quality, sweet, sour, or slightly acid. In no
instance was it found to be incorrectly stated. I came to one stall that
contained nothing but glass jars of butter and cream. The butter was a
rich buff color, like very fine qualities I had seen in my own country.
The cream, an article I am fond of drinking, looked so tempting I longed
to purchase a glass for that purpose. The lady whom I accompanied (my
hostess' cook) informed me that it was artificially prepared. The butter
and cheese were chemical productions. Different laboratories produced
articles of varying flavor, according to the chemist's skill. Although
their construction was no secret, yet some laboratories enjoyed special
reputation for their butter and cheese owing to the accuracy with which
their elements were combined.

She gave me quite a history about artificial food, also how they kept
fruits and vegetables in their natural state for years without decaying
or losing their flavor, so that when eaten they were nearly as fine as
when freshly gathered. After hearing that the cream was manufactured, I
resolved to taste it. Dropping my coin into the basket, I took up a
glass and drank it. A look of disgust crossed the countenance of my
companion.

"Do you not drink this?" I asked in surprise, as I set down the empty
vessel. "It is truly delicious."

"At regular meal times we all use it, and sometimes drink it in
preference to other beverages--but never in public. You will never see a
citizen of Mizora eating in public. Look all over this market and you
will not discover one person, either adult or child, eating or drinking,
unless it be water."

I could not; and I felt keenly mortified at my mistake. Yet in my own
country and others that, according to our standard, are highly
civilized, a beverage is made from the juice of the corn that is not
only drank in public places, but its effects, which are always
unbecoming, are exhibited also, and frequently without reproof. However,
I said not