tain places, owing to the configuration of pour to rise continually from his surface to oceans and continents; and monsoon weath-be condensed into the form of cloud when er-changes replace the systematic progres- they reach the upper regions of his atmosion observed elsewhere. But the very sphere. Why such processes should take uniformity of the bright belt on Saturn for- place in certain regions rather than in bids us to regard such peculiarities as avail- others, it would perhaps be difficult to deable to aid us in interpreting the phe-termine. We know so little at present of nomena we have been considering.

the extent, constitution, and condition of It is further noteworthy, that an objection the atmosphere of Saturn, that it is difficult which might have been made to the agree- to reason as to processes of change, excited ment founded on the diurnal constancy of by heat whose seat lies perhaps hundreds the Saturnian equatorial belt, is not avail- of miles beneath the suface visible to us. able against the argument just dealt with. It may be remarked, however, that a simiSaturn is so much farther from the sun lar peculiarity exists in the case of the sun. than the earth is, that a certain sluggish- Indeed, a somewhat surprising resemblance ness might be supposed to characterize exists between Saturn and the sun, as reprocesses depending upon the sun's action; gards many important characteristics. The and therefore it might be supposed that a planet, like the sun, is of low specific cloud-belt, once formed by the sun, would gravity- very far lower than the earth's; be carried round by Saturn's rapid rotation as the sun has eight primary attendants, without being dissipated or in any way so Saturn has eight satellites; and as the modified, whether night or day prevailed sun has his attendant disc of minute bodies on Saturn. But in the case of the seasonal (seen in the zodiacal light), so Saturn has changes we have been considering no such his ring system, composed, in all probability, argument can be admitted; for whatever of multitudes of minute satellites travelling view we might form as to the possible con- in independent orbits around him.* Is it stancy of a cloud-belt during the ten hours not possible that the relation necessary to of the Saturnian day, it would clearly be un-make the analogy complete may be actually reasonable to infer that the seven-yearly fulfilled, and that Saturn is a source seasons (or quarters) of Saturn would be too short to produce their due effect on the position of the great cloud-zone. If the sun during his slow passage northwards and southwards from the celestial equator of Saturn cannot modify the position of the cloud-zone, it seems altogether incredible that his action can have been in any way concerned in the formation of that zone.

whence heat is supplied to the orbs which circle around him? We have seen that reasons exist for regarding the Saturnian belts as resulting from processes excited by the planet's internal heat; and we are thus prepared to regard less suspiciously than we might otherwise have been disposed to do, any evidence tending to show that such processes are of a very remarkable Yet further, it is wholly impossible for character. The same forces which can genany thoughtful student of the Saturnian erate belts covering a surface many times belts to suppose that the action to which exceeding the whole surface of our earth in they are due is of so inert and sluggish a extent, may also, it is conceivable, produce nature as would be implied by the suppo-other effects clearly recognizable from our sition just referred to. The changes which distant station. take place in the figure and position of the dark belts lying on either side of the equatorial bright belt are sometimes singularly rapid, especially when account is taken of the enormous extent of surface belonging even to the least of these belts.

It is perhaps only after preliminary evi

The theory that Saturn's rings are thus constituted has been so commonly attributed to myself of late years that I feel bound to take every opportunity of disclaiming all credit whatsoever in the matter. I hold that it has been put beyond question that the For my own part, I confess I cannot solid nor of a continuous uid substance, and also Saturnian rings are neither formed of a continuous but regard these facts as affording very that they are not wholly vaporous. But I have had strong evidence in favour of a theory to no part in establishing this result, which is due which I had been led by other considera- solely to the labours of Bond, Pierce, and Maxwell. I have presented some of their reasoning in a popu tions. If the sun is not the agent in pro-lar form in my treatise on Saturn, but it is distinctly ducing those cloud-masses which constitute, presented as their reasoning, not mine. One or two considerations helping to make the evidence more we may assume, the bright belts of Saturn, convincing perhaps to the general reader are due to we must look for the real origin of the belts me; and in particular the argument founded on the in some action exerted by the planet's own But though this last argument affords in itself a dusky spaces seen by Bond on the great middle ring. mass. In other words, we seem led to the demonstration that we here see through this appar consideration that the mass of Saturn is ently continuous ring, I can take no credit whatever for demonstrating what had already been essufficiently heated to cause currents of va-tablished by the arguments of others.

