LIFE IN OTHER WORLDS 



a gymnastic feat scarcely worth mentioning on the 

 Moon. 



After consideration of all these facts ; and despite the 

 belief of some distinguished astronomers that changes are 

 sometimes perceptible on the Moon's surface; and that 

 hoar frost can be perceived there ; and perhaps volcanic 

 eruptions the general conclusion arrived at by astronomi- 

 cal authority is that organic life does not exist either on 

 the Moon or in it ; and we may conclude this outline of 

 the speculations concerning it by quoting the American 

 astronomer, Professor N. S. Shaler : " It is naturally pain- 

 ful to conclude that the Moon is and always has been 

 deprived of those features of existence which we deem the 

 nobler ; that it has never known the stir of air or water 

 or the higher life of beings who inherit the profit of 

 experience, and thereby climb the way that has led up- 

 ward to man. That these large gifts have been denied to 

 the nearest companion of the earth has its lesson for the 

 naturalist. How vast are the effects arising from the inter- 

 relation of actions .... If the gases could have been 

 retained in the Moon (by its attractive force) there is no 

 reason why it should not have had the history of a 

 miniature earth. As it is, from the beginning it appears 

 to have been determined that the Sun should not warm it 

 in the same way as the earth ; that rain should not fall 

 on it, nor the stirrings of life and energy be visible on 

 it. There is no imaginable accident that can alter its 

 state. Just as it is, our Moon is likely to see the Sun 

 go out." 



This chapter may be ended by a brief application of 



125 



