EARTH

THE

FROM

MOON

THE
DIRECT

NINETY-SEVEN

IN

TO

TWENTY

MINUTES:
ROUND

TRIP

AND

HOURS
AND

IT

BY

JULES

VERNE

ILLUSTRATED

NEW
CHARLES

YORK

SCRIBNER'S
1905

SONS

3CJO

CONTENTS

THE

FROM

EARTH

THE

TO

MOON
PAGE

CHAPTER

I.
II.

The

Gun

Club

Barbicane's

President

Communication

8
.

III.
IV.
V.

Eefect

of

Reply
The

President's

the

from

Communication

Observatory

the

Romance

the

of

of

15

Cambridge

19

Moon

23

....

VI.

The

Permissive
Belief

in

Limits

of

United

the

Ignorance

and

States

28
...

VII.

The

Hymn

of

Cannon-Ball

the

33

...

VIII.
IX.

History
The

of

Cannon

the

Question

of

the

40

Powders

44

...

X.

One

Enemy

Twenty-five

v.

Millions

of

Friends
XI.
XII.

Florida
Urbi

XIII.

Stones

XIV.

Pickaxe

XV.

The

49
Texas

and

et

54

Orbi

59

Hill

65
Trowel

and

Fete

of

70
Casting

the

XVI.
XVII.

XVIII.

Telegraphic

The

Passenger

XX.

Monster

Attack

Despatch
of

Meeting
and

75
80

the

85
"Atlanta"

86
.

XIX.

Columbiad

The
A

Riposte

92
99

CONTENTS.

VI

PAGE

CHAPTER

Manages

Frenchman

XXI.

How

XXII.

The

New

XXIII.

The

Projectile Vehicle

XXIV.

The

Telescope

XXV.

Final

XXVI.

Fire!
Foul

XXVII.

XXVIII.

Citken

Affair

United

the

of

of

an

States

io8
117
122

Moltntains

Rocky

the

Details

125
120

133

138

Weather
Star

New

141

MOON

THE

ROUND

chapter

preliminary

Recapitulatory

145

CHAPTER

I.

From

II.

III.
rV.
V.
VI.
VII.

VIII.

The

A
The

Question

and

Moment

At

X.

XI.
XII.
XIII.

The

Fancy

Lunar

...

Answer

of

104

Intoxication
Thousand

202

....

Five

Hundred

Leagues
of

Observers

the

of

Reality
Details

Landscapes

j^g

185

Consequences

Orographic

.151

Space

Fourteen

and

160

Seventy-eight

The

Forty-

157

Algebra
of

p.m.

to

Shelter

of

Cold

AND

IX.

Place

Little

Ten

Ten

Half-hour

First

Their

Past

Minutes

seven

Past

Minutes

Twenty

212

Deviation
Moon

221

228
232

236
24,

CONTENTS.

VH

PAGE

CHAPTER

XIV.

Night

The

of

Hours

EOUR

Three
and

Hundred
a

half
.

XV.

XVI.

Hyperbola

The

Fiety-

and

-251

Parabola

or

Southern

260

Hemisphere

270

....

XVII.

XVIII.

XIX.

Tycho

273

281

Questions

Grave

Struggle

Against

the

Impossible

289
.

XX.

The

Soundings

of

"Susquehanna"

the

XXI.

XXII.

XXIII.

J.

T.

Maston

Recovered

The

Recalled

from

End

the

299

305
Sea

312

320

LIST

the

for

trains

Projectile

ILLUSTRATIONS

OF

Frontispiece

moon

PACING
PAGE

President

Barbicane

sketch

Ideal

Tampa

lo

of

the

after

town

Maston's

T.

J.

42

gun

82

undertaking

136

Fire

The

director

post

140

160

Barbicane

raised

They

his

at

The

chose

sun

to

be

the

of

party

.172
...

'I

The

"It

A.

have

could

ventured

telescope

is

few

the

feet

fault

nearer

at

of

out

on

the

top

of

the

projectile"

206
.

Parsontown

228

the

252

moon"

304

FROM

EARTH

THE

MOON

THE

CHAPTER

THE

DuEiNG

the

"War

established

was

It

is well

without
West

lavish

the

point

Europeans

attained

and

hoitifzers,
formidable

hitherto

oblique,
French,

the

or

degree

engines

of the

their

nothing
mere

American

to

at

of

of

dint

by

pocket-pistols

artillery.

that

their

of

theirs, but

consequently
grazing,

firing,

learn;

the

than
and

point

distanced

indeed,

perfection

point-blank

or

erals,
gen-

men.

Not,

In

and

compeers

victories

dimensions,

ranges.

have
are

of

their

Instruction

singularly

of gunnery.

enfilading,

mortars

rivalled

and

military

ship-owners,

colonels,
of

off

land.
Mary-

jumped

School

Americans

science

unheard-of

the

money,

unheard-of

FruBsians

and

the

higher

exhibited

they

ammunition,

of

nation

club

of
for

taste

captains,

carried

them,

State

tradesmen

quickly

they

which

in
in

was

retained

weapons
that

in

passed

like

and,

expenditure

But

Simple

influential

the
the

that

amongst

ever

nevertheless,

in

energy

extemporized

continent,

old

what

and

new

Baltimore

with

having

Point:

of

mechanics.

become

to

counters

city

known

and

CLUB.

Rebellion,

developed

shopkeepers,

I.

GUN

the

in the

became

matters

the

of

TO

but

the
their

compared

ing,
plung-

English,
cannon,

with

the

FROM

This

fact need

no
surprise

in the
and

musicians

Nothing

is

Witness

world, are

the

Yankees, the first

The

engineers
"

metaphysiciansby rightof
ingenuityto

perceive them

to

Eodman.

Ihe

compelledto

bow

Parrott,Dahlgren, and

of

Beaulieu

and
Ai-mstrong,Palliser,

were

guns

of gunnery.

science

the

are

birth

"

audacious

chanicians
me-

Italians

the

-just as

natural, therefore, than

marvels

the

MOON.

THE

TO

one.

Germans

moi'e

applying their

EARTH

THE

before their ti'ansatlanticrivals.

Now

when

American
and

to share

and

office is

the

meeting, and
managed
nucleus

The

inventor

and

the

caster

it numbered

of

associated
formed

was

the

after its formation

singlemonth

effective members

1833

things were

cannon

Thus

general

So

new

borer.

In

Club."

Gun

"

of the

keeper of records,

fully constituted.

is

club

second

president

readyfor work; five,they convene

the

the

elect

three,they

be

Given four,they name

in Baltimore.

himself with

seeks
idea,he directly

an

If there

it.

secretaries.

two

has

American

an

and

30,563

sponding
corre-

members.

One

condition
fc^

cannon;

the

or, in

default
may,

of

sitie gud

(more
at

cannon,

upon

carbines,and
revolvers,five-shooting

that

was

fire-arm of

that

mere

similar small

ArtUlerists

every

didate
can-

the

less)perfecteda

or

least

however, be mentioned

with but littleconsideration.

non

association,and

having designed, or

It
description.
of

into

admission
of

condition

imposed as

was

some

inventions
arms,

always commanded

me*^

the

chief placeof favour.

The
to
"

one

estimation
of the

The
of

the

weapons

Gun

these

gentlemen were

scientific exponents

most

to
proportional

of the square

in which

the

once

of the Gun

founded,it

by

their

conceive

Americans.

Their

genius

of

attained

colossal

and
proportions,

the

projectiles."

is easy to

inventive

the

Club, was

of their guns, and in the direct ratio

masses

of the distances attained

Club

held,according

their

the result

military
ceeding
exprojectiles,

limits,
prescribed
unfortunately
c it
occasionally

in

THE

two

GUN

CLUB.

inventions,in fact,

unoffendingpedestrians.These

some

the

left far in

tlie timid instruments

rear

of

European artil-

leiy.
proved themselves

ever

Yankees,bra\'e

that these

It is but fair to add

be, did

to

Amongst them

inventions.

for their
persond,

those who

every age, from

of arms
profession
carriage.Mary

the

calculated

by

Gun

there

Club

all

were

noses,

was

of these

of
despatches
the

for

muzzled

were
depressed,

bloody

felt

laid

it was

particular

no

justlyproud

when

the

of victims at tenfold

the number

battle returned
the

mortars

indefinite
returned

reminiscences

in
luxuriantly

legs,arti

throughoutthe

artillerists took

the survivors of the war;

an

of

four persons, and

between

arm

little facts,and

ceased, the
gi-adually

were

that

"

signedbetween

; and

and
collection;

expended.
projectiles
sad and
melancholyday !
day, however

quantityof

One

all

Club

six.
valiant

Nevertheless,these
account

quiteone

not

the gun-

on

greater proportionbore the

great statistician Pitcairn

the

legsbetween

exactlytwo

of the Gun

in the

found

to be

in the

jaws, silver craniums, platinum

steel hooks, caoutchouc

ficial arms,

old

Crutches,wooden

valour.
indisputable

of their

of

the field of battle whose

"

the

return

their debut

grown

on

of Honour

Book

"

good their

made

had

who

those

found their rest

had

in
figured

marks

to

up

justmaking

were

to he counted

were

men
generals;military

ofiScersof all ranks,from lieutenants to

those who

to

formula;,but that they paid heavily,in propriA

theories and

names

themselves

confine

not

theyhave

as

the thunder

period,the

with

cannon,

arsenal,the

shot

was

of the guns

silent,the howitzers

were

into the

peace

"

were

muzzles

replied,

were

effaced;the cotton-plants
grow

were

all mourning garments

fields,

the well-manured

with
aside,together

grief
j

and

the

Gun

Club

was

to profound
inactivity.
relegated

Some

few of the

themselves

more

again to work

advanced

and

inveterate

calculations

upon
B

theorists set

regardingthe

laws of

FEOM

projectiles.
They

the club-rooms

the value of

was

in
Still,

the newspapers
from

snoringcame
Club, erstwhile

Platouic kind of

themselves

the

Those

his

days

are

It

"

in

us

arouse

of encouragement

from

hand

from

But

M'Clellan.

their counters; and

in

Sherman

or

with

atC

back

gone

of the

shake
friendly

the generals

now

hastened to try

one

retui-ned to camp

one

One

to

place of projectiles,
they despatch bales
the

By Jove,

Then

extend

time !

upon

it cast, when

hardlywas

word

cotton.

the guns

once
delightful

was

it in the face of the enemy

of

to .'what

look forward

again shall

the

of
fire-place

the

reports?"
delightful
tryingto
gone by," said jollyBilsby,

gun, and

When

evening,-while

one

with their

missingarms.

invented

dreams

whollyto

up

Hunter

Tom

said

existence !

morning

"

silence

to

artillery.

"

loathsome

reduced

were

of

Gun

of the

members

legs in
rapidlycarbonizinghis wooden
smoking-room; nothingto do ! nothingto
a

in the antechambers,

tables,sounds

the

the

their seances,

and gave

is horrible!"

"This

and

corners,

noisyin

so

this disastrous peace

by
of

dark

practical

Consequently,

dozed

servants

mouldy on

grew

of

default

theories ?

mere

the
deserted,

became

and

invariablyto giganticshells

reverted

howitzers of unparalleled
calibre.
what
experience,

MOON.

THE

TO

EARTH

THE

future

of

in

gunnery

America

is

lost! "
"

T.

Ay

I and

no

in

war

prospect!
his

Maston, scratchingwith
Not

"

cranium.

cloud

"

continued the famous

steel

in the horizon ! and

critical period in the progress

of the

his

hook

gutta percha

that too

science of

I who

address

perfecteda

model

(plan,section,elevation,
"c.) of

destined to

"No!

changeall the

is it

have

myself this

conditions of warfare I

possible?" replied Tom

Maston, by which,
three hundred

and

at

its first

he
trial,

thirty-seven
people.

had

morning

very
a

mortar

"

Hunter,

to a former invention
revertinginvoluntarily

at such

! Yes,
artillery

gentlemen I

you

James

his

of the

succeeded

thoughts

Hon.
in

J. T.

killing

THE

"Fact

I"

repliedhe.

studies worked

out,

of time !

waste

World

to have

seems

bellicose Tribune

our

of

use

It's

made

ing
approachof population."

increase

"
Colonel Blomsberry,
Nevertheless,"replied
they are

strugglingin Europe

maintain

to

principleof

the

mere

its mind

up

some
predicts

this scandalous

manj

so

difficultiesvanquished?

many

catastrophes
arisingout of
"

CLUB.

"Still,vfha.t is the

New

The

live in peace; and

to

so

GUN

always

nalionali

ties."

"Well?"
"

Well, there might be

and
"

if theywould

accept our

What

dreaming of?"

are

you

for the benefit of

That

"

field for

some

would

services

there;

down
enterprise

"
"

work

"

screamed

Bilsby;

at gunnery

?"
foreigners
than

be better

doingnothinghere,"returned

the

colonel.

"Quite so,"said J. T. Maston; "but

that

to

need

not

World

are

dream

of

expedient."

"

And

"

Because

ensign;which
without

demanded

habits of

much

as

having first cast

the

the colonel.

!"

thought.

as

his

having served
can't

one

first as

point a

an

gun

with his bowieHunter, whittling

if that

"but
easy-chair;

there,aU that is left for

fellows believe that

Those

say that

to

contrary

it oneself!"

repliedTom
of

arms

in the Old

generalwithout

is

Ridiculous

knife

"

their ideas of progress

become

can't

one

not ?

why

American

our

"

stillwe

us

is to

plant tobacco

be

and

the

case

distilwhale-

oil."
"

!"

What

roared

remainingyears
never

be

fresh

Shall the air

No

never

international

againstsome

of

J. T.
our

Maston,

life in

"

shall

againbe lightedwith

transatlantic power

arise
?

to

ranges

the

enable

employ

not

fire-arms
perfecting

opportunityof tryingthe
ever
difllculty

we

Shall there

of

?
projectiles

glareof
us

these

to

our

guns

declare

Shall not the French

sink

war
one

FROM

of

steamers,

our

rightsol

of the

defiance

"
countrymen ?

our

such

kind is

and
is fast declining,
susceptibility

American

it.

going to
"

UOON.

THE

luck,"repliedColonel Blomsberry; "nothing of the

should not profit
if it did,we
to happen; and even
likely

"No

"

TO

in
Englisli,

the

or

nations,hang a few of

by

EARTH

THE

the

are

fresh

true," repliedJ. T. Maston, with

save

our

up

who

don't know

out

of one's way

to

find

cause

legs for

and

arms

to do with

what

violence;

and yet
grounds for fighting,

thousand

fight. We

all

dogs."

It is too

there

are

we

them!
for

But

war

benefit of nations

the

without

stop
"

North

did not

"

don't

we

going

America

"

English?
Tom
Hunter, stampinghis crutch with
Undoubtedly,"
replied
fury.
Well then,"replied
J. T. Maston, "why should not England
belong to

once

the

"

"

in her turn

?"

the Americans

belongto

returned
justand fair,"

Colonel

"

It would

"

Go and propose it to the Pi-esident of the United

J. T.
"

be but

!"

Bah

"

Jove ! "

By

and

how

see

he will receive

at the next

that will

never

cried J. T.

election!

do I

"

J. T. M., "
Meanwhile,"replied

"

he mustn't count

ours," repliedunanimouslyaU

opportunityto tiy

an

my

allow

new

"

bury myselfin

In that

Matters

case

with

circumstance

On

the

will accompany

on

war

my

vote

to

prevent

on

that,if I

valids.
in-

not
can-

real field of

Club, and

1"

you,"cried

so

bellicose

of the Gun

the others.

condition, and

when
approaching dissolution,

occurred

morrow

to say

me

of Arkansas
prairies

in this unfortunate

were

threatened

we

the

the

mortars

I shall say good-byeto the members

battle,
go and

the

"

Nor

get

you."

"

Maston,

"

on

cried
Slates,"

the four teeth which

growledBilsbybetween

had left him;

"

"

Maston,

Blomsberry,

an

the

club

was

unexpected

deplorablea catastrophe.

after this conversation

every membr'

of the

THE

association

received

GUN

sealed

CLUB.

couched

circular

in

following

the

terms:"

"

"

that,

The
at

President
the

meeting
of

that

they

will

iuTitatiou.
"

of

an

make

^Very

the
of

Gun
the

extremely
it

convenient

Clnb
oth

has

the

instant,

interesting
to

attend

honour
will

be

in

bring
He

nature.

his

inform

to

Oct.

BAirmoBE,

before

requests,

accordance

with

ooUeaguea

them

Utrai

BlBBIOANE,

munication
com-

therefore,
the

present

cordi"Uy
"

S.

P.G.O."

II

CHAPTER

BARBICANE'S

PRESIDENT

Osr the
the

5th

of

October,

of

saloons

the

members

of

invitation

of their

bars,
the
to

the

notices

to

the

the

of

nature

of

freedom

of

in ideas

that

evening

and

"

townspeople
Nevertheless
area

pillarsformed
BUpported

peculiar

the

to

the

yards.
court-

outer

pressed

who

all

with

up
to

eager

President

oi

that

perfect

when

masses

the

That

and

the

"

men

in

order

to

the

vast

educated

exclusively

for

could

stray

hall

presented

superposed
of

the

mingle

bits of

curious

the

to

upon

arches,

huge
a

resident
have

councillors,

with
from

news

money

possibly

municipal

to

singularly adapted

ironwork

or

the

the

mere

interior,

spectacle.

Its

Lofty

purpose.
mortars

in

be

to

love

else

one

chanced

for

city magnates,

catch

of cannon,
fine

no

compelled

were

was

admission

reserved

was

have

might

who

gained

members

place

select

immense

crushing

have

not

hall.

great

squeezing,

stranger

corresponding

obtained

communication

is

into

ranks,

front

the

of

self-government."

could

the

which

herd

important

the

pushing,

action
"

Baltimore
into

all

reach

to

the

into

vulgar

streets

overflowed

They

the

the

mem

quite inadequate

was

passages,

against

ran

the

corresponding

hall, it

savants.

narrow

struggling

Barbicane

On

the

they

great

of

crowd

down

rooms,

the

was

the

attended

Baltimore
the

All

Square.

throughout

hundreds

by

doors, each

the

learn

or

delivered

accommodate

21, Union
in

towards

pressed

crowd

regards

As

president.

as

No.

resident

association

were

There

at

dense

p.m.,

Club

Gun

city, and, large

adjoining

at

COMMUJnCATIOJT.

as

perfect piece

of

baso,
cast-

lO

FROM

THE

EARTH

TO

MOON.

THE

serious and self-contained deraeanouTj

singularly
temper and immoTpunctualas a chronometer,of imperturbable
able character ; by no means
chivalrous,
yetadventurous withal,
and alwaysbringing
ideas to bear upon the very rashest
practical
enterprises
New-Englander,a Northern colonist,
; an essentially
of the old anti-Stuart Eonndheads, and the implar
a descendant
cable enemy of the gentlemenof the South, those ancient Cava,
to the
liersof the mother-country.In a word, he was a Yankee
iustere ; of

backbone.
had

largefortune as a timber-merchant.
duringthe war, he proved
Beingnominated Director of Artillery
himself fertilein invention.
Bold in his conceptions,
he contri
buted powerfully
to the progress of that arm
and gave an
immense
impetus to experimentalresearches.
He was
of the middle height,
a personage
having,by a rare
exceptionin the Gun Club,allhis limbs complete.His strongly,
marked features seemed drawn by square and rule j and if it be
true that,in order to judgeof a man's character one must look at
his profile,
Barbicane,so examined, exhibited the most certain
indications of energy, audacity,
and sang-froid.
At
this moment
he was
sittingin his armchair, silent,
sheltered under his high-crowned
absorbed,lost in reflection,
hat
kind of black silk cylinder
which always seems
a
firmly
Barbicane

made

"

screwed

upon

Just when
as
Barbicane,

the head of
the

an

American.

clock
deep-toned

if he

had

been

in the

greathall struck eight,

set in motion

raised
by a spring,
himself up.
A profound silence ensued,and the
in a
speaker,
somewhat
emphatictone of voice,commenced
as follows :
too longalready
My brave colleagues,
a paralyzing
peace has
plunged the members of the Gun Club in deplorable
inactivity.
After a periodof years full of incidents we have been
compelled
to abandon our labours,
and to stopshort on the road of
progress.
I do not hesitate to state,
t
hat
which
should
boldly,
any war
recall us to arms
would be welcome !
(Tremendous applavM ! )
"

"

""
!li|i|||||ifjii|i|t|f

President

Barbicane.

BAEBICANE'S

PRESroENT

"

But

gentlemen,is impossibleunder existingcircntn^

desire it,many
we
and, however
may
years may

elapsebefore
of ideas
The

our

minds, then,

our

up

field for the

some

For

"
I have
bic.ine,

to

our

was
president

we
objects,
particular

grand experimentworthy

some

whether

the progress
it out

carry

to

of

and
working,calculating;
that
other

we

safe

are

country would

the result of
nication.

issue.

the

accordingly.

could

and

not

in

would

my

Bar-

enter

upon

century; and
enable

not

been

to

us

considering,
is the

studies

which
enterprise

an

viction
con-

to any

whollyimpracticable. This project,

appear

is the objectof
long elaboration,

Club;

approaching the

now

have

result of

succeed

to

It is worthy of

of the Gun

pine for."

of the nineteenth

science
artilleiy

successful

train

ourselves
askingmyselfwhether, while confining

been

own

another

continued
colleagues,"

brave

past,my

in

all

we

their attention

redoubled

months

some

in the field of battle.

seek

to

which
activity

the

meeting felt that

and
criticalpoint,

again thunder

shall

cannon

make

must

"

II

-wax,

stances

We

COMMUNICATION.

yourselves,
worthy

it cannot

present cotiimu-

my

of the

fail to make

antecedents
noise

some

in the

world."
thrill of excitement

Barbicane,having by
his

upon
"

not

There

is

his

among

It is

of this unknown
me

with

and

its

Slates which
Three

brave

you, my

world.

all your
name

compose

who
colleagues,

least,heard speak of it.

for

perhaps reserved

Oniy

power,

shall bo

his hat

harangue:^

about to discourse to you

am

Night.

second

"

one

the Moon, or, at

seen

bnses

no

firmlyfixed

rapid movement

head, calmlycontinued

if I
the

throughthe meeting.

ran

and

added

Don't

be

has
prised
sur-

regardingthis Queen
us

to

enter

become

the Colum-

into my

I will lead you

to

those

of

of the

plans,acd
to

its

quest,
con-

thii'ty-six

this Great Union."

cheers for the Moon

! " roared the Gun

Club,wfth

one

voice.
"

The

moon,

gentlemen,has

been

continued
stttdied,"
carefully

TROM

12

BarbicRne;

THE

"her

EARTH

her

as

that of

proofsof
known

the

incomparablebeauty of

geology,and
moment

which

moon

opticscan

it does

not

been

structed
con-

even

pass,
sur-

in short,all
satellite;

our

mathematical

learn

has

is

nomy,
science,astro-

But

her.

about

direct communication

no

have

Photography has given us

terrestrial maps.

our

regardingthe

present

equals,if

which
perfection

system,have all

solar

the

Selenographiccharts

exactlydetermined.
with

placein

constitution,

her

and weight;
density,

mass,

well
as
motions,distance,
been

MOON.

THE

TO

up to the
established

been

with her."
A

;emark

of the

"Permit

recount

to

how
briefly

you

have
on
spirits,
imaginaryjourneys,
starting

the secrets
certain David

here greeted this

surprise

speaker.

me," he continued, "to

certain ardent

the

of interest and

violent movement

of

satellite. In the seventeenth

our

Fabricius boasted

inhabitants of the

Baudoin, publisheda

'

moon.

of

having seen

In 1649

century a

with his

own

Frenchman,

one

Journeyperformedfrom

the Earth

by Domingo Gonzalez,'a Spanish Adventurer.

same
period Cyrano de Bergerao published that
in the Moon
which met with such success
Joui'neys
'

The

later another

Frenchman,

named

small

related how

Cape

of Good

translated from
treatise,

Sir John

Hope

the

of

the

celebrated
in France.

its time.

New

Herschell,
having been
for the purpose

the

wrote
Fontenelle,

of Worlds,' a chef-d'oeuvre
of
Plui-ality

1835

Jean

At

'

Somewhat

eyes

to

Moon

'

trated
pene-

York

About

American,

despatchedto

making

there

the

astro-

some

nomioal

of a telescopebrought to
calculations,
had, by means
of internal lighting,
perfectionby means
reduced
the apparent
distance

of the

moon

to

eightyyards !

He

then

distinctly
ceived
per-

frequented by hippopotami,green mountains

by goldenlace-work, sheep with horns of ivoiy,a white

caverns

bordered

speciesof deer, and inhabitants

bats.

had

This
a

the
brochure,

great sale.

work

with
of

an

membranous
American

wings, like
named

But, to bring this rapid sketch

to

Locke,
a

dote,

PRESIDENT

I will

onlyadd

himself

in

BARBICANE

that

certain Hans

balloon

COMMUNICATION.

Pfaal,of Eotterdam,launching

filledwith

extracted

gas

from

times lighter
than hydrogen,reached
thirty-seven
a

of nineteen

passage

American
"

author

Cheers

their
"

for

I mean,

"

I have

purelypaper

add

to

establish

that

actual

German

the

Queen

electrifiedby
assemblage,

communication

of

Night.

with her.

There,

those

on

Thus,

send

which

of the

the

alphabetwhich
of the moon.'

projectwas
no

for the

communication

with

of my

A
a

storm

So

spoke

to

us

between

to

easy

with the inhabitants

converse

the German

geometrician; but
to the

the earth

sidereal world.

of acclamations

carried away,

figure. The
figure;and,

and

practical
geniusof Americans
the

'

day

her satellite.
to establish

The

means

certain,infallible

and

"

present

of

arriving

that

is the

present proposal."
in the

singleperson

Long

shall enable

simple,easy,

purpose

of

regardingthe

established,it will be

once

in existence

Tf is reserved

are

to

characters

similar

and up
put into practice,

never

bond

thither

in

scientific meaning of that

being thus

communication

there is

plains,
they were

the prop,

do they exist,will respond by

Selenites,

his

few years ago,

'

understand

an

attempted to

hypothenuse,'
commonly called the Ass's bridge
being,'said the geometrician,
'Every intelligent

the French.

form

am

scientificexpedition
to

vast

was

establish

I
Nevertheless,

geometric figures,drawn

enormous

reflecting
amongst
luminosity,

"must

whollyinsufficient to

practical
geniuseshave

some

steppes of Siberia.

square

and

ones,

geometricianproposedto

describe

by

popular

enumerated," said Barbicane,"the experiments

now

I call

bound

of

previous

"

Poe ! " roared the

Edgar

serious relations with

the

Poe

after

moon

all the

the work

was

nitrogen,

words.
president's

which

Edgar

the

like
journey,

This

it
purelyimaginary;still,

was

ones,

hours.

greetedthese

whole

audience

lifted out of himself

continued

by

applauseresounded

words.
who

the

was

There
not

overcome,

words
speaker's

from

all sides.

not

was

FROM

14

As

soon

You

"

made

the

as

his

resumed

know,"

fire-arms

last
kind

every

the

expansive

Well

from

starting

conditions

project
At

thousand

this

words

silence, resembling
of

did

peal forth,

of

he

before

at

the

it,

and

my

ment."

to

question

endowed
aimed

make

me

by

at

brave

the

the

the

all

its

an

moon,

initial
must

colleagues,

possible

which

of

point

It

not.

of

The

cries, and

president

fully

was

the

thunderstorm

applause,

tremble.

perfect

precedes

fact,

of

hall

from

of

moment

continued.

calmly

bearings,

velocity

of

necessarily
propose

12,000
reach
a

trial

"

have

calculations

to

be

not

tempted
at-

minutes

ten

heard.

finish,'' he
in

upon

escaped

stillness

thunder

veiy

himself

might

succeeded

could

incontrovertible

with

then

In

but

it

posing
sup-

constructed

obtained

amazement

profound

was

made

could

Suffer

"

it

speak,

to

unlimited.

"

of

murmur

that

but

which

uproar

and

cannon

myself whether,

ask

be

moon

thunderstorm.

of

power

well

ai"e

you

practically

are

resistance,

chests

pantiag

bursting

could

the

to

up

resisting

principle,

ascertained

shot

these

the

perfection

of

degree

Moreover,

gunpowder

apparatus

of

of

what

reached.

terms,

force

and

has

science

artillery

progress

years,
have

general

sufficient

to

few

voice.

graver

what

"

Barbicaoa

partially subsided,

had

he,

MOON.

THE

TO

somewhat

said

that, in

the

in

the

of

EARTH

excitement

speech

during

aware

THE

have

attacked

resolutely
find

that

yards
it.
of

per

I have
this

looked

projectile

second,
the
little

and

honour,
experi

FROM

The
the

THE

EARTH

was

MOON.

THE

presidentcontinued

of the

triumphalprogress

evening. It

TO

throughout

mans,
regulartorchlight
procession.Irish,Ger-

French, Scotch,all the heterogeneousunits which

the

populationof Maryland shouted

and

this

at

by
eclipsing
kissed their

all turned

and

his fortune

It

all the

their gaze towards

midnight one

splendour,

serene

surroundinglights.
her

orb,
resplendent

opticianin

the enthusiasm

showed

all classes

spread equallyamong

Jones'-Fali

opera-glasses.

the sale of

by

Midnight arrived,and

as

mingled
inter-

were

hands, called her by all kinds of endearingnames.

eighto'clock

Street made

of

"*

braves

shone forth with

Moon

intense illumination

her

Yankees

Between

vernaculars
respective

as
crisis,
tion
though she comprehended all this agita-

the
regardingherself,

The

"

vivas," " hurrahs,"and

no

signsof

of

citizens

nution.
dimi-

"

science,shopkeepers,
merchants, porters, chair-men, as

"greenhorns," were

national

was
enterprise

the quays

up

enthusiasm.
inexpressible

in

Just

"

the

in their

make

stirred in
stake.

at

their

The

innermost

whole

drunk

crowd

with

well

fibres. A

city,high and low,

borderingthe Patapsco,the shipslyingin

disgorgeda

men

the

basins,

joy,gin,and whisky. Every one

chattered,argued,discussed,disputed,
applauded,from the gentleman

lounging upon

the

sherry-cobblerbefore
drunk

his

upon

"

bai--room

him

down

the

to
"

knock-me-down

with

settee

his tumbler
who

waterman

in the

dingy taverns

of

got

of Fell

Point.
About

President

a.m.,

Barbicane

squeezed almost
a

however,
to

reached
a

mummy.

similar outbreak

desert"id the

squares

the

excitement

his
A

to

subside.

house, bruised,crushed, and

Hercules

of enthusiasm.

and

began

streets.

The

could

The
four

not

have

sisted
re-

crowd

gradually
railways from

and Washington,
Philadelphia
Harrisburgand Wheeling,which
whirled away the heterogeneous
converge at Baltimore,
tion
populato

the four

"ided into

corners

of the United

comparativetranquillity.

States,and

the

citybi'I^

EFFECT

On

the

hundred

OF

PRESIDENT'S

THE

all took

and
the

up

wires, five
telegraphic
monthly,
weekly,monthly,or bijournals,
daily,

following
day, thanks

newspapers

COMMUNICATION.

the

to

examined

question.They

all

it under

its diflferentaspects, physical,

economical, or
meteorological,
to its bearings
on

moral,up
whether

the

moon

was

or
politics

civilization. They debated

finished world, or whether

undergo any further transformation. Did

destitute
earth at the periodwhen
the latter was
to

the

atmosphere?

kind

What

present to

terrestrial

our

the moon,

of

series of

America

one

every

must

that that involved

see

some

experiments.All

yet of

an

sphere
hemi-

the

the

ment
commence-

hope that

must

of that

day

some

mysterious

to fear lest its conquest should

seemed

even

as

up to
sendinga projectile

penetratethe deepest secrets

would

orb; and

of

it resemble

Granting that

?
spheroid

simplythat

questionat present was

tined
des-

was

its hidden

would
spectacle

of

it

not

of Europe.
sensibly
derangethe equilibrium
under discussion,
The project
not a single
once
paragraphsuggested
of its realization. All

doubt

reports all the journalspublished

by
"

societies enlargedupon
religious
of Natural

the

papers,

pamphlets,

and
scientific,
literary,

the

its advantages;
and the

Society

Science and Art of

of
Historyof Boston, the Society

and Statistical Society

of New
York,
Albany,the Geographical
of Philadelphia,
the Philosophical
and the Smithsonian
Society
of

Washington sent

Gun

innumerable

lettersof

offers of

Club, togetherwith

to
congratulation

immediate

the

assistance and

money.
From

that

day

forward

greatestcitizens of the
Science.
serve

to show

taken
singletrait of feeling,
the

individual
single
Some

few

the manager

Impey Barbicane became one of the

United States,
kind of Washington of
a

pointwhich

many

others,will

of

whole

peopleto

homage

attained.

days after this

of

this

from

an

memorable

Englishcompany

of
the production
theatre,

"

Much

ado

meetingof

the Gun

Club,

announced,at the Baltimore

about

Nothing." B'lt
o

the

FROM

populace,
project,

seeing
broke

the

man,

comedy
fabulous

he

the

unlucky

by

"Aa

pvadta.

that

in

into

bowed

EARTH

THE

title

you

the

to

alter

public
like

damaging
the

smashed

auditorium,

director

to

allusion

an

MOON.

THE

TO

itj"

will

and

his

to

for

Being

replaced
many

and

benches,

playbill.
and

Barbicane's

weeks

the

pelled
com-

sensible

offending
he

realized

CHAPTER

REPLY

FEOM

Basbicane,
enthusiasm

of

Club.

Their

mechanical

of

the

in

eminent

reposed
So,
in the
It

in it

after
hands

was

tory

of

the

by

two

is to

Here
Bond

enabled
discover

to

to

the

to

the

ensure

the

Gun

days,

seen

resolve

all

on

receipt

of

the

reply

your

first University

the
of

all the

work

at

that

nebula

Sirius,

points

for its

the

most

ful
power-

of AndroThis

cele"

confidence

impatientlyawaited

so

placed

was

Barbicane.

following

Cambridge

in the

the

of

Club.

in the

of the

be

Observatory

assembled

satellite

fully justified

of President

Cambridge

the

justly celebrated

is

tei-ms

Observatory

"

to the

President

favour
name

of

of

the

Chm

Club

Baltimore.
"

On

the

enterprize.
discuss

the

to

found

be

to

are

at

"

the

wanting

city,where

founded,

was

There

which

couched

Director

The

This

States

institution

hrated

be

Gun

the

consult

to

then

could

addressed

Massachusetts.

