22 
THE PLANET MARS IN JANUARY 1867. 
By RICHARD A. PROCTOR, B.A., F.R.A.S. 
( Author of u Saturn and its System §c.) 
O F tlie planets within the orbit of Uranus* Mars appears* at 
first sight, to be the least inviting object of study to the 
observer possessed of moderate telescopic power. Jupiter, from 
the noble aspect of his disc, and the ever-varying configura- 
tions of his attendant orbs* is among the most charming of tele- 
scopic objects. With a telescope of somewhat higher power 
than that available for the study of the larger planet* Saturn 
bears away from him the palm for splendour of appearance, and 
for the wonderful yet symmetrical gorgeousness of his attendant 
system. Venus and Mercury, in a lesser degree, although both 
are “ difficult” objects* yet attract the young observer, by the 
lowness of the powers with which their varying phases are made 
conspicuously visible. Mars, on the other hand, presents no 
features which a telescope of very low power can reveal; and 
even with a telescope of considerable power, some patience, com- 
bined with skill and practice in observation, are required to enable 
the observer to interpret satisfactorily the phenomena presented to 
him. Yet it must not be forgotten that, of all the planets. Mars is 
that which is in realitj the most favourably situated for telescopic 
research ; or, rather, it would, not be saying too much to assert that j 
Mars is the only object in the heavens whose examination is 
capable of supplying an answer to some of the questions which 
most largely interest the thoughtful mind. With the telescopes 
yet constructed, indeed, it were too much to hope that much 
exact information as to the physical condition of Mars should 
be gleaned, under whatever circumstances the planet may be 
observed ; nor would the simple increase of magnifying power, 
which the past history of the telescope leads us to hope for and 
expect, conduce greatly to the attainment of the above-named 
object. But it does not seem too much to hope that some day 
(haply not so far distant) the lesson taught us by Professor 
Smyth’s Teneriffe experiment will be appreciated as it deserves. 
Then a telescope surpassing in power an} 7 yet constructed shall 
be placed where alone the power of such an instrument can be 
