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the Paris Observatory, and the other by the Lick; a third, on a much larger scale than either of the other two, but based on the same photographic material, is proposed to be issued at Prague. Comparison of these authentic records of the moon's present state with those that are to be obtained hereafter will surely set tle the interesting questions relating to changes in progress upon the surface of our satellite. Doubtless, also, the im proved instruments for the measurement of heat and other radiations will make our understanding of its physical conditions vastly more sure and definite.

While we are now certain that the av erage temperature of the moon is very low, we know nothing definite as to its range, nor how hot the surface rocks may become during the moon's long day of unclouded sunshine, lasting more than three hundred hours.

As to the moon's averted face-the side never yet seen from the earth-there is no prospect that the future will do anything for us. There is no reason to suppose that it differs in any important respect from the face we see and study: probably, however, men will never know; and yet more than once in the history of science somewhat similar negative predictions have been discredited.

Solar astronomy promises rapid advance. Even with our present means of investigation, facts and data are fast ac cumulating which, by the mere lapse of time, will furnish an answer to many of the most important questions now open, such as those which relate to the imagined influence of planets in causing disturb ances of the sun's surface, and the effect, if any, of such disturbances upon our own terrestrial affairs. Lately, also, it has become pretty clear that in the study of solar physics we have to do with con ditions not permanent, but transitional; that certain phenomena which have long most perplexed us, like the peculiar acceleration of the motion of the sun's surface in the region near its equator, are mere "survivals," and have their origin and explanation not in causes now operating, but in the far-distant past. We study in the sun a process rather than a thing; or, if a thing, one that is not permanent and stable, but in a state of flux and change, and this guiding thought, newly acquired, will probably aid greatly

in the interpretation of the facts of observation. Doubtless, also, we shall byand-by have instruments which will enable us to follow out in a way now impossible the daily and hourly changes in the solar radiation, and co-ordinating these results with those of visual and photographic observation, we shall gain an insight into the now most puzzling phenomena of sun-spots and prominences. Then, too, the more detailed study of the solar spectrum under various conditions, and its comparison with the results of laboratory-work, are sure to throw light in both directions to give us on the one hand a better understanding of the sun and its conditions, and on the other to make more intelligible the nature and behavior of molecules and molecular forces. It is to be hoped, also, that the faithful observation of eclipses will in time solve the numerous and intensely interesting problems presented by the sun's mysterious corona-if, indeed, some new mode of observation does not soon remove the restrictions which now confine our observations to such rare and precarious opportunities.

Turning to the planetary system, we see a wide field for the increase of our knowledge, and an encouraging probability of progress, both through the patient use of our present means of investigation, and still more by the aid of the expected improvements in instruments and methods.

Mere persistence in the old ways is certain to give us ultimately a much exacter knowledge of the dimensions and motions of the system, and may very likely be able to throw light upon certain perplexing problems presented by some slight apparent anomalies which as yet seem to be inexplicable on the existing theories of gravitation. Possibly the power of the new mathematics may show them to be merely apparent, and perfectly reconcilable with that theory (as has often before happened in similar cases); but it may well be, and in fact is rather likely, that our "law of gravitation," as at present formulated, is only an approximation to a complete and perfect statement --an approximation so near the truth, indeed, that its representation of the facts is about as exact as our present means of observation and computation. When anomalies crop out, we are as yet doubt

ful whether to attribute them to errors of observation, inaccuracy of the computer, or real error in the fundamental statement of the "law."

Thus far we have no satisfactory physical explanation of the mysterious force which produces the so-called "attraction" between masses of matter, however remote from each other, nor does any valid reason appear why it should vary "inversely as the square of the distance" between them. It is simply a fact of observation that such a force exists, and that it follows the law assigned with remarkable if not absolute precision. It remains for the future to show just how it is related to the other forces of nature, to attractions and repulsions which we designate as chemical, electric, and magnetic, and to the energies transmitted by the various forms of radiation. It is almost certain that these are all consequences of the constitution of the socalled "ether"- the hypothetical substance that fills all space, indispensable to the physicist, and yet almost inconceivable in the nearly self-contradictory properties which have to be assigned to it in order to account for its behavior and functions. We do not mean to intimate that astronomy alone will ever be able to solve the difficult problems which are suggested in this connection, but only that the motions of the planets and the stars will throw light upon them, and will themselves find elucidation as the results of physical research gradually clear up the origin and theory of the "pulls and pushes" which prevail throughout the universe of matter.

