THE MOON IN MASQUERADE 127 



moon's limited size, proved insufficient to maintain its 

 waters above freezing. 



Eighth. That as its oceans congealed, the moon's 

 axial rotation gradually slowed until the body reas- 

 srmied its original list. During this stage glaciation of 

 the surface became complete. 



Ninth. That the natural surface of the moon is 

 flat, like that of Mars, its irregular topography being 

 due to snow formations that accentuate the land areas 

 while at the same time hollowing out the original water 

 basins. 



Tenth. That the rarity of the lunar atmosphere is 

 chiefly due to its absorption into snowflakes; and the 

 absence of atmospheric humidity, to thaw-absorption 

 and chilling by the universal covering of snow. 



