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er or slreal^ of fire behind them, whicli lasts aboal a 

 second. These meteors are sometimes followed to the 

 ground^ and some which have been found are very 

 large. 



Nature^ like man., has her fire-works^ but she takes 

 no set time to exliibit them. Besides this kind of dis- 

 plays there are many figures and formations construct- 

 ed by the stars whicfi are beautiful and dignified. 

 Those which show with great plainness are the large 

 and small dipper. The former is also taken as part of 

 the far famed northern bear or Ursa Major, Orion 

 also is a noted figure. It is a representation of a man 

 -with belt and sword, and is very large. There are many 

 other forms wMch are noticeable, but to view the 

 heavenly bodies to the greatest advantage a telescope is 

 necessary, as it reveals so many sights which to the 

 naked eye are invisible. The moon appears through 

 the telescope like a mass of mountains and valleys, but 

 I believe no one has yet seen the man. The sun, moon 

 and stars provide a field for a vast amount of study 

 and observation, and those w^ho notice them for the 

 purpose of learning will find no small task before them, 

 but one which will require as much time and thought 

 as any of the other branches of science. What an ex- 

 tensive and beautiful array they present on clear bright 

 nights, reminding one of an innumerable host with 

 lighted torches, while the moon shines forth with gran- 

 dure. 



From the alluring earth of beauty, 



And the Oceans depth of wonders, 

 My thoughts ascend into the skies, 



And dwell among the stars; 

 There to watch the meteors' ariel flight. 



And the comet in its path of travel, 

 And bask in the glorious moon-beams, — B, Mercer. 



I 



