Page:Neuroomia.djvu/28

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16
NEUROOMIA: A NEW CONTINENT.

with flowers, large and beautiful as our red roses. The houses (many of which appeared to be one mass of foliage and blossom), when I could get a glimpse of them, appeared to be much larger, and of a more permanent character, than those I had been accustomed to see even in Europe. There were many animals quietly grazing in open tracts and meadows. Some resembled the sheep, others the camel, and others the deer; but it was in vain I looked for any of those I had been accustomed to see in other parts of the world. I now came out on a wider avenue, and saw for the first time smoke issuing from several of the houses; for, notwithstanding the high civilization of this people, they still burned wood. Hitherto, I had seen none of the inhabitants, and this puzzled me; but I afterwards learned these were the hours set apart for rest.

My curiosity, however, was soon to be satisfied, for, on hearing a slight rumbling noise, I turned round, and saw a six-wheeled vehicle approaching, yet no horses or any other animals drawing it. A man sat in front, and at intervals turned a wheel by means of a small rod he held in his hand. What the motive power was I could not make out. It contained two men,—yes, men! mortals like myself,—and two women, and I felt