Clarke

and

of

part

should

and

up

of science.

telescope

agreed

care

precise terms, containing special interrogatories,

drawn

staff.

men

astronomical

nothing

in

United

astronomical

meda,

the

of

hoard-room
was

first

His

the

great experiment.

then

Cambridge

the

in

all

amidst

object.

the

discussion, it

and

couched

was

hecome

colleagues

CAMBRIDGE.

moment

one

ascertained, they

means,

note

OF

not

had

some

once

of this

his

after

reply

success

he

regarding

astronomers

"

which

There,

OBSEEVATOHT

lost

however,

reassemble

to

was

THE

IV.

of the
the
o

6th

Members

Cambeidqe,

inst., addressed
of

the

to

Baltimore

the

Oct.

7.

ObservaGun

Club,

FROM

20

reply as
"

The

"

'

follows

"'2.

What

judged expedientto

it was

"

which
ijuestions
to
Is it possible

1.

MOON.

THE

TO

and
immediatelycalled tegether,

staff was

onr

EARTH

THE

have

been

transmit

is the ezaot

proposed to it are these,

?
projectile
up to the moon
"

which

distance

lite?
its satel-

separates the earth from

endowed
when
period of transit of the projectile
moment
at what
p and, consequently,
ought
with sufficient initial velocity
at a particular
touch the moon
it to be discharged in order that it may
point?
4. At what
will the moon
present herself in the most
precisemoment
favourable position
?
to be reached by the projectile
at which
to be aimed
5. What
point in the heavens ought the cannon
is intended
P
to dischargethe projectile
of
at the moment
6. What
will
the
moon
place
occupy in the heavens
the projectile's
departure?'
Begaxding the firstquestion, Is it possibleto transmit a projectile
up to
What

"'3.

"

'

"

'

"

'

will be the

'

"

the

?'

moon

"

Answer.

second

"

Yes

provided it possess

calculations prove

the earth

from

an

that to be sufficient.

the action of

In

proportionas

will

become

reduced

to

zero

at

the

instant

given

shot

that the

recede

we

ratio of the

in the inverse

gravitationdiminishes

square of the distance ; that is to say, at three times

action is nine times less. Consequently,the weight of
and

yards per

initial velocityof 1200

distcmee

will

the

decrease,

attraction of the

exactlycounterpoisesthat of the earth; that is to say, at || of its

At that instant the projectile
will have no weight whatever
passage.
; and,
if it passes
that point,it will fall into the moon
the
of
sole
effect
the
by
lunar attraction.
The theoretical possibility
of the experiment is therefore
must
absolutelydemonstrated; its success
depend upon the power of the
engine employed.
As to the second question, What
is the exact distance which
separates
moon

"

'

the earth
"

from

Answer.

"

its satellite? '

The

moon

does not describe

circle round

the

earth,but rather

of which
earth occupies one
of the fod ; the consequence,
our
ellipse,
certain
that
at
it
times
therefore,is,
approaches aearer
to, and at others it
recedes farther from, the earth ; in astronomical
language,it is at one time
an

in apogee, at another
in perigee. Now
the difference between
its greatest
and its least distance is too considerable to be left out of consideration.
In
is 247,552 miles, and
the moon
point of fact,in its apogee
miles
218,657
only distant j a fact which makes a difference
or

more

than

ninth

one

of the entire distance.

fore,is that which

"

To the third

"

Answer.

"

12,000 yards
reach

ought to
question:

serve

perigee,

of 28,895

miles,

perigeedistance,there,

the basis of all calculations.

as

"

If the shot should

per

The

in its

second, it

its destination ;

would

preserve

of
its initial velocity
continuously

require little

but, inasmuch

as

more

that initial

than

nine

velocitywill

hours

be

to
con-

REPLY

CAMBRIDGE.

OF

OBSERVATORY

THE

FROM

21

it reanlts that, taking everythinginto consideration,it

tinnallydecreasing,
will occupy
300,000 seoonda, that is 83hra. 20m. in reachingthe pointwhere
and

of the earth

the attraction

it will fall into the

will be in

moon

in

moon
50,000 seconds, or
desirable,therefore,to dischargeit 97hrs. 13m.

the

the

at

moon

point aimed

eqv/iUhrio. From

13hrs.

53m.

at.

will the

precise moment
"c. ?'
favonrable position,
what

"Eegarding question fowr, 'At

present herself in the most
"
has
Ansuier,
After what
choose

aaid

been

"

all,to

the

above,

diminish
i.e. 3919

miles

to be

her
the

month, she

perigee every
same

She

moment.

except
to wait

for the

reach

appear

under

her

when

Now, by

of time.

passage

fortunate

of the

radius

in

these

two

earth,

remaining

But

not

doea

not

long intervals

at

moment

in the zenith.

does

the

althoughthe moon
the zenith always

214,976 miles.

be

accomplishedwill

will further

latter event

the final passage

will be that

of which

necessary, first of
perigee,and also the

be in

she will be

; the result

moon

it will be

will

the

moon
period when
the
zenith,which
crossing
the entire distance by a length equal to

when

moment

point

It will be

the arrival of

before

20aeo.

this

20sec.

paaaes
at

exactly
taneously,
simul-

conditions

It will be necessary, therefore,

perigeeshall coincide with that
the 4th

circumstance, on

December

in

At midnight
will present these two conditions.
ensuing year the moon
be
her
will
in perigee,that is,at
shortest distance irom the earth,and
she
will be crossingthe zenith.
moment
at the same
ane
On ibejifthquestion, At what point in the heavens
onght the cannon

the

"

'

p'

to be aimed
"

be

Answer.

preceding remarks

The

"

being admitted, the

ought to

cannon

place. Its fire,therefore,will be perpendicular

will
and
soonest
the
horizon;
plane
projectile
pasa
But, in order that the moon
beyond the range of the terrestrial attraction.
reach the zenith of a given place,it is necessary
should
that the place should
of the luminary ; in other words, it
in latitude the declination
not
exceed
to

zenith

to the

pointed

tho

degrees0" and 28" of lat. N. or S.

necessarilybe oblique,which would

be comprised within

must

other

spot the fira

militate against the
"As

to

heavens
"

of the

the

of

the

sixth

must

"

At

ezperiment.
place will the
departure ?
projectile's

question,
of the

the moment

'What

moon

occupy

in

the

'

the

when

into
shall be discharged
projectile

13" 10' 35", will be distant

dailyforward
that
from
point by
quantity,i.e. by 52" 42' 20",a space
she will describe during the eLtire
which
oorreaponda to the path which
to take
it is equallynecessary
as
journeyof the projectile.But, inasmuch
epace,

the moon,

every

seriously

of the

success

at the moment

Answer.

In

the

which

the zenith

into account
to the

travels

four times

the deviation

shot, and

as

the

which

shot cannot

the

rotary motion

reach

the

moon

of the earth
until

after

will
a

impart

deviation

equal to 16 radii of the earth,which, calculated upon the moon's orbit,are

to add these eleven
necessary
equal to about eleven degrees,it becomes
i
justmentioned
degrees to those which express the retardation of the moon
64
about
at the
degrees. Conseqi^ently,
that ia to say, in round numbers,

22

FROM

of

moment
the

line

vertical
"

These

are

Cambridge
"

"

The

It

"

Srdly.

12,000

"4thly.

"

ought

midnight

"

in

situated

country

towards

directly

pointed

be

to

ought

ought

between

to

zenith

the
with

propelled

be

discharged

be

to

ensuing

will

0*

of

initial

an

the

place.
ol

velocity

4th

46m.

lOhrs.

at

^Oaec.

of

the

lat

year.
the

meet

the

on

of

Observatory

the

to

second.

the

It

6thly.

Club

planted

be

to

projectile
per

of

proposed

lat.

ought

It

December

Gun

the

witli

desorihe,

degrees.

eizty-fonr

of

will

moon

"

The

yards

of

the

to

questions

the

MOON.

THE

applied
angle

an

to

members

orS.

"2ndly.

place,

answers

cannon

and28"ofN.

TO

radios

risnal

the

the

up,

Bnm

1st.

of

onr

by

To

the

firing

EARTH

THE

four

moon

December,

the

at

after

days

its

discharge,

of

transit

moment

its

precisely

at

the

across

zenith.
"

The

members
the

mence

work

set

to

4th

December
of
"

their
with

The

to

perigee
Staff

their

Gun

the

and
of
in

by,
of

the

an

determined

moment

go

such

they
zenith

will

not

eighteen

until

Cambridge
of

respect

for

all

questions
to

the

those

again

of

place
theoretical
all

the

Astronomical

Diraetor

be

to

under
eleven

the

days

themselves

of

ofi\t

J.

M.

this
tions
condi-

same

afterwards.

and

America.

Bemast,

Observatory

to

suifer

entirely

astronomy;
rest

com-

prepared

should

they

to

Staff,
"

"

and

years

of

if

for,

moon

Observatoiy

congratulations
"

the

delay,

and

experiment,
upon

find

without

therefore,

ought,

Club
for

necessary

the

at

disposal
add

of

works

of

Cambridge.''

here"

at

FROM

24

MOON.

THE

TO

EARTH

THE

the

of stars,each of whicli has become

millions

of

centre

solar

world.
If the observer
of the

humble

more

phenomena

which

to

have

ascribed would
In

fact,he

less brilliant of these stellar

and

is

that which
class,

of the fourth

would

attention to

his

directed
specially

then

had

of

fulfilled before
successively

been

perceivedthis

have

is to

Universe

the

yet

as

sun,

star

Sun, all the

the

called
arrogantly

formation

the

bodies,a

one

be

his eyes.

in the gaseous

state,and composed of moving molecules,revolvinground its axis

in order

of

with

of its volume;

diminution
when

arrived

the

which
centripetal,

have

mechanics, would

faithful to the laws

the

and

force
centrifugal

have

would

motion,

accelerated

been

would

moment

molecules

the

causes

This

of concentration.

accomplishits work

to

have

overpoweredthe
tend

all to

towards

the

centre.

Another

would

phenomenon

.jbserver's eye, and

molecules

the

like
equator escaping,

suddenlysnapped,would have
rings resemblingthat
ringsof

these

cosmical
would

into

that
secondarynebulosities,

he would

have

each, which

observed

became

the

these

is to say, into

planetsthrow

originof

the

the

centric
sundry con-

sun

their turn,

up

the

the cord had

rotary motion

broken

been

have

the
In

matter, excited by

planeof

which

around

of Saturn.

central

the

on

slingof

formed

the

mass,

situated

from

stone

passed before

have

now

and

again,
round

decomposed

planets.Similarly

off one

more

or

secondarybodies

rings

which

we

call satellites.

Thus, then,advancingfrom
nebulous
from

sun

mass,
to

from

that

planet,and

series of transfonnations

to

atom
a

hence

to

molecule,from molecule

principalstar, from
to

star

have
we
satellite,

undergoneby

the

to

to sun,

the whole

heavenlybodies during

the first days of the world.

Now, of those attendant

their

their

orbits by
elliptical
turn

possess

bodies

which

the great law

of

the

sun

maintains

some
gravitation,

XJ^nus has
si^tellites.

in

few in

Saturn eigUt,
eight,

ROMANCE

THE

OF

THE

MOON.

Jupiter four,Neptune possiblythree, and

call the Moon

it is she

and

important of

professedtheir

Americans
The

least

of the

last,one

Earth

This

one.

entire solar

the

intention of

system,

daring genius of

we

the

conquering.

her several

produced by

varyingappearances

the

constantly

phases,has always

share of the attention of the inhabitants

considerable

occupied a

whom

the

comparativeproximity,and

her

by

moon,

the

25

of the earth.

From
down

that of

to

the sixteenth
carried

fifteenth and

fifth

century B.C.,

Tycho

Brahe

tury a. d., observations have been from time

more

mountains

have

been

explainedthe phenomena

Galileo

in

to time

less correctness, until in the present

or

the altitudes of the lunar

exactitude.

Miletus,in the

the

Copernicusin

cen

with

on

of

time of Thales

the

determined

day
with

of the lunar

light

tains,
producedduring certain of her phasesby the existence of mounaltitude of 27,000 feet. After
he assigneda mean
to which

Hevelius,

him

elevations
them

againto 21,000

up

the calculations of Riccioli

; but

assigneda height of
the

elevations,and reduced
than

more

corrected

turn

in

and

others

measuring

1905

15,000 feet,and
summit

of all

of the lunar
moon

was

eratArs, and

disc.

At

it

of

She

was

solve the

ments.
precedingmeasure-

feet to the maximum

exceed

same

in their

were

for the labours of

reserved

question. They

elevations,of which
14,400 feet.
feet above

period the

succeeded

six

The

exceed

highest

the surface

examination

appeared completelyriddled

volcanic
essentially

By

with

Halley,Nasmyth, Bianchini,

heightof 22,606

the

completed.

eucl vbservation.

but

twenty-two
to

1 1,400

the

Herschell's calculations

different

towers

her

to
finally

Maedler

brought

of the different altitudes to little

mean

the observations

by

Gruithaysen,and
Boeer

But

feet.

2400

highest

feet.

reduced
considerably
powerfultelescope,
He

the

eighteenthcentury Herschell,armed

the close of the

At
a

15,000 feet

to

Dantzic, reduced

of

astronomer

an

the absence

character

was

of the
with

apparent

at

of refraction in the rays of the

26

occulted by
planets
of

her
The

atmosphere.

an

support lifeunder

of their own,

specialorganization

possess

the

differ remarkablyfrom

must

Selenites,to

the

that

must
conditions,

such

of

of air entails the absence

absence

therefore,manifest

It became,

watei.

absolutelydevoid

that she is

conclude

we

MOON.

THE

TO

EARTH

THE

FROM

inhabitants

of the earth.

length,thanks

At

',

of stillhigher

art, instruments

modem

to

not
without intermission,
searched the moon
leavinga
perfection
singlepoint of her surface unexplored; and notwithstanding

that her diameter

l-15th

that

part of

miles,her

2150

measures

of

globe,and

our

surface

part of that of the terrestrial spheroid

not

"

of science carried

men

to

the

l-49th

of her secrets

one

these skilful

; and

able to escape the eyes of the astronomers

was

bulk

her

equalsthe

greater degree their prodigious

even

observations.

they remarked

Thus

in certain

scored

with

prosecutingthe study of

precision,
they

succeeded

of these lines.

nature

the disc

in

They

these with

an
obtaining

exact

long and

were

parallel
ridges,
borderinggenerallyupon

craters.

Their

lengthvaried

about

was

1600

but

they could

the

dried-up beds

thoroughlyto
The

ancient

Whether

rivers

the true nature

up

obscure,as

the moon's

by

of that
surface

considered
the

well

settled except

the

miles,and

they

sunk

edges of

were

the

their

chasms,

these chasms

not

or

of the

furrows

called them

by

as

day

one

geological
question. They

Munich, who

thrown

Astronomers

get any farther.

of

100

greater

were

unable

ascertain.

this

on

of

yards.

and

ten

Americans,amongst others, hoped

determine
examine

not

between

stiU

account

narrow

between

width

appeared

partswith white lines ; and, during the phases,

On

black.

that,during full moon,

also

other

undertook

to
to

covered
system of parallel
ramparts dis-

a learned professor
by Gruithuysen,

them

to be

"

system of fortifications

Selenitic engineers." These

others,no

or

doubt, could

direct communication

with

not

the

two

bo
moon.

points,
yet
definitively

THE

Regarding

the

learn

more

to

times

weaker

of

the

which
it

ashy

the
itself

presents

the

it

light,"
of

It

the

its

the

liglit, there

that

and

explained
from

completeness
crescent

form

it

heat

its

earth
the

to

during

300,000
no

preciable
ap-

phenomenon

naturally
the

is

has

the

to

nothing

was

that

As

rays

27

known

was

sun,

is

solar
of

appearance
under

MOON.

thermometer.

the

transmission

give

of

THE

of

intensity

point.

that

upon
"

the

as

this

than

OF

of

degree
on

effect
known

ROMANCE

the

by
to

lunar

its

effect

the

moon,

disc,
first

while

and

last

phases.
Such

satellite,
aspects,

was

the
which

state

the

cosmographic,

of

knowledge

Gun

Club

geological,

acquired
undertook

political,

regarding
to

and

perfect
moral

the
in

earth's
all

its

VI.

CHAPTER

THE

LIMITS

PERirrSSIVB

immediate

result

of

upon

the

of

day

orders

the

Queen

One

would

first

time,

which

Night.

of

have

that

no

"

of

sun

which

influences

that

the

the

short, all America

the

revived

"

played
of

seized

past

with

caught

ail the

part

relative

just appeared

before

to

old

of
in

anecdotes

recalled

they

seleno-mania,

for the

glimpse

ascribed

ages

place

study assiduously.

to

had

ever

ignorance

was

THE

to

was

facts

work

to

moon

papers

wolves

astronomical

set

had

The

IN

proposition

the

all

one

heavens.

the

Barbicane's

Everybody

thought

and

in the

her

the

BELIEF

STATES.

UNITED

The

AND

IGNORANCE

OP

her

to

had

or

the
in

become

moon-mad.
The
the

letter

of

and

them,
Until
which

that
the

this

that

two

radius

the

mean

took
was

that

straight

lines

the
this

of

with

method,

Cambridge

had

been

obtained

it meant

from

doubts

234,347

this

fact

to

to

but

by

in

the

earth

is

the

of

that

astronomers

of

the

general," they

extremity
as

them

to

parallax

the

pioved
that

mode

by

being expressed

miles,

Club.

the

explain

the

angle formed
either

of

from

moon

"caviare

they immediately

Gun

published

was

ignorant

by measuring

the

drawn

of

of the

approval.

the

separates

with

especially

more

enterprise

unreserved

advantage

On

moon.

distance

the

parallax proving

explained

to

of

term

which

part, dealt

upon

people

most

distance

The

their

Observatory
upon

time

distance

moon.

further

the

They

for

touched

commented

calculated.

of

which

questions

The

journals,

scientific

to

inclination
the
the

not

earth's
ness
correct-

only
could

was

not

THE

PERMISSIVE

be
possibly

in

LIMITS

in their estimate

error

ETC.

IGNORANCE,

OF

by

70 miles either

than

more

29

way.

those who

To

theydemonstrated
being that
round

the

that she possesses two

of rotation upon

is to say, in

motion

moon;

nightin

month,

for

her,the face turned

by

it with

to the other

of absolute

which

falls upon

is

the terrestrial

towards

the

lightof

face to the earth

she
during her revolution,

room,

walk

and

your face turned

achieved
round

every

pointof

the

in consequence
and

in such

the centre

yon

will

of

that

As

moons.

354
necessity

"pale glimmer

moon

Go

as

same

turn

one

into your

way

dining-

always to keep

the time

will have

eye

describe

can

have

Well, then,the
the

"

by

will have

you

completedone

traversed
is the

room

is yourself."And

moon

the
displays
invariably
be

quiteexact, it is

turn

successively
heavens,the

they would

go

east,termed

her

soon

Director
themselves

as

the

of the

face to the

same

to add

necessary

of certain fluctuations of north

and

ignoramusescame

be

revolution

seen.

to understand

round

than

more

as

much

Observatoryhimself knew, they began

regardingher

that,

south,and of

she permitsrather
libration,

to
half,that is to say, five-sevenths,

As

fourteen

delighted.

to
earth; nevertheless,

the

your

room.

earth,and

So, then, the

west

the table

towards

since
yourself,

But, happily

the
displaysinvariably

moon

theyanswered,

complete round

one

table is the

away

such

round

one

obstinate persons, could not at

but rather

how, if the

To

and

day

the stars.''

well-intentioned

herself.

nighton

and

globeis illuminated

us, it has

to

night,tempered only by

it from

only one

hours.
lasting
354-J-

each

first comprehend

round

equalperiodof

an

producesday

that there

save

face,always invisible

hours

first

axis,the second that of revolution

her

equal to
intensity

an

motions,the

distinct

of rotation is that which

the lunar

of the moon,

27^ days.

the surface of the

Some

familiar with the motions

earth,accomplishingboth togetherin

time,that
The

not

were

the

as

the

to worry

earth,whereupon

30

FROM

THE

EARTH

twenty scientific reviews

pointedout
"tars,may

considered

as

the
travels,
indicating

moon

exhibits her difierent

with the
opposition

line,the
straight

when

she

between

is in

which

she herself

makes

with the

apex.

altitude which

the

accordingto

zones

of the

some

pointof

the

on

is,when

the earth

and

new

she

is

Every

knew

one

angleof

an

attains above

moon

had
CambridgeObservatory

said in that respect.

varies

that

sun,

sun

occupiesthe

the letter of the

be

are

centre; that she is

occupyingthe
the

she is in

Jullwhen

the three bodies

Night

that she is in her first

last
or
earth; and lastly,

she

Regarding the
to

earth

is

moon

is,when

with
conjunction

it and the

quarter, when

the

the
of the

of

Queen

that the

movement

phases;that

sun, that

which

time to all the inhabitants

true

earth; that it is duringthis

same

its infinitude of

dial-plate,
upon

vast

one

They

to the rescue.

came
immediately

then that the firmament, with

to them

be

MOON.

THE

TO

zon,
hori-

the

said all that

was

that this altitude

the latitude of the observer.

But

the

only

globein which the moon

passes the zenith,that is,the
the head of the spectator,are
of necessity
over
point directly
and the equator.
parallels
comprisedbetween the twenty-eighth
Hence the importance
of the advice to try the experiment upon

might

be

part of

the

globe,in

order

and
dischargedperpendicularly,

the action of
success

that

gravitation.This

of the

and
enterprise,

was

that the
the

so

projectile

soonest

escape

essential condition to the

an

continued

to
actively

engage

the

publicattention.
ia her revolution
Regardingthe path described by the moon
round the earth,the Cambridge Observatoryhad demonstrated
that this pathis a re-entering
but an
a
perfectcircle,
curve, not
of
ellipse,

which

the earth

well understood
its apogee, and

Such
American

then
on

occupiesone

of the

that it is farthest removed

approachesmost
was

the

the extent

subject,and

while
professignorance. Still,

nearlyto
of

Joci.

from

It

was

the earth

also

during

it at its perigee.

knowledge possessedby

of which
these true

no

could

every

decently
were
principles
being
one

32

FROM

attended

with

remarkable

earthquakes,
mysterious

tie

of

sympathy;

subject

vulgar
the

of

of

her

to

these
for

its

8tates

was

this

new

highest
of

they

and

America.

they
continent

elevation

to

"c.,

"c.

But

the

espoused
had

no

of

the

in

other

the

sky,

of

true

the

entire

the

time

side

ambition

star-spangled

that
"

the

and

some

destinies

human

inhabitant

that

in

believed

they

over

tions,
revolu-

cataclysms,

as

Then

some

maintained

MOON.

such

her

by

attached

errors,

THE

"c.

deluge,

exercised

control,

Yankees,

TO

disturbances,

the

influence

Selenite

every

EARTH

THE

vital

majority
of

than

to

earth

plant
banner

the

by

upon

of

is

system
renounced

question.
to

take

sion
posses-

the

summit

the

United

As

CHAPTER

THE

Ihb
the

Observatory

mechanical

Barbicans
of

resolve

to

was

projectile,and

the

technical

equality),

the

president

meeting

tha

the

in the

"

after

Suffer

duty

The

of

met

four

Elphinstone,
of

The

meeting

of

in

vote

J. T.

and

case

Mas-

On

President

opened

was

of

members

secretary.

house

the

at

the

cannon,

casting

mittee
Com-

this

of

of the

questions

functions

the

me

inspired accent,

mature

that

to

have

we

whole
the

of

our

word,"

granted,
president
all

the

projectile must

former."

"

noble

others.

here
"

is

science

the
bicane,
Barthe

by

broke

The

ball

in
we

ai'e

to

he,
the

about

of

necesBarily

Maston.

said

me

of that

must

placing

our

employed.

appeared

in J. T.

Gentlemen,"

right

gunnery.

precedence
latter

most

devote

be

to

it has

the

of
to

course

take

of the

of

one

engine

consideration,

of the

been

the

of

dimensions

resolve

to

logical

most

the

say

projectileabove

"

discussion

of the

those

having

the

the

to

and

upon

he,

perhaps,

qusetion

canson,

depend

The

(with

Major

Street.

said

appear,

Nevertheless,
that

view.

himself.

Gentlemen,"

might

first

treated

time, nominated

composed

was

Barbicane

Committee

the

of

loss

grand

It

confided

were

important problems
It

three

Morgan,

3, Republican

"

of

point

Club.

Gun

powder.

General

October

without

the

knowledge,

ton, to whom
of

astronomical

had,

Committee

"Working

8th

letter had

in its memorable

purely

CANNON-BALI,

THE

part still remained.

President

great

OP

Cambridge

of

from

question

of

J.TMN

Vn.

mission
Perwith

qaestion
to
D

an

of

discharge

FROM

34
the

at

from

THE

ambassador

moon

is

moral

pointof

mind, is the

our

her, and I wish

to

the cannon-ball

the

and
electricity

of
planets,

wind

of the

Let

into existence.
of

and sound

of
light,
"

cannon-ball,a hundred

to

times

has

claim

the stars, the

have

1/

power.

man
planets,

Providence

claim

we

.der it

cons

of human

manifestation
magnificent

most

to

to my
cannon-ball,gentlemen,

The

has created the stars and

Providence

of

view.

MOON.

THE

TO

EARTH

called

the swiftness

comets, and the

invented

superiorto

the swiftness

that of the

will be the moment

railwaytrain. How glorious
shall
we
when, infinitely
exceedingall hitherto attained velocities,
with the rapidity
launch our new
of seven
miles a second!
projectile

swiftest horses

Shall it not,
the honours

a
"

and
"

gentlemen
"

due to

Overcome
to

or

the orator

sandwiches

all

By

and

appliedhimself

before him.
"

direct to the

up there with

?"

sat down

now," said Barbicane, let

come

received

be

terrestrial ambassador

with emotion

huge plateof
And

shall it not

quitthe

us

domain

of

poetry

question."

means," repliedthe members, each with his mouth

full

of sandwich,
"

problem before us," continued

The

communicate
Let

at

us

Morgan
"

say,

present examine

the

was

then,

enlightenus

this

on

to

second.

point."
"

of the Committee

member

distance of 5000

is how

the velocities hitherto attained. General

repliedthe general,
easily,"

more

that

"

president,

of 12,000 yards per

a velocity
projectile

will be able to

And
I

war

to

the

of

that

duringthe

experiments.

I may

the

carried a
100-pounder Dahlgrens, which
initial
yards,impressedupon their projectile
an

of 500 yardsa second.

The Rodman
velocity
Columbiad threw a
shot weighing half a ton a distance of six miles,with a
velocity
of 800 yardsper second
result which Armstrongand Palisser
a
"

have

obtained

never

in

England."

"This," replied Barbicane, "is,

ever
velocity
"

It is

attained ?

"

80,"repliedthe general.

believe,the

maximum

THE

"

!"

Ah

HYMN

OF

T.

J.

groaned

THE

CANNON-BALL.

Maston,

35

"

if my

"

but

had

mortaa*

not

burst""
"

Yes," quietlyrepliedBarbicane,
take,then, for

must

We

increase

must

discussion the
attention

shot.

the

it

of

"

Because

enough

to

if there

are

it will be proper

which
that

have

we

but half

most

the

not ?" demanded

Why

"

I will
producingthis velocity,

understand

weighingat
projectiles
"

nothingto

assignto

do here with

major.

the attention of the inhabitants

attract

to

call your

ton."

J. T. Maston,
shot,"quickly
replied

the

We

of 800 yarJs.
this velocity
starting-point
Now, reservingfor another
twenty-fold.

means

You

burst.

our

the dimensions

to

it did

"

be

must

big

of the moon,

"
any ?

Barbicane," and for another

Yes," replied

reason

tant
impor-

more

still."
"

What

"

then

that

mean

take

its course,

"
you ? asked the

mean

it is not

further

no

to the

up

notice

when

moment

the

?" shouted

of it ;

we

must

follow it throughout

it shall reach

generaland

the

its goal."

major in great surprise.

"

What

"

repliedBarbicane, composedly, or
Undoubtedly,"

"

would

No

Btruments

have

Be

so

have

good

to

as

listen.

to

moon

to within

fortymiles'
of

Ifithen,the penetrative
power
it is because
increased,

which

that
ceitain

obtainingenlargementsof

in

distance,any objectssixtyfeet square

the moon,

know

You

acquiredgreat perfection
; with

succeeded

reducingthe

periment
ex-

give this

dimensions."

enormous
projectile
"

our

result."

produceno

then," repliedthe major,"you will have

"But

we

major.
and
a prqiectile,
enough to discharge

that power

is but

Eufilcient lightto enable

6000

distance.

would

be

has
telescopes
detracts from

us

to

times and

Now,

not

at this

been further

their

perceiveobjectsof

tude."

telescopes

visible.
perfectly

mirror, does
reflecting

in
optical

not

light;

and

giveback

lesser

magni

"

36

FROM

THE

"Well, then, what

"

Would
Not

"

Do

"

MOON.

to do

?" asked
of

the

sixtyfeet

genenii.
?"

so."
increase

intend,then, to

you

Exactlyso.

the

If I

can

rendered

it will be

enough to

That
"

her

the luminous

of Iha

power

simplifying
things.
"

One

of

To

on
telescope

some

the

And

of

have

not

major.

what

48,000 times,which

objectsneed
"

intense.

than

"Let

elevated

object
tain.
moun-

"

You

have

such

way

expect

you

to

five
a

should

miles

diameter

of

bringthe

within

moon

and,

in

more

than nine feet."

"

order

to

be

need
projectile

our

an

visible,

not

be

nine feet in diameter."

me

this will

effect that

enlargement do

So, then," cried J. T. Maston,

more

to travel I

?"

distance

apparent

lighthas

will do."

we

give it up," answered

obtain in this way

the density
of
diminishing

the moon's

lightmore

establish

is what

in

succeed

atmosphere through which

shall have

"

propose

THE

?"

moon

of

do you

TO

a diameter
giveyour projectile

you

"

EARTH

observe,however," interrupted
Major Elphinstone,
involve a weight such as
"

"

"My dear major,"repliedBarbicane,"before discussingits

of the marvels which our
weight,permit me to enumerate
some
have

ancestors

achieved

in this

Miat the science of gunnery

bear

in mind

respect. I don't

has not

to

mean

advanced,but

it is

as

pretend
well to

that

during the middla ages theyobtained results

I will venture
more
to say, than ours.
surprising,
For instance,
during the siege of Constantinople
by Mahomet
II.,in 1453,
shot of 19001bs.

stone

of the

time
which
the

knights,there

threw

extent

in

range,

was

employed.
gun

of what

we

ton I

they

have

SOOlbs.,and

It seems,
have

ourselves ?

seen

the

then, that

lost far

more

At

Malta,in

the

of the fortress of St. Elmo

projectile
weighing 25001bs.

shot of
discharging
of half

weight were

Rodman
if
in

And,

now,

what

is

Armstrong guns
guns

projectiles

have gained
projectiles

weight. Now,

if

we

THE

turn

efiTortsin

our

of

the progress
Mahomet
"

HYMN

that

CANNON-BALL.

THE

times

ten

Knights of

Clearly,"replied the
employing ?

major;

"

But," interruptedthe major, "

General

volume,

be of tremendous

would

"

Hollow

it would

"

Yes,

for
stability

our

you

the

since

weight of

shot is

hollow."

shell ?"

would

inches

108

weight evidentlyfar

certain

be

"

shell,"
repliedBarbicane
of

do

weight."

solid,not if it were

solid shot

metal

iron ball of nine feet in diameter

an

Yes, if it were

what

but

"

Morgan.

"

? then

of the shot 01'

weight

"

Simply east iron,"said

its

the

arrive, with

to

Malta."

"

to
proportionate

37

ought

direction,we

science,at

II. and the

calculate upon

OF

decidedlyit must

weigh

than

more

great. Still,as

too

I propose
projectile,

we

to

be.

200,0001bs.,

must

reserve

give it a weight of

20,0001bs,"
"

What, then, will be the thickness of the sides ? " asked the

major.
"

If

follow

we

of 108

diameter

the

usual

proportion,"repliedMorgan,

inches would

requiresides

of two

feet

"

thickness,

less."

or

"

That

iron

enough
is this

questionis

thickness
than

more

upon

that of

not

"

of the gas.

ought

The

sides

Our

paper,

which

strong

clever

in order

secretarywill

point."

and, rapidlytracing a

among

pierce

problem,therefore,

repliedthe worthy secretary of

Nothing easier,''
;

to

cast-iron shell to have

20,0001bs.?

this

for you will

shot intended

suffice,
therefore,to give it

it will

enlightenus

soon

much," repliedBarbicane

to resist the pressure

weigh

to

"

plate:
What

"

not

be too

that the

observe
an

would

n* and x'

few

the Committee

algebraicalformulae

upon

appeared,he presently
freqirantly

said,
"

sides will

"

The

"

Will that be

requirea

enough ?

"

thickness

of less than

asked

majordoubtfully.

the

two

inches."

38

FROM

TO

EARTH

THE

MOON.

THE

the president.
"Clearlynot!" replied
with
"What
is to be done,then?" said Elphinstone,

puzzled

air.

Employ another metal instead of

Copper?"said Morgan,
No; that would be too heavy.

"

"

"

iron."

I have

better

than

that to

offer."
then?" asked the

What

"

major.

"Aluminium!"

repliedBarbicane.

"Aluminium?"

cried his three

"

of

friends.

Unquestionably,
my

the whiteness

of

easilywrought, is
of the

have

been

"

It

was

"But
not

metal

so

possesses

the

lightnessof glass. It

widely distributed,
foiming the

purpose

of

base

of
to

seems

us
furnishing

is

with

projectile."

our

dear

said
president,"

aluminium

dollars the

was

very

copper,

cieated for the express

But. my

priceof

valuable

rocks,is three times lighterthan iron,and

the material for

"

This

chorus.

the indestructibility
of gold,the tenacity
silver,

of
iron, the fusibility

most

in
colleagues

the

major,

"

is not

the cost

extremelyhigh?"

at its first

but
discovery,

it has fallen

now

to nine

pound."

nine dollars the pound!" repliedthe major, who

still,

willingreadilyto give in;

"

that is

even

an

enormous

price."
"

Undoubtedly,
my dear major;but not beyond our reach."
will the projectile
"What
weigh then?" asked Morgan.
"

"A

Here

is the result

shot of 108

inches

of my
in

calculations,"
repliedBarbicaii*

diameter,and

12 inciies in

would

weigh, in cast-iron,67,4401bs.;cast
weightwill be reduced to 19,2501bs."
"Capitul!"cried the major; "but do you
dollars the

"One

will
pound, this projectile

hundred

I
(?]73,Oi'0).

and

know

it

cost

But

aluminium, ita

know

that,at nine

"
"

thousand
seventy-three

quitewell

in

thickness,

and

fear not, my

fiftydollars
friends;the

vnL

CHAPTER

OF

HISTOET

resolntions

The

of

out

doors.

cannon

could

mass.

