Public ledger. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1865-1893, 1873-02-12

most remarkable and aweinspirinp
object. In form, the brightest portion
resembles the head aud yawning Jaws ol
some monstrous animal, with fantastic
branching arms. Many stars are scat
tered over IL, which have connection
with Il, and the sextnple star before
mentioned occupies conspicuous posi-
ton close 70 the brightest portion, At
almost the edge OF the opening Of the
jaws, while with the area OF the trape-
aum no nebul@ exists. The general as
pect Of the curious portion adjacent TO
the trapezium, and forming the square
front Of the head, is broken up into
masses, the mottling and curdling light
Of which indicates, by sort Of granular
texture, that il consists Of clusters OF
stars.
Such was the development OF this ne.
bula when the scientific world watched
with intense interest its examination by
Lord Roses telescope. In l845 the
great instrument was directed toward
the mysterious object. The first inspec.
ton was not successful. There was not
the faintest trace Of star. The nebula
lay looming, unintelligible as ever. But
the brighter parts we're more brilliant,
the interior of the mass more broken.
Innumerable streamers we're attached TO
It on every side, while its great branch.
ing arms rose in relief out of the dark
sky, like huge cumulus-cloud. .,T
. But, under more favorable atmospher-
ical conditions, the perseverance Of
Lord Rosse was crowned with partial
success. A portion Of the great nebula
was resolved into stars, and Lord Rosse
writes, in 1886: " | may safely say there
can be little if any doubt as to the re.
sponsibility of the nebula; all about the
trapezium is a mass of stars, the rest Of
the nebula alse abounding with stars,
and exhibiting the characteristics OF
resolvability strongly marked" "
Mr.. Higgins subjected this nebnla to
careful examination with the spectre
scope, found unmistakable proof Of the
presence of gaseous matter. Thus,
though part Of it may be resolved into
stars, an immense mass still exists in
the form of luminous gas; and thus also
complete accordance will be estab-
lished between the results of the tele-
scope and spectroscope. The immense
distance of this nebula and its immense
size are beyond the power of human
comprehension. 1t is estimated that
its light is sixty thousand years in
reaching us, and that its surpasses that
of all other nebule collected in one
mighty group.
Every constellation has a language of
its own, and Orion is the embodiment of
majesty, nobility, and imperial power.
ConqueriDg and to conquer " is written
on his glittering stars, and from out of
their vast depth shines the wisdom of
ages. From the time Of the Chaldean
shepherds until the present day these
stars have been objects. of unwearying
interest and delight. For thousands of
years have astronomers watched their
progress, and added, with the revolving
ages, stores of astronomical lore, and
new discoveries, each more brilliant than
the last. The result of their research is
our glad Inheritance. But 1t is left for
future disooverers to give full solution
of the rystery Of the marvellous cloud
glowing in misty light inthe midst of the
shining group. and investing with a
strange prophetic meaning the sacred
and familiar question, Canst thou loose
the bands of Orion2"