tit HOW BEST TO MODEL THE EARTH 61 



of one hundred thousandth for several reasons. In the 

 first place, it gives the maximum size of a globe that, in 

 the present state of engineering science, can probably be 

 constructed, or that would be in any case advisable ; 

 secondly, it is the scale of a considerable number of im- 

 portant maps in various parts of the world ; and, thirdly, 

 it is the smallest that would allow of very moderate 

 elevations being modelled on a true scale. He considers 

 that even Montmartre at Paris, and Primrose Hill at 

 London, would be distinctly visible upon it under a proper 

 oblique illumination. 



When, however, we consider the size of such a globe, 

 nearly 420 feet in diameter, it is evident that both the 

 difficulties and the cost of its construction wdll be 

 very great ; and both are rendered still greater by 

 the jDarticular design adopted by M. Reclus — a design 

 which, in the opinion of the present writer, is by 

 no means the best calculated to secure the various 

 objects aimed at. I will therefore first briefly describe 

 the exact proposals of M. Reclus as set forth in his 

 interesting and suggestive pamphlet, and will then 

 describe the alternative method, which seems to me to be 

 at once simpler, less costly, and more likely to be both 

 popular and instructive. 



The essential features of the proposed globe are said to 

 be as follows. Nothing about it must destroy oi even 

 diminish its general effect. It must not therefore rest 

 upon the level ground, but must be supported on some 

 kind of pedestal ; and it must be so situated as to be seen 

 from a considerable distance in every direction without 

 any intervening obstruction by houses, trees, &c. But, in 

 our northern climate, the effects of frost and snow, sun 

 and wind, dust and smoke, rain and hail, would soon 

 destroy any such delicate work as the modelling and 

 tinting of the globe ; it is therefore necessary to protect 

 it with an outer covering, which will also be globular, its 

 smooth outer surface being boldly and permanently 

 coloured to represent all the great geographical features 

 of the earth, so as to form an effective picture at a con- 

 siderable distance. In order to allow room for the various 



