From the northern part of the Milky Way there will be noticed a projection towards the north pole from the head of Cepheus. This projection seems to merge itself in a complex convolution of stars forming the ancient constellation Draco, which doubtless included the ancient (but probably less ancient) constellation Ursa Minor. After following the convolutions of Draco, we reach the bright stars Alwaid and Etanin (B and y) of this constellation, and thence the stream passes to Lyra, where it seems to divide into two, one passing through Hercules, the other along Aquila, and curving upwards (see Fig. 1) into the remarkable group Delphinus.

The streams here considered, include every conspicuous star in the heavens. But the question will at once suggest itself, whether we have not been following a merely fanciful scheme, whether all these apparent streams might not very well be supposed to result from mere accident. Now, from experiments I have made, I am inclined to believe that in any chance distribution of points over a surface, the chance against the occurrence of a single stream so marked as that which lies (in part) along the back of Grus, or (to take one within our figure) as the curved stream of bright stars along Scorpio, is very great indeed. I am certain that the occurrence of many such streams is altogether improbable. And wherever one observes a tendency to stream-formation in objects apparently distributed wholly by chance, one is led to suspect, and thence often to detect the operation of law. I will take an illustration, very homely perhaps, but which will serve admirably to explain my meaning. In soapy water, left in a basin after washing, there will often be noticed a tendency to the formation of spiral whorls on the surface. In other cases there may be no spirality, but still a tendency to stream-formation. Now, in this case, it is easy to see, that the curved bottom of the basin has assisted to generate streams in the water, either circulating in one direction, or opposing and modifying each other's effects, according to the accidental character of the disturbance given to the water in the process of washing. Here, of course, there can be no doubt of the cause of the observed phenomena; and I believe that in every case in which even a single marked stream is seen in any congeries of spots or points, a little consideration will suggest a regulating cause to which the peculiarity may be referred.

It is hardly necessary to say that, if the stream-formation

*Sometimes, a singular regularity of curvature is noticed, and a spiral is formed closely resembling in configuration some of the great spiral nebula, as drawn by Lord Rosse, so that one is tempted to see in the centrifugal tendency of the disturbed water, and the centripetal effects caused by reflection from the basin's surface, causes which may in some sense illustrate the laws operating in wider domains of space.

I have indicated is considered to be really referable to a systematic distribution, the theory of a stratum of stars distributed with any approach to uniformity, either as respects magnitude or distance must be abandoned. It seems to me to be also quite clear that the immense extent of the galaxy as compared with the distances of the 'lucid' stars from us, could no longer be maintained. On this last point we have other evidence, which I will briefly consider.

First, there is the evidence afforded by clusterings in the Milky Way. I will select one which is well known to every telescopist, namely, the magnificent cluster on the sword-hand of Perseus. No doubt can be entertained that this cluster belongs to the galactic nebula, that is, that it is not an external cluster: the evidence from the configuration of the spot and from the position it occupies, is conclusive on this point. Now, within this spot, which shows no stars to the naked eye, a telescope of moderate power reveals a multitude of brilliant stars, the brightest of which are of about the seventh magnitude. Around these there still appears a milky unresolved light. If a telescope of higher power be applied, more stars are seen, and around these there still remains a nebulous light. Increase power until the whole field blazes with almost unbearable light, yet still there remains an unresolved background. "The illustrious Herschel" says Professor Nichol, "penetrated, on one occasion, into this spot, until he found himself among depths, whose light could not have reached him in much less than 4000 years; no marvel that he withdrew from the pursuit, conceiving that such abysses must be endless." It is precisely this view that I wish to controvert. And I think it is no difficult matter to show at least a probability against the supposition that the milky light in the spot is removed at a vast distance behind the stars of the seventh magnitude seen in the same field.

The supposition amounts, in fact, to the highly improbable view that we are looking here at a range of stars extending in a cylindrical stratum directly from the eye-a stratum whose section is so very minute in comparison with its breadth, that, whereas the whole field within which the spot is included is but small, the distance separating the nearest parts of the group from the farthest, is equivalent to the immense distance supposed to separate the sphere of seventh magnitude stars from the extreme limits of our galaxy. And the great improbability of this view is yet further increased, when it is observed that within this spot there is to be seen a very marked tendency to the formation of minor streams, around which the milky light seems to cling. It seems, therefore, wholly improbable that the cluster really has that indefinite longitudinal extension suggested by Professor Nichol; I think, therefore, that the

milky light comes from orbs really smaller than the seventh magnitude stars in the same field, and clustering round these stars in reality as well as in appearance.

The observations applied to this spot may be extended to all clusters of globular form; and where a cluster is not globular in form, but exhibits, on examination, either (1) any tendency within its bounds to stream-formation, or (2) a uniform increase in density as we proceed from any part of the circumference towards the centre, it appears wholly inconceivable that the apparent cluster is-not really a cluster, but a long range of stars extending to an enormous distance directly from the eye of the observer. When, in such a case, many stars of the higher magnitudes appear within the cluster, we seem compelled to admit the probability that they belong to it; and, in any case, we cannot assign to the farthest parts of the cluster a distance greatly exceeding (proportionally) that of the nearest parts.

