Tommy.—But is it not more likely that such little things as the stars and the sun should move, than such a large thing as the earth?
Mr Barlow.—And how do you know that the stars and sun are so small?
Tommy.—I see them to be so, sir. The stars are
so small, that they are hardly to be seen at all; and the sun itself, which is much bigger, does not seem bigger than a small round table.
The day after this conversation, as the weather was bright and clear, Mr Barlow went out to walk with Harry and Tommy. As by this time Tommy was inured to fatigue, and able to walk many miles, they continued their excursion over the hills, till at last they came in sight of the sea. As they were diverting themselves with the immense prospect of water that was before them, Mr Barlow perceived something floating at a distance, so small as to be scarcely discernible by the eye. He pointed it out to Tommy, who with some difficulty was able to distinguish it, and asked him what he thought it was.
Tommy answered that he imagined it to be some little fishing-boat, but could not well tell, on account of the distance.
Mr Barlow.—If you do not then see a ship, what is it you do see? or what does that object appear to your eyes?
Tommy.—All that I can see is no more than a little dusky speck, which seems to grow bigger and bigger.
Mr Barlow.—And what is the reason it grows bigger and bigger?
Tommy.—Because it comes nearer and nearer to me.