dence of this sort has been adduced, that most | 360, and saw its form exactly as I had seen astronomers would be ready to listen even for it in the 10 and 20 feet instruments. The a moment to such arguments as I have ad- planet is flattened at the poles, but the duced in my treatise on Other Worlds than spheroid which would arise from this flattenOurs to show that the apparent outline of ing is modified by some other cause, which Saturn is liable to change. Notwithstanding I suppose to be the flattening of the ring. the wonderful caution with which Sir William It resembles a parallelogram, one side Herschel's observations were carried on, whereof is [parallel to] the equatorial, the his unwillingness to accept conclusions even other [to] the polar diameter, with the four after a long series of apparently convinc- corners rounded off so as to leave both the ing researches, and the clear-sightedness equatorial and the polar regions flatter than with which he reasoned out the interpreta- they would be in a regular spheroidal figtion of his observations, astronomers had ure." He determined by actual measureagreed to reject (as resulting from illusion) ment the position of the protuberant porthe views which he formed respecting the tions which formed the corners of this "square-shouldered aspect" of Saturn. "square-shouldered" figure, and placed Bessel's exquisite measurements of the them in latitude 43 1-3° north and south of planet's disc seemed to show convincingly the equator. He measured the amount of that it is not "square-shouldered," but the protuberance, making the polar, equatruly elliptical, insomuch that, as Professor torial, and maximum diameters as 32, 35 4, Grant remarks, "no doubt could henceforth and 36. He renewed his observations in exist that the figure of the planet is that 1806 with the same result. But what is of an oblate spheroid. . . . It is impossi- most remarkable of all, he observed in 1807 ble," he adds, "to contemplate Bessel's that a change had taken place in the aspect numbers (as compared with what theory of the planet, the two polar regions now required) without a feeling of admiration presenting a different shape, the northern of the theory which is capable of respond-regions being most flattened, the southern ing so faithfully to the requirements of "curved or bulged outwards." Admiral nature, and of the exquisite skill displayed Smyth remarks that " this singularity_was by the illustrious astronomer who executed verified by the younger Herschel on June measures so singularly delicate as those 16 of the year 1807, and is, I believe, his above given with a success apparently so first recorded astronomical effort." complete."

66

Yet, while fully admitting the justice of these remarks, I have long felt that Sir William Herschel's observations of Saturn's figure are not to be summarily dismissed. To quote words which I wrote five years ago, the astronomer who examined Saturn's ring for ten years before he would accept the theory of its being divided, and watched a satellite for two years before he would pronounce an opinion on its rotation," was not the man to be misled by illusions, or to make confident statements

When to the above evidence is added all the evidence recorded in my Other Worlds - the fact that such observers as Bond and Airy, using such instruments as the Harvard refractor (perhaps the finest in the world) and the refractor of the Greenwich Observatory, have noticed similar appearances; and that other practised observers less known to fame confirm their observations - we can no longer, surely, class the square-shouldered aspect" of Saturn among the "myths of an uncritical period."*

without adequate reason. A "suspicion Now, assuming that Saturn is liable to of either Sir William Herschel's or Sir occasional changes of figure for undoubtJohn's would counterbalance with me the edly his ordinary figure is that of an oblate most positive assertions of ordinary astrono- spheroid-we have evidence of the existmers. But in this case it was no suspicion.ence of forces of the most amazing character Let us hear what Herschel himself says, beneath the seemingly quiescent zones and we shall be in a position to determine which we have been accustomed to regard whether it is likely that this eminent ob- as the true surface of the ringed planet. server was deceived by a mere illusion, and We may be doubtful whether they be forces that too when he was in the very zenith of of upheaval, or whether an intense heat his career as an observer. "In order to loads the atmosphere of Saturn from time have the testimony of all my instruments on to time (in the particular latitudes which the subject of the structure of the planet Saturn," he writes, referring to the observations made in May 1805, I had prepared the 40-feet reflector for observing it in the meridian. I used a magnifying power of

