No doubt, in each settlement all originally had the same proportions of land dealt out to them; but some, more adventurous than others, had extended their possessions farther into the bordering wilds, or had improved into richer fertility the produce of their fields, or entered into commerce or trade.

Thus, necessarily, some had grown richer than others, but none had become absolutely poor, or wanting anything which their tastes desired.

If they did so, it was always in their power to migrate, or at the worst to apply, without shame and with certainty of aid, to the rich, for all the members of the community considered themselves as brothers of one affectionate and united family.

More upon this head will be treated of incidentally as my narrative proceeds.
The chief care of the supreme magistrate was to communicate with certain active departments charged with the administration of special details.
The most important and essential of such details was that connected with the due provision of light.

Of this department my host, Aph-Lin, was the chief.