a necessity on our planet, plant food or fertilizing elements are
plentiful. One of the large white circular spots observed by
your astronomers, located in a region on Mars named by them
Elysium, and which has been a puzzle to all observers, is an
immense deposit of fertilizing chemicals. An immense well is
located in this particular spot which gushes forth a never-ending
saline solution, highly impregnated with sodium nitrate, potash
and other salts. The country for many miles around is covered
with a white precipitate which has been carried by the moist air
and deposited on the Martian earth. These chemical compounds are
refined and used to replenish the soil with plant food.

There are 153,000 centers of population on Mars, but these
centers are not congested cities similar to those on your Earth.
Every individual has plenty of room to thrive and develop the
best within him.

Our cities are not crowded and our buildings are beautiful in
their simplicity: large and roomy, with an abundance of sunlight
and ample ventilation. White marble and metals are employed for
building purposes.

The inhabitants congregate in centers and, owing to our more
perfect methods of transportation, go forth daily to their tasks
in field or factory, to return at the end of their allotted
period to home and fireside.


CHAPTER III.