lots, and each lot
is numbered on an immense diagram at the county seat. This diagram is a
miniature relief outline of the county with each lot and plot in the
county designated, and, according to our measurements, it averages
almost eighteen by twenty-four feet, varying according to the size of
the county.

When you buy land you buy from the county only. If you wish to purchase
a lot or plot from another party who is willing to sell, the two parties
concerned go to the chief real estate agent who is an official of the
county and has charge of the county diagram. The former owner or
title-holder, upon establishing his identity, releases to the county his
claims and surrenders his title on condition that he receives the sum
agreed upon between the two parties.

The county agent then issues a new title to the new purchaser. It is a
simple common-sense document completely describing the new owner, his
relatives and his station. Thus each purchaser has his own title from
the county and it is guaranteed. Under this admirably simple system
disputes as to titles are rare and can scarcely occur; but if any should
arise, the county takes the defense and bears all expense of litigation.

No counter claim is even heard after a title is five years old. Thus it
is impossible to resurrect an old buried claim and rob an innocent owner
who purchased and paid for his ground in good faith.

In transferring real estate no lawyers are required. Several persons,
however, must witness the execution of the deed.

The county publishes a journal, monthly, stating the owner of each lot
or plot number in the county. This is furnished free to each land owner.

All credit to Tor-tu for these common-sense regulations! Our laws
covering this field are heathenish compared with the statutes of this
far distant world. There no man loses his real estate by the awakening
of a sleeping title, and if this could happen he would be fully
reimbursed by the county.

In our world some titles are as clear as mud. Often we pay a large sum
to have the records examined and even then a purchaser has no assurance
of non-interference. Here it is even possible to buy a lot, build a
home, and five or fifty years afterward have it sold by some one who
proves a prior claim on the land. No such foolishness, or child-play in
the guise of legal dignity, is countenanced in Tor-tu.

The whole civil system of this sphere is superior to ours. A person who
violates the la