"The drying up of marshlands and other wastelands plus the perfect irrigation of our deserts has helped us considerably to increase our production, and to almost exterminate pestilent insects. "Lands not in active production are forested or put to rich grazing use. Our permanent large pumping, drenching, and sprinkling system, with our large sprinkler planes, are used to irrigate our deserts, and other lands suffering from drought and rain scarcity. It is also used in putting out forest fires started either by sun rays or combustion. "We draw the waters from our great number of immense reserve storage reservoirs, which are directly diverted to them from the run-offs of heavy river water flows. Saving us from overflowing rivers, flood control, levee construction, inundation damage, and disasters, at the same time increasing generating power of our dams. We have an efficient drainage system for our tropical crops in rain-soaked lands, excess waters of which also flow into these reservoirs. Sun rays are available to treat our vegetation, when necessary. "We limit and regulate agricultural production all over Mars. We have always an overabundance, because we have also completely reclaimed, irrigated, and fertilized our arid areas, distant from our surface water and reservoir supply, by mapping and using their underground water resources; we have converted them into rich productive farm lands. We have also mastered our jungle lands and made them all very productive. "You are reluctant to ask me a few more questions you feel I may be sensitive about answering. You are puzzled about a fourth generation. Since our generation is thirty Earth years, I would have to be about 150 years old to have a fourth generation grandchild. I am now 175 years old, and Xora is now twenty-six Earth years old, which makes her my fourth generation grandchild. Xora has been appointed as your guide; she will take you tomorrow to her home, where you will meet her family and friends. You will be free to mingle among and closely observe us. You will find out for yourself that we have high standards and happy life. "'Regnant populi.' The people rule, with a political regime really 'of the people, by the people, and for the people,' through their short term elected representatives; a truly democratic form of government, as defined by your Webster's Dictionary, 'Democracy: Government by the people collectively by elected representatives; political, or social equality,' united for common interests, rights and privileges, in political, economic, and social equality. We have strong doctrines of individual freedom, 'Lalus populi suprema est lex,' the welfare of the people is the supreme law.