The

discussion

"

its

end

have

in

do

of

into

in

exceed
will

force

of

brief

for

space,

the

what

force

these

miles.

traversed
the

asked

what

mighty

phantly
trium-

the

evening

resistance

Now,
this

per

with

the

the

air, the

which

given

to

the

me

he

your
I

nicate
commu-

of 108

projectile
by

upon

attraction

it is endowed.
of

earth

rapidity, the
and

will

close.

It is acted

of

seconds,

medium

at

resistance

atmosphere

five

give

when

impulsion

the

to

Now

of

The

genius

shell

the

we

groat

to

of

forces.

however

second

it?

to

that

to

us

its

engine,

is how

20,0001bs.

with

but

before

yards

the

probable

objections

resistance

in

of

make

preamble,

mechanical

the

The

is

enough, then,

happens

three

further
of

It

our

problem

12,000

without

dimensions;

to

weighing

importance.

forty
have

shot

destined

following

weight.

good

The

them.

earth, and

little

of

such

to

were

constraction

way,

hesitate

of the

of

the

Be

independent forces,

examine

its

gigantic

three

us

is the

and

it

not

diameter,

is launched

Let

The

them.

initial

an

inches

and

fear

no

questions.

idea

they

velocity

meeting

us

difficulties

surmount

attention,

the

at

space;

second

before

now

composition,

the

readily

into

colleagues," said Barbicane,

by giving

bo

may

fright

sufficient

the

such

took

great effect

renewed.

dear

length,

transmit
of

meeting produced

launched

being

answer

subject

shall

people

ever

was

My

the

Timid

minutes

to

"

at

20,0001bs.

weighing

last

the

passed

CANNON.

THE

the

the
does

not

projectilo

period

regarded

air is

is too

otherwise

OF

CANNON.

4I

Proeoeding,then, to
insignificant,

the attraction of tho

HISTORY

than

as

THE

know

earth,that is,the weight of the shell,we

win

diminish

When

in the

miles farther

its fall would

That

second.

"

There's

"True,"

engineand
the
with
"

the

powder employed,the

have

guns

therefore

up

astonish

world

It must

lengthof

the gas accumulated

"

of
of

that^

overcome

the

upon

length of

the

being limited onlyby

latter

business,then, to-dayis

twenty-fivefeet

the

obligedto adopt.

in

perfectrest.

present time," said Barbicane, "

exceeded

range, since the

of

of the cannon."

to the

not

of the

line in the first

will

we

Our

of the former.

the dimensions

removed

were

major.

impulsionwill depend

resisting
power
Now,

in the

"but
repliedthe president;

for this force of

earth,itfalls

distance

state

distance.

this action
progressively
accomplishingthat is by the force

broke
difficulty,"

the

half

weight

overcome

of

mode

the

to

about

to

equivalentto

to

body

same

words,

other

reduced

be

is almost

Tho
gravitation.
impulsion."

if the

and

off,in

business,then, is

Our

of the

itself falls to the surface of the

five feet in the first second

moon,

ratio of tlie square

inverse

body left to

257.542

that this

dimensions

the

piecewill

the

We

shall

shall be

we

of great

gun

increase the detention of

there is

projectile
; but

no

tage
advan-

limits."

the

Quite so," said

length.

evidentlybe, then, a

behind

passingcertain

the

by

in

longest

our

major.

What

"

is the

rule in such

case?"
"

the lengthof
Ordinarily

of the

shot^and
is not

"

That

"

I agree with

this

its

weight 235

enough,"cried
you,

for
proportion

my

gun

to 240

times the diameter

to 25

that of the shot."

times

J. T. Maston

impetuously.

good friend;and,

onlyhave

weight of 7,200,0001bs."
Bidiculous 1 rejoinedMaston.
"

20

feet in

nine
projectile

the gun would

30,0001bs.,

"

is

"

in

diameter,weighing

lengthof
As

fact,following

feet,and

225

well take

pistoL"

FROM

42
"

I think

quadruplethat length,and

to

"

Barbicane;
too,"replied

BO

MOON.

THE

TO

EARTH

THE

to construct

is

that
a

I propose

why

feet."

of 900

gun

theless,
objections;nevergeneral and the major offered some
the proposition,
activelysupported by the secretary, was

The

adopted.
definitively
"

"
what
But," said Elphinstone,

"

"

You

thickness

of six

carriage?

"

"

It would

"

But

be

of stone

masonry

with

like that upon

mass

So

finallysurrounding it
and

there

expansive

"

Maston.

The

cement.

will

of

force

be
the

No

"

I think

alone,binding it with

earth

the

great precision,so

windage.
the

mounting

superb idea,though,"said

sinkingthis engine in

bored

of

replied Barbicane.
impracticable,"

wrought iron,and

giveit ?

we

major.

the

asked

must

feet,"repliedBarbicane,

think

surelydon't

thickness

with

preclude

to

wUl

powder

be

possible

any

of gas, and

be

of
of

mass

cast, it must

loss whatever

no

thick

pieceonce

as

hoops

of

employed

aU

in the

propulsion."
said Elphinstone
:
simple question,"

One

"

rifled ?

is

"

our

be

to

gun

"

"

No,

we
certainlynot," replied Barbicane;
require an
and you
well aware
initial velocity;
that a shot
enormous
are
quitsa rifled gun less rapidlythan it does a smooth-bore."
"

True," rejoinedthe major.

"

Committee

The

here

adjournedfor

few minutes

to

and

tea

sandwiches.

On

the discussion
"

we

employed.

must

now

Our

cannon

being renewed,
take

"

Gentlemen,"

into consideration

must

be

the

said Barbicane,
metal

to

be

possessed of great tenacity,

and inoxydable
great hardness,be infusible by heat,indissoluble,

by
"

we

not

the corrosive action of acids."

There

is

shall have
be at

no

to

doubt

about

employ

an

loss for choice."

that,"repliedthe major;
immense

"

quantityof metal, we

and

aa

shall

Ideal

sketch

of

J. T.

Maston's

gun.

HISTORY

Well, then,"said Morgan,

"

known,

"

I propose

43

the best

hitherto
alloy

parts of copper, 12 of tin,and 6 of

consists of 100

wb'ch

CANNON.

THE

OF

brass."
I

"

"

admit," repliedthe

president,

but
yieldedexcellent results,

expensive,and
such

material

"

"

iron.

cast

as

dif"cult to

very

ought to adopt a

with

is your

work.

In

that

remember

fired

guns

without

one

in its way

"

cast, it runs

to

during the

"

Yes,

but

it possesses

of nine

In

declared

at

price,

"

readilyfrom

the

as

of money

material,and

of

the moulds

economical

once

less

I well

siegeof Atlanta,some

iron

intervals of twenty minutes

at

The

great resistance.

calculate the

feet and

weight of

the

marvellous

followingresult
will

cannon

cost

"

I will
a

ask

now

cast-iron

our

with

gun

thickness of six feet of metal."

moment," repliedMaston.

pound, it will
"

of low

brittle,
though,"repliedMorgan.

formulae with

"

and

we

injury."

Cast iron is veiy

"

war,

rounds

thousand

"

bore

too

iron cost ten times

cast

addition,it is excellent

worthy secretary to
a

be

think, then,that

it is at
sand, it is easy of manipulation,
of time.

it would

case

advice,major ?

Barbicane,

than bronze; it is easy

and

compositionhas

you,"repliedElphinstone.

fact,"continued

In

present

excellent

What

quiteagree

in the

that this

Then, dashingoff some

in a
facility,

minute

braical
algehe

two

or

"

weigh 68,040

tons.

And,

at

two

cents

?"

2,510,701 dollars."

Maston, the major,and

the

generalregarded Barbicane

with

uneasy looks.
"

said

"
I repeat what
Well, gentlemen,"repliedthe president,

yesterday. Make

yourselves
easy;

the millions will not

I
bo

wanting,"
With

this
after

evening.

assurance

of their

having fixed

presidentthe Committee

their third

meeting for

the

rated,
sepa-

following

IX.

CHAPTER

THE

remained

There
The

awaited

public

It

is

generally

fourteenth

grand

this

that
middle

lineal

the

of

what

litre

is

of

of

of

well

course,

they
The

met

on

first

the

of

space

This
raised

the

known

to

the

gas,

2400

to

times
members

the

it

was

acquainted
is

cisely
pre-

comprehend

to

committee.

of
as

pressure

combustion

liberated

powder
I to

and

the

All

committee

is to the

4000.

oi' this

confined.
of

of

degrees, occupies

volume

too

proved

this

being

on

his

itself, was

are

order
the

for

like

2lbs.; during

combustion

tremendous

one

Now

to

in the

legends

persons

in

about

its

4000

Few

well

any

fire, which,

submitted

consequently

of the

by

understood

gas.

by

the

gunpowder.

weighs

produced

within

compressed

be

temperature

litres:

gas

of

question

litres

invented

would

paid

pretty

of

size

invented
who

amongst

Greek

The

was

is, however,

saltpetre.

to

the

judge, therefore,

may

not

the

gunpowder

4000

volume

of

of

by

upon

space

was

power

necessary

400

produces

acted

ranked

powders.

impulsion

Schwartz,

be

of

settled, what

gunpowder

It

and

sulphur

importance
A

of

decision.

produce

to

life.

to

mechanical

the

the

ought

question

being

monk

the

his

successor

composed
with

that

by

final

cannon

asserted

Gunpowder

ages.

the

necessary

with

story

its

powder

century

discovery

of

the

merely

interest

length

of

quantity

the

be

consideration
with

projectile,the

the

it

for

P0WDEE3.

THE

OF

QUESTION

gas
this

One
when
was,

when

following evening.

speaker

on

this

occasion

was

Major

Elphinstone,

46

FROM

THE

TO

EARTH

THE

MOON.

correct,"said Morgan ; but before decidingthe

Perfectly
I think itwould
of powder necessary to give the impulse,
quantity
"

"

be

well

as

shall have

We

"

"
"

major,

the

No

powder,"continued
employ a large-grained
is

its combustion

"

"

to

doubt

Granted

; but

of

danger

no

that

which

service is not

perform long

so

bore

injuriousto

to

our

pieces."
destined to

gun

Columbiad.

it is necessary

it is
very

but

of the

is

and

explosion;

an

"

that," replied Morgan,

about

and ends by enlargingthe

destructive,
"

that of the small."

rapidthan

more

shall

We
that

powder

om-

in order that its mechanical

should take fire instantaneously

be

may
"

have," said Maston,

must

fire it at difierent

pointsat

the

same

"

several

"

repliedElphinstone;
Certainly,"
diiBcult.
workingof the piece more
grainedpowder,which
charges Rodman
hard

employed a powder
left
glittering,

and

hydrogen and

left the

he

evidentlygot
The

hundred

"

Five hundred

"

Eight hundred

moment

last broken
"

had

the

upon

not

This

powder

hand, contained

fireinstantaneously,

sensibly
injurethe

keptaloof

do you

look at

thousand

from

the

piece."
mouth-

discussion;

propose

?"

another.

one

pounds,"at

last said

Morgan.

thousand,"added the major.

thousand,"screamed

the

Gentlemen,"

largeas chestnuts,made

as

trace

no

of silence followed

by

large-

"

three members

Two

then to my

return

speak while he himself listened ; he had

idea. He now
simplysaid, Well, my friends,

an

"

to

of powder
quantity

what

to

that will render the

took
largeproportion,

pointBarbicane

others

but

in cast-iron pans.

did
destructive,

and, though very

to this

in

oxygen

as

those difficulties.In his Columbiad

removes

charcoal,simply dried

of willow

so
touch-holes,

time."

"

Up

effect

complete."

We

was

run

this

Maston.

tripleproposal
;

it

was

at

president.

he

"

said,
quietly

I start from

this

that
principle,

QUESTION

THE

the resistance of
unlimited.

I shall

instructed

gun,

timid

as

under

friend

surpriseour

his calculations

POWDERS.

THE

OF

the

47

is
given conditions,

Maston, then, by stigmatizing

I propose

and

his

double

to

800,0001bs.of powder."
"

Sixteen

from

hundred

pounds ?

thousand

shouted

Maston, leaping

his seat.

"

Just

"

We

mile

so."
shall have

to

for you

see

long ;

then

come

will
l,600,0001b8.

exceed

54,000 cubic feet,it would

than

more

long enough

occupy

since the contents

feet;and

cubic

be

ideal of

to my

20,000

not

"

do

cannon

full; and

of about

space

of your

be half

half

cannon

not

will

the bore

for the gas to communicate

the

to

sufficient impulse."
projectile
"

Nevertheless,"said

the

president, I
"

of powder
powder. Now, l,600,0001bs.

Six thousand

of litres of gas.
"

What

"

The

thing is

very

simple;

we

Good;

"I

easy than
know

what

by

goingto

am

is more
You

but

that

than

the down
with

mass

to

"

which

acid,becomes

is found

substance

is

xyloidine.In
different

1838

another

and
properties,

transformed

powder, now
with

called

the

quite

bined
cotton,com-

into

subjtance

covered
firstdis-

was

chemist, who

called it

its
Frenchman, Pelouze,investiga"^ed

Anally,in 1846, Schonbein,Professor

Chemistiyat Bale, proposedits employment

This

jthing

nothingmore

plant.Now

1832, by Braconnot, a French

constitutos

combustible,and explosive. It
eminentlyinsoluble,
in

power."

quarter of its bulk.

one

cellular matter

of the seeds of the cotton

cold nitric

enormous

quietly.

in cotton, which
bodies,especially

in many

this

it its mechanical

elementarytissues of vegetables? This

pure

?"

quite understand

means?"

reduce this

curious

6,000,000,000

reduce

tell you,"replied
Barbicane
to

quantityof

general.

must

to
quantityof powder,while preserving
"

will create

millions ! You

then ? " said the

is to be done

hold to that

for purposes

pyroxyle,or fulminatingcotton,

by simplyplunging cotton
great facility

of

of

war.

is prepared

fo^ fifteen

48

FROM

THE

EARTH

minutes in nitric acid,then

and

TO

MOON.

T3E

washing it

in water, then

dtying it,

it is readyfor use."

Nothing could

"

"Moreover,

is

is unaltered

pyroxyle

It

cannon.

said Morgan.
simple,"

more

us, inasmuch

property to
the

be

one

ordinarypowder, without
"Perfect!"

"

days to charge

exclaimed

it

lightto

set

may

the latter

havingtime
major.

the

on

top of

ignite."

to

Only it is more

"

What

"

it impartsto projectiles
four times
a velocity
Finally,

expensive."
?

matter

"

cried J. T. Maston.

I will

gunpowder.

one-eighthof

its combustion

the

"

to that of

valuable

at 170 degreesin placeof 240, and

ignites

rapid that

so

several

take

it would

as

moisture

by

its

weight of

own

add, that if

even

nitrate of

mix

we

supenoi
with

it

potass,its expansive

force is againconsiderably
augmented."
"

Will

I think

"

cotton; and
SOOlbs. of cotton
a

this

and
projectile,
been

Barbicane

180

force of

ai-ms

would

minating
400,0001bs.of ful-

without

danger,compress
will not
quantity

feet,the whole
feet within

the

bore of the

than 700

more

feet

6,000,000,000 litres of gas

the moon."

T. Ma?ton

into the

but

the shot will have

under

junctionJ.

So, then, in place of

"

can,

takingits flighttowards

flunghimself

he

we

than

In this way

of bore to traverse

At

since

more

major.

shall have

we

into 27 cubic

heightof

Columbiad.

before

the

not," replied Barbicane.

l,600,0001bs.of powder,

occupy

? " asked

that be necessary

could

not

repress

of his friend with

have

been

his

emotion;

the violence of

stove

in if he had not

bomb-proof.

This incident terminated

the third

meetingof the Committee.

Barbicane
and his bold colleagues,
to whom
nothing seemed
had succeeded in solving
the complex problemsof proimpossible,
jectile,
cannon,

only remained
"

mere

and
to

matter

powder.

Their

plan was

drawn

up, and

put it in execution.
of

a bagatelle,"
said J. T. Maston.
detail,

it

X.

CHAPTER

ONE

The

ENEMY

American

of

the

discussions

of

the

great

the

mechanical

of

the

the

the

roused

"

Club.

It

The

be

to

the

the

in

of

day by day

for

in

"

the

word,

one

involved,

it

which

excitement

popular

the

simple preparation

figures

resolved

details

smallest

followed

most

questions

difficulties

work

interest

Gun

FRIENDS.

OF

lively

committee.

experiment,

of

plan

took

public

enterprise

MILLIONS

TWENTY-FIVE

V.

the

to

entire

highest

pitch.
The

purely

following
We

incident

have

against
furiously

on

Barbicane
did

the
of

motive

of

cause

its

self-love
This

it had

name

author.

all

the

of

of

all

the

by

the

Gun

Club.

human

of

origin

Union

of

standing,

one

well

tested
pro-

it
that

such

than

man

of

the

solitary enmity,

the

was

this

who

is

that

one

attacked

He

nature

He

others.

old

the

Barbicane's

however,

was,

of

opposition

the

and

There

and

the

keenly

friends

and

States

the

opportunity,

more

aware

and

in

what

of

the

Gun

rivalry

of

its rise.

would

the

enemy

Fortunate

it

that

certainly have
rival

fiery, daring,
was

admirers

its

attempt

personality

seen.

men

in

antipathy,

This
of

the

persevering

never

two

alone

applause
this

intensified

suddenly

was

of

legions
round

every
felt

attraction

"

rallied

individual

single

he

what

seen

had

project

scientific

Captain

and

was

man

violent

Nicholl

President
was

so,

for

been

attended

of

science, like

disposition
he

meeting

lived

at

with

Club

had

between

the

serious

Barbicane

pure

Yankee.

Philadelphia.

quences.
conse-

himself,
His

50

FROM

Most

people

duringthe

THE

are

platedships. The
thicker

between

war

result

MOON.

THE

TO

of the

aware

Federal

of both the

EARTH

struggle whieli

curious

the

and

guns

the

continents;as the

of the navy

heavier,the other became

grew

one

of iron-

armour

the entire reconstruction

was

arose

in

proportion. The "Meirimac," the "Monitor," the

"Tennessee," the "Weehawken"
dischargedenormous
tiles
projecafter having
themselves,
of others.

they should

not

which

upon

Now

In fact
do

rests

was

the other

forgedday

Barbicane

invented

each followed

art of

and
a

of

theywould

night

shot,Nicholl

and

day

at

nightat Philadelphia.As
shot, Nicholl

of ideas

jectiles
pro-

war.

cast

one

new

current

againstthe

grand principleof immorality

great founder

the
great forgerof plates;

that

"

the whole

if Barbicane

armour-clad

theydid to others that which

them

to

been

was

Baltimore,

soon

invented

essentially
opposed

as

ever

plate,

new

to

the other.

useful to their country, a distance

so
Happilyfor these citizens,
of from fifty
to sixtymiles separatedthem
from one
another,and

they had

advantageover
obtained.

By

the other it

there
nevertheless,
the
At

in the

of these

inventors had the

however,

end

have

it would

that the

seem

give way
competent judgeswho had

were

to

to

the

shot;

their doubts

point.
last

the

experiment

Barbicane stuck like

so

many

the

of
cylindro-conical
projectiles

pins in

the Nicholl

then
day the Philadelphianiron-forger
and

two

difiicultto decide from the results

was

last accounts,

armour-platewould

on

Which

yet met.

never

could

not

evince

the other

afterwards

at
shells,

very

give in.

In

plates. On

believed himself

that

victorious,

contempt enough for his rival ; but when

substituted for conical shot

moderate

simple6001b.

the captain was

velocity,

fact,these projectiles
knocked

obligedto

his best metal

plateto

shivers.
Matters
the

were

shot, when

Nicholl had

at

the

this

stage, and

war

came

completed

new

to

an

victoryseemed
end

on

the

to

very

armour-plate of woBght

rest

day

with
when

stpel. i*

ONE

Was

ENEMY

TWENTY-EIVE

V.

in the world.

The

OF

FRIENDS.

its kind,and bid defiance to allthe

of
masterpiece

MILLIONS

captainhad

it

the

conveyed to

51

projectiles

Polygon

at

the President of the Gun

Club to break
Washington,challenging
it, Barbicane, peace having been declared,
declined to try the

experiment.
NichoU, now
of any

offered
furious,

shot,solid,hollow,round,

who
president,

did not

choose to

NichoU, disgusted
by
him
by offering
within two

At

"

"

then
fifty

!" roared

Barbicane
would

be

good as

so

NichoU

Not

Barbicane

man

beingafraid

prettynear

miles' distance

who
of

if

newspapers,

Captain NichoU

not

fire any

reply;threw

refused to fire

more.

out hints

cannon-shot

it;that artilleristswho

mathematical
substituting

are

stillobstinate

MI"

front,he would

could not contain himself at this

of cowardice; that

plate

!
seventy-five

even

that, even

to stand in

success.

fix the

captainthrough the

answer

the

by

tempt Barbicane

to

and I'll stand behind

for

returned

last

proposedto

the gun.

the

twenty-five
yards ! !

At

He

yards ?

hundred

conical. Refused

or

tried
obstinacy,

yards of

the shock

plateto

compromisehis

chance.

every

hundred

in refusal.

this

his

to expose

was

fightat

six

dual
formulae for indivi-

courage.
To
he

these insinuations Barbicane

heard of

never

for his

so

absorbed

was

he

no

answer

in

perhaps

the calculations

great enterprise.

When
the

them,

returned

his famous

communication

was

wrath passedall bounds;

captain's

made
with

to the

Gun

his intense

Club,

jealousy

of absolute impotence. How

he to
was
mingleda feeling
invent anything
to beat this 900-feet Columbiad
? What
armourof 30,0001bs.
whelmed
platecould ever resist a projectile
weigh* ? Overwas

at firstunder

himself,and resolved

this violent
to

crush

the

shock,he by

and

proposalby

the

by

recovered

weight of

his

arguments.
He

then
a

attacked
violently

number

the labours of the Gun

of letters in the newspapers,

"

Club, published

endeavoured

to

FROM

52

maintained

MOON.

THE

of gunnery.
of the first principles
ignorant
to impressupon
it was
impossible
absolutely

Barbicane

prove

TO

EARTH

THE

that

He
any

velocityof 12,000 yardsper second ; that even

of such a weight could not
with such a velocity
a
projectile
still,
transcend
the limits of the earth's atmosphere. Further
and grantingit to be
to be acquired,
even
regardingthe velocity

body whatever

the
BuflScient,

lopedby

shell could not resist the pressure of the gas deve-

of powder; and
of l,600,0001b8.
ignition

the

be the less able to

it to resist that pressure, it would

melt

temperature;it would
back

in

red-hot

shower

on

supposing

support that

quittingthe Columbiad, and fall

of the imprudent
the heads
upon

spectators.
his work

continued

Barbicane

without

attacks.

regardingthese

in its other aspects. Without

question
touchingupon its uselessness in all pointsof view, he regarded
the experiment as
fraught with extreme
danger,both to the
NichoU

then took up the

who might sanction by

citizens,
and
spectacle,

also to

the

their presence

towns

so

a
reprehensible

neighbourhoodof this
did
that if the projectile
sible),
impos(a result absolutely

in the

He also observed
cannon.
deplorable
its destination
nnt succeed in reaching
fall back upon
the earth,and that the
it must
inevitably
shock of such a mass, multiplied
by the squai'e of its velocity,
would
seriously
endanger every pointof the globe. Under the
with the rights
circumstances,therefore,and without interfering
of free
which

it was
citizens,

ought not

to

case

for the intervention

endangerthe safetyof

of

Government,
of
pleasure

ail for the

individual.

one

Spiteof

all his

alone in his

succeed in
Gun

Club.

opiaion. Nobody

listened to

admirer
a single
alienating
The

arguments of

latter did not

even

from

him, and
the

take the

he

did

painsto

not

of the

President

refute the

his rival.

and
Nicholl,driven into his last entrenchments,
in
personally

remained

arguments, however, CaptainNicholl

the cause,

resolved to

fightwith

not able to

money.

He

fight
pub-

CHAPTEE

XL

FLOBIDA

One
choose

advice

of

favourable
the

in

situated

places

then, necessary
immense

the

of

20th

Barbicane

that

tried

be

to

Union.
States

that

we

Texas

the

was

at

between
The

your

disposal

our

of

map
the

the

became,

the

globe

of the

Gun

on

where

the
certain

the

as

of

the

frontiers

of

this

of the

whole

"

map,

southern

presume

ought
of

soil

the

north

the

will

you

not

United

the

parallel of

28th

over

eye

States

and

cannot

limits

Club,

United

the

discussion,

experiment

far

It

cast.

fortune,

finallyagreed, then,

to

was

the
28th

Then,

Texas

of

on

the

see

of

portion

the

reaching

into

the

two

it

Gulf

must

be

result, however,

rivaliy entirely

Florida, dividing

plunging

Columbiad
The

of these

towns

parallel,

that

Florida.

or

create

different

peninsula

tioiia.

within

zenith, except

Florida."

soil of either

decision

the

have

spot

general meeting

but

cast

the

fired

towards

say,

latitude.

of

that

opening

as

will

you

this

downwards

If

and

It

at

be

that

good

by

28'

and

exactly

in

he,

anywhere

extend

latitude.

0"

is to

the

to

be

must

gun

traverse

not

magnificent

agreed

Now,

horizon,

does

October,

said

all

are

we

that

should

produced

Gentlemen,"

the

determine

Columbiad

the

On

of

to

necessary

According

the

moon

was

experiment.

Cambridge,

between

to

it

of

plane

the

Now

zenith.

the

the

to

the

for

spot

decided

be

to

Observatory

perpendicularly

"

remained

question yet

TEXAS.

ASD

without

cast

on

of this

precedent

states.

American
into
of

two

coast, traverses

nearly equal

Mexico,

it subtends

por
the

AND

FLORIDA

formed

arc

then

the coast of

by

course

Mexico,

over

the

itself in

portionsof

which
parallel

It

Florida

within the

with

simply studded

One

its

therefore, only those

was,

which

situated below

were

prescribedconditions

Florida,in its southern part,reckons

is

angle,it continues

an

and loses
Sonera, Old California,

Ocean.

and

came

it cuts

the

crosses

Pacific

Texas

and Louisiana
Alabama, Mississippi,

off which

Texas,
skirting

5S

TEXAS.

forts raised

citiesof

no

this

of latitude.
it

importance;

againstthe roving Indians.

town, Tampa Town,

solitary

able to

was

put in

claim in

favour of its situation.

In

Texas,

on

the

contrary,the

towns

and

important. Corpus Christi,in

the

cities situated
the

Ignacio on

on

Web,

Bio

Eio

Grande

the

county

formed

of

deputiesarrived

of time.

From

the

city on

Starr,Edinburgh

for the

in the

formidable

honour

entire states

of

Baltimore

at

Cameron,

Gun

If

Club

to

to blows

come

and

incrediblyshort

an

Barbicane

and

besieged
day and

were

cities of Greece

seven

Florida.

Texian

the

President

having given birth

to
threatening

in

moment

of the

claims.

when

known,

that very

the influential members

all

and

Bravo, Laredo, Comalltes, San

the decision

So, scarcelywas

nightby

Nuaces,

imposing league againstthe pretensionsof

an

Floridan

numerous

more

Hidalgo,Santa Rita,Elpanda,Brownsville

in the

space

the

much

are

contended

Homer, here
about

the

two

were

questionof

cannon.

rival

The
hands
be

; and

partiespromenaded

apprehendedwhich

results.

Happily

averted

the

division in the
York
and

Herald
the

which

to

might

newspapers

American

the

These

with

meeting a

collision was

been attended
address

in their

arms

with

of President

different states.

supportedTexas,

espoused the
of the Gun

give the preference.

cause

Club

while
of the

could

not

to

disastrous

personaldemonstrations

of the

Tribune

Review

members

have

prudence and

danger.

and

Deputies. The

the

streets

of their

occasion

at every

the

cane
Barbifound

The

New

the Times

Floridan
decide to

56

FROM

Texas

repliedthat

twelve

twenty-six counties

of

its array

produced

counties

MOON.

THE

TO

EARTH

THE

better

were

Florida

twenty-sixin

than

country only one-sixth part of the size.

Texas
far

itself upon

plumed

smaller

330,000 natives

its

Florida

with

of

being

much

columns

of the

Herald, claimed that

which

grew

boasted
territory,

densely

more

populatedwith 5b',000.
The

Texians, through

be had

regardshould

some

the

to

state

the best

cotton

America, produced the best green oak for the service of the
besides iron mines, in which the
navy, and contained the finest oil,
in all

50 per cent, of pure metal.

yieldwas

the

repliedthat

Review

this the American

To

soil of

Florida,

although not equallyrich, aiforded the best conditions for the

moulding and castingof the Columbiad, consistingas it did of
eai'th.
argillaceous

sand and
"

That

this

first get to

must

Florida

country. Now

while
difficult,

are

the

Galveston,which

possesses

and

of

is

capable

the

containing the

with

offers the

of fourteen

circumference

communications

of Texas

coast

but yon

"

well,"repliedthe Texians

all very

be

may

of

navies

bay

of

leagues,

the

entire

world!"

repliedthe papers in the interest of

prettynotion truly,"

"

"

Florida,
not

we

that of Galveston

the 29th

parallel! Have

got the bay of EspirituSanto, opening precisely

upon

and by
degree,

28th

Bay, below

which

reach

shipscan

Town

Tampa

by

the

direct

route?"
"

fine

bay! half

with

sand!"

"

Choked

yourselves!"

the others.

returned

the

Thus

war

to draw

morning

the

went

her

Times

American, it ought
American
To

choked

on

for several

adversaryaway
hinted
not

on

days,when
to fresh

Florida

ground;

voured
endeaand

one

that,the enterprisebeing essentially

to be

attempted upon

other

than

purely

territory.

these

words

Texas

retorted," American

are

we

not

as

FLORIDA

much

so

Florida both

and

"

Undoubtedly,"repliedthe Times;

the Americans
"Yes!"

incorporated

but

have

we

belongedto

since 1820."

ever

returned

Englishfor

or

Texas

not

57

TEXAS.

in 1845?"

into the Union

"

Were

you?

as

AND

the

200

Tribune; "after having been

sold to the United

were

years, you

Spaniards
States for

five million dollars!"

"

Well

bought

! and
from

need

why

blush for that?

we

Napoleon in

1803

the

at

Was

not Louisiana

price of

sixteen

million

dollars?"
"

Scandalous !" roared

the

Texian

little stripof country like Florida

deputies.
dare

to

to

herself

federal

Houston,

Santa Anna

to the United
"

"

banks

necessary

to

President

it

the

side

the

partiesin

keep an

the

itself

state

eye upon
knew

Barbicane

ought he

the

to take?

repliedFlorida.

of

things became
daily imminent

of Baltimore.

It became

deputies.
which

not

As

to

way

showered

menaces

!"

down

look.
upon

Notes,

his house.

regarded the appropriationof

of communication, the rapidity

of transport,
the facility
soil,

This

dead

block

resolved to

"

Samuel

the troops of

over

seemed

streets

states

were

evenlybalanced.
do with

they had nothingto

prepossessions,

be

pendence,
inde-

own

annexed
voluntarily

sanguinaryencounter

the claims of both

his

Jacinto,

this moment

documents, letters full of

Which

her

2, 1836, and declared

afraid of the Mexicans

was

From

the two

between

itself to

victorygained by

San

the

wretched

States of America!"

"Afraid!"
intolerable.

of

the

country,in fine,which

; because

Yes

in March

republicafter

the

on

the Mexicans

out

compare

Texas, who, in place of sellingherself,asserted

drove

"

had

existed

for

get rid of it at

On

for

political

question.

little time, when

some

He

once.

and laid before them

colleagues,
profoundlysagacious.
seen, was

the

As

called

bicane
Bar-

meeting of

which, it will
proposition
"

he said,
considering,"
carefully

what

is

going

on

now

58

FROM

between
will

Florida

will

and

with

recur

all

Texas
which

further

will

while

has

Florida

Tampa

only

decision,

Texian

deputies.

Club

by

they

took

to

so

Now

conditions,

prescribed
create

us

enemies,

new

for

in, therefore,

go

rivalry

downwards.

on

and

Seized

it

it.

Florida

and

thirty

of

speed

however,

hui-1

last

one

Alluding
between
of

first

shot.

"Very
brevity

the

well,

worthy

let

of

they

it
the

one

train,

they

and

of

course

to

forced

the

quitted

despatched,

were

at

sarcasm

of

extent

discharge,

no

members

but

special

fury,

the

the

they

dressed
ad-

the

Gun

take,

and

Texiana
with

city

hour.

bitter

they

seas,

or

an

as

and
the

to

two

shock

would

miles

Quickly,

had

chartered

tliey

different

the

to

crushed

utterly

indescribable

an

magistrates

They

whether

with

letters

The

name.

known,

made

being

on

threatening

otie.

The

state.

tlie

honour

difficultiei

same

Town."

This

into

and

within

the

the

favoured

the

towns

dispute

that

clear

city,

to

eleven

pcssesses

of

towns

state

ia

MOON.

THE

TO

it

Texas,

the

from

descend

EARTH

THE

Florida,

pretended
and

bust

days

of

that

that

up

their

I"

it

would

found

time

adversaries.

peninsula

mere

it could

replied

uicient

tliey

"

the

Sparta.

sustain

never

bust

confined

"

up

at

Floridans,

the

the

veiy

with

XII.