The progress of our knowledge as to the planets themselves and what we may call their personal peculiarities will probably depend largely upon the improvement of our means and methods of observation. The grotesque discrepancies and contradictions between the reported results of different observers now throw more or less doubt on the conclusions of all. And yet the unquestionable gains that have accrued within the last twenty years are very encouraging. It seems to be fairly proved that the two inner planets imitate the behavior of the moon in keeping always the same face towards the sun, and the observations of the elder Herschel and others, which indicate a similar peculiarity in some of the satellites of Jupiter and Saturn, have lately

received direct confirmation.

66

We may

now, therefore, with reasonable confidence, assume the theory of tidal,evolution" as a guiding clew in our study of the development of the planetary system.

As to the nature and interpretation of the markings seen upon the surface of the different planets, much uncertainty still remains, which time may be expected to remove. If we could reasonably adopt the reports and descriptions of some single one of the observers who have devoted themselves to the study, we might logically reach pretty definite conclusions. But until the agreement between observers is improved we can only hesitate and wait for more harmonious information. When at last we get photographs as large and distinct as the drawings which observers furnish-photographs made at different times and stations-we shall be better able to discriminate between the permanent and the transient; between markings that are really geographical and those which are only phenomena of the planet's atmosphere; between changes that are merely apparent and those that are real, significant, and important—such as are due to geological changes, to the progress of the planet's seasons, or possibly to the consequent growth and decay of vegetation, as in field and forest. And in the study and interpretation of the visible phenomena our successors will be aided by the new appliances for the measurement of heat and other radiations which they may be expected to have at their disposal. As to the discovery of intelligent inhabitants, few astronomers, I think, seriously expect it, or even consider it within the range of probability; still less that we shall ever be able to enter into communication with them, even if assured of their existence.

Doubtless a multitude of new asteroids will be found, and possibly some new light will be thrown on their origin. It may be, too, that other planets may be discovered-one or two, perhaps, outside of Neptune, and possibly some small bodies between Mercury and the sun.

The almost startling discoveries of the little satellites of Mars and the new pigmy of Jupiter's system make it not wholly improbable that others may yet be found, especially in the systems of Saturn and Neptune. But there seems very lit

tle likelihood that satellites of Mercury or Venus will ever be discovered, or any new attendant of the earth.

What is to be the progress of our knowledge in respect to meteors and comets it is not easy- to foresee. As regards their orbital motions there is perhaps not much to expect, because our present theory seems to be reasonably complete. And yet it seems a priori not unlikely that the force which operates to produce the tails of comets should have some influence upon their movements; and such a phenomenon as the persistent acceleration of Encke's comet suggests, at least, a possible necessity for farther refinements. Certainly greater precision of observation is needed to enable us to pronounce with certainty upon the questions of cometary identity which are continually arising. And these questions are of extreme importance in their bearings upon the theory of the origin of comets and their relations to our system. We may earnestly hope, therefore, that the surely growing accuracy of observation and computation will throw light upon this problem.

As to the physical constitution and nature of comets, we may, perhaps, expect a great improvement of our knowledge, just because our present ignorance is so great. Many facts, of course, are well known, and some of those best known are the most mysterious of all. Conjectures are numerous, but all seem to be more or less unsatisfactory and in conflict with some of the observed data. We can as yet only guess at the forces which produce the peculiar phenomena that accompany the approach of a comet to the sun, and develop the magnificent trains of luminous matter which have always excited the wonder, and often the terror, of mankind. Photography has already made great progress in registering these phenomena, and bringing out features in visible to the eye, but apparently of high significance. It will certainly go much farther in the future. And investigations in the physical laboratory will almost certainly hereafter render intelligible much of the behavior that is now so perplexing. The subject is a most fascinating one, and certainly will not be neg

lected.

And now that the meteors are reckoned as astronomical bodies, they also are re

ceiving careful attention, and our knowledge of their relation to comets and to the universe is rapidly growing. We may well hope that during the coming century this new domain of astronomy, annexed only some thirty years ago, will become a fruitful and important department of the science; and that, even if time should not wholly make good the bold speculations of Sir Norman Lockyer and others, who see in meteoric swarms the very essence and substance, not of comets only, but of nebulæ and many stars, and find in meteoric collisions the explanation of a whole host of the most interesting and beautiful of astronomical phenomena.

