l^S THE MOOX. 



The existence of mountains upon the Moon is proved by the irreg- 

 ularity of its outline. This is particularly observable in some of the 

 phases ; and as these irregularities can be greatly magnified, and their 

 extent with the lengths of their shadows accurately measured, it is easy 

 perceived that a very correct estimate can thus be made of their eleva- 

 tions and depressions, or in other words that we possess the means of 

 measuring the heights of the mountains and the depths of the valleys. 

 Elaborate telescopic investigation has shown that there are no parts of 

 the lunar surface that are perfectly level but the most singular structure 

 is found to prevail. Crater shaped cavities varying from 50 to 60 miles 

 to a few hundred feet in diameter, and mountains, whose brilliantly illu- 

 minated summits are strongly contrasted with the dark masses of shadow 

 which they cast, are irregularly scattered over every part. 



That the Moon exercises an important influence upon our planet can- 

 not be denied, but it is equally true that this influence has been greatly 

 over-rated, and that popular superstition has invested this little globe 

 with powers and properties to which it has no claim and which in many 

 cases are equally absurd and ridiculous. That the phenomena of tides 

 is caused by its attraction is an established fact, but apart from its attrac- 

 tion we can perceive no other physical influence, and all its reputed ef- 

 fects, which cannot be accounted for on this principle, should in general 

 be rejected as having no foundation in reason or in fact. Amongst these 

 influences that which the Moon is supposed to exert upon the weather 

 is perhaps the most generally believed. We are not prepared to deny 

 that some eflecls may be due to this cause, but we believe that it is 

 greatly overrated, and that amongst the innumerable causes of atmos- 

 pheric disturbances, that which is due to the Moon may be altogether 

 over-rated. Considered as a question of science it is certainly diffi- 

 cult to explain how or why the periodical phases, which depend only 

 upon certain relative positions of the Sun, Moon, and Earth, can greatly 

 affect our atmospheric phenomena; there appears not to be suflicient 

 connection between the effects and their reputed cause. 



None of the known laws of nature has as yet been able to explain 

 why the Moon should influence the movement of the sap in plants, the 

 durability of a roof shingled in a particular phase," the time of felling 

 timber and a thousand other things which are commonly received as 

 facts. It does not follow, that because a thing is generally believed, it 

 must necessarily be true. 



