Mr Barlow.—If that is the case, it is not so very certain that the earth we inhabit is bigger than the sun and stars. They are at a very great distance from us; therefore, if anybody could go from the earth towards the sun, how do you think the earth would appear to him as he journeyed on?
Tommy.—Really I can hardly tell.
Mr Barlow.—No! Why, is it not the same thing, whether an object goes from you, or you from the object? Is there any difference between the ship sailing away from us, and our walking away from the ship?
Tommy.—No, sir.
Mr Barlow.—Did you not say that if the sun could be removed farther from our eyes, it would appear less?
Tommy.—To be sure it would.
Mr Barlow.—Why, then, if the earth were to sink down from under our feet, lower and lower, what would happen? Would it have the same appearance?
Tommy.—No, sir; I think it must appear less and less, like the ship that is sailing away.
Mr Barlow.—Very right, indeed; but now attend to what I asked you just now. If a person could rise slowly into the air, and mount still higher and higher towards the sun, what would happen?
Tommy.—Why the same as if the earth were to sink from under us; it would appear less and less.