As to the stars, it is sure that the coming century will bring an immense increase of knowledge. It would be rash to endeavor to predict just along what lines and to what extent the development will take place; the problems are so numerous and so intricate, and their successful investigation depends so much on the improvement of our means of observation and calculation, that no one can say which will first be solved. As in the case of the sun, mere lapse of time will settle many questions. It will accumulate knowledge as to the motions of the stars, and of the solar system among the stars, and also of the motions of the components of double stars, of multiple stars and clusters; and will ultimately determine with certainty whether the same law of gravitation which rules in the planetary system prevails also in stellar space. It will give us data as to the variability of the light of stars, and probably will clear up the causes of it. It will ascertain how, if at all, the nebula change their form and brightness, and how, if this be really the case, stars develop within them, and the nebula becomes a cluster.

And

But how rapidly this knowledge will be gained must of course depend on many things; one dares not prophesy. yet it is certain that the astronomers of the century to come will stand on a plane above our own, with instruments, appliances, and methods more delicate, more powerful, more far-reaching than ours; and it is only reasonable to anticipate for the twentieth century an accelerated advance in every science. Astronomy

among the rest,-the oldest, most glorious

of all, will surely maintain her place in

the triumphal march.

B

BALDY.

BY SARAH BARNWELL ELLIOTT.

EFORE the war, before Miss Maria left her home as a refugee, Baldy was one of the delights of Kingshaven. He was very fat and sleek and slow, and was nicknamed "Baldy" because of the absence of hairs on his tail. This horse was the property of Miss Maria Cathcart, and from having been the pride of her life, he had, in consequence of this vexatious affliction, become a source of the deepest mortification.

His real name was "Prince"; then, because of his slowness, the young people dubbed him "Jog," for they declared that though Miss Maria thought he was going, because she saw Daddy Jack holding the reins and because she saw the horse moving, Prince was in reality only quietly jumping up and down in the same place.

Miss Maria was indignant, and old Jack was insulted, and looked the other way whenever he drove past the houses or carriages of these revilers. But Jog the horse was called until the hairs began to drop out of his tail; then Baldy became his universal appellation.

This horse was one of the loves of old Jack's life, so to him the misfortune that was overtaking Baldy's tail was a deep grief, and he tried every known and many unknown remedies on the offending member. To make one infallible salve he even went so far as to go to the old church-yard alone at twelve o'clock on a Saturday night in the dark of the moon to gather “rabbit tobacco,” which was a chief ingredient. But nothing seemed to stop the awful devastation. At last Baldy became such a mirth-provoking spectacle that Miss Maria felt that he must be replaced. But how was she to tell Jack this?

Her nephew, who was looking for a safe horse for her, roared with laughter at the thought of her hesitation.

"No, oh, no!" and Miss Maria raised both hands and shook her head. "Don't tell him suddenly. Poor Jack! he still hopes to cure the affliction."

After Mr. St. Clair had gone, Miss Maria began walking up and down her long, deep piazza, with her hands clasped behind her.

It would have been better, perhaps, to let Charles tell Jack, she thought; even trusted servants like Jack could sometimes be very disagreeable, and Jack was obstinate, very obstinate indeed. Her cousin Polly Bullen said that she spoiled her servants. The idea of Polly Bullen saying such a thing, Polly, whose negroes were notoriously lazy and pampered, as Tremelstoune negroes had always been! No, on reflection she was glad that she had not allowed Charles to tell the news to Jack; that would have looked as if what her cousin Polly Bullen said was true; she would tell Jack herself; she would call him in at once.

She walked briskly through the house to the back piazza, but she paused there. Under the big live-oak tree that shaded the whole stable-yard she saw Baldy tied, and behind him stood old Jack, platting carefully the few hairs that remained of his tail. The old man was completely absorbed in his task; his big fingers moved as carefully as if handling spun glass, and at each movement of the horse, if it were only a twitching of the skin, he paused, so fearful was he lest any sudden motion should loosen even one hair. When all was done, Jack stood off with his head a little on one side, and looked at the spindling braid contemplatively. Was it less than yesterday? He raised it once more and looked at the ends; again he let it go out of his hands slowly, almost reverently. Would it be better to leave it hanging, he pondered, or should he wrap it up again?