CHAPTER

UBBI

astronomical, mechanical,

The

the

finallycame
far

too

great for

provide

the

requisite

"was

President

purely

in

the

affairs
extended

This

its

strictest
of

It

money.

the

and

of

one

of

required

sum

any

single state,

the

matter

to

term,

whole

world

offered

more
Balti-

at

orbi.

et

expectation;
but

of

the

withstanding
not-

giving
in

operation

not

he

interfei'e

to

opened

lending

disinterested

and

It was,

earth

all

interest, and

Urbi

"

of

not

being

peoples.

beyond

purely

the

whole

question

universal

subscription

successful

was

of

all

of the

The

the

to

was

it

it

duty

satellite.

was

of

sense

even

despite

co-operation

properly

that
the

undertook,

subscription

or

Tke

solved,
re-

millioas.

right

of

finance.

individual,

any

financial

the

maintained,

of

afiair, to render

the

request

to

topogi'aphical difficulties

and

question

Barbicane

American

OBBI.

ET

slightest

the

chance

profit.

to

and

frontiers

the

of the

communication

United

Asia

The

immediate

communication

wishes;

awaiting
seconded

the
as

Union

those

of

the

was

maintained

rest

by

and

Madras,

Benares,

result.'
it

with

the

As
the

for

the

twenty-two

placed

prudent

observatory
astronomical

fined
con-

Atlantic

Africa

and

themselves

countries.

Stockholm,

others,
a

the

Europe,

foreign

Paris, Petersburg, Berlin,

Lisbon,

Malta,

good

of

those

as

of

observatories

and

not

was

States; it crossed

Pacific, invading simultaneously

Oceania.

such

of Barbicane's

effect,however,

The

Some,

Hamburg,

transmitted

silence,
at

in

their

quietly

Greenwich,

establishments

6o

FROM

of Great

EARTH

THE

TO

MOON.

THE

It

Britain,it spokeplainly
enough.

of success,
possibility

CaptainNicholl.

But

favour

pronoiincedin

and

this

tlia

of the theories of
than

nothingmore

was

boldlydenied

English

mere

jealousy.
On

the 8th of October

full of
of

which

enthusiasm, in
will upon

good

he made

with

opened in

lists were
Subscription
a

published a
appeal to

an

face of the earth."

the

translated into all languages,

met

Union, with

Barbicane

President

central office at

This

immense

all the

"

festo
mani-

all persons

document,

success.

cities of
principal

the Baltimore

the

Bank, 9, Baltimore

Street.
In
banks

in the different states

At

Vienna,

with

of the two
S. M.

at

"

Paris, The

"

Stockholm, Tottie and Arfuredson.

"

London, N. M. Sothschild

"

Turin,Ardouin

"

Berlin,Mendelssohn.

"

Geneva, Lombard, Odier, and Co.

"

The
Constantinople,

"

Brussels,J. Lambert.

"

Madrid, Daniel

"

Amsterdam, Netherlands

"

Rome, Torlonia and Co.

"

Lisbon, Lecesne.

"

Copenhagen,Private

"

"

"

Credit Mobilier.

Janeiro,

Monte

following

de Rothschild.

and Co.
Petersburg,Stieglitz

Rio

the

continents:"

"

"

Video,

Co.

and

Ottoman

Bank.

Weisweller.

Credit Co.

Bank.

do.
do.

and Lima,
Valparaiso

Mexico, Martin

Son.

and

Daran

Thomas
and

la Ohambre

as

1 Co.

Co.

daysafter the manifesto of President Barbicane 4,000,000

dollars were
With
paidinto the different towns of the Union.

Three
of

received

were
addition, subscriptions

62

FROM

THE

1,372,640 piastres
;
which

EARTH

TO

she

gave

and

denoted, however,

some

MOON.

THE

with

them

eagerness

part of

the

on

pressure

an

the

Government.
herself
Belgium distinguished

by

grant of 513,000 francs

her

about

"

the

among

second-rate

head

of

to the extent

of

centimes

two

states

per

population.
and her colonies interested themselves

Holland

110,000 florins,
onlydemanding
discount for

cent,

payingready money.

Denmark,

little contracted

territory,
gave

in

nevertheless

ducats,provingher love for scientificexperiments.

9000

The

Germanic

was

to
impossible

It

of five per

allowance

an

ask for

givenit.
Though

veiy much

pocketsof

her

more

If she had

people.

to science

as

Roman

far

and

crowns;

but
piastres;
eighty-six

have

200,000 lire in the

Venetia

she would

thought that they could

Portugalcarried

30,000 cruzados.

as

not

have

not.

States of the Church

less than 7010

had

florins.

34,285

besides,they would

crippled,
Italyfound

done better; but she had

The

pledged itself to

Confederation

It

self-constituted

her devotion

the widow's

was

empiresare

send

not

mite^

alwaysrather

short of money.

257 francs,this

work.

the American
the
mere

was

side
practical

despatchof

One

shot to the

her;

capitalin

her

so

perhapsshe was right.

As to Spain,she could
She

as

gave

an

by

any

means

admit
freely

backward

and

It did not
could

moon

it did not

hazardous

not scrape

not

that she did not

to

seem

prudent to

more
together

any

her to

than 110 reals.

railwaysto

favourably
regardedin

state; and, moreover,

the least educated,did not

see

her that the

establish
possibly
seem

to

After all,
enterprise.

an

that she had her

excuse

truth is,that science is

is stillin

must

contribution of Switzerland

of the matter.

relation of affairs with

embark

the modest

certain

form

finish. The

that

country, it

not
Spaniards,
correct

estimata

UEBI

of the bulk

In that
tune

of

of the

keep aloof

to

which

they did

iDoon.

things.
the

to

reals.

some

There

that

disturb the established order of

better

it were

case

63

ORBI.

compared with
projectile

of the

feared that it would

They

ET

antipathywith

but

received

soul

one

inhabitants which
of
enterprise

she

which

Englishhave

England; and

but

remained

know

we

Barbicane's

for the whole

Club

proposition.The

They

to the
conti-ary

was

contemptuous

twenty-sixmillions

Great Britain contains.

the Gun

the

"

of

hinted that the

of
principle

intervention."
non~

they did

And

Club

this intimation the Gun

At

subscribe

not

great work.

merelyshrugged its shoulders

When

South America, that is to

and

returned

say,

Peru, Chili,
Brazil,the provincesof

had

poured forth

to its

quota into

their

their

it found itself in possession

of
dollars,

which

the

is a
following

United

States

statement

Such

the

was

of the Gun
Let
work

no

be

in

the

mates, absorb

nearly the
cost

Barbicane,unique
the

of
capital,

1,446,675

"

6,446,675

"

the

treasury

times
20th

1000
in

of the amount.

vastness

the

The

transport of workmen,

uninhabited

country,the

struction
con-

and

incidental

war

almost

an

and
projectile,

thousand

publicpoured into

casting,boring,masonry,
of furnaces

On

the

at
surprised

their establishment

Federal

300,000

4,000,000 dollars.

which

of

sum

considerable

Columbia,

Club.

one

of

hands,the

....

sum

Plata and

"

Total

La

subscriptions

Foreignsubscriptions

singlefarthing.

workshops,the plant,the powder, the

to the estiexpenses, would, according
whole.

dollars

Certain

a-piece.

shots in the

cannon

This

the annals of gunnery,

one

of President

might well

cost five

more.

of October

contract

was

entered

into with the

manufactoryat Coldspiing,near New York, which duringthe

the largestParrott cast-iron guns.
had furnished
war
It was

64

TROM

stipulated

Florida,

should
the

following,

the

is
The

to

of

in

say,

of

details

necessary

of

latest

and

years

the

work,

the

under
eleven

under

when

moment

conditions"'

same

days.
their

workmen,

the

the

to

October

condition

good

day

The
of

15th

the

by

southern

Columbiad.

the

in

herself

present

eighteen

engagement

dollars

100

again

at

in

Town,

Tampa

of

manufactory

the

that

casting

delivered

cannon

forfeit

should

moon

that

the

for

completed

be

to

transport

materials

to

and

of

penalty

to

engage

MOON,

THE

parties

contracting

necessary

bound

was

TO

EARTH

the

between

Goldspring

work

THE

devolved

and

pay,
the

upon

all

the

Goldspring

Company.
This

contract,
of

President
director

executed

of
the

the

the

deed

executed

Gun

Club,

Goldspring
ou

duplicate,

in

behalf

of

the

their

and

part,

one

manufactory,
of

signed

was

of

the

respective

by
T.

other,

Barbicane,
Murphison,
who

principals.

thus

CHAPTER

Xm.

HILL.

STONES

When

the

decision
of

universal

Texas,

Never

Bertram's

Travels

Florida,

issue

editions

Barbicane
to

the

the

at

negotiations
the

construction

He

then

of

the

and

There

'

banks

of

the

of

the

not

was

having
coast

of

made

an

of
like

works

Cleland

and

to

and
the

on

to

necessary

of

their

embarked
the

the

J.

Florida.

Two
hundred

On

into

T.

required
Maston,

nearer

the

size.

Major

from

after

New

at
"

Tam-

which

and, getting

days
and

arrived

navy,

speedily disappeared

four

funds

entered

board

on

Federal

disposal

long.

the

Co., of Albany, for

fellow-travellers

to

time, he

Coldspring Factory.

the

four

position

loss of

and

by

desired

exact

telescope, and

He

read.
the

projectile of

belonging

Louisiana

for

Observatory

Breadwill

they immediately

the

sale

moment's

accompanied

the

at

geography

mark

to
a

of

manager

placed

the

History of East

than

Cambridge

aluminium

had

passage

Tampico,"

Bight of

of

house

despatch-boat

The

the

is

reading

It became

do

and

So, without

following day,

Government
the

an

to

eyes,

construction
the

Natural

better

quitted Baltimore,

Orleans.

pico,"

the

such

paragement
dis-

the

to

works.

own

gun.

with

Elphinstone,
On

his

disposal

for

necessary

these

something

proposed

placed

of

with

things

see

of

had

been

study

in Florida.

Sugar-Cane

the

to

Club,

where

Territory of Florida,

William's

of

work

there

Gun

the

America,

Florida, Roman's

in

Cultivation
fresh

had

before

in

to

set

by

at

one

every

acquirement,

Florida.

West

arrived

was

up

the

steam,

sight.
starting,

eighty miles,

the

came

Barbic'-ne

approach
F

in

66

FROM

found

himself

THE

in view

aspect. After

of

Santo,

where

formed

by

p.m.,

Barbicane,"

entered
in

of

bay

natural

Espiritu
harbour,

at seven
Hillisborough,

Eiver

of the

abounding in

the

small

barren

October.

have

we

"

Tampico

the embouchure

disembarked

four passengers

Our

"

series of creeks

anchored
finally

she

the 22nd

on

low, flat country of bomewhat

coastingalong

lobsters and oysters,the

MOON.

THE

TO

EARTH

time

no

to

at

lose

Gentlemen," said

"

once.

; to-morrow

obtain

must

we

horses,and proceedto reconnoitre the country."

Barbicane

had

set
scarcely

of the inhabitants
honour

due to the

of

his foot

Tampa

Town

three thoncsand

forth to meet

came

had

who
president

shore when

on

him, an

their country by
signalized

his choice.

however,
Declining,
himself

in

On the
full of

morrow

instead

but

riders.
and

some

stood snortingimder
fire,

his windows

with

find

all to

his

themselves

that

shoulders

their

fellow-travellers

three

his

remarked

He

slung across

togetherwith
fifty,

were

they

were

cavalcade.

carbine

Hotel.

Spanishbreed,

descended

astonished

ensconced

of those small horses of the

steeds,here

of four

of such

earned

of

and

Barbicane

much

midst

of the Franklin

room

vigour

kind of ovation,Barbicane

every

every

and

in the

horseman

in
pistols

his

holsters.
he was
his surprise
at these preparations,
pressing
said,"
by a young Floridan,who quietly
enlightened

On

ex

"

Sir,there

"

What

"

Savageswho

are

do you

to escort you

!"

Seminoles
mean

by

scour

the

on

your

"

Pooh

"

All

"

Gentlemen,"answered

nlteation

cried J. T.

said
right,"

speedily

there."

Seminoles?

"

prairies. We

fore,
thoughtit best,there-

road."

Maston, mountinghis steed.

the Floridan ;

"

but it is true

"

Barbicane,

but it is time to be off."

I thank

theless."
enough,never-

you

for your kind

STONES

five

It.was

Town,

when

a.m.

their way

made

above

Town.

Tampa

right bank

champagne

"

country shows
where

appear,

twelve miles

and his escort

the

waves

coasted

alongits

of the

bay

the

risingground,and

appeared
dis-

Floridan

alone offered itself to view.

Juan

Sunday, in 1512, by

Palm

on

It littledeserved

Florida.

Pascha

Ponce

dry and parchedcoasts. But after some

the nature
of the soil graduallychangesand
Cultivated plains
itself worthy of the name.

with
designation

soon

in the direction of Alifia

Bay
Hillisborough

Soon

of

bend

few miles of tract

the

coast

named
originally

Leon, was

that

along the
Barbicane

Florida,discovered
de

and his party,quittingTampa

the eastward.

to

behind
"

Barbicane

This littleriver fallsinto

Creek.

6^

HILL.

its

are

of
productions

united all the

the northern

abouadingwith pineapples
floras,
terminatingin prairies
tropical
and sugar-canes,
and yams, tobacco, rice, cotton-plants,
cast
their riches broadwhich extend beyondreach of sight,
flinging

and

careless

with

Barbicane

elevation of

prodigality.

appearedhighlypleasedon observingthe progressive

of J. T. Maston,
to a question
the land ; and in answer

replied,
"

My worthy friend,we

"

biad in these
To

"

"

Not

to

perhaps?

the moon,

No

plateauswe

struggleswith

the

then, is to open
"

our

trenches

secretaryof

do

you
a

not

much

shall be

we

well.

see

easier

which
water-springs,

will

working in

Our business,

hundreds

ground some

upon

"

of

yards

the level of the sea."

You

are

right, sir,"struck

"and, if I mistake not, we

our

said the

shall have

long and expensivetubings; and

daylightinstead of down a deep and narrow
us

above

"

repliedBarbicane,smiling;
exactly,"

of it ?

save

Colum-

Club.

that amongst these elevated

work

our

high grounds."

get nearer

the Gun

do better than sink

cannot

shall

in
ere

purpose."
r

Murchison, the

longfind

engineer;

suitable spot for

68

FROM

"

I wish

we

THE

TO

EARTH

MOON.

THE

at the first stroke of the

were

sai"lthe
pickaxe,"

president.
And

"

I wish

About
fertile

ten

we

plainssucceeded

J. T. Maston.

had

crossed

regionof

forests.

little band

the

a.m.

cried
last,"

at the

were

dozen

To

miles.

perfumesof

There

in tropical
These
profusion.
mingledtogether
composed of pomegranates,
impenetrableforests were

the mo.st varied kinds

almost

bananas,huge vines,
orange-trees,citrons,figs,olives,apricots,
whose

blossoms

fruits rivalled each other in colour and perfume.

and

Beneath

the

fluttered and warbled

J. T. Maston

and

^J-ealthof nature.
these

to

littleworld

the

themselves
finding

on

in presence

in

was

and
onwards, therefore,

with

haste

were

eighteenfeet long.

his steel

pelicansand

hook, but he

magnificenttrees

plumaged birds,
brilliantly
not

of the

repress their admiration

gloriousbeauties

to

forward

press

to
displeasing

was

compelledto

danger,for they were

fifteen to

of

these

of this

Barbicane,however, less sensitive

President

wonders,

of

major could

luxuriance of the country

without

shade

odorous

infested with

him.

the

They

ford several

very

hastened

not
rivers,

from
huge alligators

menaced them
courageously
some
only succeeded in frightening
Maston

teal,while tall flamingosstared

stupidlyat

the

party.
At

lengththese

turn

smaller

thickets

"

over
plains
"

"

became

which

swamps

disappearedin

thinlyscattered

few isolated groups

detached

ranged herds

regionof pines!

Yes

In

trees

of the

I and

some
fact,

the iu midst

of endless

of startled deer.

of savages

Barbicane

and his

are

the major.
too,"replied

Seminoles had

hostile

we

"

justcome

in

sightupon

backwards
and forwards on
theyrode violently
their spears or dischargingtheir
brandishing

rejjort.These

their

less dense

among

"
here
in his stirrups,
last,"cried Barbicane,rising

At

at the

denizens

however,
demonstrations,

companions.

the horizon;

their fleet horses,

with

guns
had

no

dull

effectupon

CHAPTER

XrV.

FICKAXB

The

evening

same

Town

Tampa
board
an

the

"

the

aid

the

by

Eight
the

for

days
of

bay

artisans.

the

Santo,

Gun

artisans

oi

of these

people

the

activity

which

was

thus

the

doubled
the

large

separately

pieced

laid the

"

"

Tampico

whole

at

preliminary

had

returned

fifteen

hundred

considerable

enlisted

of colour.

them,

with

of

legion

and

brickmakers,

miners,

distinction

bounties

choice

into

of steamboats.

flotilla

and

pay

families

first

As

their

many

departure

of

in

Tampa

Town

that

little

the
;

the

morning,

and

one

imagine

may

population

whose

town,

troop

single day.

few
the

days

and

they

flotilla, the

number

sleepers

o'clock

ten

pervaded
in

by

at

quays

first

brought
as

he

remained
the

foot

on

part of

country.

the

high

their

October,

on

well

of the

lime-burners,

brought

disembarked

cargo

setting

enlist

to

was

perfect emigration.

31st

During

Club

trade, without

every

the

Gun

the

on

greater

assembling together

the

Club,

iron-founders,

On

of

with

in

by

stokers,

resembled

the

departure,

succeeded

the

by

together

of

people

its

Attracted

offered

collect

purpose

of the

after

hcd

to

object

His

to

re-embarked

engineer,

Orleans.

members

Espiritu

Murchison

New

and

The

Town,

works

for

workmen,

materials.

Tampa

"

returned

companions

his
the

Murchison,

Tampico

of

aiiny

and

Barbicane

and

TROTTEL.

AND

of

of

machines,

huts

numbered.

railway

busy

were

and

constructed
At

the

the
of

in

the

rations,
iron

period

same

fifteen miles

discharging

as

plates,

Barbicane

length, intended

PICKAXE

and

following
day the

the

on

Stones

Hill.

respect of energy
fur

placedunder
The

great cities of

of huts

town

erected

was

palisades
; and

with
have

shortlybeen

in

taken
mis-

Everythingwoe

the Union.

the works

were

perfectorder.
soil

of the

nature

of

whole

of workmen;

detachment

and
complete system of dicipline,

in most

commenced

with

it might
activity,

and

ber
the first of Novem-

On

they enclosed

This

of the

ono

71

Town.

Town

quittedTampa

Barbicane

means

TROWEL.

Stones Hill with Tampa

to unite

round

AND

work

repeatedborings,the

examined, by
carefully

been

having

of excavation

fixed for

was

the 4th of November.

called

On that day Barbicane

them

well

are

I have

assembled

business

therefore,a

well

togetherin

you

feet.

cubic feet per

8000

thousand

in

be

thingmust

At

eight o'clock
struck

vas

upon

that

prince of

hands

of the

upon

in the

tools

was

excavators.

have,

to a

depth

completed
feet of

which

difficulty

your

would

present no

country will be of

open

Florida

The

However,

its accomplishmentupon

first stroke of the

from

; and

inactive for

never

space.

courst

skill.

morning the

soil of

stone

numbers,

comparativelyconfined

be

that is to say, in round

working in

as

the

must

wild

We

2,543,400 cubic

have

done,and I reckon for

much

as

your courage

That

day.

navvies

troublesome

more

days ;

in 255

excavate

great work

This

with

dig down

to

this

the

measuring

cannon

thick,and

in diameter

that you

so

feet in thickness.

half

friends,of

my

is to construct

sixtyfeet

eightmonths,

earth to

the

of

hundred

nine

within

and

of nineteen

revetment

and addressed

foremen

aware,

feet in its interior diameter, six feet

nine

to

"

Our

part of Florida.

of

which

objectwith

You

"

follows

as

his
together

gangs

one

pickaxe

that moment
moment

in the

relieved each other every

three hours.

On

the

4th

of November

In the very centre

Hill,a

workmen
fifty

of the enclosed

circular hole

sixtyfeet

space

on

in diameter.

commenced
the snmmit

The

digging.
of Stones

pickaxe first

FROM

72
struck upon

kind

fine

serving for

the

six inches in thickness,which

earth.,

of black

compact white

Britain,which

extended

formed

rock

exhibited

of the masonry
At

kind

which

of circle

bound

circumference

the hole

ring of

extreme

laboured

stone.

wheel

of

then

masonry,

of gas
work

nicetyand
the

they

worked

under

the

from

within

gleam

the

kind of

was

plished,
accom-

the rock

away

support it

to

great thickness.

sank
on

little by
the

required on

minute

wheel, was

under

tible
irresis-

stones

cut

of

stones

At

every

as

two

upper

and
little,

with

of which

bed

it
the

holes to

vent

during the operationof casting.

their ardour

But

picksand

Upon

with

this work

When

to a

out

the

masonry,

of

of immense

of the Columbiad.

itself,
taking care
of

wheel

hollowed

was

incessantly,
alwaysreservingsome

escape

underneath

kind of

withdrew
gained in depth they successively

the massive

kind

their

blocks

upon

The

This

the

half,and the work

thus enclosed

were

in diameter.

resumed

the blocks.

permitthe

disc

of this wooden

the wheel

they advanced

they constructed
and
stronglybolted together,

the centre,

to

underneath

masons

of six feet and

workmen, after layingthe

miners

feet which

Then

four feet.

togetherby hydrauliccement,

twenty-one feet
the

sand

chalk of Great

bed of the soil ;

of the
rested the first layers

were

from

depth

the exterior diameter

tenacity.The
well

hard

the

After

mould.

depth of

the

upon

centre

equalto

this wheel

to

for

being valuable

of this excavation

strength. The
diameter

as

begun.

was

the bottom

oak,

aside

feet of

two

shells,very dry, very solid,and which

petrified
with
difficulty
penetrate. At this point the

of

pickscould

excavation

succeeded

clay,resemblingthe

down

picksstruck

earth

inner

the

casting of

appearedsome
iron of the

MOON.

THE

speedilydisposedof. To this
laid
sand, which was
carefully

was

the

TO

EARTH

THE

the

attention.

the

part of the

More

than one, in

injm-edby
dangerously
never

rays

of
splinters
day. By day

scorchingsun;

of the elecjtriclight. The

digging

the

relaxed,night or
of the

workmen

sounds

by night,
of the

pickg

PICKAXE

\.

TROWEL.

AND

73
i;^.^

againstthe rock,

hurstingof mines, the grindingoiNoje

the

machines, the wreaths

around
and

Stones

the

Hill

of smoke
of
cii^cle

partiesof

war

the
Nevertheless,

and

with

ventured

never

as
regularly,

advanced

the mbbish.

removed
actively

little account

works

the herds of buftaioes

which

terror

Seminoles

the

through the air,traced

scattered

the

pass.

steam-cranes

unexpectedobstacles

Of

to

there

was

foreseen difficulties,
they were

regardto

speedilydisposedof.
At

the

expirationof

depth assignedfor
doubled

was

of

month

sheet of water

lapseof time,viz.

that

December,

the

During
with

in

soil. It became

whence

They

at

it issued

soil,the wheel
ensued.

only,in

the

the

on

the

with
throughout

its

President

leak

the orifice
board

on

hand

upper

ship.

of these

of
loosening

the

the

10th

of

the progress of the

arrested

June, twenty days before

the

in

masonry

attained the

rested

thickness,whilst

the

upon
on

depth of

massive

the upper

900

block

portionit

soil.
surrounding

Barbicane

of the Gun

the members

and

their engineerMurchison
congratulated

the

Club

warmly

cyclopeanwork

had

accomplishedwith extraordinary
rapidity.

been

During
a

these

eightmonths

singleinstant.

workpeople,and

Barbicane

Keeping

he busied himself

his

to close up

and

settlement
partial
slight

facingof stone, had

bottom

level with

for

the outer

period fixed by Barbicane, the well, lined

measuiing thirtyfeet
was

rightacross

of the

consequence
and

to contend

powerfulpumps

as

getting the

way,

had

very

stops

one

thenceforward

occurrence

expirationof
At

in

partlygave

operation;and

feet.

just as

depth

January.

workmen

drain it off,
so

This

This accident cost the life of several workmen.

fresh

No

feet.

112

its way

employ

to

necessary

streams

made

which

last succeeded

untoward

trebled in

and

February the

to
compressedair-engines

from

the well had attained the

the firstmonth

ever

close

with
incessantly
was

quittedStones

never

by

the work

of

Hill

tion,
excava-

the welfare and health of

fortunate
singularly

in

wardingoff the

-I^ROM

74

THE

EARTH

TO

MOON.

THE

^-

cx"}S"mics
in

of

tliose

workmen,

Many
inherent

in

impossible
which

the

it

these

in

his

work.

in

force

that

one

but

to

the

disastrous

influences

the

in

rashness

mishaps

amongst
little.

but

nature

for

these

classed

themselves

professed
at

his

humane

and

precautions,
about

so

lives

their

are

human

Bai-bicane

intelligence,

prodigious
exceed

and

details

with

They

have
for

than

general

are

the

particular.

them

put

they

and

for

with

labours

trouble

regai-d

more

Nevertheless,

care,

men,

exposed

are

paid

true,

avoided,

Americans

individual

and

is

dangerous

be

to

fact

which

globe

the

of

climates.

tropical

in

of

regions

communities

large

to

common

of

useful

France,
accident

intervention

the

sagacity,

for

for

countries,

instance,
every

among
two

in

average
noted

others,
hundred

all

of

to

thanks

So,

opportunity.

every

transatlantic

principles

opposite

to

difficulties,

accidents

for

these,

their

where

thousand

did

his

his

not

excessive

they

reckon

francs

of

CHAPTER

F'tlE

THE

DuRTNG

the

excavation

the

Stones
his

Hill

with

would

or

which

were

works

of

employed

in

casting

had

the

rapidity,

extreme

have

CASTING.

THE

surprised

been

of

carried

heen

arriving

stranger

spectacle offered

the

at

work

the

at
to

view.
At

as

600

feet.

central

point,
and

The

length

each

from

yards

diameter,

preparatory

simultaneously

on

months

eight

XV.

the

from

separated

circumference
of

with

its

each

by

by

these

interval

an

1200

all constructed

Being

high quadrangular

six

each

ovens,

other

occupied

miles.

two

reverberating

1200

rose

feet

of

in

three

presented

ovens

the

on

it

around

circularly arranged

and

well,

plan,

same

chimney, they produced

most

singular effect.
It will

be

had

decided

particular the
tenacious,

cast-iron

use

description.

most

ductile, and

the

for
is

pit coal,

of

all

superior

great

hydraulic

presses,

and

the

however,

if

deposits.
'ore, molten

to

So

refine

before

in the

it

the

Columbiad,
in

metal

operations
for

such

as

is

malleable,

most

quality

fact

and

all

mittee
Com-

the

meeting

and
the

and

in

most
quently
conse-

when

smelted

engineering

works

steam-boilers,

cannon,

like.

subjected

by

being

great

for

the

power,

rarely sufficientlyhomogeneous
completely

third

This

moulding

resisting

requiring

Cast-iron,

to

their

on

white

suitable
with

that

remembered

and

only

to

it

requfres

dispossessing
forwarded

furnaces

of

to

single fusion,

one

it

of

Tampa

Coldspring,

its

Tcwn,
and

fusion

second
last

is

earthly
the

brought

iron

into

76

FROM

with, coal and

contact

carburized

by railway.

that of material.

York, and

MOON.

THE

to

high temperature,wai

cost of

The

It

month

York

the iron
of

the middle

Bay

January

this

This, however,
tons, a veritable

1000

May, on the
EspirituSanto, and

of

dues, in the port

enormous

10th
charged
dis-

Town.

Tampa

at

rail to Stones

transported
by

was

at New

the 3rd of

on

the

ascended

their cargoes, without

Thence

double

been

have

iron in bars.

with the

fleet,
which, quittingNew
same

costlyto

too

vessels
to freight
appearedpreferable

load them

to

transport would

vessels of
requirednot less than sixty-eight

of the

They had, however,

Hill.

Stones

to

on

this first operation,

After

into cast-iron.

136,O00,0001bs.of iron,a quantityfar

deal with

send

sent

was

TO

Bilicium heated

and transformed

the metal
to

EARTH

THE

Hill,and about

mass

of metal

was

1200

furnaces

were

delivered

at its destination.

It will be
to

many

easilyunderstood

these 60,000
simultaneously

melt

these furnaces contained

of the Rodman

gun,

arch.
elliptical

These

of those which

they were

of

the iron bars

25",allowed

the

1200

laid.

were

the metal

metal.

in shape,with
trapezoidal

constructed
furnaces,

of

This

convergingtrenches

of

They
casting
high

brick,were
fireproof
flat bottom

bottom,inclined

to flow into the

too

Each

for the

served

especially
adapted for burning pit coal,with
which

not

of iron.

tons

nearly140,0001bs.weightof

all built after the model

were

that

at

upon

angle

an

and

receiving
troughs;

carried the molten

metal

down

to

the central well.

The

day followingthat

boringhad
mould.

been

well,and with
feet in

to

was

coincident

diameter,which
of

straw.

The

should

intended

to

clayand sand, with

space
be

left between

filled up

by

set to

of the masonry

work

raise within

upon
the

axis,a cylinder900

for the bore of the Columbiad.

mixture

the works

completed,Barbicaue

objectnow

His

which

on

the

exactlyfillup
This
the

the mould

molten

of the

high,and

the space reserved

cylinderwas
addition

the central

centre

feet

and

of

and

composed of
a

little hay and

the masonry

metal,which

would

was

thus

78

FROM

THE

EARTH

allow the hot air to circulate

the 1200

the

of metal
to burn.

Thus

to

were

there

the face of the

68,000

of which

resembled

added

The

shot each furnace

to

waited

mingled with

the

the enclosure.

within

apertureof the

Each

his

assisted at the

the

before

reservoirs

whole

the molten

the

oxygen

cannon-

iron and

pletely
com-

arrangements made, foremen

with

Not

perched on
colleagues,
operation.In

midday

the

and

impatience

an

soul remained

his post

the

by

eminence,
neighbouring

front of them

signalfrom

the

was

pieceof

began to flow;

little;and, by the

time

completelyaccomplished,it

few minutes

engineer. Some

the firstdriblets of metal

filled little by

melting was

abeyancefor

soon

lators
powerfulventi-

took
superintendent

artillery
ready tp givefire on
minutes

heat

run.

and

Barbicane

in
projected

signalgiven by

of emotion.

amount

there

successful,
requiredto be

to

pounds

were

The

The

preconcertedmoment

certain

give vent

to

was

itself. These

empty

workmen

be

to
operation,

air,and

furnaces,the rumbling

thunder.

great rapidity. On

with

coal

blasts and saturated with

their continuous

glowing plates.
conducted

rollingof

the

daybreak

many

of coal which

tons

the circle of

within
insupportable

became

pounds of

curtain of smoke.

thick

tremblings.As

dull

cast, so many

were

sun

At

them.

freelybetween

agitatedwith

there

as

MOON.

THE

their torrents of flame into the

chimneysvomited

ground was

TO

in order to facilitate the

was

that

the

kept

in

of
separation

substances.
foreign
o'clock struck I A

Twelve
shot
"were

its flame

into

the

gun-shotsuddenlypealedforth

air.

simultaneously
opened

crept towards

the

depth of

900

The
into the

feet.

and

central

There, down

curves.

Twelve
twelve

theyplungedwith
It

was

wreaths

melting-ti-oughs

hundred

fieryserpents

well, unrollingtheir

an

of

excitingand

while
ground trembled,

sky their

hundred

and

incandescent

terrific noise into

a

these molten

magnificent
spectacle.
waves,

smoke, evaporated

launching

the moisture

of

the mould and hurled itupwards throughthe vent-holes of the stone

in

lining

nor

of

bosom

typhoon,
terrible

those

No,

it

these

gigantic

rations
hand

Niagara

alone

who

rivalling

those

of

molten

metal

an

the

elements,

volcano

itself,

an

and

abyss,

storms;

dug

by

of

the

nor

of

these

any

of

producing.

reddish

earthquake,

air.

eruption,

any

capable

is

the

forming

was

neither

these

of

limits

crater

produced
a

humcanes

into

precipitated

which

of
shock

of

of

nature

had

the

the

was

into

yards

new

clouds

artificial

1000

some

struggle

worthy

flames

of

there

which

resembling

vibrations

that

nor

These

beyond

although

Florida,

phenomena
man

was

Js.

height

believed

storm,

nor

to

somewhere

have

might

the

spirals

79

CASTING.

THE

vapoiir-clou

dense

wandering

savage,

horizon,
in

thick

their

unrolled

of

form

the

OF

FETE

THE

vapours,
tremendous

these

and

himself,

reverbe

it

big

was

whole

XVL

CHAPTER

COLtTMBIAD.

THE

Had

the

There
mould

the

indeed

was

considerable

Bome

certainty

"iiy

during

escaped

easting
and

the

feet

200

But

by

smoke

burnt

the

soles

of

All

nearer.

since
still

metal;

could

arrive

at

they

still

was

of

feet

the

Stones

Hill.

could

do

It

open

of

radius

impossible

was

wait

to

was

the

in

within

the

after

days

rising

T.

J.

nothing.

do

tried

sorely

was

Fifteen

miracle.

of

summit

the

Club

could

they

column

ground

rouna

approach

time.

roasting

immense

an

jecture.
con-

success,

they

Gun

of the

members

of

before

elapse

mere

molten

of the

mass

to

expect

to

reason

entire

must

reduced

were

matter.

of the

period

this

Maston

the

upon

patience

The

sky,

time

They
eveiy

the

absorbed

had

succeeded

casting

to

what

with

patience they might.

"

Here

we

"

morning,

one

shall

be

never

silence

However,
in

the

state

ejected
days
last

had

of

Little

August

by

time!

"

little

the
the

Barbicane,

earth

revealed
About

belt

in

exhaled

but

his

going

on

nothing,

said

of

heat

colleagues,

certain

the

15th

intensity
only

enclosed

monster

his

We

December!

of

1st

Barbicane

sensibly diminished

of

the

to

Maston

T.

