76 THE WORLD. 



we have, we trust, been sufficiently clear. If, in some parts, we 

 have been tediously minute, the more intelligent reader will 

 remember we are writing for those who may be less expert. 

 Certainly every one must feel interested in understanding the 

 causes of some of the most striking phenomena which are con- 

 tinually occurring. The varying lengths of days, the annual 

 round of seasons, the constant return of day and night, the tides, 

 the winds, and the clouds, all these force themselves upon 

 observation, and demand some attention. To the consideration 

 and elucidation of these great phenomena, the wisest men of all 

 ages have devoted their lives, and simple and clear as the illustra- 

 tion of these great natural causes may now appear, they have cost 

 an amount of human labor and severe study, which we might in 

 vain attempt to estimate. We feel not the less satisfaction, that 

 we can look beyond the occurrences of the day and understand 

 the causes which are concealed from careless eyes. The earth 

 is no less beautiful, and beloved by us, because we can look above 

 and see worlds, which we know to be a thousand times larger, 

 and on which, we sometimes fancy, myriads of intelligent beings 

 are existing, all pursuing the same great ends as we. After all, 

 we are well satisfied with the study of our own planet, and find 

 enough upon its surface, or below it, to fill us with admiration and 

 wonder, and see enough in it of beauty, whether glowing in the 

 warm sun-light, or reposing in the, quiet rays of the moon. 



