ABSTRACT
Although the residents of the village of Shrtou in the county of Deng knew that far to the north the earth sometimes shook, and that, with the melting of the snows, the Yellow River often went on a rampage, they were not concerned. The prosperous inhabitants believed they had been blessed by heaven. A benevolent stream meandered peacefully through their fertile land, providing them with a steady supply of fresh water, and the stable earth with its dark rich loam assured them of bountiful harvests. Each night, wrapped in warm quilts, they slept soundly, certain they would awake the next morning to another peaceful day.