A fly buzzed by. Jack started; Baldy "Why, what can Jack say or do, Aunt might use it on flies! Might try to switch Maria?"

"Of course nothing," Miss Maria answered. "But it will be a dreadful blow to him, Charles, a dreadful blow!” "I'll call him and tell him at once," Mr. St. Clair said.

flies with it, and all might go! The thought made him almost reckless in his movements as he began rapidly to fold up the thin queue and to wrap it in a bandage of red flannel. When it was safe he stood looking at it with an "I've done

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'Round the bay and out on the 'shell road,' Jack, to the Cottage, she repeat"Don't you hear me?" "Yes, missis."

Miss Maria turned away in silence, and ed. went back to the front piazza.

It was a pleasant day, with the wind rippling the broad expanse of water in front, and touching into motion the waves of silver hair on Miss Maria's peaceful brow, and the tiny frills of white muslin that, lying one upon another, formed a soft close border around her face. She looked out at the water, then down on the garden, where under the hot sun the flowers were giving out sweet odors. It was indeed a pleasant day, and one that she could have enjoyed thoroughly and peace fully, save for the annoyance caused by Jack and that poor horse's tail. It was ridiculous the feeling Jack had, perfectly ridiculous, and she could not stand it any longer. The horse looked too droll for anything; of course people would laugh -they could not help it; that barrel body on four legs, with no tail to balance the head, was ludicrous and undignified, and she could not be made the laughingstock of the town. She had not betrayed that she minded it, but she did, and this very afternoon while out driving she would tell Jack that it was for the last time. Yes, she would tell him this very afternoon; it would be a better time than now, when he was so intent on the very thing in question.

When the hour for driving came, she gave the order for the carriage more sternly than usual, and when she said to Kizzy, "Take off my cap, and bring my bonnet and mantilla," there was such determination in both voice and eye that Kizzy wondered a little, and moved more quickly than usual.

Old Jack did not look happy when he drove round to the front door, for even though Baldy's tail was streaming in the wind, it made no show at all, and gave no sign of the care bestowed on it.

"Wey you gwine, missis?" he asked, when, having shut Miss Maria into the little carriage, he had taken his own seat. "Muss I dribe roun' Pigeon P'int, m'am?" "No," Miss Maria answered, firmly; "drive round the bay and out on the 'shell road.'"

There was a moment's pause, and as the front windows of the carriage were open, Miss Maria, who was on the same level with Jack, could see that he had not gathered up the reins.

"Well?"

"Miss 'Ria, if we go roun' de bay, m'am," Jack answered, slowly, "enty you know say we gwine pass Mass John house wey awl dem chiliun gwine laugh at we; en we gwine pass Mass George Bullen house, en awl dem is gwine laugh at we; en awl dem turrer house, same fashi'n; en I know say unner ain't gwine like dat."

Jack, your business is to obey!" Miss Maria commanded. I am shocked that you should speak in this way! Drive on!"

Slowly, and with protest in every movement, Jack gathered up the reins; then drawing his infinite lips into a knot, he made a sound that caused Baldy to move off.

Miss Maria sat very erect in the carriage, with the expression of determination which had quickened Kizzy's steps grown strong on her face. Jack had now given her a very good opportunity for telling him of her intentions with regard to the horse. She could scold him for speaking to her in such a disrespectful way, and show him how his bad behavior was the cause of her ordering another animal. A very good opportunity. And alone as she was, Miss Maria shook her head, and reared it back to emphasize her thoughts. For the present moment, however, she was herself too deeply interested in watching the effect of her own 'progress through the town to begin her sermon; there would be a plenty of time for that once they were beyond the limits.

First they would pass the St. Clairs', her sister's family; yes, there they were, and of course laughing! A faint color came on her faded cheeks, and a light that was not faint came into her bright blue eyes. She sat very straight indeed, but no one got the benefit of her dignity, because it was a close little square carriage with glasses only over the doors and in front between her and the coachman, and though they were now all open, an outsider could have no view of any one on the back seat. Miss Maria, however, had a full view of Jack's profile, for he turned his head away from the houses, and looked out across the river. His expression was extremely sullen, and Miss Maria began to feel provoked with him. It was high

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