u8 IN STARRY REALMS. 



way which renders to the true view of their nature some 

 degree of telescopic confirmation. 



It is only in this way that we can offer any reasonable 

 account of the semi-transparency of the crape ring. The 

 little moonlets (if I may for the moment coin a word) 

 which go to make up the rings are, in the outer of the 

 structures, so close together that they reflect what is 

 generally seen as a continuous sheet of light ; but in the 

 crape ring the moonlets are either not so numerous or not 

 so large as in the outer rings : the consequence is they do 

 not appear as a continuous sheet of light ; we are able in 

 some degree to see between them, and this is how we explain 

 the semi-transparency of the crape ring. 



Nor is the Saturnian system wanting in other attractions 

 which would render it of great interest, even were the 

 supreme feature of the ring system absent. The planet is 

 attended by no fewer than eight moons, some of which are 

 easily visible in the most modest telescope, while others 

 demand the employment of exceptionally powerful instru- 

 ments. 



I hope that every one of my readers will obtain some 

 opportunity of observing Saturn at a suitable time and 

 with a telescope of sufficient power ; assuredly they will 

 be delighted and fascinated with the spectacle. But I 

 mght also to add a word of warning. I have before now 

 met with people who were woefully disappointed with the 

 planet, even when the circumstances were most favourable. 



I remember many years ago taking a bright little boy 

 of six to the Dublin Zoological Gardens. It was his first 

 visit, and all the way he prattled to me delightfully of 

 what he expected to see ; the principal object of his desires 



