densely populated that there was not enough room to accommodate the
increasing millions. This perplexing problem was solved in a very
peculiar manner by an experiment on the part of a wealthy Plasdenite,
who, seven thousand years ago, took advantage of the extremely light
mineral products of this world and built for himself a floating mansion
which covered about ten acres according to our measurements.

This fairy palace was floated on the great oceans from one continent to
another, propelled by the wind and controlled by a series of motors.

After a few years he returned to his native shore and conceived the idea
of building around his palace a water village. All foundations were made
of strong aluminum-like substance mixed with molten granite which, upon
hardening, formed a compound of marvelous lightness and durability. With
painstaking care and unceasing energy the water village was transformed
from a fanciful dream into a tangible reality, and in process of time
one section after another was added until a veritable city floated on
the bosom of the deep.

But this is only a brief description of a marvelous accomplishment. I
did not pause to mention the factories and mills that were attached to
this city, nor have I told you that in less than one thousand years
after this first water city was finished, there were floating, on the
oceans of Plasden, no less than two hundred cities of various sizes,
each a manufacturing center devoted to one or more lines of industry.

The majority of these cities moved in harmony in a world-wide course,
requiring about one year or four hundred of our days to complete a
single circuit. As was their prototype, so they were propelled by a
series of motors and a splendid sail system. At times the wind did the