* Let me note further that Sir William Herschel's

measurement of the compression of Saturu in 1789 cord exactly with that derived from the most recent micrometrical measures of the axes of the planet."

has been found," Professor Grant tells us," to ac

seem to bulge outwards so strangely) with | levels. But the evidences of intense action enormous quantities of vapour, to be con- can hardly fail to be perfectly obvious even densed at an exceptionally high level; or though the actual source of such action is whether the sudden dissipation of cloud-concealed from view. masses existing in other latitudes causes these peculiarities of appearance. But it is in any case most certain that an energy -a vitality so to speak-exists out yonder, which we have hitherto been far from associating with this distant and dimly lighted world. No moderate processes of change would suffice to cause the figure of a planet to vary appreciably when observed from a distance of some nine hundred millions of miles. As seen from the satellites, the farthest of which is but a million and a quarter of miles from Saturn, the planet must appear the scene of a wondrous turmoil. It is probable, indeed, that the true substance of the planet, which may be, for aught we know, absolutely incandescent through the intensity of its heat, is always veiled, even from these relatively near regions, by the masses of vapour continually thrown off to condense into cloud-strata at higher or lower | tions.

Let me remark in conclusion that the theory here put forward is not urged from any desire to exhibit novel or startling views, but as serving to explain, better than any other theory I can imagine, a series of observed facts which cannot judiciously be neglected or forgotten. I have preferred to give no consideration whatever to "the question whether the larger planets have or have not as yet cooled down, by radiation, to a sort of norinal temperature," because in the present state of our knowledge that question is purely speculation. My theory is directed to explain observed facts: if it happens to throw some light on the question of the original formation of various members of the solar system, that is merely by the way; the theory must stand or fall occording as it can be shown to be in agreement or not, with past and future observa

women.

Nature.

THERE is one part which neutrals may take our more fortunate countrymen and countryin the Continental war. With no sympathy for those who have caused the war on either side, our sympathy is all the more due to those who innocently suffer from it on both sides. The following appeal, posted on the walls of every mairie in France, will touch other hearts than THE American Entomologist and Botanist those of Frenchmen :- -Appel à la France. publishes a double number for July and AuAu nom de Dieu, au nom de la patrie, au nom gust, which is occupied by short descriptive arde nos fils, de nos frères, de nos braves soldats ticles of interest and value principally to Amertombés avec honneur sur le champ de bataille, ican collectors and students. The article of et toujours héroïques vaincus aujourd'hui, chief general interest is one on the "Origin of nous faisons un appel à tous les cœurs français. Prairie Vegetation," consisting of an able critiDe grâce, donnez-nous de l'argent, du linge, des cism of Prof. Winchell's theory that the prairies chemises, des couvertures, des vêtements, de fla-are of lacustrine origin, and that we must look nelle, etc. Là-bas, sur nos frontières, l'élan to the source of the prairie vegetation from des villes, les offrandes touchantes des villages without,- probably the remains of a pre-glacial ne suffisent déjà plus à nos chers blessés. Les besoins sont immenses. Le temps presse. Donnez, oh! donnez vite! Envoyez les dons en nature et en argent au siége de la societé à Paris, Palais de l'Industrie, porte No IV." Here is a work in which all may unite - French, Germans, and neutrals, men of science, men of literature, men of business; and above all, our women. Nobly already have English, Irish, and Americans, surgeons, nurses, sisters of charity, come forward in the good work, but still it can only be as a drop in the ocean. To offer succour to the wounded and sufferers on both sides, to assuage as far as we can, the horrors of war, never exhibited on a more fearful scale than within the last few weeks, is now the duty of

flora, the germs of which have remained stored up during subsequent epochs, and come again to life whenever the diluvial surface is again exposed. The writer of the article maintains that there is no need to go so far back as the diluvial period for the origin of the prairie vegetation. Dr. Hale, of Chicago, mentions the interesting fact that the Ranunculus cymbalaria, an abundant plant of the eastern sea coast and of the salt springs in the State of New York, is found in great abundance at Chicago, and for several miles along the shores of Lake Michigan, though nowhere else on the Great Lakes. It appears, however, that it also grows on the muddy banks of some of the western rivers.

