Page:Neuroomia.djvu/44

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32
NEUROOMIA: A NEW CONTINENT.

when discussing politics,—so I inquired if if it was the custom with them to set certain hours apart for sleep. While at the “Llilimalia,” I slept whenever I felt inclined.

“Yes,” he answered; “we have certain specified hours for repose, but in very many cases they are not passed in slumber. However, the general rule is, we sleep on inclination, and as little as we can. With you, I understand, about one-third of your lives is passed in sleep. With us the time passed in that condition is rather less than one-eighth. We consider any more sleeping than is really required to refresh the system a waste of time, and work constitutes one of our chief pleasures.”

“How about the night?” I demanded.

“Well, you have not been a night with us yet,” was the response. “When you have, you will probably find it not so dark and dreary as you imagine. We work in the fields at night without any artificial light, the same as in the day. However, I have an engagement shortly, and shall leave you for the present. My sisters will be able to give you information concerning our pastimes and domestic life.”

Banyaba here took his leave. However, I felt quite at home with the ladies. They were ex-