J.

irritation.

ground.

the

exclaimed

August,"

months

observations

the

afterwards
breath

in

serious

daily

10th

four

only

ready

covered

the

at

are

August
and

within

the

the

vapoui's

thickness.

slight puff
its

contracted,
and

change

of

circle

until

engineer

on

were

Some*

smoke,
of

the

stone.

the

22nd

enabled

THE

set foot

to

the iron sheet which

on

8l

COLUMBIAD.

laylevel

the

upon

of

summit

Stones HilL
last I " exclaimed

At

"

immense

sighof
work

The

boringof

resumed

was

the

piece.

without

intermission.

extreme

hardness

the

the

Pickaxes
The

of

boringirons were
clayeyand sandy soils

rubbish

being dug

on

and

such

out

had

acquired

by the aid of

but

rapidlycarted

was

of the work,

the ardour

was

that by the
persuasivethe arguments of Barbicane's dollars,

of

September all traces

had

of the mould

the immense
bore of the
At

after

had

tube

There

was

onlythe

moon

enonnous

weapon,

for

fail in the rendezvous.

not

knew

bounds, and he narrowly

no

fall while staringdown

escapeda frightful
of Colonel

ready

for;and they were

to wait

now

ecstacy of J. T. Maston

the tube.

for the

But

Blomsberry, the worthy secretary,like

Erostratus,would

modern

twelvemonth

exactly vertically
pointed,was

that she would

strong hand

than

September,less

the
originalproposition,

bored, and
accuratily

The

the

and the
perfectly
cylindrical,

rendered

of

the 22nd

Barbicane's

pretty sure

by

piecehad acquired a thoroughpolish.

on
length,

work.

and

commenced;

later,the inner surface o(

few weeks

been

3rd

entirely
disappeared.

ofboringwas
Immediatelythe operation
powerfulmachines, a

the

set to work

so

aid of

an

once

clearingout

and

the action of the heat

railwaywaggons;

on

day. They proceededat

same

mould, for the purpose

under

machines, the

away

Club, with

relief.

the interior

to extract

of the Gun

the President

have

found

his death

in the

depths of

the Columbiad.
The

cannon

was

then

finished

to its perfectcompletion.

Nicholl
cane,

openedan

in which

had

between

was

no

doubt
possible

the

6th

of

October, Captain

himself and

believe that the

highestpoint,and

ever, he

on

there

President

he debited himself to the latter in the

dollars. One may

to its

account

So,

stiU three

must

wrath
Captain's

have made

bots of

him

sum
was

Barbiof 2000

increased

ill.
seriously

three,four, and

as

How-

five thousand

82

FROM

dollars,
respectively
; and
would
position

eastinga
would

After

of

"flow of

peopleto

platessixty feet thick

iron

terrible blow.

Septemberthe enclosure of Stones Hill was

and it will be easilyimaginedwhat
public;
spot! There

of visitors to this

concourse

not

of his rival in

success

dealt him

that
inefiectal,

to the

open

the

from

and

an

incessant

place,which

the

and

Town

Tampa

was

a pilgrimage.
or
rather,in fact,
procession,
ment
alreadyclear to be seen that,on the day of the experi-

resembled
It

been

did
question

the money
the

was

against which

the 23rd

thrown
was

it
calculations;

cannon

have

But

of these, his

out

gained two

very bad.

not be

into his

enter

if he

MOON.

THE

TO

EARTH

THE

was

be counted by
the aggregate of spectatorswould
itself,
frt)m all parts of the earth
for they were
millions;
alreadyarriving
this

upon

stripof promontory.

narrow

Europe

emigrating

was

America.

to

Up

time,however, it

to that

of the

numerous

counted

comers

but Barbicane

hungry eyes;
Then

ensued

"

with

admit

un-American."

the Columbiad

There

was

taste,and

even

imprudence,to

nearly a

of closed

it would

have

doors

been

bad

bicane,
public feeling.Bar-

to all comers;

he determined
practical
disposition,

riot round

When, however,

state

affront the

therefore,
opened the enclosure
his

sident,
theyblamed the PreHis proceedings
were

inflexible.

remained

operation.

finished,this
entirely

was

to that

one

very

longerbe maintained; besides

no

no

dictatorial conduct.

Stones Hill; but Barbicane

could

would

murmurs
grumbling,discontent,

taxed him
declared

had

and they
the spectacleof the casting,
witnessing
smoke.
This was
to nothingbut
sorry food for

upon

treated

were

Most
gratified.
scantily

but

was

confessed,the curiosity

be

must

to coin

but, true

money

out

to

of the

publiccuiiosity.
It

was

immense

something,indeed,to
Colninbiad;but

to descend

the Amerieaus

the

ne

there

one

curious

was

not

be

plus ultra of

enabled
into its

to

contemplatethis

depths,this seemed

to

earthly
felicity.
Consequently,

spectatorwho

was

not

to give
willing

Tampa

Town

after

the

undertaking.

84

FROM

matter

place
and

^he

to

up
fired

THE

determine.

for

at

planetfu-y

At

empire,

an

that

EARTH

very

world."

all

"not

TO

he

events,
if

even

moment
"

were

MOON.

THE

the

to

would

cannon

blow

not

have

given

loaded,
"

him

in

hie

primed,

pieces

into

CHAPTER

great works

The

to

come

the

end

an

these

and

details

Just

the

shot

the

this

at

moment

To

moon.

long

as

had

to

with

the

Hitherto

by

the

unexpected,

the

eyes.

eager

the

mind

most

to

into

foi

day

daily chronicled

been

every

the

general impatience

years

incredible, occurred
throw

virtually

now

before

the.

as

circumstance,

panting spirits,and

rouse

afresh

their

of the

most

state

excitement.

violent

the

day,

s?.itted
the

the

public devoured

and

One

to

had

Club

Gun

still remained

operation

extraordinary

most

the

hj

appeared

of the

which

journals,

DESPATCH.

months

two

months

two

smallest

TELEGEAPHIC

undertaken

of

discharge

XVn.

30th

cable

by

American

September,

from

Valentia

mainland,

3.47

at

(Ireland)

arrived

the

at

to

telegram,

p.m.,

trans-

and

Newfoundland

President

of

address

Barbicane.
The

President

his

eyes

grew

the

open

remarkable

despite his
and

tore

powers

dim,

on

envelope,
of

read

the

despatch, and,

self-control, his lips turned

the

reading

twenty

words

pale

of

this

telegram.
Here
archives

the

is

of the

text

Gun

of

the

Club:

which

despatch,

figures

rEANCE,
"

"

go

Snbstitnte
inside.

Barbicane,
for

Shall

yonr
arrive

Tampa

Town,

spherical

shell

by

the

"

"

"

in

now

steamer

'

Florida,
a

Paeis,

September,

80

a.m,

States.

United

oylindro-conical

projectile.

I shaU

Atlanta.'
"MlCHEi

Abdak."

CHAPTER

THE

If

this

PA8SENOEB

astounding

wires, had

simply

Barbicane

would

held

his

order
be

What

for

whom
walls

would

for

of

the

keeping

for

colleagues

text

in

of

it

he

lunatic

might

of

idea
be

must

rather

ward,

iiv

Frenchman.

the

conceived

really existed,

and

telegram

from

came

have

prudence,

This

plans.

envelope,

would

He

measure

have

sealed

ordinary
moment.

his

person

despatch, however,

officials

proposition
Union.

as

It

of

possessed
at

ran

than

such

idiot,

an

within

the

Consequently,
at

of his

the

moment

received

was

with

incredulity,and
J. T.

in

called

Maston,

derision

who

the

read

to

them

exclaimed,

every
"

without

the

laconic

of expressions

one,

It is

of his

such

possible variety
from

motive

and

Town,

and

several

further

no

together

Tampa

every

discretion,

throughout

once

opinions simply

own

little

but

he

known;

speedily became

had, therefore,

Barbicane

were

doubt,

exception

as

ever

up

silence.

itself.
of

hesitated

would

of the

expression

any

in the

by post

electric

the

flying through

projectile.

Ardan's

States

of

"ATLANTA."

jest, especially as

telegraphic

Michel

instead

reconsider

to

shut

contents

the

THE

it, both

and, if such

of the

The

about

being

one

OF

have

some

human

journey?

arrived

have

to

cover

news,

not

tongue

not

XVin.

with

grand

the

idea,

however!"
Barbicane

When
every

enough

(essmg

looked

one

"

to

mere

be

originally proposed
upon

the

question
reasonable

enterprise
of

gunnery;

being, offered

to

send

as

but

simple
when

to take

shot
and
a

passage

to

the

moon

practicable
person,
within

prothe

THE

PASSENGER

OF

"ATLANTA."

THE

the whole thingbecame

projectile,

87

farce,or, in plainerlanguage,

humbug.

One
This

telegramflashed
of the vessel

of

certain character

clearer notion

individual

to
reality

they arose.

themselves

public impatience;and

him

"
"

The

"

his passage,

into

imparta

to

must

of

Scattered groups

get

some

inquirersat

compact crowd, which

of President

it

Barbicane.

He

That

made

worthy

in the

undw
gathering

him

the

or

his

presently
obliged
on

silence

being

question:
following

under
telegram,

Yes

here ?

his way

on

Town

to
point-blank

mentioned

Is the person

that

pleasant countenance

no

and
forward, therefore,

came

c'tizen put

Ardan,

with

was

and vociferations below

murmurs

to appear.

Michel

take

to

was

Atlantic,the designation

proposal. They

populationof Tampa

the

procured,a

the

being exist

keepingquietwith the intention of watching events

the
But
he had forgottento take into account

was

windows.

the

matter.

the residence

he watched

he

which

such

speedy arrival,all combined

his

of the

lengthcondensed
straightfor

board

Did

depthsof

the

across

on

assignedfor

the date

as

remained.

question,however,

the

name

of

no."

Gentlemen," repliedBarbicane, " I know

no

than

more

you

do."
voices.
know," roared the impatient

"

We

"

Time

will

"

Time

has

must

repliedthe
Not

To

was

the

Barbicane

the way

"

to

Have

keep a

the request of the

to

to go

The

by.

!"
telegraph

whole

altered the

you

country in suspense,"

plansof

are

right!

we

answers
requesting

the

have

must

better

roared the crowd,

telegraphoffice.

despatchedto

projectile

tion."
completeits informa-

telegraphmust

descended; and headingthe immense

the

the

telegram?"

yet, gentlemen; but you

information

"

business

no

orator.

accordingto
"

show," calmlyrepliedthe President.

few minutes

led
assemblage,
later

secretary of the underwriters

to tbe

queries:
foUowirig
"

at

telegram

Liverpool,

FROM

About

"

she

board

on

Two

ship

TO

'

Atlanta

for

October, bound
borne

list of

the

on

Had

Ardan?"

information too exact

received

Liverpoolput
having

Town,

Tampa

Europe?

remainingdoubt.

from

'

Atlanta

'

steamer

did she leave

Michel

Barbicane

for the smallest

MOON.

THE

when

"

named

afterwards

room

The

EARTH

Frenchman

hours

to leave
"

the

THE

on

the 2nd

sea

on

board

name

of Michel

the

by

passengers

to

man
French-

Ardan."
That

eveninghe

very

requestingthem
receiptof

suspend the castingof

further

semaphoresof
them.

The

Town.

At

of

name

four

At

had

Barbicane
he

which

At

the

the first to

vainly tried

to

of

passage

anchor

at Port

steamer

foot

set

once

conceal

the
the

on

the

the

deck, and

Bay

of

Hillisborough
Tampa.
500

taken

was

Tampa

over

when

sandy bottom

Atlanta,"and the

"

was

the

at

vessel entered

the

six she east

on

the

with
exchangedsignals

flew

English

five it crossed

scarcelycaught

surrounded

"

at 9 a.m.,

thick smoke

signalleda

Atlanta

"

o'clock the

at full steam.

anchor

the

Co.,

and

until
projectile

October,

largesteamer

of Breadwill
the

the 20th

Canal

later

hours

EspirituSanto.
Bay

On

orders.

the Bahama

Two

horizon.

to

to the house

wrote

by

in

The
boats

assault.

voice of

emotion, called "Michel

Ardan."
"

!"

Here

repliedan

Barbicane,with
of the
He

"

individual

Atlanta."

was

shock

face

was

moustache
whisker

the poop.

at the passenger
crossed,looked fixedly

arms

man

of about

round-shouldered.
slightly
a

perched on

of reddish
short
as

upon

with

42

as
bristly

of age,

His massive

hair,which
a

years

broad
a

full cheeks.

head

resembled

forehead,and

and
cat's,

Round,

of

largebuild,but

momentarilyshook
lion's

mane.

furnished with

little patches of
wildish

His

eyes,

yellowish

sighted,
nearslightly

completeda physiognomy essentially

feline. His nose
in expression,
w;is
sweet
firmlyshaped,his mouth particularly
and furrowed
with wrinkl^i; like d
high forehead,intelligent

PASSENGER

THE

field.
newly-ploughed

firmlyfixed

him

He

in

dressed

THE

body

was

suit of

the

bustled

bridge of
and

to

those

which
originals

and

moment,

Amongst
sublime

still for

"

He

was,

like

"

in

only fit to

mark

they sell for

his

the mould.
himself out

for

and professed
Shakespeare,"
supreme
"

Those

fellows,"as

while
points,

he

called

play the game."

we

not

an

the

rest,he

his

feet,like those little pith figures

children's toys.

and
opinions,"

was

In

ever

words, his

two

the love of the

in scrapes,

ending

motto

was

constituted
impossible

rulingpassion.

Such
if

my

of

one

fellow,a kind of Icarus,only possessing

For

by fallingon
invariiibly
I have

was

in the freak of

invents

breaks

the

hair-brained

relaysof wings.

"

crowd, he

fact,a thorough Bohemian, adventurous,but

adventurer; a

which

avidity.He

nervous

she then

ignoramus,

are

of the

this curiosity
peculiarities,
gave

other

red hands.

moment,

sometimes

nature

variably
in-

were

"dragging his
gesticulating,
making free with

contempt for all scientific men.

them,

appeareda pairof

steamer, in the midst

nails with

of which

hardy,jollycompanion.

neck; his cuffs

robust

sailors say,

everybody,bitinghis

generalair

ample dimensions,loose neckerchief,

fro, never

the

anchors," as

the

and

arms,

of

unbuttoned,through which
On

89

developed and
powerfully

the appearance

shirt-collar,
disclosinga

open

"ATLANTA."

Muscular

long legs.

upon

of decision gave
was

The

OF

was

the passenger

boilingunder

of his

the action

of

and

each

to

the Yankee

scrutinywhich

regardingthis
shouts

and

uproarious,

internal fire by the character

some

two

ever

other,these
in his

the President
new

rival

was

were

offered

certainlyMichel
being equally
Club

had

tuted
insti-

quicklyinterruptedby
The

and

popular enthusiasm

way.

of the Gun

of the

form, that Michel

crowd.

own

hurrahs
the

individuals

Barbicane; both, moreover,

and daring,each
enterprising

The

as
Atlanta,"alwaysexcitable,

"

physicalorganization.If

strikingcontrast
Ardan

of the

cries became
assumed

Ardan, after having shaken

so

at

the

last

so

personal a

bunds

some

FROM

go
thousands
behind

of

Barbicane
You

"

him

bolt for his cabin.

utteringa

without

in which

he

leaving his fingers

risk of

Barbicane, I suppose ? "

are

MOON.

THE

fain at last to make

followed

of voice

tone

TO

the imminent

times,at

him, was

EARTH

THE

Michel

said

Ardan

addressed

have

would

word.
in

of

friend

twenty years'
standing.
"

"

All

right!

"pretty well ?
"

d'yedo, Barbicane
that's right."

? how

how

further

So," said Barbicane,without

quitedetermined
"

of the G, C.

Yes," repliedthe President

gettingon

you

aro

"

preliminary,yon

are

go,"

to

Quite decided."

"Nothing

will

"Nothing.

stop you?"

Have

you

modified

projectile
accordingto

your

telegram."

my

"I

waited

"have
"

for your

Beflected ? have
tour

gistof

Barbicane

looked
such

with
project

My

"

then

to

wish
have

answer

may

any
rest

dear

this

done

All

who

man

opportunity

profitby

it.

There

of

of
spoke so lightly

anxiety.

"

of

means

But,

at

his

least,"

carryingyour

Barbicane; only permit me

with

if you

it ; then

have

whole

whatever
objections

ofier

no

all

one

need for

objection,assemble

your

Florida,all America

if

ready to explainmy plansand

that

without

repliedBarbicane.
right,"

to

all,to everybody,

there will be

no

town,

I shall be

I shall wait

for

story once

y.m?"
"

to

an

"

is to tell my

to-morrow

assured

I find

mean

plans,some

some

the
friends,colleagues,

like,and

at

completeabsence

So,
recapitulation.

you

and I

moon,

hard

execution ?

Excellent,my

remark:

again,

the matter."

he, "you have

into
project

and

I any time to spare ?

in the

is the whole

"

Barbicane

reflected?"
carefully

you

of making

said

But," asked

arrival.

may

be

advanced.

stirring.Will

You

that suit

XrX.

CHAPTEE

On

be

of
for

the

let

to

of the

help

stretched

burning
hours

for

the

third,

could

it

than

radiant
a

at

he

graceful bow

the

as

English

despite

the

and
of

top

exhibited

which

nearly
which
not

to

follows

very

hot

the
many-

man.
French-

both

and

see

all ; and

at

by

his

view

on

Ardan

extended

rassment
slightest embar-

pleasant
him

request

liy

Maston,

ruddy.

as

the

J. T.

as

At

all.

at

supported

was

left

greeted

his hand
as

He
his

from

accompanied

familiar, and

gay,

hurrahs

on

was

for

anything

appearance,

and

it

could

to the

canvas

of the

nothing

Club.

sun

He

then, waving

perfectlycorrect
"Gentlemen,

from

hats.

the

To

home.

midday

just

was

Gun

the

of

braved

atrival

hear

nor

his

made

the

heard

see

Barbicane,
the

people

first set

and

neither

of

platform,
of black

sea

spectators

Ardan

President

awaiting

badly

saw

Michel

right by

in

while

plain

hours, thanks

protected

300,000

idea, and

vast

prairie,and

There

of

was

roofing

an

of

Falls

public conference.

few

the

immense

port,

sun.

set

In

town.

parched

crowd

second

mounted

were

in

of

the

up

ber
num-

colleagues

own

check

to

meeting

monster

the

principal members

more

over

of

rear

the

this

o'clock

three

this

stiflingheat

the

Of
hear

for

of the

rays

tried

chances

the

run

shipping

over

initiated, his

have

the

reducing

compelled, therefore, to give

friend

the

of the
well

as

of

desirous

was

few

might

chosen

in

Ardan,
to

was

new

place

situated

his

lie
He

his

The

the

audience

instance.

Niagara

Michel

to

put

qnestions

indiscreet

fearing that

following day Barbicane,

the

might

MEETING.

MONSTEE

he

as

if he

replied by

silence,he spoke

:"

weather

request

your

patiencefor
the

short time

which
projects

neither

orator

an

that you

would

Listen

me,

to

while I offer

of

man

but

public;

like to hear

before you

see

far that he cannot

that it was

one's

placein

and I

quiteat

am

600,000

your

has told
your

and

ears,

am

idea of

no

friend Barbicane

my

understand

even
a

and
projectile

then

in

carriage;

start for the

later

or

sooner

follows

me

service.

pleaseto

then in

imagine that

the

earth

and
rapidity,

the

round

at three

the

sun

herself
as

greaterthan these, of which

All

with

impart to
the stars

this moment

upon

never

planets,and
certaintyas

this

it is extravagant.
exceed

day

it in

carrying us
she is a

it not

mere

planets!
evident,

velocities far

appear

will probablybe
lightor electricity

globe,as
shall

outstep, we
the
we

Distance

beingreduced

feet

two

others of the

many

some

the

certain naiTOW-minded

race

Man

gentlemen,may

rapida rate, and yet

Yes, gentlemen,"continued

opinionsof

of

agent ?

the mechanical

York I

of you,
to

is at

then, I ask you, that there will

human

day, on

velocityis constantlydecreasing.Is

her

And

journey

future,and the planets

some

the kind.

times

That

for the mode

as

fine

the

propose

compared

the way

loungeron

Now

velocitywe

nothing of

It is

easy to take

law of progress.

then, one

to

stage-coach
by railway.
; and lastly

nothingelse !

are

and,

is the vehicle of
Well, the projectile
themselves

It seemed

moon

simplythe

all-fours

began by walking on

the difficulties!

quitesimple,natural,and

matter

locomotion,
adopted,it

must

I had

speaker. Now pray do not forgetthat

perfectignoramus,whose ignorancegoes so

undertaken

be

must

"

interested you.

so

science,and

me,

with
therefore,

explanations
regarding

some

have

to

93

the faults of the

excuse

him

MEETING.

seem

nor

in

addressingyou

you

MONSTER

to

stars, with
now

make

is but

zero."

orator,

people,who
within

some

one

day

the

same

the voyage
relative

"

in

spite of

would

the

shut up the

magic circle which

travel

to

the moon,

it

the

facility,
rapidity,and
from

Liverpoolto

and
expression,

must

New

end

by

FROM

94

TO

EARTH

THE

MOON.

THE

French

in favour of the
as they were
strongly
predisposed
assembly,
at this bold theory. Michel
hero, were
slightly
staggered

Ardan

perceivedthe

The

"

fact.

Gentleman,"he

continued

seem

quite convinced.

out.

Do

you

reach the
that ?

know

how

Three

moon

The

distance

of the earth
moderate

the

on

is

moon

days ;

hundred

than

more

no

are

made

! I

more

millions of miles from the

I And

sun

the distance of the fixed stars,

the distance which

some

there

separ^-testhe

people who

are

think

of

our

own

simple!
homogeneous body ;
contact

with
is

them

molecules
I have

each

nothing

empty
"

name

Hurrah!

must
;
"

"

and

at

twenty

then

metal, such

the

you

sun

know
my

are

exists

space

which

And

distance exists.

it

compose

space
as

you talk of

what

theory?

solar system is a

whatever
the

Arctums,

as

Shall I tell you

solid,

in actual
between

separates the

I
iron,or platinum
silver,
I repeat, with the

viction
con-

penetrate all your minds, Distance is but

'

distance does not

cried

And

Would

and
to affirm,
right,therefore,

which

revolves

such

thingas

planetswhich
than

must

one

would you say,

hundred

the

more

that

What

us

opinionthe
and

is

of even
travellers,

which,

my

of the densest

the

nonsense

ference
circum-

of

In

other

the

planetsfrom

solar universe ?

It is very

times

earth, and

seven

affirm that such

idiotic
Absurdity,folly,

what

yet what is that compared with

at billions of miles distant from

are

And

Neptune, which

to

thousand

two

or

making the experiment.

than

express train to

an

more

nine

the

talkingof going

were

the matter

longerjourneysthan that
that I shall be onlyninetythat
see
you are reckoning

consider

oflFfrom

no

do not

you

reason

us

sailors

no

not

now

long way

distance of

take for

journey. Ah

my

think twice before

then,if we

long it would

have

who
activity,

hours

Let

and there

"

smile,
pleasant

Very good !

is

in their lifetime. And

seven

with

one

voice

Maston

?).

energy

of his movements, he

Distance

does

' "

exist !
really
(needit be said

not

an

exist ! "

it was

And

nearlyfell from

that of J. T.

by
platformto

overcome

the

the

thfc

He

ground.
to him
"

justescapeda

that distance

earth

the

of

the

to

have

proved

name.

me,

and
trifle,

mere

convinced

am

earth

our

serving
unde-

that

before

will have

worthy friends,if

my

paid

have

you

will,I fear, sadly embarrass

you

myself; still I

like

man

poor

to

half of

Now,

moon.

empty

an

satellite is

one

question to put

any

means

would

the orator, " I repeat that the distance

her

over

are

no

95

"which
fall,

consideration,

serious

twenty years
visit

and

MEETING.

severe

hj

was

Gentlemen," resumed

between

MONSTER

will do

best

my

to

answer

you."
pointthe

to this

Up

however, desirable

now,

nature, with

to divert Ardan

he

which

put before

You

in

me

great problem,my

have, if I mistake

Looking

tical
prac-

far less conversant.

word,

fied
satis-

It became

questionsof

thoughtthat

"

Still,men

Plutarch, Swedenborg, Bernardin

as

others

get

he

repliedthe orator, smiling.

Buch

been

the

and

began by
and the

moon

inhabited.

planetswere
"

to

friend whether

new

from

doubtless

was

Barbicane, therefore,hastened

askinghis

Club had

the discussion bad assumed.

which

with the turn

of the Gun

President

the

at

not,

questionfrom

worthy President,"

of great
de

St.

pronounced in

the

natural

intelligence,
Pierre,and

the

affirmative.

philosopher's
pointof

view, I should say that nothinguseless existed in the world ; and,

replyingto your questionby another,I should venture to assert,
if these

that

worlds

are

habitable,
they either

are, have

been,or

will be inhabited."
"No

could

one
"

president.
habitable ?

The

answer

questionthen

For my

I
myself,

more

own

or
logically
fairly,"
repliedthe

reverts

to this

feel certain of

For

"

Nevertheless,"retorted

one

it,"said Michel Ardan,

of the

audience," there

of the worlds.
arguments againstthe habitability

them.

To

these worlds

part I believe theyare."

"

of life must

Are

be greatlymodified upon
evidently
mention
should
we
only the planets,

are

many

The

conditions

the

of
majority

be either broiled

96
alive in Bome,
more
"

attemptedto
which

we

of
habitability

I
philosopher,

natural

set in motion

beingsorganizedlike
has fuiiiished
under

very

existence

double

denizens

of the

seas

equal to

that of

beingcrushed

the frozen

recognizingin

that several

with

met

plainsof

but
incomprehensible,

Sea

of
diversity
not

tell him that the

of

terrestrial globe,have, upon

traces

of

science,nature

fish

existing

respirein

possess

that

certain

depths,and

there

sixtyatmospheres

or
fifty

insensible
aquaticinsects,

in

boilingspringsand
fine,that

means

of

we

cannot

to

in

help

operationoftentimes

If I

were

I
chemist,

bodies evidently
formed exteriorly
aerolites,

revealed indisputable
analysis,
of carbon,a substance which owes
its origin
to orgasolely
nized
to the experimentsof Keichenbeings,and which,according

bach, must
And

supportableby

I would
naturalist,

enormous

the less real.

would
our

were

equalizethe heat,

explanation
;

equallyamong

the Polar

nature

were

farthest removed

amphibiouscreatures

life at

without

are

that

maintain

pressure

were

to the sun, and

the earth of animals

difficult of

very

support

temperature,

are

of life ; that

varyingconditions

fatal to other animals

medium

which

illustrious men

some

with instances upon

us

nearest

all others

as

If I

worlds.

are

If I

ourselves.

that,accordingto

tell him

well

temperature of those worlds

the

render

to

have

its merits,I admit

alone sul"ce to

it,this simple fact would

from

a,

those

would

that if less of caloric

planetswhich

contrary, upon

the honour

not

it,as

other

the

tell him

would

the

upon

the

on

more,

objectionhas

His

combat
successfully

may

affect the

that I have

"

contradictor,for

my

him.

answer

I think

and

the sun."

from

of personallyknowing

but

as
they are
others,according

Michel Ardan,
regret,"
replied

MOON.

THE

TO

frozen to death in

or

less removed

or

EARTH

THE

FROM

itself
necessarily

were
lastly,

have

been

endued

with

animation.

I would tell him that the scheme

theologian,
of the Divine Redemption,accordingto St. Paul, seems
to be
not merelyto the eai'th,
but to all the celestial worlds.
applicable,
I am
neither theologian,
but, uulbrtuuatoly
nor
chemist, nui
a

MONSTER

MEETING.

97

in my
nor
naturalist,
philosopher
; therefore,
the great laws which

sayingin reply, I

since I do not

; and

not

or

Michel

Whether

crowd

the

would

hearing. On

arguments

I omit for the

"

any farther arguments

any

remarks
adding the following

that the

"

touched
slightly

different
altogether

is another

of the
habitability

if you
in the right,
might be perfectly

She

has but

while
satellite,

one

several,an

rfeptunehave

each

despised.But

that which

-"

r'wders

our

the inclination of its axis to the

of days and nights;

inequality
the

On

seasons.

alwayseither
in

summer

while

hot

too

or

It possesses
winters

and
likes,

of

zones

every
there

Jovian

may

of Jupiterover
superiority

and

choose
whole

the inhabitants of

so

frozen in

are

uncomfortable
Hence

the

are

winter,broiled

our

conditions of
fortunate

am

sure,

to
planet,

of

the axis is but

autumns,

for himself what

of his life in

own

enjoyuniform temperatures.

will,I

equal twelve

such marvellous

be

of
disagreeable
diversity

perpetualsprings,summers,

spend the

each

to

means

its orbit.

for example,where
Jupiter,

variations of temperature. You

years, which

no

unhappy spheroidwe

we

inhabitants may

inclined,the
slightly

Voltaire has

planetof rheumatism, coughs,bronchitis

it is the

the suiface of

on

planeof
our

too cold ;

onlyshow

could

globeso

own

hence the

surface of

the

may

one

Uranus, Saturn,
Jupiter,

advantage by

"

point.

one

inhabited

not

that the earth is the best possible

world,spiteof what
^aid.

stars,which

to call attention to

planetsare

tented
con-

that I have but

observe

in favour of the

maintain

You

reply:

"

shouts of
uproarious
expressionof opinionto gain a

present. I onlydesire

those who

To

I'

see

say, for the

this great question. There

line of

goingto

am

inhabited

are

being restored,the tiiumphantorator

Gentlemen, you will

upon

the worlds

hazarded
antagonist

allow

silence

himself with
"

whether

impossibleto
not

universe,I confine myselfto

know, /

Ardan's

it is

not

or

know

do not

'

the

govern

ignoranceof

absolute

ours

climate he

from
security
admit
readily

say

Under

nothingof
such

it appears
existence,

world

must

and

this
his

auspices,
to

bo in every
H

all

me

that

respect

98

FROM

superior

ourselves.

to

perfection,

is

inclined

the

to

"Hurrah
invent
A
which

of

was,

if

found

lever

axis.

It

mechanicians.

was

of

roared

of

probability,
have

plane

its

an

of

the

no

truth

point

of

capable
just

this

attain

to

axis

an

of

such

to

rotation

this
than

be

less

application
raising

deficiency

T.
if

for
the

which

the

Maston.

earth

axis
the

And,

ba"Qed

of
in

could

would
and

!"

author

Yankees

it, they

efforts,

our

earth's

proposal,

J.

told,

unite

us

the

rectify

and

other

"let

voice,

followed

of

order

!"

energetic

must

in

haviDg

orbit

applause

MOON.

THE

require,

machines,

course,

TO

we

trifle

mere

necessary

thunder

EARTH

All

the

!"
the

THE

only

have

structed
con-

rectifying
these

all

its

dariiig

person

in his turn

stern) J at him
"

so

Oh

there is

so

good,whc
"

The

TO

and

ventures

looked

question.He

said,
"

air in the

no

MOON.

THE

the whole

gistof

the very

upon

EARTH

THE

FROM

lOO

pray, if you

And

moon

are

afSi-m that?"

to

of science."

men

"Really?"
"Really."
"

Sir,"repliedMichel, " pleasantry

apart,I have

respect for

of science who

men

3ontempt for

know

"

Do

"

Decidedly.

you

who

any
In

the latter

belong to

France

profound

profound

do not."

of science who

men

science,but

do possess

there

are

maintain

who

some

a bird cannot
possibly
fly; and
mathematically,
that fishes were
never
theoretically

"

category ?

others who
made

that,

strate
demonlive in

to

water."
"

I have

do with

nothingto

quote, in support of my

can

persons

of that

and
description,

which

statement, names

you cannot

refuse deference to."

"

Then, sir,you

will

sadly embarrass

besides,asks nothingbetter than

"

never
"

Why, then,do
studied them
For

the

reason

danger.' I

know

weakness
"

Your

which

you
?

"

introduce

'

he is

weakness

amounts

my
lo

have

scientific questions
if you
somewhat

alwaysbrave

nothing,it is true
constitutes

who,
ignorant,

poor

learn."

the unknown

asked

that

to

who

but it is

coarsely.
suspects

never

precisely
my

very

the unknown

in

strength."
retorted
folly,"

passion.
"

All the

better,"
repliedour

Frenchman,

"

if it carries

up

me

to the moon"

and his

Barbicane

who

had

so

devoured
colleagues
boldlyplaced himself

Nobody
enterprise.
the result of
Bome

so

free

knew
a

him,

and

the

watched
discussion,

anxiety. The meetingbegan

with
in

their eyes

antagonism

truder
the into

president,
uneasy
his

new

to be somewhat

their
as

to

friend with

also,
fidgetty

ATTACK

moon.

have

must

Bring them

"

You

by

the

of

the

not

and

many

one

trovertible
incon-

atmosphere in

an

did

ever

earth ; but

forward

then,sir,as

many

know,''said the stranger,

exist,it

preferto bring

such

medium

straightline
stars

in other

by

disc,exhibit

indication
slightest

air,they

please."

any luminous

rays

deflected out of the

are

words, they undergo refraction.Well !

occulted

are

of her

the

as

you

as

that when

"

When

absorbed

been

are

the absence

if
3ay that,a priori,

might

"

edge

if
dangers,

facts."
indisputable

forward

cross

"

antagonist,there

Trhich prove

reasons

the

lOI

of the proposedexpedition.
impossibilities,

Sir,"repliedArdan's

"

RIPOSTE.

directed their attention to the

for the contest

actual

AND

of

the moon,
the

not

their rays,

least

refraction.

It

grazingthe

on

nor
deviation,

offer the

that
follows,therefore,

be surrounded

by an atmosphere."
In point of fact,"repliedArdan,
this is your chief,if not
scientificman
might be puzzled
your only argument; and a really
I will simply say that it is defective,
it. For myself,
to answer

the

cannot

moon

"

"

that the

it assumes

because

angulardiameter

completelydetermined, which
Tell me,

Extinct,yes !

"These

the

has been

moon

But let us

case.

proceed.

sir,do you admit the existence of volcanoes

on

"

surface ?

the moon's
"

dear

my

is not

of the

In

no
activity,

volcanoes,however,

!"

were

at

time in

one

state of

activity?"
"

for

True

they furnished

combustion, the

presence
"

! but, as

of

an

Proceed

some

eruptiondoes

and

very

and

let

us

not

necessary
prove

the

set aside this class of

ments
argu-

to direct observations.

come

In 1715 the astronomers

of
Halley,watching the eclipse

the 3rd

extraordinaryscintillations. These

light,
rapidin nature,
to thunderstorms

the oxygen

atmosphere."

in order to

remarked

fact of their

mere

again,then

Louville

themselves

and

of

frequentrecurrence,

generatedin

the lunar

May,

jetsof

theyattributed

atmosphere."