Nature.

From The Spectator. votes, that the shopkeepers of Paris preTHE REVOLUTION. ferred the Empire to a Republic, and cash POOR PREVOST PARADOL! Six weeks to both; that as a force they were extinct, longer of pain, forty-five days more of and that the only danger to the Empire patience with the Almighty, and his burden came from the men in blouses; whereas it would have passed away, and he would have was the grocers, the shopkeepers, the men had a career, and all Europe would have of the National Guard, whose battalions honoured him for his wise prevision. It marched on the Legislature, and would, was during the agitation about the Plébiscite had the soldiery not joined them, have that he warned England through the Times made Paris flow with blood. And finally, not to put too much faith in the mere how often have we been told that the revomilitary pressure on Paris, told her that lutionary tradition had been broken, that the moment Paris was united the soldiery" the Empire had altered all that," that would be Parisian, affirmed that the brain Bonapartes would at all events disappear of the wonderful city was acute enough to after the fight the Bourbons ought to have devise new and unexpected modes of over-made; and yet, when the time arrived, throwing deepots. It was all nonsense, every movement was as strictly in accord said Philistia, and to his own sick brain and with tradition as if Revolution were a consore heart it all seemed nonsense too. stitutional formula. The tradition of France There was the mighty army, there were the is that when Revolution has become needhuge barracks, the smooth roads, the readyful, all citizens of Paris should see it all at artillery, the cowed and disunited people, once, and unexpectedly; that the armed without leaders, or arms, or the tradition citizens should march on the Legislature; of self-government. France had re-elected that the soldiers should fraternize; that the Caesar, oppression would be perpetual, majority of members should propose some and he in his misery and his cowardice preposterous compromise; that the Left of would quit the world which hope had the day should understand the logic of the quitted before. Only forty-five days, and situation, and should create a government; then the hour for which he had longed for that the legitimate Government should be eighteen years struck loud, and amid a arrested, or fly to avoid arrest; that the race of imbeciles he alone was proved to Republic or the alternative fancy of the have been far-sighted, and he had fled hour should be declared supreme; that from before his own triumph in impatient Paris should sing for joy, and that the fear. The hour came, and with 50,000 provinces should adhere enthusiastically; troops within her gates, and a Cæsarist and so it all happened. On Saturday, the Government to use them, Paris, without 3rd inst., Paris knew that an occasion of firing a shot, without shedding a drop of Revolution had arrived, that the tyranny blood, almost by an act of pure volition, against which it had fought for eighteen swept the Bonaparte dynasty-its Court, years had destroyed its own instrument, the its satellites, its Ministers, its policy - at Army, and its own excuse, the greatness of one sweep out of France. Nothing is more France, and instantly its resolve was formed. Wonderful in the whole movement than the All that night the Government and the way it has shown the foolishness of the wis-majority of the Chamber held counsel to dom of the cynically wise. How often devise means of averting the inevitable. have we not been told that Paris is no Count Palikao, soldier of the type which longer France; but the emergency arrives, Caesars love-stern, competent, and greedy Paris rises, the representatives of Paris to excess had ordered his 50,000 men to form a Government, they dismiss by decree protect the Chamber; and the Chamber, the representatives of the country, and all France "adheres" with acclamations! How often have we been assured by men "who know France" that the Army had become a caste, separated in feeling from the nation; that it would never again "fraternize" with the citizens; that Paris must yield to scientifically organized force; and when Paris has risen, the troops, with peremptory orders to fire and a certainty of success if they will but act, turn up the butt ends of their rifles, and are for that day and that emergency citizens again. How often have we been told, in spite of their unchanging

filled with pensioners, nominees, and rich Philistines eager for the social deference which attends courtiers, had resolved to announce the accession of Napoleon IV., and the Regency of his mother, the Empress Eugénie. The plan was carefully laid, it was reasonable in itself, as far as that kind of plan is ever reasonable, and but that its scene was Paris, it would in all probability have succeeded. The streets would have run with blood, but the National Guard could not have beaten the troops; and the people were unarmed, but Providence and tradition were too strong for the "military