Then if they had to move round the world, I am sure they never would keep in such order, especially as some would have to go so much faster than others; for they have a much greater distance to go. They cannot turn round the earth in that way. But yet they seem to do so.
Yes. But just look forward. Do you see how the head of the vessel is dipping into the Bay of Biscay?
I do, father.
But do you notice that as the bow of the ship sinks and rises, all the stars to the southward seem to dance up and down?
Now I understand. Like as these stars appear to dance about according to the motion of the ship, so the apparent motion of the stars round the earth in twenty-four hours must be owing to the motion of the earth. The earth must turn over once a day. It is easier to imagine this, than to imagine such extraordinary motions to take place among the stars.”
ROTUNDITY OF THE EARTH.
It was fine fun for the healthy, hearty English boy to be tossed about in the Great Atlantic. What a noble, towering wave was that which raised up the ship, but only to let it down in the deep trough of the sea, while its crest hung over it, as if to drive it to the bottom!
As the day passed off, and the sombre clouds thronged the western horizon, James got toned down, and became thoughtful and still. Then was his face turned from the waves to the stars, being never tired of watching their motions and admiring their beauty.
He had long been regarding the heavens one evening, when he turned, as he heard his father’s step, and exclaimed—