Of a like character is the evidence afforded by narrow streams and necks within the galactic circle. If we consider the convolutions over Scorpio, it will seem highly improbable that in each of these we see, not a real convolution or stream, but the edge of a roll of stars. For instance, if a spiral roll of paper be viewed from any point taken at random, the chances are thousands to one against its appearing as a spiral curve, and, of course, the chance against several such rolls so appearing is indefinitely greater. The fact that we are assumed to be not very far from the supposed mean plane of the Milky Way would partly remove the difficulty here considered, if it were not that the thickness and extent of the stratum, as compared with the distances of the lucid stars must necessarily be supposed so very great, on the assumption of any approach to uniformity of distribution.

Evidence pointing the same way is afforded by circular apertures in the galaxy, or indeed by apertures of other forms, since a moment's inspection of Figs. 3 and 5 will show the improbability of any tunnelling (so to speak) through the star stratum, being so situate as to be discernible from S. Another peculiarity of these cavities is also noticeable; whereas on the borders of every one there are many lucid stars, or in some cases two or three very bright stars, within the cavity there is a marked paucity of stars. This phenomenon seems to indicate a much closer connection between the brighter stars, and the milky light beyond, than is supposed in the stratum theory. One can hardly conceive the phenomenon to be wholly accidental.

There are some other points on which I would fain dwell, but space will not permit me. I may, perhaps, on another

occasion, return to the consideration of the subject. For the present, I will merely note that there are peculiarities in the distribution of double and multiple stars, in the position in which temporary stars have made their appearance, and in the distribution of nebula, which seem very worthy of notice.

Ore point, however, immediately connected with my subject, remains to be mentioned. I have traced streams of stars more conspicuous than those forming the Milky Way: we have also evidence of streams of light yet more delicate and evanescent than the light of our galaxy. In Sir John Herschel's great work on the southern skies, he notes the frequent recurrence of " an exceedingly delicate and uniform dotting, or stippling of the field of view by points of light too small to admit of any one being steadily or fully examined, and too numerous for counting, were it possible so to view them." In thirty-seven places he detected this remarkable and significant phenomenon ; a phenomenon so faint, that he says, "The idea of illusion has continually arisen subsequently ;" an idea well befitting the modesty of the philosophic observer, but which those who appreciate Sir John Herschel's skill as an observer will be very unwilling to accept. As Professor Nichol remarks, "It is enough to read from Herschel's note-book-'I feel satisfied the stippling is no illusion, as its dark mottling moves with the stars as I move the tube to and fro'-to feel convinced that the phenomenon is real." Now, a remarkable fact connected with those observations is, that when Sir J. Herschel marked down in a star-chart the places in which he had detected this nebulous appearance, he found that, "with the exception of three, which appeared outlying and disconnected, they formed several distinct but continuous streams."

JAPAN, AND ITS CURRENCY.

BY JOSEPH NEWTON, H. M. MINT.

Ir is highly probable, if it be not morally certain, that, ere many years shall have passed away, the thick veil of mystery which has so long, and so effectually concealed from us an exact knowledge of the laws which govern, and the peculiar habits which distinguish the inhabitants of Japan, will be removed. Such a consummation we believe must result from the more enlightened, and, it may also be said, far more rational mode of conducting negotiations with the authorities of that strange empire of islands which now prevails. This country, indeed, is particularly fortunate at present in having as its chief representative at the Court of the Tycoon so able a diplomatist, and so dispassionate a man as Sir Rutherford Alcock. If it be true that

"A wise physician skilled our woes to heal,
Is more than armies for the public weal,"

it is equally certain that a talented and honest statesman may contribute largely to the promotion of the social and commercial intercourse, and the happiness of nations. In time past it has been too much the custom for ambassadors and others, while "dressed in a little brief authority," to play very "fantastic tricks" indeed with those to whom they were accredited, and thus to create, or widen breaches instead of promoting peace and confidence. The fact, which is sustained by abundant evidence, has had the effect, in too many instances, of preventing instead of aiding the extension of commerce, and thereby arresting the progress of civilization and of Christianity itself.

Con

The manner in which our intercommunication with the Japanese has been conducted during the last few years is happily not amenable to any such painful criticism. fidence, it has been truly asserted, is a "plant of slow growth,” but it appears to be one in process of rapid cultivation between England and Japan, and we all know the value of the production when fully matured. At this moment, there are in this country many intelligent young Japanese, some of them of noble birth, and destined for future legislators, under course of educating and training in Great Britain, whilst several of the vexatious restrictions which heretofore prevented the admission of Englishmen into Japan have disappeared. In short, a quiet and gradual, yet sure and steady revolution in