FROM

102

"In

for lunar

such
terrestrial,
our

that is my

are

scientific

the

was

purely
generated

were

at
explanation

now."

answer

of luminous

the moon's

pointson

did
surface,

he

"

"Yes!
himself

without

but

of air

on

movement

them

the

that

Bxer

add

the moon,

necessityof

lunar

Maedler, the

and

two

to the entire

quiteagreed as

are

Herschel

them.

its surface."
here

was

be

appearedto

from

I may

great authorities upon

absence

solution of

offering
any

inferred

never

atmosphere. And

and

which

some

On again,
Ardan; "Herschel, in 1787,observed
then,"replied

great number

not

Louville and

"the astronomers

other bodies which

or

This

atmosphere.

own

MOON.

THE

phenomena

meteoric

as

the time of the facts

"

TO

EARTH

the unknown,
1715,"replied

Halleymistook
in

THE

manifest

growing excited by

the

among
the

who
assemblage,

arguments of this singular

personage.
"

Let
to

come

Ardan, with perfectcoolness,

proceed,"
replied

"

us

important fact.

one

skilful French

astronomer, M.

of July 18, 1860, proved

Laussedat,in watching the eclipse

the horns of the solar

this appearance

crescent

could

rounded

were

only have

been

and truncated.

produced by

the solar rays in

is

no

other

the atmosphere of
traversing
of the fact."
explanation
possible

"

But

"

certain
Absolutely

A
the

meeting,whose

at the

the

see,

opponent

had

then,my

That
at

exists."

Now,

deviation of
There

moon.

fact ? "

"

was

placein
now

favour

reduced

to

of the hero

of

silence. Ardan

gained,simplysaid,"

dear

sir,we

againstthe
positiveness
moon.

that

conversation;and, without exhibiting

any exultation

advantagehe

Tou

as

here took

counter-movement

resumed

"

is this established

the

and

the

must

not

existence

of

atmosphere is,probably,of
present day scieaue

pronounce
an

with absolute

atmospherein

extreme

the

theless
neverrarity;

generallyadmila

that

it

ATTACK

Not

"

AND

RIPOSTE.

IO3

mountains,at all events,"returned

in the

unknown,

the

unwillingto givein.
No

"

I but

feet in

few hundred
In any

"

you will do well to take every

case

economize,and

amved

of

roar

who
interlocutor,

the

forced to admit

This

is

happy

only

know

but littleair

the

plentyon

for what

"

And

"

Because

has

assumed

the

results

that

the

the

other

its creation."

Pure

mechanics, and

appeal then
such
the

as
moon

Three

water.

amiable

observation.

if there

that
possible

is

there is

an

egg,

of the earth's

which

face of

our

from

at

the

that
calculations,

Hansen's

of air and

look

we

attraction,

hemisphere.
water

Hence

have

must

its

it

been

satellite during the

first

fancies ! " cried the unknown.

Pure

No

mass

are

us."

the action

follows,by

great

days of
"

us, it is

we

atmosphere,we

disc; and

situated in the other

away

to

of

since

"

further

one

moon's

from

assembly.

"

under

it

Hence

drawn

"

form

gravityis

of

away

reason

the moon,

smaller end.
centre

turned

one

the

Moreover, my

me.

to

!"

quantityof

certain

to you

of the

best

of the mysterious

air,

certain

presentedto

the face

on

of

to submit

side

careless

of

for

consequence

one

grand occasions

on

presence
presence

contradictor,permitme
We

the

vidual;
indisolitary

laughterrang in the ears

round upon
glaredfiercely

regardingthe

in accord

except

Ardan, with

Then," continued

for

there, I shall do my

up

to breathe

not

tremendous

are

for
precaution,

alwaysbe enough

will

besides,once

"

exceedinga

not

height."

My good sir,there

and
valleys,

rarified."
terribly

air will be
"

of the

the bottom

at

to

exists

theories ! which
it
this
upon

seems

difficult to

meeting, and
the

are

based
me

upon
to

refute

I put it to them

earth, is possibleon

the

laws

of

them.

whether
the

life,

surface

of

?"
hundred

thousand

auditors at

once

applaudedthe pFopo"

FROM

I04

eition,
could

Ardan's

TO

opponent tried

obtain

not

EARTH

THE

MOON.

get in another word,

to

and

hearing. Cries

THE

fell upon

menaces

he

but

lilm

like hail.
"

"

Enough! enough!

"

Drive

"

Turn

inch, and

in

an
"

storm

platform,did

the

to

gesture. He

not

budge

soon

have

had not

Ardan

quieted

his opponeiw.

chivalrous to abandon

too

was

would

which

on,

pass

if Michel
proportions,

foimidable

assumed

it by

let the

others.

exasperatedcrowd.

roared the

he, holding firmlyon

But
an

"

out!

some.

off !" shouted

the intruder
him

cried

apparent extremity.
You

wished

to

few

say

words

more

"

asked,in

he

pleasantvoice.
"

your
"

have

Yes,

thousand; or rather,no, onlyone!

enterprise,
you
rash person

Very

demanded

and

turninground
"

"

true

My
and

that
"

in

treat

you

me

the

man,

way

my

like

as

such ? me,

dreadful

?
squirrel

to

who

prevent

"

recoil will smash

nevertheless,I
only difficulty;

the

succeed
heat

crossingthe
"

on

the industrial

they will
But

can

you

to

contradictor,
you have justput your fingernpon the

the

opinionof

"

starting."

your
dear

! How

round

But, unhappy

piecesat

in order
cylindro-conical
projectile,

in

"

be

must

If you persevere

in

geniusof

Oh ! the walls

are

the Americans

too
not

good

an

to believe

overcoming it."

developed by

strata

have

of air ?

the

rapidityof

the

projectile

"

thick,and

I shall

soon

have

crossed

the

atmosphere."
"

But

victuals and water

"

I have

calculated for

onlyfour dayson

the

But

"

I shall make

"

But

twelvemonth's

on

I shall be

the road ? "

it by chemical

your fall on

and
supply,

journey."

for air to breathe

"

?"

the moon,

process."

supposingyou

ever

reach it ?"

ATTACK

It will be

"

RIPOSTE.

weightwill

the

I05

dangerous than

six times less

earth,because

the

AND

fall upon

sudden

a,

onlyone-sixth

be

as

great

on

the surface of the moon;"

"

Still it will be

"

What

of

is to

you like

glass!

"

retardingthe shock
convenientlyplaced, and lighted at

rockets

moment

smash

enough to

by

prevent my

means

the

right

"

But after all,

supposingall difficultiessurmounted, all obstacles

"

removed, supposing everything combined

grantingthat

you

will you

back ? "

"

come

not

am

At

this

coming back

opportunityand
"You
death

will

on,

was

once

the assembly
simplicity,

unknown

could have

profitedby

"

inevitablykill yourself!" he cried;

madman, useless

even

"and

science !

to

your

"

are
unknown, for trulyyour prophecies

dear

my

the

protested,

more

how

moon,

eloquentthan

more

The

enthusiasm.

will be that of

Go

"

in its very

its silence

its cries of

been

in the

sound

and

you,

I"

sublime

almost
reply,

silent. But

became

arrive safe and

may

favour

to

most

"

!
agi-eeable
"

do

It
not

Please

know

!"

much

reallyis too

why

cried Michel

should

yourselfabout

insane

this

trouble ourselves about you I

"

Pray

"

"

No

don't stand upon

! another

Who, may

I ask?"

so

adversary.

frivolous

!
expedition

"

discussion !

We

need

not

"

I"

ceremony
is

person

continue

Ardan's

for
responsible

demanded

Michel

your

act."

Ardan

in

an

imperious

tcne.
"

Bible

experiment!

The

attack

of the
now,

ignoramus who

The

was

unknown,

absurd
organizedthis equally

no

impos-

"

direct.

Barbicane,ever

been

had

however, seeinghimself

himself

and

longer.

He

rose

making

since the

fearful efforts of

attacked,he
directly
and
suddenly,

was

interference

self-control;

could restrain

rushingupon

the

I06

3?R0M

who

enemy
found

thus

himself

The

lifted

Club

The

shield

TO

THE

by

hundred

with

heavy, but

strong

Michel
the

his post.

Besides,he

compact crowd.
arms,

shouts

could

There

not

he held

have

done

of the

immense

Several

evident

times

rollinglike

meeting had

pleasure.

the

embraces

weather-beaten

the tumult

to

quit

of that

with crossed

ship.

But

of

took

with

delight.
pitchingand
of the

from

made

chamber, and

for

the
the

slid under

thousand

their

Town.

escape

He

hundred

Ardan

heroes

two

Tampa

vigorous admirers.

army

highest

stumbled; and

never

of

an

with

the

to
managed fortunately

his

Michel

seized

Ardan
his

at their

gleamed

dues at the port of

Franklin,quicklygained
under

face

His

good sea-legs.They

while

them-

it in the midst

march.

platform seemed

vessel arrived without

Michel

tinuous
con-

stration.
to this demon-

continued

crowd

pitch throughout this triumphant

it all with

in

came

in the front row,

on

triumphal

fightingamong

profited
by

not

the

Pi-esident Barbicane.

glaringat

The

had

and

Ardan

their shoulders

lend

to

the unknown

However,

he

once

arms,

bearers

even
disputing,
relays,
struggling,

Belves in their eagerness

all at

him.

shared

was

MOON.

face,when

the

to

separatedfrom

of the Gun

honours.

him

braved

platformwas

President

EARTH

THE

last

Hotel

clothes,
the bed-

kept watch

men

his windows.

During
between

this time

the

short,grave,

scene,

mysteriouspersonage

and

and

took place
decisive,

the President of the Gun

Club.

Barbicane,free
"

Come

The

found

last,had gone straight

at his adversary.

at

I" he said

shortly.

other followed
themselves

him

alone

on

at

to the

the

quay;

entrance

and
of

the two
an

open

presently
wharf

on

J onus' Fall.
The
'Who

enemies,still mutuallyunknown, gazed at

two
are

you?"

asked

Barbicane.

each otherj

XXI.

CHAPTER

HOW

While

the

the

each

adversary

from

the

of

fatigues
for

expression,

captain

became

duel

this

dreadful,

man-hunter

rival

beds

American

Ardan

is

Resting

hardly

marble

resting

was

appropriate

an

for

tables

granite

or

the

by

duel, in which

savage

Michel

"

triumph.

his

discussed

being

was

this

"

APPAIB.

AN

MANAGES

of

contract

and

president

FRENCHMAN

hardness.
Ardan
the

sleeping, then, badly enough, tossing

was

cloths

makmg

which

disturbed

They

seemed

deal

of

"

for

with
and

of

burst

into

have
'

was

this

Last

the

night,"

fighting

who

this

particulars

cried

is

from

the

as

bomb

J.

in

saw

door,"

the
no

The

have

his

door.

great

some

However,

the

made

one

plying
com-

he

got

before

way
of

which

for

reason

secretaiy
not

frightful

racket,

this

giving

was

Maston,

other

mouth

Open

of

more

the

Club

Gun

noise

or

less ceremony.
T.

iu

it

instrument.

expressed.

could

during

none

morning

shook

Ardan

visitor.

with

room

insulted

publicly

adversary,

just

room.

!"

roughly

so

door

the

blows

"

between

dreaming

was

when

iron

some

morning.

sake

determined

the

entered

the

demand

opened

blows

in

Heaven's

by

he

projectile

distinguishable

was

early

his

in

Thundering

caused

talking

and

sheets,

couch

dreams.

be

to

too

shrieked,

up

his

loud

rather

was

comfortable

more

noise

for

him

served

about

the

ex

ahrupto,

the

meeting.

than

Captain

wood

of Borbicane

of

He
Nicholl

Skersnaw.
himself.

"

our

president

provoked
I

They
I

If he

heard
is

his
are

all

killed,

HOW

then

our

man

alone has

that

man

is at end.

scheme

We

Town

with

It

told
and

Barbicane

the

face.

adversaries

that

theymight well

make

only
old

the

date,and why,
captainhad,

the

that

between
hostility

it

the

thanks

yet,

as

simply from

arose

the

scene

long-wished-for
opportunityfor

grudge.

attack

than

each

in America.

privateduels

other

like wild

those wonderful

covet

often

are

strugglefor
What

Then

beasts.

of
properties

The
it is

the Indians

Yes

On

death.

cause

may

accompanied by

their

these

dogs,

! " cried Michel

are

you

depictedthis

and

keep

scene

to him

Ardan, when

with much

up

his

panion
com-

energy.

are,"repliedJ. T. modestly; but

"

we

occasions

hours.

demons

we

had

better

haste."
Michel

Though
with

of old

was

added

He

singlefalse step

had
"

of

causes

it

the state of the

"

Yankees

"

Tampa

their ingeniouscunning,
prairies their quick intelligence,
A singlemistake, a moment's
scent of the enemy.
tion,
hesitaa

the

real

dreadful

more

two

their

inter-

than two

of

that
platesand shot, and, finally,

was

pay off an

to

Nothing is

of the

the

iron

meeting

NichoU

without

and, in less

told Ardan

that Maston

NichoU; how

face to

met

stop him, and

to

for the suburbs

making

were

walk

him

rivalrybetween
at

his clothes

on

the presidentand
friends,

to unknown
never

Barbicane

over

one

rapidstrides.

He

case.

friends

duringthis

was

prevent this duel; and

Michel Ardan,
speaking,

was

niptinghim, had hastilyput

two

IO9

Aruan."

J. T. Maston

minutes,the

AFFAIR.

AN

must

tifluence

enough

is Michel

While

MANAGES

FRENCHMAN

dew,

and

had

fields,
they could
Barbicane
There

was

from
faggots
Maston

ran

Ardan

must
an

trees

and

taken

not

Skersnaw

passedthe

old bushman
that had been

towards

had

crossed

the shortest route

reach

have

he

under

the

over

plainstillwet

creeks and rice-

five hours

border half

an

hour

and

half,

ago.

working there,occupiedin selling

levelled

by

him, saying," Have

his
you

axe.
seen

man

g6

FROM

no

into the

best friend ?
The

be known

hunter

"

hunter ?

"

Long

"

About

ago ?

thought that

But

his

the bushman

dent
presi-

did not

him.

the
Yes," replied

bnshman.

"

hour."

an

cried Maston.

late!"

Have

Club

? " said Ardan,

"

"

the Gun

all the world.

by

to understand

"Too

Barbicane,the president,
my

rifie?

MOON.

THE

"

worthy secretaryof

must
seem

with

wood, armed

TO

EARTH

THE

you heard

"

any

?
gun-shots

! that hunter

did not look

asked Ardan.

"No!"
"Not

one?"

"

Not

"

What

"

We

is not

one

is to be done

go into the

intended

for us."

"

cried

I would

the risk of

wood, at

Maston, in

rather have

ifhe knew

how

to hunt !"

? " said Maston.

must

"Ah!"

as

which

atone

twenty balls

in my

gettinga

could
own

not

be

head

ball which

mistaken,

than

one

in

Barbicane's."
"

his companion'shand.
Forward, then,"said Ardan, pressing

few moments

copse.

It

These

was

sycamores,

later the two

dense

thicket,in whch

maze,

had

walked

and Maston

grass,

cuttingthemselves

carious glanceson
casting

sound

have

vestigeof

disappearedin
huge

rose

their branches

the eye could not

side

by

and

the

cypresses,

magnolias.
into

an

tricable
inex-

penetrate.Miciiel

side in silence

throughthe

tall

path through the strong creepers,

the bushes,and momentarily
expecting
a

of rifles. As

for the traces which

Barbicane

left of his passage

them

pathsalongwhich
dense

interwoven

throughwhich

Ardan

ought to

had

tuliptrees, olives,tamarinds, oaks,

different trees

to hear the

friends

visible:
Indians

so

throughthe wood, there was not

they followed the barelyperceptibla

had tracked

foliage
darklyovershadowed.

some

enemy,

and

which

the

After

AN

spent in vain pursuit the

hour

an

MANAGES

FRENCHMAN

HOW

AFFAIR.

Ill

stopped, in

two

intensifiedanxiety.
It must

"

be

like Barbicane
would

not

over," sa'd Maston, discouraged." A

all
would

not

manoeuvre

even

with

is too

He

straightahead, right into

gone

from

enough

his

dodge

the

him,

ensnare

open, too brave.

He

has

doubtless

danger, and

for the wind

the bushman

or

enemy,

man

far

prevent his hearingthe

to

report of the rifles."

"

wood
"

repliedMichel Ardan,
surely,"

But

should have

we

And

if

what

heard!

we

since

the

entered

we

"

too

came

"

late ?

"

cried Maston

in tones

of

despair.
For

Ardan

once

their walk

had

replyto make,

no

in silence.

From

time

he and

answered

whom, however,
the

by

branches,while
For

their search

hour

another

had been

of the wood

and
after all doubtful,

was

"

Hush

"

Some

"

Yes

hands.
"

But

sightwas
"

Yes

"'

And

I " said
one

is

seems

of littleuse
He

kened
birds,awa-

about
once

the

greater part
reveal the

of the

to propose

Maston

down

one

The

nothingto

information

some

bushman

their abandoning

stopped.

there I "

Ardan.

motionless.

His rifleis not in his

"

doing?

recognizehim

you

to him

"

asked

Ardan,

whose

shor t

in such circumstances.

is turningtowards

us,"answered

Maston.

it is ? "

"'CaptainNicholl
"Nicholl?"

grie"

He
he be

can

I yes I

there

the

disappearedamong

was

all at

repeatedMichel
!

man

What
can

"

he, "

There

was

when
pursuit,

this useless

Only

continued.

The

Ardan

Nicholl, neither

fled precipitately
before them.

was

explored.

of the combatants.

presence

and

deer
frightened

some

and

their cries.

sound, flew past them

resuming

time, indeed, they raised

to

Barbicane
great shouts,callingalternately
of

Maston

1"

cried Michel

Ardan, feelinga terrible pang

of

FROM

112

KichoU

"

THE

unarmed

EARTH

TO

THE

MOON.

no

longer

has, then,

He

fear

any

of

hit

adversaryI "
"Let

us

said

him,"

to

go

Michel

find

"and

Axdan,

tha

out

truth."
But

he

paused
find

his

and

to

examine

the

seeinghim, they remained

net,

of

composed

wings entangled, was

it

while

that

peculiar to
with

claws.
had

branches

apper

of the

to

as

but

two

with

snare,

its

who

egg,

creature, instead
and

taken

formidable

had

spider,

venomous

pigeon's

retreat

for
tulip-tree,

this

bird-catcher

The

hideous

sudden

of

being,

large

as

between

hung

bird, uttering pitiful cries,

escape.

The

beaten

midst

little

human

no

meshes,

the

poor

country,

enormous

its prey,

on

was

snare

fine

in

vainly struggled

this

laid

stupefied.

very

and
tulip-trees,

enormous

to

in his revenge.

happy

On

they

attentively.They expected

captain more

bloodthirstyman,

fiftysteps,when

barely taken

had

companion

and

armed

of

rushing

refuge

in

menaced

enemy

the

its

stronghold.
Here, then,

his

NichoU,

was

danger, trying if possibleto

At

last

and

it

accomplished,and

was

victim

the

save

the

on

gun

ground, forgetfulof
its cobweb

from

little bird

the

flew

prisin.

joyfullyawaj

disappeared.

KichoU

lovingly watched

pronounced by
"

You

He

voice

indeed

are

turned.

Michel

its

full of
brave

he

heard

these

words

emotion,
"

"

manl

Ardan

flight,when

before

was

him, repeating in

different

tone,

"

"

And

"

Michel

"

To

kindhearted
Ardan

press your

Barbicane

or

"Barbicanel"
him
"

!"

1"

cried the

being killed by
returned

said

hours

the

to

Why

prevent

are

you

you

here ? "
ing
either kill-

from

him."

captain.

in vain.

Michel

"

captain.

hand, Nicholl,and

for the last two

NichoU

1"

one

"I

Where

Ardan,

"this

have

is he
is

been

hiding !
not

looking

for

"

courteous

wfl

HOW

ought always

to

treat

oppressedbirds,he

Ardan

II3

rest assured

all the

this,there

tolls you

with

When

you.

if

easily;

more

amusing himself

lookingfor

there is

"

NichoU,

Barbicane

President

Between

Pooh, pooh !

I will

"

and

freeing
have

we

will be

duel

no

"

said Ardan.

myself,"gravelyreplied

the death

rivalrywhich

fight!

shall not

"

AFFAIR.

you."

between

you

be

must

him, Michel

found

"

shall find him

we

if he has not, like you, been

because

AN

adversarywith respect;

an

is still alive

Barbicano

"

MANAGES

FRENCHMAN

of

one

"

of

us

"

fellows like you indeed !

Brave

"

sir !
fight,

"

"No!"

friend of the

Sir," Nicholl

"

jokes

shoot me!

one,

some

"I
feeling,

much

alter ego, his second

hia
president's,

kill

reallymust

Maston, with

J. T.

Captain,"said

"

it will do

seizinghis
replied,

am

self; if you
well !"

justas

"
rifle convulsively,
these

"

"

neither he

But

friend.

that
rivals,

is it ?

What

"

"

I have

Let

us

Ardan.

attractive

"

proposalto

make

can

incredulity.

onlyreveal

then ! " cried the

go in search of him

three

The

his

save

it in the

of Barbicane."

presence
"

to

fully

will fallbefore the balls of

with manifest

Nicholl

Patience ! " exclaimed

"

so

in order

"

will be eager to accept it."

both

asked

himself

Barbicane

nor

Indeed

CaptainNicholl.
to the two

being killed

of

his idea

understand

joking,''
repliedArdan.

is not

friend Maaton

Our

"

men

started off at

once

it

his

his rifle throw

over

the

captain.

captain having

shoulder,and

advanced

charged
dis-

in

silence.
Another
Maston
at

was

half-hour

passed,and

oppressedby

and
already satisfied,

perhaps lying dead

on

pursuitwas

He
sinister forebodings.

Nicholl,asking himself

been

the

some

whether

the

stillfruitless.
looked

fiercely

captain's
vengeance

the unfortunate

bloodytrack.

had

Barbicane,shot,was
The

same

thought

FROM

114
Beemed

to

Ardan

to

occur

both

and

MOON.

THE

TO

EARTH

THE

castinginquiring

were

paused.
The motionless figure of a man
leaning againsta gigantic
half-veiled by the foliage.
catalpatwenty feet off appeared,
suddenlyMaston

glanceson Nicholl,when

It is he ! " said Maston.

"

Barbicane

Ardan

wince.

did not

No

at the

ho

but
captain,

crying,"

"

rushed

Ardan

answer

forward

went

Barbicane,Barbicane

"

looked

Ardan

moved.

never

towards

his friend

but in the act

cry of

surprise.
in a
figures
Barbicane, pencilin hand, was tracinggeometrical
memorandum
book,whilst his unloaded riflelaybeside him on the
of

seizinghis

stoppedshort

he

arms,

and uttered

ground.
duel,had

and heard

seen

took

Ardan

When

Barbicane,in
studies,

in his

Absorbed

his turn

of the
forgetful

nothing.

his

at his

hand, he looked up and stared

visitor in astonishment.
"

Ah, it is you !

he cried at last. " I have

friend,

found it,my

it ! "

found

I have

"

"What?"
"

"

My plan!

"What

plan?"

the effect of
counteracting
!
departureof the projectile
said Michel
Indeed ?
Ardan, lookingat
"

The

plan

for

the ehock

at the

"

the
"

corner

Yes ! water

simplywatsr,

Himself,"repliedArdan

at the
"

me,

same

time the

Nicholl ! " cried

which

; and

will act

to say

of

worthy CaptainNicholl

Ardan

without
interfered,

anythingmore.

am

spring
"

ah !

introduce to you

to

!"

Barbicane,who jumped up
"

as

"

permitme

I had quiteforgotten I
captain,

Michel

out
captain

of his eye.

Maston," cried Barbicane," you here also ?

"

the

"

"

at

ready!

givingthe

once.

"Pardon

"

two

enemies

time

Il6

FROM

15ut

quickly

THE

he

as

EARTH

TO

he

word,

the

pronounced

MOON.

THE

not

was

before

Nicholl.

"

Hurrah

hand

niy
be

to

each

friends,
off

to

bravo
of

allow

breakfast

the

hip

late

me

!"

to

hip

hurrah

"

adversaries.

treat

you

after

"

cried

Now

French

that

Michel,
it

is

fashion.

giving;
ail

settled,

Let

uh

CHAPTER

THE

That

President
that

PVom

from

cessation

intermission.

or

he

the

He

result

triumphal

managed

harassed

have

himself

him

receive

to

he

hands

would

denouement.

moment's

one

is

all,
many

impossible

to

other

any

of

state

without

how

intoxicated

in

rest.

them

shook,
it

with,

keep

to

not

Union

many

Captain Nicholl

singular

compelled

was

How

no.

had

"hail-fellow-well-met"

he

but

of

its

as

Ardan

corners

or

was

Such

guess
man

would

he

people

all

STATES.

affair of

of the

well

as

Michel

day forth,

UNITED

THE

heard

Barbicane,

Deputations

whether

OP

CITIZEN

all America

day

same

and

NEW

XXn.

delightful

8""2i-tipsiness.
the

Among
"

The

"

Lunatics

future

so

dismissed

of persons

Bacon
times

do

For
died

always
into

the

day,
to

came

him
he

promises
"

moon.

Do

to

you

of

call

upon

to

these

in

of
the

poor

him,

and

country.
after

numbers

convey

believe

owed

native

Barbicane,

to

that

they

certain

their

to

him,

the

having
of

sages
mes-

influence

of

facts

of

"

I"

more

history.

in

said

with

distempers

upon

"No

with

return

to

deputation

friend?

"Scarcely

America,

assailed

forget what

to

One

hallucination!"

the

moon

cot

moon.

in

numerous

"Singular

to

the

permission

requested

the

of

conqueror

people,

careful

were

which

of all kinds

deputations

I, despite

instance, during
at

the

fainted

madness

very

an

epidemic
of

moment

during
during

remarkable

some

an

the

an

in

recorded

1693,

1399,

large

The

eclipse.

eclipse. Charles
year

VI.

sometimes

number

celebrated

relapsed

during

six
the

Il8

FROM

sometimes

new,

month,

at

observations

made

upon

to

prove

maladies,seem
But

"

Well, I

from

the how

In the
the

not

!*

true

heightof

that the

entertainments

for his

taken

his

But
women

not

also.

He

rious
myste-

some

Arago borrowed
'Perhaps the

old.

the tour

Ardan
of

man

exhibit

to

disposedof

if he had been

centuries

him.

in

might

to
willing

Barnum

have

offered him

More

than

married

well

settlein life. The

half

old

million

homage, but

hundred

portrait

of time.

space

him

paid

of

States in his show.

sold of all sizes,

and his

who

men

all

celebrity.Managers

short
incredibly

an

onlythe

had to encounter

of the United

imaginableposture.

it was

exercise

which

answer

triumph,Michel

photographs,
theywere

copieswere

fact,numerous

"

wanted

in every

in every

?" asked Barbicane.

is nineteen

millioil dollars to make

As

In

moon.

does

moon

the

incidental to

annoyances

that insane

fevers,somnambulisms, and other human

the wherefore

and

Plutarch, which

stoi'iesare

full

and

new

onlygive you

can

Gall observed

moon.

man."

influence upon
"

MOON.

TECE

accession of their disorder twice

an

epochs of

the

full

duringthe

underwent

persons

TO

EARTH

THE

the

times over,

maids,in particular,

of

his
devoured
fortyyears and upwards, and dry in proportion,
photographsday and night. They would have married him by

hundreds,

if he

even

accompanying

him

a race
transplanting

had

imposed
He

into space.

upon

them

the

had, however, no

of Franco- Americans

upon

condition

of

intention of

the surface of the

moon.

He
As

therefore declined all offers.

soon

as

from these somewhat

he could withdraw

he went, accompaniedby
demonstrations,
to the

made
which

Columbiad.

was

was

to
presently

the

here

his

pay

visit

and
inspection,

of the tube of this

launch him
to

to
friends,

highlygratified
by

the descent to the bottom

It is necessary
When

He

his

embarrassing

mention

secretaryof the Gun

to the
a

machine
gigantic
regionsof the moon.

proposalof

Club found

J. T. Maston's.

that Barbicane

and

THE

Nicholl

NEW

CITIZEN

OF

THE

acceptedthe proposalof

jointhem, and

make

he determined

to be admitted

of

one

UNITED

Michel

could
projectile

went
Maston, in despair,

him

him

So

in search

so

many

to the

one

understand
passengers,

Ardan,

of Michel

to

day
Barbicane,

clearlyto

contain
possibly

not

resignhimself

to

Ardan, he determined

of the travellers.

one

pained at havingto refuse him, gave

that the

II9

party of four.

snug
as

STATES.

who

selled
coun-

situation,
addingone

two

or

arguments ad hominem.
"

see, old

You

in bad

"

he said,
fellow,"

"

?
Incomplete

"

Yes, my

inhabitants

"

fellow !
!

there

up

of what

that

globe which

is

and
inhabitants,
millions ?
out

of doors I

"

But
as

"

give

here ?

and

some

of

them

such

to

teach

time

employ our

we

legs,and

capable of supportinga

which

Why,

to

down

on

goes

meeting

like

you

devouringeach other,in smashing arms

a

plete
incom-

!"

moon

imagine our

Would

is,to inform them

war

in too

are

I say

shrieked the valiant invalid.

dear

melancholynotion
what

in the

condition to appear

take what

not

ourselves,
you

between
part ; but really,
a

you must

them

chieflyin
that too

hundred

on

billions of

does contain nearlytwo

actually
should have to
we
worthy friend,

my

the

hundred
turn

you

"

if you
still,

there in

amve

pieces,
you

will be

as

plete
incom-

I am."

Ardan

Unquestionably,"
repliedMichel

"

but

we

shall

not."
In
had

tried
a preparatoryexperiment,
fact,

yielded the

hopes of

success.

best

He

procured a
had this

that the

at the moment

38-inch

placedon

shell

caused

might

the bank

fall back

of

and
departure,

not

of the
from

mortar

of

the

October,

well-grounded
notion

of

projectile's
departure,
arsenal of Fensacola.

Koads,
Hillisborough

into the

therebydestroyed.His objectwas
shock

the most

18th

some
Barbicane,desirous of obtaining

the effect of the shock

had

results and

the

on

sea, and

to ascertain

that of the return.

the

in order

shock

the extent

be

of the

I20

FROM

LoUow

thick

of the best

What

that
regretting

Within
to

this cui'ious

upon

kind of elastic network,

inside of the

the

can't find

his

heightdid

walls.

which

there,"said

allow of his

not

shut up

Maston, and of

in

room

largecat, and
he

It

was

least of all others

J. T.

Maston,

tryingthe

venture.
ad-

squirrel
ing
belong-

fond. They
particularly

was

tliis little animal,

how
desirous,however, of ascertaining

were

ment.
experi-

wadded.
carefully

this shell were

J. T.

MOON.

THE

preparedfor

been

lined
steel,

pity I

TO

padding fastened

veritable nest most

"

EARTH

had
projectile

A
made

THE

would
subjectto giddiness,

this

endure

mental
experi-

voyage.
The

mortar

placedin

charged with

was

On

the chamber.

described
great velocity,

feet,and

thousand

midst

of the vessels that

Without

with

attached

to

ropes

the handles

on

board.

moment

of

enclosingthe

of their

gracefulcurve
small

acd

the

assisted at the

that

no
exhibiting

No
The

of

the water

and

quickly

was

the

unscrewingthe

operationwith
had

present

were

signs whatever

of

the

shell been

having made

full of

apparent ;

"

the cat had

be

may

opened
and
life,

aerial

an

trace, however, of the squirrelcould

truth at last became

board

on

interest which

an

leaped out, slightlybruised,but

cat

put off in the

prison.

readilybe comprehended. Hardly

when

in the

elapsebetween

not

Ardan, Bai-bicane,
Maston, and Nicholl
the boat,and

boat

shell,which

did

animals

heightof

descended

plungedinto

of the

F'.ve minutes

with

anchor.

at

active divers

dragged
coverlid

lay there

direction of its fall;

some

the shell

the projectile
rose
being fireil,

loss of time

moment's

powder, and

attained
majesticparabola,

about

IGOlbs. of

tion.
expedi-

discovered.
its fellow-

eaten

traveller 1
J. T. Maston
and

grievedmuch

proposedto

After

this

add

its

case

for the

loss of his poor

to that of other

martyrs

all
experiment all hesitation,

fear

to

squirrel,
science.

disapprared.

THE

CITIZEN

Barbicane's

Besides,

and

projectile,
shack.

President

the
de

Marquis
of

"

Citizen

greater

annihilate

altogether
but

to

an

perfection
the

effects

for

his

of

the

go

received

States,

121

STATES.

UNITED

ensure

Ardan

United

honour

of

from

message
which

he

the

showed

sensible.
of

example
la

would

Michel

especially

After

to

THE

remained

now

the

of

himself

far

go

later

days

OF

plans

Nothing

Two

title

NEW

Fayette,
of

the

his

the
United

fellow-countryman,

illustrious

Government
States

had

of

decreed

America."

to

the
him

the

XXIIL

CHAPTER

On
in

the

completion

three
The

without

cast

accident

Barbicane,

and

projectile

The

bed

of

disc, which
this

kind

This

body

of

shock

Then

running
constituted

after

breaking

the

complete
almost
of

fastened

raft

within

the

spring

still have
of

escapement

upon

walls

and

the

entirely destroyed
the

towards

springs

by

lined

were

of

the

not

the

top

water

with
best

was

place.

succession.
the

to

the

highest,

projectile,

disc, supplied with

the

lowest

plate except

partitions. Undoubtedly

but

violent

the

first

recoil
shock

powerful spring.
a

wooden

their

in

of

wooden

encounter

this

break

lowest

strike

feet

three

partitions, which

the

different
to

the

the

of

take

to

were

to

it.

projectile. It

horizontal

from

could

successively

of the

have

Ardan,

watertight

walls

would

tubes

plugs,

would

for

depth

by

water,

the

to

travellers

the

departure

of

Michel

where

support

the

it reached

Hill, which

month,

filled

to

divided

was

Stones

that

be

to

that

escape

kind

of

now

of

powerful

travellers

part

into
a

the

be

the

sheet

off

extremely

of

the

warded
for-

immediately

and

waiting impatiently

easily

carry

projectilewas

The

execution.

to

intended

water

of

each

had

to

Co., of Albany,

and

November,

2nd

10th

Breadwill

to

speedy

were

water,

worked

upon

the

Nicholl

destined

was

space.

