42 OUR PHYSICAL WORLD 



forming the monster, Hydra, on the back of which the Raven is 

 supposed to stand. 



When Corvus is on the meridian about 9:00 P.M. on May 10 

 or thereabouts, the southeastern sky displays a cluster of five 

 third-magnitude stars and farther east two of second magnitude, 

 all in the constellation of the Centaur. When Arcturus is on the 

 meridian not far from the zenith at 9:00 P.M. in the middle of 

 June, the two bright stars in the Centaur (second magnitude) 

 are one on either side of the meridian close to the southern 

 horizon. This figure, designated the Centaur with his bow and 

 arrow in hand in the Greek star lore, was represented in the 

 earlier astrological charts as Noah placing a sacrifice on the 

 altar, while overhead stretched the bow of promise. 



This whole series of constellations, the flood poured out by the 

 gigantic Water-Bearer, the numerous sea beasts, the mighty 

 river, the Ark, the Raven that was released to find dry land, and 

 finally the commanding figure of Noah, sacrificing on his altar 

 with the rainbow near at hand all these emblazon on the 

 southern sky the interesting flood legend that runs continuously 

 during the evenings from January to midsummer. 



