I5O EXTENT OF SOLAR ACTION. 



CHAPTER XVII. 



EXTENT OF SOLAR ACTION TRANSMITTED TO THE 

 SURFACE OF THE EARTH. 



'T^HE exciting forces of the planets being 

 uniform, produce a corresponding uniform 

 reaction as sunshine on the surface of the earth. 

 The reflection and radiation of solar light and 

 heat from the earth's surface nearly equalize the 

 degree of excitation in the same localities during 

 a series of years ; so that the sunshine is not 

 absorbed permanently within the earth, but is 

 reflected and radiated, Sustaining the continual 

 vibration of the surrounding electric ether. The 

 excess of solar excitation incident on the torrid 

 zone is diffused by the molecular vibration of the 

 atmosphere and the ocean-waters toward the 

 polar regions. 



The continual transmission of sunshine to the 

 surface of our planet during infinite ages, although 

 reflected and 'diffused throughout space, has left its 

 impress on the solid rocks by mechanical action 

 and attrition, caused by vibratory impulses imparted 

 to the winds and ocean-waves. The rounded peb- 

 bles and the boulders composing beaches and 