Railway

the

on

which

sent

the

on

Eastern

the

by

been

for' their

request

consequently

into

had

plans

new

the

with

vehicle

centred

interest

public

the

Columbiad

the

adventurers

hardy

with

of

projectile itself,the

the

VEHICLE.

PEOJECTILE

THE

thick

steel, behind

padding
which

The
of
the

after
would
upper

leather,
escape

FROM

124

uniler the foi-m of white

of 400"

THE

MOON.

crystals
; -when

raised

EARTH

THE

which

of

chlorate

2400

or

oxygen,

is

entirelyliberated.

of

potass produco

it contains

eight pounds

"

temperature

Now

the

twenty-

pounds

seven

of

travellers

for the

quantitynecessary

the

litres

lo

potassium,and

clilorure of

into

it is transformed

oxygen

TO

duringtwenty-fourhours.
potash has

Caustic
sufficient
form

to restore

however,

tiieywere

human

The

Since I

least live for

It would
his

for

to

not

six

at

the

could

get

did he do

the 20th

opened.

plate was
along

On

in
on

state

fatl

him

; so

proofwas

ener

of

of much

the

20th,

cone

in

to

of

of

potass and

six o'clock p.m.,

at

at

was

reachingfrom
at

but

week?

the walls of
the

inside to

the
exactly,

six p.m.

of J. T. Maston

metically
her-

once

during that

tliickness of

November,

on
friends,

his

informing
strictly

which

himself

The

anxiety;
the

at

they consented

with

after

a.m.,

had

they were

hearinga jollyvoice shoutinga

top of the

with

answer

"
I may
artillerist,

hands

with

sound

friends

The

Presentlyafterwards
at the

the

chlorate

shaken

o'clock

prevented any
projectile

the outside.

it would

with provisions
disposal,
together

information.

no

experiments bad

its scientificaccuracy

the phiteof
projectile,

the

fcaled. What

They

his

prisonbefore

his

open

slid down

quantity of

having

And

refuse

to

placedat

November,

the 12th

he

sufficient

potashwas

be

projectile."

hard

been

eightdays.

them

in the

week

have

wish.

caustic

they would

the

that

the brave

go," said

to

not

am

and

J. T. Maston.

claimed by
geiically
"

and it is

properties.
life-supporting

puttingit to

of

honour

the acid

upon

means

present ignoranthow

at

beings.

two

vili. Whatever

in anima

hitherto been made

these

add

to

seize

to

the vitiated air its

to

It is necessary,

was,

By

of potass.

bi-carbouate

enabled

for it

it in order

shake

to

for carbonic acid

great affinity

been

all

assured
promptlyre-

boisterous hurrah.

secretary of the Gun

triumphant attitude.

Club
He

appeared
had

grown

XXIV.

CHAPTEE

THE

TELESCOPE

On

the

the

subscription, the

October

20th

of

moon

At

the

the

time,

feet in

possessed
in

glass

is

feet

six

it

being

Park,

twelve

exceeded

thirty-nine miles
unless

In

they

the

diameter

wore

and

fifteen

no

case,

feci

an

less than

considerable

long,

second

of its

required

it

The

object-

immense

an

of

purpose

of

raised

Rosse.

diameter

and

inches;
was

to Lord

ticular,
par-

thirty-

was

feet six

the

actual

numbers

nearer

dealing

four

and

round

of

power

in

working it,

half.

in

objects

of very

present
and

within

the

perfection,

telescopes

The

dimensions,

times

6000

and

of

by Herschel,

for the

masonry
tons

of the

ment,
great experi-

remarkable

belongs

times,

6400

colossal

brought

was

moon

of

and

their

Two

of 6000.

power

and

was

surface

degree

object-glass of

an

magnifies

Still,despite these

scarcely

results.

forty-eight feet, and

of brickwork

weight

high

first,constructed

had

and

the

essayed

possessed

magnifying

of this tube

erection

the

reached

Ireland, in Parsonstown

length

its

length,
a

Club

had

The

struction
con-

instrument

This
on

the

feet in diameter.

nine

Gun

were

for

sums

visible

the

credited

had

necessary

rendering

magnificent

gigantic dimensions.
six

the

Club

of

close

the

after

year,

Gun

the

the

when

some

this

at

of

with

of

instruments

produced

and

president

purpose

period

such

preceding

the

object exceeding

any

MOONTAINS.

EOCKT

THE

gigantic opticalinstrument.

for

in

Cambridge

of

Observatory

designed

OF

it became

consequently,

distance

apparent

sixty

diameter,

still

tible.
impercep-

projectile
necessaiy

than

in

feet

length, were

with

enlargements

nine
to

feet

bring

in
the

126

FROM

within

moon

Such

to establish

the

was

There

TO

THE

MOON.

apparent distance of five miles

an

that purpose,

EARTH

THE

and, for

most;

48,000 times.

of

magnifyingpower

at

bridge.
question proposed to the Observatoryof Cam-

was

lack of funds

no

the

was
difl5culty
purelyone

of construction.

discussion

After considerable
of the

proposed instrument
the

Accordingto
the tube

the

sixteen
object-glass
may

the 10,000 foot

be

requireto

feet in diameter.
diminutive

proposedby
telescope

feet in

280

Colossal
in

as

comparison

the astronomer

Hooke

few years ago !

only a

Regarding the
determined.

The

there

many

not

are

but

are

finallycommenced.

was

they were

appear,

principle

and

Observatoryof Cambridge,

reflector would

new

these dimensions
with

work

the

calculations of the

of the

length,and

to the best form

as

of

choice

objectwas
of these

the
magnificentMississippi,

delightto

Eastwards

select

to

"

matter

promptly

was

loftymountain,

some

in the United

chains of moderate

two

Yankees

that
locality,

States.

between
elevation,

In fact there

which

kingof rivers,"as

and

these

the

runs

Eepublican

call it.

rise the

which, in New

the very
Apalachians,
highestpoint of
Hampshire,does not exceed the very moderate

altitude of 5600

feet.

On

the west,

which, commencing

range

coast

western
or

the

runs

exceed

of Southern

the whole

Sea.

The

Missouri.

on

under

America

this

to

the

All

to the summit

of

Panama,

the very borders

of this
range

should

the necessaiy
of

as

still does

they had

be erected

apparatus

Long'sPeak, in

the

was

and

of the

the
elevation,
nevertheless,

Columbiad

the

of the Andes

name

be content, inasmuch

and
telescope

immense

Magellan,follows

the Isthmus

highestelevation

the limits of the Union.

sent

Straits of

crosses

of North

compelledto

mio'sd that both

Rocky Mountains,that

at the

it

10,700 feet. With

were

the

America

until
Cordilleras,

up

Polar

Club

however, rise

not

Gun
deter-

within
quently
conse-

of
territory

THE

Neither
which
of

OF

TELESCOPE

the American

engineershad

skill which

daring and

MOUNTAINS.

to surmount,

the line of

above
nearly30,0001bs.,

of savage

almost

an

than

close of

crane

feet.

280

corner-

than

more

It

pointsof

horizon

the

to

the

by

works,

In

of

an

it to

heavens, and

less

towards

into

rose

means

allowed

other

in

yet, notwithstandingthese

of the

raised

was

population,and

genius triumphed.

ingeniousmechanism

all the

one

raise

to

detail of life becomes

every

And

problem.

obstacles,American

; an

towards
the

which

of

September, the giganticreflector

heightof

for

snow
perpetual

year after the commencement

had

object-glass
ing
weigh-

an

all centres

regions,in

insoluble

innumerable

prodigies

height,after crossingdesert prairies,

impenetrable

fearful rapids,far from

forests,
the midst

the

or

piecesof wrought iron, heavy

with
clamps and huge portionsof cylinder,

10,000 feet in

I27

they accomplished. They

stones, massive

enormous

ROCKY

describe the difficultiesof allkinds

language can

nor

pen

THE

the

the air

enormous

he

iron

easilyworked

follow the stars

to

to

from

during their journeythrough the

heavens.
It had

400,000 dollars.

cost

the

towards

What

anxiety.

the

moon,

telescopewhich

on

of lunar

nothing which

was

all the

pointsof

determinable

the utmost

with

duty to

the

Gun

Thanks

to its

number

to

the

discover

in the field of

was

times

Would

not

immense
the

services

depths of
and

the Ci-ab nebula

in

had

alreadydiscovered
of the

this

they

animals,towns, lakes,seas

accuratelymeasured;

Kosse

curiosityand

Iso!

! and

became

moon

to

never

been

able to

doing

Mr.

its

astronomy.

the heavens

extent; the apparent diameter

resolved
Cambridge staff",

reflector of Lord

both

Rocky Mountains, before

penetrative
power,

of stars

directed

was

precision.

Club, rendered

the utmost

it

evinced

its disc the volcanic nature

telescopeof

sounded

to

science had

the

But

about

first time

magnified objects 48,000

perceivepeoples,herds
there

obserrers

thoy

were

The

of

were

great

Clark,

of the

Taurus, which

decompose.

the

XXV.

CHAPTER

DETAILS.

FINAL

It

the

was

in

22nd

operation

all to

bring

to

infinite

Captain
less

fact, nothing

thought,

of

such

it of

into

introduction
had

than

formidable
involve

immense

of

was

Hill.

packed

in sealed

Town

He

the

to

of

means

engine

was

within

two

Even

rays

had

it

from

and

placed

cranes

permitted
miles

of the

in November

acting

on

the

had

to

small

thence

deposited
of

the

work,

and

every

bility,
proba-

that

this

ably
inevit-

from

the

set

his

the

first

lessness
care-

heart

on

place, he

gun-cotton

to

quantities, carefully
rail from
the

to

them

orifice

all

projectile.

the

taken

were

the

at

In
of

handling

would

brought by

were

who

rate,

before

as

transportation

These

cases.

any

of the

Barbicane

in

in

at

pressure

conveyed

would,

the

Kicholl

the

matter

accruing

but

the

workmen,

barefooted

by

and

possible precautions.
to

camp,

that

reason,

in

and

gun-cotton.

pyroxyle

the

to

dangers

as

Stones

of

of

cess
suc-

It was,

bet.

Columbiad,

the

inflammable

eminently

all

careful

very

without

Americans,

took

and

success,

of

delicate
the

against

third

place

plished
accom-

operation

and

his

catastrophe;

indeed
the

laid

pounds

400,000

submitted

were

of

loading

grave

ignite when
There

the

quantities

mass

had

be

to

an

precautions,

take

to

was

remained

alone

Nicholl

perhaps

not

departure

termination;

happy

perilousi requiring
of which

the

November;

One

days.

ten

and

of

in

Columbiad

their

places by
No

cannon.

fire

Tampa

was

steam-

extinguished

works.

they

feared

gun-cotton

to

work

might

by
lead

day,
to

lest

unhappy

the

sun's

results.

FINAL

DETAILS.

by lightproducedin
night,

This led to their workingat

by

of RiifamkorfiTs

means

the

brightnessinto
metallic

depths of

cotton

the

the 28th

EucceEsful!

of

November,

But

what

admission

him

Stones Hill

to

some
palisades,
smoking,while

in

was

had been placedin

cartridges
So far the operationhad been
what
anxieties,
In vain had

even

surrounded

bales of

by

of alarm.

Michel

about.

his

mouth, while he

he

himself

not

trust this

Ardan

had

somewhat

offered

now

to

to

be

introduce the

its soft bed

doing this, all

necessaries
own

cigarin

enormous

the rash spectatorsto whom

this
being propitious,

placeit on

to

before

follow his

but

him.

It remained

journeyhad
These

an

dangerousan example,saw that he could

therefore obligedto mount
fearless smoker,and was

Columbiad, and
But

with

round

the
ouperintend

of the Columbiad

wonderful

happy termination.CaptainNicholl's

thus lost.

difficulttask!

so

last.Providence
a

seconded

gathered

were

volunteered to

huntingout

was

special
guardover
to

gun-cotton. Bar

J. T. Maston

300,000 persons

having surprisedhim
president,

came

he reiused

neighbf^urs
day the inquisitive
carryingtheir imprudence to the

to the mouth
transportof the cartridges

At

struggles

every

threw

than

more

the enclosure.

of gun-

mass

of his

Yankees

the

seeingthat

the

by a

ability,
by givingvigorouschase to the
carefully
pickingup the still lightedcigarends

and
intruders,

which

800

perpetualstate

the best

to

this

means

confusion,what

scaled the

bicane

ridges
cart-

all simultaneously

them

to

President Barbicane!

undergoneby

pointof

which

of the Columbiad.

bottom

were

the

to be ignited.
eventually

was

By

communicate

spark,by

vacuum

connected
regularity,

utmost

to

29

artificial

an

There

the Columbiad.

the

thread, destined
the electric

threw

apparatus,"which

arrangedwith

were

those

numerous

wishes,there

would

third bet

being

into
projectile

the

of gun-cotton.

things necessary

arranged in
carefully

were

loading

the

projectile-vehicle

and had Ardan

have been

for the

no

been

allowed

to

remaining

space
K

FROM

130
for the

EARTH

THE

travellers.

THE

TO

MOON.

to
impossible

It is

thingsthis charmingFrenchman

wished

A veritable stock of useless trifles! But

of half

conceive
to

the

to

convey

the

moon.

interfered and

Barbicane

needed.
Several
anythingnot absolutely
thermometers,barometers,and telescopeswere
packed in the

refused

admission

instrument
The

case.

beingdesirous

travellers

duringtheir
with
a

to

them

Bccer

and

excellent

Moeller's

masterpieceof patienceand

would
with

enable them

the
scrupulousfidelity
faces the earth; the
all

were

They

took

Mappa Selenographica,

observation,which

they hoped

surface which

mountains, valleys,
craters, peaks,and ridges

from

side of the

eastern

studies,they took

smallest details of the lunar

with
represented,

and names;

carefully

moon

those physical
features in the moon,
identify
acquainted. This map reproducedwith

to

they were

which

examining the

to facilitatetheir

in order

voyage,

of

their exact

the mountains

dimensions,relative positions,
Doerfel

and

Leibnitz

disc,to the Marefrigorisof the North

also three

rifles and

three

on

the

Pole.

and
fowling-pieces,

shot,and powder.
largequantityof balls,
"

We

Ardan.

Michel
It is

tell whom

cannot
"

only wise

These

adapted to

and

wished

(notindeed

deal

with," said

objectto
possibly

visit.

our

bars,
crowaccompaniedby pickaxes,

were

useful

implements,not

temperature,from

every

to

precautions."

weapons

other

that of the torrid

beasts may

or

to take all

defensive

saws,

Ardan

Men

shall have

we

to

mention

clothing

that of the

polarregionsto

of animals

of different sorts

zone.

to convey

pairof

number

every known

as he
species),

could not

see

of acclimatizing
necessity
or
serpents,tigers,
alligators,
any
noxious
"

and

beasts
some

in the

valuable

donkeys,would

"

moon.

and
bear

Nevertheless,"he said

journeyvery well,and

other

cane,
to Barbi-

useful beasts,bullocks,
cows,
the

the

horses,

would

also

be very useful to us."

"

I dai-e Bay, my

dear

the president,but
Ardan,"replied
"

our

132

FROM

THE

"

I shall reckon

upon

from
regularly

news

Lit upon

words

said seemed

the

MOON.

THE

Then, you

earth,and

Club

so

easy,

stupidifwe

be

friends here!"
Michel

that

so

to this

that

of success,

sure

earth,as

Ardan
What

in his enthusiasm.

their lunar

on

shall receive

we

good

our

confidence,
him

attached
sordidly

so

see,

shall indeed

we

with

simpleand

so

the three travellers

All

you !

inspired such

carried all the Gun

could be

TO

plan for communicating with

no

These

EARTH

hesitate

to

he
none

low
fol-

to

expedition.
in the
to placethe projectile

beingready at last,it remained

Columbiad, an operationabundantlyaccompanied by dangers and

difiiculties.
The

shell

enormous

Hill.

There, powerful
the mouth

over

It

was

under
would

cause
inevitably

Fortunatelythis

What

The

rested,on

eider-down.
effectual

did

"

its couch

I have

Barbicane

down

lost,"said
the

Barbicane

did

of

who

had

wished

no

of the
the

but gave
fellow-travellers,

NichoU,

of Stones

held

suspended

it

fall of such

hours

some

the heart

chargeof

break

body

later the

of the

veritable bed

result,other

Captain,who

should

explode!

and

pyroxyle,a

of

than

cannon

explosive
the

more

the Columbiad.

forthwith

paid President

dollars.

wish

not

summit

chains

sudden

gently into

of 3000

sum

if the

happen;

not

Its pressure

ramming

it,and

the gun-cotton to

descended
projectile-vehicle
and

the

to

cylinder.

weight

enormous

raised

cranes

fearful moment

its

of the

conveyed

was

accept the money

to

at last before

way

before

leaving the

from

of his

one

the determination

earth

to

of

fulfil all his

engagements.
Now," said Michel

"

wish
"

"

be

for you, my
What

brave

is that?"

not to be

"

I have

only

one

thing more

to

Captain."

asked

It is that you may

sure

Ardan,

NichoU.

lose your

stoppedon

our

two

other bets !

journey!

"

Then

we

shall

CHAPTER

XXVI.

fibeI

The

first of December

were
projectile

p.m.,
would
and

! the

arrived

dischargedthat

not

than

more

had

eighteen years

again present

herself

under

roll

the

day ! for,if
lOh. 46m.

night at

very

must

fatal

before

by

the

conditions

same

the

40b.
moon

of zenith

perigee.

The
the

weather
shone

sun

which

three

magnificent.Despite the approach of winter,

was

of

in its radiant

bathed

brightly,and
its denizens

about

were

to

lightthat
for

abandon

earth

new

world.
How

lost their rest

persons

many

this

long-expectedday

the

heart

of Michel

and

went

with

After
which

his habitual

dawn,

Every quarter

the

as

hour

an

the

sightseers
; and, according to
Observer, not

less

than

nightwhich

preceded

save
disquietude,

only

imperturbablepersonage

business-like

unusual

far

as

of

That

multitude
eye

can

came

ever
air,while nothing what-

preoccupiedhis

matter

innumerable

an

extends,

hearts beatwith

Ardan.

that any

denoted

! AU

the

on

covered

reach,round

mind.
the

prairie

Stones Hill.

railwaybroughtfresh

accessions

the

Tampa

statement

five millions

of

of the

of

Town

spectatorsthronged the

soil of Florida.
For

ft

whole

bivouacked
town

which

plainwas

month

round
was

the

the
previously,

enclosure, and

afterwards

covered

with

called

"

mass

of these persons

laid the

Ardan's

huts, cottages,and

foundations

Town."
tents.

The

had
for

whole

Every nation

FROM

134
under

the

sun

be heard

the

All

the

in

mingled together

of

terms

was

of

classes

various

languagemight

and every

It

time.

same

MOON.

THE

TO

representedtliere ;

was

spoken at

enacted.

EARTH

THE

perfectBabel

American

re"

societywere

equality. Bankers,

absolute

brokers,merchants, wateiToen,
farmers,sailors,
cotton-planters,
each

elbowed
magistrates,

Louisiana

Creoles

Kentucky

and

conversed

with

Panamas, blue
were
frills,

trappers

from

butchers

and

every

the

lakes

white hats and

Broad-brimmed

trowsers,

Indiana

haughty Virginians

half-savagesof

the

cambric
lightcoloured stockings,

displayed
5 while

neckties,upon

and

and

from

farmers

gentlemen and

Cincinnati.

cotton

all here

with

fraternised

Tennessee

free-and-easy
way.

in the most

other

wristbands,
shirt-fronts,

upon

finger,even

the very ears,

upon

they

of
brooches,and trinkets,
shirt-pins,
rings,
taste.
which
the value only equalledthe execrable
Women,
children,and servants, in equallyexpensive dress,sun-ounded
their husbands, fathers,
or
masters, who resembled the patriarchs
wore

an

of

assortment

of tribes in the midst of their immense

At

meal-times,all fell to work

Southern

speedy

States,and
exhaustion

consumed

of

the

households.
the dishes

upon
with

an

appetitethat

racoon

steaks.

And

as

of

victuallingpowers

frogs,stuffed monkey, fish chowder,

and

to
peculiar

threatened

casseed
Florida, fri-

'possum,

underdone

for tlie liquors

which

the

accompaniedthis

indigestible
repast! The shouts,the vociferations that resounded
through the bars and taverns decorated with glasses,tankards,
for poundingsugar, and
and bottles of marvellous shape,mortars
!
of the barmen
bundles of straws !
one
roars
Mint-julep
;
"

"

"

Claret

smash!"

"
sangaree I

shouts

another

in
mint-julep

"Real

the

"

Cocktail !

spectatorswho

of

lunch I

And,

still more

had

not

"

Brandy-

style!" All these

hubbub.
deafening

new

intermingled
produceda bewilderingand
this day, 1st December, such sounds
But on
and at four p.m.
one
thoughtof eatingor drinking,
numbers

"

even

taken

fact,even
significant

were

there
their

cries

rare.

No

were

vast

customary

the

national

"fire!"

passionfor play seemed

excitement

quelledfor

ran
great catastrophes,

indescribable
which

moon

uneasiness

about

She

appearance.
welcome

the

pervaded all minds, an

indefinable

heart.

all

on

clear

cries of still greater

like
Then

The

Frenchman

and

the enclosure

were

from

was
collected,

cane, cool and

with

compressed lips,his

with

firm
in

his

side,in

inexhaustible

Ten

(and worse,

vast

"

o'clock struck !

placesin

the

in the

crossed

loose velvet

one

word, he

Parisian
The

!
projectile

") to

moment

The

descent,and the subsequentremoval

that inclined

over

periodof time.

renewed

States,

heartythroats,rose
atmosphere.

crowd.

had

this time

by

of the

centre

of the Gun

multitude.

Club,and by

final directions.

behind

step. Michel

three

as
assemblage,

European Observatories.

arms

shone

the

of the United

of

of

his

Bavbi-

NichoU,

back, walked

Ardan, always easy,

gaiterson

suit,
cigarin mouth,

his
was

gaiety,laughing,joking,playingpranks
In

beams

signalfor

traveller's costume, leathern

thorough

with J. T. Maston.
"

hymn

givinghis

measured

and

legs,pouch by
full of

the

was

the members

all the

over

hailed her

this moment

Americans

two

reserved

accompaniedby

deputationssent

dressed

This

tion
sensa-

dissipated.

the fai-thestlimits of the

the

was

was

pale

profoundsilence reignedthroughoutthe

entered

They

At

her

Doodle,"sung by five millions

to

it

An

rendezvous,and shouts

sides,as

up the national

roaringtempest

the

the
intensity.
Instantly

accord,struck

Yankee

wished

one

Millions of hurrahs

heavens.

intrepidtravellers appeared.

"

Every

punctualto

was

precedes

as

multitude.

the horizon.

greeted her

in
gracefully

and

general

anxious

o'clock,the heavy silence

seven

above

rose

one

the

such
agitation,

the

through

oppressedthe

However,

with

the time under

of the hour.

till nightfall,
a dull,noiseless

Up

The

135

was

the

thorough

"

man
French-

the last moment.

had arrived for

takingtheir
for the
operations
necessary
of the cranes
and soafFoldiiig

the mouth of the Columbiad,requireda certain

136

FROM

Barbicane
Becond

that of Murchison

by

follow

with

The
was

had

moment

Ardan

He

dropped it on

I not go ?

"

Can

"

old
Impossible,

feverish

of the

terrible silence

of wind

in

passage

the

constellation

earth

beat !All eyes werefixed

It wanted

followed

! not

each second seemed

generalshudder, as

upon the
with

to last

an

heaven

of the

there

countingthose
escapedthe

few momenta
themselves

of the

the horizon
scene

of

Their

age ! At

hearts

moment

completely
ness,
purestclear-

Not

seemed

was

now

breath
the

afraid to

of the Columbiad.

of his chronometer.
of

but
departure,
there

of that vast

within the

Some

the stars.

and the zenith.

the twentieth

to the minds

terrible seconds.

the

breathingfrom

yawning mouth
to the

in

covered

Twins, and

his eye the hand

it occurred

twinklinglightof

that the bold travellers shut up

also

dry eyes

sky.

sound

fortyseconds

scarce

Michel

president.

the entire

upon

countless chests of the spectators!

Murchison

scene

for the occasion.

platewhich

the

upwards

weighed

the

upon

The

own

Columbiad, now

nearing the half-waypoint between

A

in his

ensconced

the

to
entirely

her

the

passed over

"

gaiety,even

found

had

down

mouth

open

outshiningin
She

"

repliedBarbicane.

screwed

advanced

moon

the

"

entrance-aperture.The
The

saying Good-bye!

for

fellow ! "

was
disencumbered,

marked

which

to

"
said, there is stilltime !

he

and
projectile,

enabled

departure.

fellow-travellers had

three

Thus

spark.

were
projectile,

the forehead of his dear

"

electric

an

part of

chargedwith

was

he had doubtless reserved

ancient tear, which

the

the

J. T. Maston

one

later,the

of

means

Despite his

touched.

was

to the tenth

impassiveneedle

arrived

touching one.

by

the

of their

moment
precise

MOON.

who
engineer,

within

their eyes

THE

chronometer

the

gun

travellers enclosed

the

TO

his
regulated

had

duty of firingthe

the

EARTH

THE

few

was

blage
assem-

were
projectile

cries here and

crowd.

"

1
!
!" thiity-eightl"
Thirty-five
thirty-six
thirty-seven
1" forty
1 Firb ! H
thirty-nine
"

"

"

Fire.

T.%6

TO

MOON,
THE

EARTH
FROM

TSE

XXVIL

CHAPTER

At

the

when

moment

into

height
Florida;

the

perceived

than

one

at

strata

with

rushed

like

at

the

siderable
con-

of
and

sea,

of

over

canopy

out

log

fire
more

of

appearance

temble

this

had

kept

feet, shooting
citizens.

like

Three

time, and
soon

as

lastly,the'

the

crowd

for Ardan!
the

skies.

rose

to

with

telescopes

ond

gases

atmospheric
hurricane

feet !
under

the

over

persons

of

tempest.

heads

were

persons

all

dictates
back

pitched

was

women,

of

number

mass,

Men,

of

remained

his

of
120

fellow-

deaf

for

stupefied.

general,

Hurrah

the

thousand

The

artificial

despite

who,

of

the

corn

large

Maston,

first effects
in

his
of

ears

projectile

struck

this

on

like

in advance

hundred

though

as

T.

back

perfect

air.

remained

tumult

J.

the

through

lay prostrate
a

and

violence,

by

depths.

its very

to

by heat, forced

waterspout

ensued

accompanied

was

shaken

was

expanded

seriously injured.

As

Colnmbiad

tremendous

all

children,

prudence

his

in

whole

the

night

immense

miles

100

entered

single spectator

There

of

distance

Florida

powder,

Not

This

prodigious

lit up

superseded

country.

to

rose

flame

the

day

the

of the

discharge

the

of

glare

fire

of

meteor.

earthquake.
of

pyramid

ship's captain

gigantic
The

that

moment

of

extent
was

VTEATHEB.

air, the

for

and

FOUL

for

Thousands

were

over,

woke

the

with

up

Barbicano!
of

race-glasses,

were

persons,

injured, the deaf, and

frenzied

cries.

Hurrah

forNicholl!"

noses

questioning

in

"

rah
Hur-

air, armed

space,

forget-

FOUL

WEATHER.

tingall contusions and emotions

the projectile.
Tliey looked in
and

Been,

Peak.

The

post

the

on

of the

Director

vain !

unforeseen

an

Impatienceto

The

heavy with

after the terrible

of
dispersion
combustion
On
and

the

since

the horizon

the

as

had chosen

man

having

so

started

due

Therefore

remainingmuch

on

towards

to

the

have

was

! But
fatality
bound

was

December,
at

been

with

403.

their destination.

very

what

at lOh. 46m.

vellers
tra-

So

difficultafter all to
so

small

as

the

patiencetheymight.
the weather
inclusive,

ments
America, the great European instru-

of their

was

then

directed
constantly

magnificent
; but

the

glassespreventedany trustworthy

being made.

the 7th
but their

the

sky seemed

hope

was

to

lighten.They

of but short

thick clouds hid the starry vault from

Matters

the

thick

"

succeeded,the

conditions,a body

for the weather

the moon,

observations

now,

in

clouds

he
atmosphere,

the 6th of December

same

arisingfrom

the

sky,which unhappily

It

Oh. p.m.

at

sky

experiment.

1st of

the

such

weakness
comparative

On

earth and

Herschel,Rosse, and Foucault,were

of

severing
per-

otherwise

been

with

experiment had

they waited

4th

the

From

his

subjectthe public

vapour

covered

was

of his

the 4th

on

observed,under

shell.

skilful and

atmosphericstrata,and

disturb the

to

that up to that time it would

have

have

not

Mountains.

Rocky

that the

Supposing,now,

were

the

between

accept the consequences

p.m.,

It could

of
quantity
200,0001bs.of pyroxyle!

far

as

be

confided.

in to

enormous

morrow

as

at

fine,suddenlychanged; the

so

clouds.

curtain
impenetrable

extended

to

of

longerto

telegramsfrom Long's

had been

came

derangement of

the

no

watching for

trial.

weather, hitherto

became

was

and to him,

phenomenon

severe

It

for

astronomer, all observations

But

idea of

Cambridge Observatoiywas

Mountains

Rocky

in tlie one

wait

obligedto

they were

I39

were

now

and
duration,

were

at

in

hopes

nightagain

all eyes.

becoming serious,when

on

the 9th, the

for

reappeared

8un

Americans.

by

It

such

the

On

fears

great

to

the

on

those

been

night

11th

one

wind

east

so

long

rode

of

regions,

intertropical

terrific

and

of

sparing

its

well

rays.

of

brain

the

doubt,

no

nearly

went

the

so

teasing

wounded,

Maston

been

of

purpose

mad,

this

and

worthy

within

preserved

his

cranium.

gutta-percha
But

the

very
T.

J.

hitherto

had

which

for

regarding

entertained

were

individual,

change

MOON.

THE

hisses

itself

showed

reception,

if

as

with

received

no

TO

instant,

an

was

10th,

EARTH

THE

FROM

I40

swept

gathering,

majestically

the

amidst

at

loose

let

was

away
and

inexplicable

those

groups

night
the

soft

the

peculiar

tempests
in

the

of

which

clouds

semi-disc

constellations

atmosphere.

of

of

had

the

orb

the

sky.

of

CHAPTER

XXVm.

That
like

wires
the

the

thunderbolt

thence,

darting
of

gigantic

reflector
of

United

impatiently awaited,

burst

Union,

and

Here

Observatory

of

conclusion

regarding

this

"

To

"

The

Officers

the

Messrs.

by

the

moon

its

destination.

letained

It

the

by

of

motion

of

moon,

The

not

yet

know

"However,

two

of

the

"At

moon

some

point,

but

to

this
the

have

This

tha

12.

hap

been

at

8.47

p.m.,

not

arrived

December,

but

Hill

Stones

projectile

has

snfficiently

at

to

near

of

the

moon

be

of

attraction
will

till the
future

end

time,
the

provided

here

the

of
our

an

solar

round

into

distance

2833

separates
miles.

consideration.

our

end

by

destination

immutable

determine

to

which

about

at

will

moon

their

unable

law, will

them

drawing
or,

into

"

continue

to

gravitate

time.
will

observations

experiment
our

The

estimated

be

attain

elliptical orbit

an

yet been

as

its passage.

come

circular

satellite.

have

may

into

changed

pnrsning

now

we

of

become

true

star

new

velocity

travellers

till then

December

Peak,

at

12th

side

thus

it is

and

become

projectile, following

The

2.

round

the

LoKs't

Maston,

the

by

has

hypothesis

the

Either

1.

itself, and

than

coutaita

Cambridge.

quarter.

passed

it has

of

elements

surface

"

It

attraction,
movement

which

the

"

to

received

note

experiment

great

Colranbiad

J. T.

last

velocity,

extreme

of

the

by

and
her

has

Innar

rectilinear

"The

't "om

Observatory

Belfast
entered

having

do

the

of

projectile discharged

detected

we

is the

Cambridge.

"

"

telegraphic

Club.

Gun

the

the

detected, thanks

been

Peak!

Long's

the

all

through

projectile had

of

of

States

ran

ocean,

The

so

the

Director

scientific

the

the
the

across

globe.

STAB.

startling ne-ws

over

the

the

by

nigM,

very

N"Vr

of

system

the

Gun

with

be

Club
a

new

able
can

to

have

determine
no

other

this
lesuZt

star.

"J.

BULFABT."

FROM

142

To

how

rise ?

questions

many

What

the

the

there
it

of

annals

When

had

limits

air

had

for

twelve;

not

admit

hut

"

that

Besides, he
the

henceforth
that

let

never

post

at

let her

never

her

assiduously
with

watched

"

of

of

resources

right."

seeing again
three

Those

anything

course

and

art,
you

men,"

through

the

will

said

see

the

three

his

had

above

the

stellar
of

was

followed

the

He

projectile

remained

friends, whom

the

telescope

spaces.

man

of

miiTor

sight, and

worthy

dence
confi-

home

His

rose

passage

would

Maston.

field of
his

the

who

alone

moon

the

enough

he

did

in
not

day.

some

science,

the

! for

creatures.

horizon, the

of

really

with

in

out

untiring patience

communication

perpetual
despair

her

in

her

instant

an

silvery disc, and

her

across

for

go

as

No

humanity, by

man

sight.

his

soon

caught

horizon, he immediately
he

Peak

As

of

out

one

J. T.

friend

get

Long's

reflector.

immense

"

them

Was

victuals

he

desperate,

was

devoted

their

was

only

was

known,

earthly

had

in

alarm.

of

his

they

and

pale
on

Nicholl,

become

once

travellers

Creator

There

situation

the

the

months

two

that ?

after

that

and

for

beyond
the

imposed by

enough

bold

the

immortalized

be

surprise

these

of

themselves

of

for

of

names

to

had

Peak

feeling

aid

the

to

go

certain

give

reserving

the

all events,

Long's

from

future

the

were

universal

placed

crossing the
They

one

possible to

they

astronomy

despatch

but

was

Ardan

denouement

unexpected

was

At

science

Michel

and

this

did

MOON.

