"Why, this seems more like a private park than a city. Where are your
crowded streets and houses for the poor?"

"After all I have told you of our high civilization, Doctor, do you not
understand that we have long since abolished poverty?"

"Yes," answered the doctor, "I understand that in a general way; but I did
not suppose everybody was rich, as it is certain everybody must be to own
such palaces as these."

"You are still wrong," said Thorwald. "We have no such distinctions as
rich and poor. All our cities are of this character, only there is great
variety in the residences and in the way in which the streets and lots are
laid out. These places that we are passing are inferior to many, but no
houses are built that are at all mean or uncomfortable. Indeed, I think we
have to-day passed some of the poorest that I know of. As to the word
city, we use it only as a convenient expression. It really means nothing
more than a certain locality, for, as I told you at the beginning of our
conversation, we have no need of government of any kind. In some sections
one city runs into another, so that the whole country is filled with the
beauty and delight of the landscape which you see about you."

"But," asked the doctor, "with the population spread out in this marvelous
way, is there room for everybody?"

"Oh, yes," answered Thorwald. "All the surface of our planet is brought
into use; the waste places are reclaimed, and there is abundant room for
all. And now, as this pleasant air and easy motion seem to be agreeable to
you, we may as well ride slowly for a while longer.