hours.

The time intervening between the formation of the moon and the
earth's diminution to its present size, was probably one of those
vast sums in which astronomy deals so largely, but which the mind
altogether fails to grasp.

The observations made upon the surface of the moon by telescopes,
tend strongly to support the hypothesis as to all the bodies of space
being composed of similar matters, subject to certain variations. It
does not appear that our satellite is provided with that gaseous
envelope which, on earth, performs so many important functions.
Neither is there any appearance of water upon the surface; yet that
surface is, like that of our globe, marked by inequalities and the
appearance of volcanic operations. These inequalities and volcanic
operations are upon a scale far greater than any which now exist upon
the earth's surface. Although, from the greater force of gravitation
upon its exterior, the mountains, other circumstances being equal,
might have been expected to be much smaller than ours, they are, in
many instances, equal in height to nearly the highest of our Andes.
They are generally of extreme steepness, and sharp of outline, a
peculiarity which might be looked for in a planet deficient in water
and atmosphere, seeing that these are the agents which wear down
ruggedness on the surface of our earth. The volcanic operations are
on a stupendous scale. They are the cause of the bright spots of the
moon, while the want of them is what distinguishes the duller
portions, usually but erroneously called SEAS. In some parts, bright
volcanic matter, besides covering one large patch, radiates out in
long streams, which appear studded with subordinate foci of the same
kind of energy. Other objects of a most remarkable character are