Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1892-08-16

the measurement adopted by Leverrier. We
learn that the canals, those already named
or other, have been seen by other observ-
ers, notably through the enormous magnif-
cent equatorial at Mount Hamilton.
Astronomers are not agreed as to the ma
tn re of these strange formations That the
continents of Mars are crossed by network
of lines, often perfectly straight and OF
geometrical aspect, is undoubted by all
who have studied the question, but it is
difficult to decide what is the origin Of
these tracings Mouths of the principal
ones seem to be those of former rivers
Nevertheless, they are not real rivers, be-
cause they do not have their origin in shut
in land, but run direct from one sea to an
other, and, further, because they cross each
other. This leads to the conclusion that
they are watercourses on the same level be-
tween fiat ground.
These Canals Are Evidently Water.
1t has been found that the effects of time
on the geographic surface of continents
(Mars is older than the earth) is to fatten
them. 1t is probable that 1000, 900 or
5000, 900 years hence one sea will reach to
another. 1t is also probable that 1000, 600
or 10000 years hence all land on the
earth will be leveled.
OH tue Otutr HhHU, ls pTopdpiC shS
canals are water, because they are the same
color as the seas of Mars, because they
communicate with the seas, and because
they change in width and even position.
Are they for that reason full of water?
Certainly there is nothing to prove 1t is
their vegetation, tender. perhaps, so science
does not forbid the supposition that the in
habitants of Mars were able to change the
courses of old rivers with view to making
general distribution of the water-already
become scarce, but in places threatening
the surface of the continents fattened by
the wear and tear of the ages.
This is one hypothesis 1t Is not opposed
to science. 1t is to be feared that it will
never be possible to explain the canals of
Mars by leaving out of sight the possi-
bility of an identi rectifcation of the
watercourses, any more than the astrono-
mers of Venus could explain our railway
systems, if they persisted In refusing to
admit any other influences affecting the
surface of the earth than the blind forces of
nature. We cannot say this is; we can only
say this might be; and should any better
explanation of things that have been OBJ
served on Mars be forthcoming we are quite
prepared to accept it, the above being only
provisional. Until better appears it is De-
yond doubt
Double Canals at Certain seasons.
1t has been observed that at certain sea-
sons these canals have been doubled, formed
of two parallel lines. This extraordinary
phenomenon was first observed in 1881. 1t
will probably not be seen this year. be-
cause it only occurs in the spring and au-
tumn of Mars, that is to say, equinoxes,
and not in the summer, and because the in
habitants of Mars are approaching their
solstice; but whether they be seen or not
this year, they exist. It is more difficult
to explain them than even the canals. May
they not be due to some atmospheric refrac-
tion, caused by crystals of ice, as happens
with us, producing halos and parhelia re-
sembling more or less the double refrac-
tion?
However it may be in regard to existing
problems set by our neighboring planet we
may state that Mars, OF all the planets in
our system, is the most interesting through
it's resemblances and differences from our
earthly habitation. We can only repeat
what Herschel said more than a century
ago: 'Its inhabitants probably enjoy
situation in MANY respects similar to ours"
Novelty has always an especial attraction
for us This is the first time since the origin
Of mankind that we have discovered in the
skies new world sufficiently like our own
to awaken our sympathies. Many years
will doubtless pass before science is able TO
acquire ideas as complete respecting our
other neighbor planet, Venus, as those We
now possess respecting this new world of
Mars, but what wonders has not the science
,f the future in store for our successors, and |
who shall dare say that the mankind of !
Mars and the mankind of this earth will not |
one day be able to communicate with one
another? A generation will pass away and |
will long continue its upward way. |