"Microfarm" (pp. 181-199) Summary

Seldon proclaims the Sisters' meal much better than Graycloud's woman's hurried preparation. Seldon and Venabili discuss the infuriating way in which women are talked of here-and how the Sisters seem not to mind. Venabili sees many but not all of the Sisters' tricks. She doubts any customer-even the Emperor-eat this well. The Mycogenians doubtless reserve the best for themselves. If they stay too long, they will get spoiled. Venabili assures Seldon that the Sisters have heard enough complements about the smells that they know he is grateful for the meal. They are to return tomorrow to give her a kirtle and take her shopping for prepared meals. They take for granted that tribespeople cannot appreciate the artistry of cooking.

Seldon asks if Venabili's experience on Trantor suggests "supernaturalism" among the Mycogenians. Interpreting this to mean "religious", she...