THE

TO

results

mysterious

investigations of
Barbicane,

EARTH

THE

he,

and

"

have

carried

industry.

that,

some

With

day, they

into space

that,
will

one

come

all the
can

do

out

all

FEOM

MOON:

THE

BOUND

THE

EAETH

BEQUEL

TO

TO

THE

MOON.

146

ROUND

lOhrs. 46in. 40s. p.m., it

at

after its

departure,that

at the
precisely,

the

the 5th

on

held

of the

of the gun, and

nature

be

used.

It

shell made

of aluminium

2ndly, that

long,and

should

the

27" 7' North

cast

took

and

Maston,
the

other

shape and

the

position
com-

positionand

the

powder

of 108 inches and

diameter

should

; and

Columbiad
the

to

be

ness
thick-

weigh 19,2601b8.

cast

earth.

in

iron,900 feet

3rdly,that

the

400,000 pounds of gun-cotton, which,

in

the orb of

of the

rear

projectile,

night.

President

choose

to
engineer,

and
latitude,

this

on

was

be

questionsdetermined

Murchison

was

should

it towards

easily
carry

These

six billions of litres of gas

giving out
would

with

contain

which

Barbicane,

should
1st, that the projectile

into
perpendicularly

run

T.

discussed,also

inches to its walls

the gun

is her

exactly86,410 leagues
(English).

and quantityof
quality

decided

was

of twelve

charge

the

miduiprht

at

Club, President

meetings,at

were
projectile

days

is

distance

mean

several

four

moon

December,

Major Elphinstone,the secretary Joseph

learned men,

the

that
attainingher perigee,

of the Gun

members
principal

of

earth,which

or
(French),
238,833 miles

The

reach

ought to

of her

distance from

nearest

is

moment

MOON.

THE

Barbicane,assisted by

spot situated in Florida,in

77" 3' W.

(Greenwich)longitude.It

spot,after stupendous labour, that the Columbiad

with full

Things

success.

place which

increased

stood

thus, when

the interest attached

incident

an

to

this great

a hundredfold.
enterprise

Frenchman,

bold, asked

might
The

saw

reach

name

landed

to

in

be

the

enthusiastic

an

enclosed
moon,

of this

America,

enemy.

in the

was

reconnoitre

received with

wittyas

in
projectile,

adventurer
intrepid

himself carried in

his mortal

and

Parisian,as

order

he
that

was

he

this teri-estialsatellite.

Michel

was

Ardan.

Ho

enthusiasm,held meetings,

triumph,reconciled

President

CaptainNicholl,and,

as

Barbicane

token

of

to

ciliation,
recon-

persuadedthem both to start with him in the projectile.

The proposition
the shapeof the projectile
beingaccepted,

CHAPTER.

PRELIMINARY

altered.
slightly

was

of
species,

This

for

air to hreathe.

the

At

and

of

launched

into

reaching

their

make

the

disc could

not

take

night, at

the

exact

and

not

Bavbicane,and

course

ready.
from the midst

departuretook place,
with

terrestial

almost

bold

tainty
cer-

travellers,

Captain NichoU, ought

ninety-sevenhours, thirteen minutes,

the 5th

place until

when

moment

4th,

the

on

follow the

These

Consequently,their

twenty seconds.

and

highestpointsof

beingsquittedthe

destination.

in

passage

travellers with

fixed upoa,

interplanetary
space

Ardan, President

Michel

then

was

of spectators,
the

firsttime, three human

for the

globe,and

to

All

soma

telescope
gigantic

be able to

at the hour

crowd
extraordinary

an

had

Club

through space.
projectile

On the 30th November,

of

Gun

the

for

gas

three

of the

one

provided

was

months, and

some

they might

that

erected,in order
of the

strong springsand

departure. It

time,on

same

Rocky Mountains,

the

for

year, water

of

shock

the

form.
cylindro-conical

with

lined

was

car

of

made

was

self-acting
apparatus suppliedthe

days.

aerial

deaden

to
partitions

with food

It

47

as

arrival

December

the

the lunar

on

at twelve

should

moon

be

at

full,

badly-informedjournals had

some

announced.
But

by

an

unforeseen

Columbiad,

the

circumstance,viz.,the detonation
had

the immediate

efiect of

produced

the
troubling

atmosphere,by accumulatinga largequantityof

a

which

phenomenon

moon

hidden

was

from

excited
the

universal

eyes

of the

vapour,

for
indignation,
watchers

for

restial
ter-

the

several

nights.
The
three

by

the

worthy Joseph

Maston, the staunchest

started for
travellers,
Hon.

J.

erected which

brought the

leagues.The

to observe

the

Belfast,director

the station of

and reached

two

T.

hon.

Rocky Mountains, accompanied

of the CambridgeObservatory,

Long's Peak,
moon

within

where
an

secretary of the Gun

the vehicle of his

friend of the

daringfriends.

the

was
telescope

apparent distance of
Club

wished

himself

143

ROUND

The

Indeed

all observations

thoughtthat

it was

off to the 3rd

of

atmosphere prevented all

10th of December.

5th,6th, 7th,8th,9th, and

the

on

MOON.

of clouds in the

accumulation

observations

THE

in the

January

would

following
year
then

the 1 1th,would

enteringits last quarter on

have

to be

for the

That

1 1th and

the

disc,was

with half illuminated

tlie moon,

the black

nightof

the

atmosphereon

sky.
very night,a telegramwas

12th

of their

cleared

December, and
be

to
plainly

from

sent

moon

only present an

of her disc,insufficient to allow

ever-decreasing
portion
of the projectile.
the course
following
At length,to the generalsatisfaction,
a
heavy storm
the

put

seen

the

upon

station of

Long's Peak by Joseph T. Maston and Belfast to the gentlemen

of the CambridgeObservatory,
announcingthat,on the 11th of
launched by the ColumDecember
at 8h. 47m. p.m., the projectile
biad of

Stones Hill had

"

had

had

and

cause,

passednear

reached

not

become

star had not

new

made

upon

determine

in three

star

different

elements.

these

at about

It ended
of the

moon

with

orbit,would
With

such

2833

Then

that it

attraction

circular one,

the star of

nightit had

that the elements

of this

draw

or

it showed

the

lunar

necessary

that

the

surface

that

hypothesis
; either

it to
the

what
alternatives,
food for

some

and
herself,

held
projectile,

gravitatearound

Coi'tainly
theyhad

are
positions,

to

distance

"might"

be

miles.

this double

would

attain their end

but

known
un-

yet been calculated ; and indeed three observations

the projectile
from
separating
reckoned

some

the lunar

changed to

round

Belfast and

from

course

by

telegramadded

its satellite.The

Messrs.

its destination

had been

orbit
an
following
elliptical

by

its

be retained

enough to

that its rectilinear movement

aud that

from

deviated

that it had

Maston,

detected

been

the

would

lunar

the

attraction

the travellers thus

in
disc

immutable

one

to

all

nity.
eter-

be the fate of the travellers?

time.

But

supposingthey d'd

PRELIMINARY

in their rash

Bucceed

they ever

return

debated

how
enterprise,

the

they return

from

learned

most

I49

would

they hear

Should

by

CHAPTER.

them

of the

pens

Could

These

tions,
ques-

day, strongly

engrossedthe publicattention.
It is advisable here
considered

prudence.

comet,

or

No

the

is

one

himself

better is it to wait
should

Maston

the

satellite; and

exposes

case

to

and

have

which

When

cannot

obligedto

discover either

whoever

makes

the

before

to be

be

with

enterprise. Indeed
as

errors,

in such

for

distance

of the

what

Joseph

have

been

T. Maston

the

it a satelliteof the moon,

to all mechanical

One

it

seen,

of
projectile

the fate in store

theoryon

of

from
projectile

had

the

for
it was

Far

mass.

sending this telegram forth

telegram contained

the 11th December

on

sorts

of

concerning
observation,

surface

the

thought he

or

to

result of

two

to
impossible

was

impatientJoseph T,

proved eventually.1st,errors

was

the
moon,

this

too

a
planet,

mistake
of the

derision
the

done

world, which, according to his idea,told the whole

the

well

covery
dispurely speculative

that is what

done

ought

public,it

justlyto

remark

by hasty observers.

is announced

much

make

to

of the

it; and

see

could

saw,

not

Columbiad.

of
2ndly,errors
the said projectile
; for in making
puttingit in direct contradiction

laws.

singlehypothesisof

the observers

that which
realized,

foresaw

ever

be

stQl

alive)
unitingtheir

efibrts with

the

of

Long's Peak

could

of the travellers

case

(if

the lunar attraction to attain

the surface of the disc.

Now

these men,

the terrible shock

journeyin
dramatic

the

as

as

clever

consequent

car
projectile

well

as

in its most

they were

as
on

their

which

daring,had

departure,and

is here

survived
it is their

related in its most

singulardetails.

This

recital will

illusions and surmises ; but it will givea true idea

destroy
many
of the singular
changes in store for such an enterprise
; it will
bring out the scientiHc inslincts of Barbicane,the industrious
resoarces

of

Nicholl,and

the audacious

humour

of Michel

Ardan.

150

ROUND

Besides

Maston,

telescope
space.

this,
was

he

it

will

wasting
watched

THE

that

prove
his

the

time,
course

MOON.

their

while
of

worthy
leaning

the

moon

friend,
over

through

Joseph
the

T.

gigantic
the

starrf

I.

CHAPTER

FEOM

TWENTY

MINUTES

PAST

TEN

PAST

As

o'clock

ten

took

leave

earth.
the

of

The

lunar

The
iron

struck,
the

continents,

three

the

to

being

hauled

aluminium

outside, the

began

of

introduced

once

close

to

the

position by powerful
the
their
"

metal
And

make

prison,
now,

We

housekeeping.
and

and

little.

So
the

saying,
sole

of

receptacle, in
sufficed

Gas

the

bis

which
for

not

was

the
the

and

stantly
in-

was

the

inside

tile,
projec-

plate, held

strong

in

said

Michel

domesticated
make

to

invented
fellow

lit

carbonized
and

in

darkness.

profound

approached

lighting

crane

plates, closely fitted, covered

Ardan,

the

best

And

us

in

strong

of

first

let

"

and

man

comfortable.

thoughtless
boot

of

means

in

am

ourselves

them

the

to

the

travellers, hermetically enclosed

bound

are

make

lodgings,

of

gave

Columbiad

companions

companions,"
;

cast-

supports.
his

plunged

were

home

at

the

on

top

purpose

the

race

enoiinous

belonging

of

Other

screws.

the

tackle

opening by

dear

my

ourselves

see

with

glasses, and

lenticular

for

the

projectile.

conical

the

to

mouth

its last

the

orifice of the

made
The

canine

the

in

on

leaving

were

up

down

car.

disencumbered

Nicholl,

the

them

opening

an

from

shut

approached
let

they
propagate

to

already

crane

projectile. There,
access

destined

were

travellers

tube, and

friends

NichoU,

and

Barbicane,

Ardan,

Michel

dogs,

two

P.M.

TEN

numerous

MINUTES

FOKTT-SEVEN

TO

our

new

let

try

us

for moles.''
a

match
the

hydrogen,
warming

by striking
burner
stored

of the

fixed
at

to

high

it

on

the
sure,
pres-

projectile for

152

ROUND

hundred

and

divan,and
The

days

and

padded walls,furnished
thickly

roof rounded

shape of

in the

rounds

againstthe

like
a

utensils
bear

wadding, could

of

with

fortable
com-

circular

dome.

and
objectsit contained,arms, insti'uments,

fastened

nights. The

six

looked
lightedthe projectile

thus

with

I'oom

MOON.

six

hours, or
forty-four

and
caught fire,

gas

THE

securely
shock

the

of

departurewith impunity.Humanly speaking,every possible

precaution
had

taken

been

to

bring this

rash

experimentto

ful
success-

termination.
Michel

Ardan

and
everything,

examined

declared himself satisfied

with his installation.

"

the

It is

said he,
prison,"

rightof puttingmy

lease of

hundred

tomb

'

Tomb,

perhaps;

Michel

Ardan

making their

were

NichoU's

last

This

chronometer

spark on

At

we

have

past
which

that

within

the tenth

ten

is

and

our

Nicholl

in their

of

ten

past

p.m.

projectile.

second

by

that

consulted it.

twenty minutes

Murchison

communicates

precisemoment

still

be

inch !"

an

twenty minutes

engineer. Barbicane

the wire

Columbiad.
Thus

set

was

minutes
forty-seven

you any

it for Mahomet's,

change

advances

never

enclosed
finally

were

friends,"said he, " it

My

not

speaking,Barbicane

marked

the three travellers

"

Have

preparations.

when

the

window, I could well stand

still I would

was

chronometer

of Murchison

travelling
prison; and, with

'This prisonmay
yourself,

say to

you

smile,Barbicane.

You

floats in space, but

which
Whilst

but

to the

nose

years.

arriere-pensee?Do

"

we

past

will launch
with

the

to

At

the electi'ie

charge of

shall leave

twenty-seven minutes

ten.

the

spheroid.

our

remain

on

the

earth."
"

Twenty-sixminutes

thirteen

the
seconds,"
replied

methodical

Nicholl.
"Well
"

much

!" exclaimed
may

be done

of morals

and

Michel Ardan, in
in

twenty-sixminutes.

politics
may

be

good-humouredtone,
The

discussed,and

gravest questions
even

solved.

Position

be

cannot

indifferent matter

an

possible,
prevent the

as

"Just
"

"

let us

suit the action to the

only

the

same

our

on

Remember

little whether

matters

the

much

stretch ourselves

us

sides

that,when

we

are

in

it

or

thing."
I may
cheer up," said
thing,'
same

Ardan.

Michel
"Do

and

much

feet in the air,like the

our

better that way.

to much

before it ; it amounts

idea,Nieholl ?" asked Barbicane.

of my

approve

you

the captain.
Entirely,"
replied
"

"

as

grand circus."

starts, it
projectile

If it is

and

down

No," said Barbicane," let

the

"

Ardan, readyto

heads

our

shall resist the shock

we

mnst,

we

Nieholl.

put

in the

clowns

; and

rush of blood to the head."

Then," repliedMichel

word,
"

so,"said

MOON.

THE

ROUND

154

stillthirteen minutes

We've

half."

Nieholl

"That

chronometer
But

with

his

their last

is not

man," exclaimed

Michel; "he

is

seconds,an escape, and eightholes."

companions were
with
positions

methodical

like two

listening
; they were

not

the most

travellers in

takingup
They were

perfectcoolness.
selves
a
car, seekingto placethem-

as possible.
comfortably
might well ask ourselves of what

as

We

of these

Americans

made,

to

whom

materials

the

danger added no pulsation.

frightful
couches
Three thick and solidly-made

are

approachof
had

been

the hearts
the most

placedin

the

of

Nieholl and Barbicane

placed them in the centre
projectile.
the three travellers were
the disc formingthe floor. There

stretch themselves

During
bis

this

time,Ardan,

prisonlike

narrow

before their departure.

moments

some

not

wild

being able
beast in

friends,
speakingto the dogs Diana
may
"

"

so

be seen,

Ah,
you

he had

Diana
are

and

to

turned
keep still,

cage,

chattingwith

in
his

to whom,
Satellite,

aa

names.
given signiflcant

Ah, Satellite !

goingto

to

show

the

"

he

exclaimed,teazingthem

moon-dogsthe good

habits of the

FROM

dogs of

do

will make

dogs,'which
If there

"

"

hundred

"

"

Done,

dollars

bring a

I bet that

shall find

we

'

there

!"

alreadylost

have

But, by the bye,you

funds

for the

the

found, as

operationof castinghas

necessary

hand.

three bets with

have
enterprise
and
successful,

been

has been loaded without

the Columbiad

moon-

said NichoU.

"

the

If

horses,

are

captain! repliedArdan, claspingNicholl's

my

55

shall find chickens."

we

none

as
president,

as

race

type of

cross

Ardan, "just as

chickens.

donkeys,and

cows,

to the canine

moon," said Barbicane.

the

are,"said Michel

"There

P.M.

lO

stir!"

dogs in

are

will

PAST

MIN.

47

"willdo honour

again,I

down

come

TO

lO

That

the earth !

we

ever

PAST

MIN.

20

our

been

lastly,

accident,six thousand

dollars."

NichoU.
"Yes," replied

"Thirty-sevenminutes

six seconds

past ten."
It is

"

hour

an

understood,captain. Well, before

will have

you

the Columbiad

because

4000

will
projectile
"

I have

"

the
I

his coat.

rise

only ask
be ; but

never

to be
see

"

and

?" asked

why

5000

that

to

with
projectile

to reimburse

are

you

have

you

allow
yourself,

of

man

made
me

Barbicane

is

method, which I
series of bets of

to tell

you."

Nicholl.

it ; and

Barbicane

will

the bank

in

no

will have

burst,

longerbe there

dollars."

your

stake

"My

the

pay."

the Columbiad
Because, if you gain the first,
the

because

six miles in the air."

allowed

indeed

very littleadvantageto
"And

burst,and

not

president;

dollars,"
repliedNicholl,slappingthe pocketof

Come, Nicholl,I

could

will

than

more

dollars to the

9000

count

to

quarter of

another

depositedat

simply;

"

and

if Nicholl

is not

Baltimore," replied

there,it will

go

to his

heirs."

"Ah,
admire
"

you
you

exclaimed

men!"
practical

the

more

for not

beingable

Forty-twominutes past ten

"

Michel

to understand

said Nicholl.

Ardan;

you,"

"I

IS6

ROUND

"

"

Only

five

minutes

Yes,

five

little

enclosed

are

And

in

this

under
is

which
friend
the

his

seconds

"let

us

to

the

and

of

bold

of

the

and

feet

we

long

gun-cotton,
And

powder!
his

apparatus,

is

fixed

eye

counting

on

the

interplanetary space.''

alone

in

serious

separate

hand,

Ardan,

three

lbs.

Barbicane,

instants

Michel

exclaimed

appear

said

clasp

One

moment.

Yes,"

few

900

hand,

into

us

gun

ordinary
in

electric

enough!"

Michel,

of

chronometer

launching

400,000

lbs,

the

on

to

prepare.

eventful
"

finger

of

bottom

rammed

are

his

with

preparatory

"Enough,

the

"

Ardan

Michel

replied

1,600,000

to

Murchison,

needle,

!"

minutes

projectile

equal

Barbicane.

!" answered

more

projectile,at

MOON.

THE

he

than

moved

companions

from

us

an

friends."

my

more

voice;

united

were

wished
in

last

embrace.
"

God

Michel

placed

the

in

Forty

"

Twenty

seconds

by

Nicholl
the

by

the

Barbicane,

religious

stretched

themselves

on

the

couches

disc.
ten

past

more

his

the

said

minutes

seven

broken

!"

of

centre

down

lay

only

and

Ardan

"

and

us

preserve

I"

Barbicane

companions,

ticking

of

shock

was

the

!" murmured

and
the

captain.

quickly put
the

profound

out

the

silence

marking

chronometer

gas
was

the

seconds.

Suddenly
the

force

bastion

of

of
the

dreadful
six

billions

pyroxyle,

of

litres

mounted

felt, and
of
into

gas,

space.

the

projectile, under

developed

by

the

com*

CHAPTER

THE

What

had

happened

produced

Had

obtained
thanks

the

to

of the

pressure

enough

was

this

of

moving

thought

of

the

for

Maston

T.

would

partitions

conical

seemed

The

had

important

On
of

the

the

have

but

were

movable

not

the

frightful

This

spectators

journey,

and

Joseph

"

into

glimpse

one

the

-which

them

amongst

one

But

wonderfully.

Not

projectile

the

the

its
a

not

was

powder,

cylindrorent

or

heated

even

liquefied, as

uor

of aluminium.

little

disorder

suffered

indeed,

towards

have

to

of

and

yards,

thousand

profound.

of

deadened,

second

jectile
pro-

was

shower

in

shock

the

the

11,000

aim

cast

seen

wonderful

in

the

been

subdue

the

to

have

violently thrown

seemed

the

roof;

from

the

only
but

the

shock

few

most

at

all ;

intact.

disc, sunk

partition-breaks

Jay apparently

York

resisted

showed

been

fixtures

New

deflagration

fear,

to

interior

objects

their

intense

the

or

darkness

had
The

anywhere

under

they

The

then.

Nothing

than

if

shock

to

more

And

of

water-cushions,

of

could

he

the

able

forgot

travellers.

"

the

suggested

They

example

projectile,what

dent

question

scene.

only

Paris

frightful

constructors

Had

been

they

traverse

this

had

the

plugs,

four

initiatory speed

the

evidently

was

result

the

Had

to

of

ingenuity

springs,

partition-breaks?

eflEect

What

happy

any

HALF-HOUB.

FIRST

the

n.

lifeless.

and

down
the

to

escape

Barbicane,

the
of

bottom
the

NichoU,

by

water,
and

the

smashing

three

Michel

bodies

Ai-don

"

IS8
did

ROUND

theystillbreathe

metal

bodies

minutes

its knees.

all over, gave

Michel

The
His
like
"

of

Ardan

drunken

said,
"

rise,but could

of blood

the rush

he

hand

It

"

producesthe

"

called in

from

of his

hearts

The

The

several

same

efifect
two
as

bottles

swallow."

Then,

firm

fifth

exclaimed.

their heads.

story on

get

can

They

knees,two

his

on

felt the tide of life return

calm, and returned

But

firstlet

equilibrium.He

pocket,and

could

throughthe
the air would
would
When

have

not

space
have

have

the burner

have

was

The

filled with

in

if

"

be able

had

gas

in that

and

The

leaned

shock
over

effort
match

escape 1.

not

lightedmatch

the

Another

lightedit.

had

case

with
gas

produced a detonatingmixture,
Ardan
lit,

that

blood became

drew
rising,

burner

hydrogen.

finished what

check,

ought to

circulation.

betrayedit ;
a

could

by degrees.His

succeeded

carried

fallen

lightup."

us

approachingthe

the smell would

if theyhad

as

Americans

its accustomed

to

receiver had not suffered at all.

Ardan

called

!" he added, with

nothing

Ardan

restored his

show

even

look

Bah

which

their feet.

his

rubbing

sigh to
stillbeating. He

; not

answer

get on

from

and

voice,"

companions were

imperturbable confidence
Frenchman

his lorehead

across

silence.

same

devil !" he

times

anxiously. No

waited

again.

was

Barbicane!"

"NichoU!

that the

he

man.

temples,he

He

stand.

not

blind

was

Gorton,though perhaps less agreeableto

his

felt himself

He

the others?"

about

tried to

Frenchman

Bur-r !" said he.

passinghis

to

Ardan.

!" and then

How

of the

one
projectile,

succeeded
head,and finallj

Michel

Hem

"

from

swam,

lifted its

was

is whole.

courageous

head

It

sonorous

the

departureof

after the

into space

corpses

but

projectile
nothingnow

the

was

moved, shook its arms,

gettingon
"

or

coffin,
bearingthree

Some

in

MOON.

THE

The
sides,
Be-

Michel

impunity

mixing with
and

the

plosion
ex-

perhapsbegun.

the bodies oi his

com-

THE

panions: they were

lyingone

above, Barbicane
Ardan
and

rub

to

his presence

of

the

on

other,an

him

captain,propped

vigorously.This

Nicholl,who

restored

HALF-HOUR.

59

Nicholl

inert mass,

underneath.

lifted the

began

FIRST

opened

with

used

means,

his eyes, and

mind, seized Ardan's

againstthe divan,

up

judgment,

instantly
recovering

hand

and

looked around

with

him.
"

And

"

Each

? " said he.

Barbicane
in

turn," repliedMichel

Nicholl,because

were

you

the top.

on

Sayingwhich, Ardan
of the Gun
suffered

Club

than

more

Nicholl

but

from

bound

laid him

and

shght

wound

on

was

breathes

of that
the

And

well that
sat

He

seemed
he

companions;

by findingthat

the

the

mere

shoulder,a

president
have

to

bleeding,

was

haemorrhagecame
graze, which

he

did not

friction.

spare

"

he breathes

like

Nicholl

dailyoperation.Rub,

Barbicane

up, took

the

to

ear

who

man

let

worked
improvised practitioners

two

himself,which

to

man.

Yes," repliedArdan,

notion

raised the

the divan.

on

yon,

look to Barbicane."

us

though,"said Nicholl, putting his

chest of the wounded

"

let

long time coming

his friends,
who
frightened
He

Now

began

carefully.

up

Still,Barbicane

"

"

Nicholl

and

either of his

reassured

was

Ardan.

his

recovered

his two

friends

by

senses.

the

hard

opened

hands, ard

some

rub harder."

us

so

He

has

and

so

his eyes,

his first woris

were"

"Nicholl, are
Nicholl and

we

"

"

Well, are
Or

"Or
Ardan.

looked

Barbicane

troubled themselves
been for the

moving?"
about

we

reallymoving

the bottom

other

?"

they had

not

yet

fii'stthoughthad

car.

repeatedMichel

the soil of Florida ?

of the

projectile
; their

not for the

traveller,

quietlyrestingon
at

the

at each

"

Ardan.

asked

NicholL

Gulf of Mexirso ?" added

Michel

l6o

ROUND

"

What

THE

idea !" exclaimed

MOON.

the

president.
And
this double hypothesis
suggestedby his companionshud
the effect of recalling
In any case
him to his senses.
they could
of the projectile.
Its apparent
the position
not yet decide on
with the outside,
of communication
and the want
immovability,
an

from

solvingthe question.Perhaps the projectile

unwinding its course
throughspace. Perhaps after a

prevented them
was

fallen upon

short rise it had

Mexico
would

fall which

"

render not

The

case

cane's moral

the
from

as

energy

triumphed

the earth.

But

stmck

was
temperature inside the projectile
a

The

showed

instrument

thermometer

Florida

Tes," he exclaimed,
"

by

its friction

diminish,because

we

from

the

on

are

its case, and

consulted

it.

are

atmosphericstrata.

in
alreadyfloating

are

I " said Michael

Barbicane,we

The

singularly
high.

moving ! This stifling

of the projectile,
is propartitions
duced
we

yes,

we
having been nearlystifled,

What

that
Barbicane,
viz.,

81" Fahr.

heat,penetrating
throughthe

"

of
peninsula

of

over

circumstance

one

presidentdrew
"

of the

narrowness

in the Gulf

even

physicalweakness,and he
to his feet. He listened. Outside was
silence ; but
perfect
thick padding was
enough to interceptall sounds coming

rose

the

earth,or

impossible.
the problem interesting,
and one
that
serious,
soon
as
possible.Thus, highlyexcited,Bai-bi-

was

be solved

must

the

the

shall have

Ardan.

"

alreadybeyond

It will

space, and

to suffer intense

Accordingto

your

soon

after

cold.

showing,

the limits of the terrestrial

atmosphere?"
"Without
minutes
if

our

past ten

; we

have

speed has
initiatory

seconds would
of

doubt, Michel.

be

enough

been
not

for

estimate the diminution

of

gone
been
to

us

atmospherewhich surrounds
Just so,"replied
NichoU ;

"

Listen

the
"

It

me.

about

is

fifty-five

eightminutes

checked

by

the

and

six
friction,

miles
through the forty
globe."
pass

but

speedby

to

in what

friction?

do
proportion
"

yoa

FIRST

THE

In the

"

l6l

HALF-HOUR.

NichoU.
proportionof one-third,

This

diminution

is

but accordingto my calculations it is nothing less.

considerable,
If,then,we had an initiatory
speed of 12,000 yards,on leaving
the

atmospherethis speedwould

any

case

"

And

burst

four thousand

five thousand

than six miles.

"Let

us

correct,and

that

is

the Columbiad

"and
first,"said the captain,

quite possiblethat
lost my

I have

"

thousand

risen

more

will pay

reasoningis

dollars.

mind, and

my

"

did not

we

Barbicane's

nine

In

has lost his

has
projectile
up."

hypothesispresents itself to

new

yards.

dollars because the

it

prove
It

";o 9165

friend NichoU

"

dollars because

Now, Nicholl,pay

afterwards.

reduced

and
passedthroughthis interval,
already

then,"said Michel Ardan,

bets

two

have

we

be

But

it annuls

the

wager."
"

What

"

The

is that ? " asked Barbicane

that,for
hypothesis

set to the
"

we

recall you

not

from the blow

my

brain !

half annihilated

been

to life?

Is not the

Nicholl
Granted," replied

"Did

you

hear

Michel

never

It cannot

by

Ardan,

be

the shock

shoulder
president's

it has received ?

Well, captain?

other,fire was

or

goodness,captain,"exclaimed

My

For have

"

reason

have not started at all."

powder,we

hypothesisis worthy of

"

some

quickly.

"

serious

that
one.

Did I not

stillbleeding

"

"

but

one

question."

"

the

detonation,which

ought to
certainly

be

loud ? "
"

No," repliedArdan, much

I did
surprised
;
certainly
"

not

hear the detonation."

"

And

you, Barbicane

"

Nor

I, either."

"

Very well,"said

"

Well

?"

Nicholl.

now," murmured

hear the detonation ?

the

"

president,why

did

we

not

"

The three friends looked at each other with

disconcerted wr.
u

62

It

RO\SND

inexplicable
phenotnenon.The

quite an

was

there
and consequently
started,
Let

"

first find out

us

et down

the

This rery
The
hand

bolts

rubber

the

to

the

platefell back

let them

glasswhich

closed the

top of

in the

the

fourth in the middle

of the

observations

different directions

and

direct

most

under

four

in

windows,

openingsin

Barbicane

and

his

uncovered

window.

darkness

surrounded

base.

the

with

But

india-

the

porthole,

appeared. A

oppositeside

dome, and

of

a
finally,

make
They could,therefore,

the earth

or

the firmament

the

by

moon

by

the

the upper

projectile.
rushed
companions immediately

two

right-

diately
through. Imme-

scuttle

on
partition

the

Englishwrench.

its hinges like

upon

let into the thick

was

platesof

outer

buffers covered

the holes which

another
projectile,

side and

detonation.

accomplished.

soon

pushed outside,and

were

the lenticular
one

the pressure of the

under

way

stopped up

similar

been

are," said Barbicane," and

we

the bolts

held

the outer
and

where

simpleoperationwas

scuttle gave

These

have

must

bad
projectile

panel."

which

nuts

MOON.

THE

it

lit by

was

ray of

no

the

light.Profound

them, which, however, did

presidentfrom exclaiming,
have
No, my friends,
we

to

prevent the

not

"

"

nor

are

we

into space.

mounting
and
and
"

that
us

in the

submerged

See

fallen back

not

Gulf

those

darkness
impenetrable

upon

the earth

of Mexico.

Yes

shiningin

stars

heaped up

between

; no,

we

the

are

night,

the

earth

"

Hurrah

! hurrah

!" exclaimed Michel Ardan

and

NiohoU

in

voice.

one

Indeed,this
the
have

earth,for

thick darkness
the

This

darkness

if they had
travellers,
also

showed

passedthe atmospheric
strata,for
air would

have

that the

had
projectile

loft

lit by the moonbeams, would

soil,brilliantly

been visible to the

surface.

proved

been reflected on

that

the diflused

the metal

been
the

lyingon

its

had
projectile

lightspreadin

the

walls,wliich reflection

FIRST

THE

window

lightwould

This

wanting.

was

dark.

was

HALF-HOUR.

Doubt

have

lit the

window,

longerpossible
; the

no

was

63

.ind the

ti'avelleis

had left the earth.

"

I have

"

"

Here

lost,"said NichoU.

congratulate
you,"repliedArdan.
nine

the

are

roll of paper dollars from his

irawinga

Will you have

"

dollars,"said the

thousand

for
receipt

it ?

"

captain,

pocket.

asked

Barbicane,takingthe

sum.

"If

forth his

drew
president

companions without
left

circumstances

speaking. So much
him
speechless.He
and

Barbicane
This aiTair settled,

window,

and

not

the

And

"Do

rise

not

is at its

of

leaf,wrote

his

to

two

formalityunder
had

moon

alarm

post,but

NichoU

sky.

such

before

never

had

But

The

from

seen

from

that side

cannot

they

east

to

Its absence

Ardan.

perchancefailat

will she

the

to

stars looked

the zenith.

said Barbicane;
yourself,"
we

returned

from
night,which, travelling

by degrees towards

remark
following

the

drew

blank

constellations.

the black

the orb

see

west, would

"

watchingthe

were

brightpointson

could

American."

"

anythingso

out

like."
business-

the
strong-box,

Ardan, taking oflF his hat, bowed

Michel

book.

it is more

signedit with the usual flourish,'

carefully
placedit in his pocket-

captain,who

the

it to

gave

and

"

had been at his

note-book,tore

dated
receiptin pencil,

proper

like

NichoU

and seriously,
as if he
coolly

And

and

mind,"answered

you do not

her

see

from

our

rendezvous
future

"our

this side

window

to

?"

globe

let us

open

the other."
As

Barbicane

his
scuttle,
opposite
brilliant

object. It

could

not

attention
was

an

be estimated.
"

leavingthe

about

was

Tills is

was

attracted

the

disc,whose

enormous

Its

face,which

purelyFrench
M

by

habit.

was

(Ed.)

open

the

approach of

colossal dimension
turned

to

the

164

ROUND

THE

MOON.

bright. One might have

the lightof the largerone.
reflecting

earth,was
moon

great speed,and
"which would
revolved

seemed

exclaimed

small

"with

advanced
the

earth,

This body
projectile.

exhibited

axis, and

its

She

orbit round

an

of the

intersect the passage

upon

!"

Ah

describe

to

celestial bodies abandoned

"

thought it

very

the

of

phenomena

all

in space.

Michel

"

Ardan,

what

is that ? another

?"
projectile
Barbicane

did not

and
body surprised

might be

troubled

attended

deviate

would

its

it
might precipitate

caught at
of

either

!"

several hundred
from

oppositethe

other, bring their

The

space.

by

Ardan,

His

com

object grew

illusion
optical

an

travellers

not

last many

yards from
the

drew

the

it.
"

the

of
rapidity

moon,

it

back.

seconds.

shall

we

Their
The

into

run

its course,

asteroid

that its face

as

suddenlymerged

was

dread

was

passed

and disappeared,
not
projectile

happy journey to you," exclaimed

sighof

poor

hypotheses,

into the

being
perfect

of space.

darkness
"A

the

president

fatal termination.

and

Michel

The

!"

great, but it did

much

or

throwingitself before

exclaimed

the
Instinctively

BO

and

approached them,
to be

either the

of these three

silently
lookinginto

it

Jove

another

one

and
possible,

powerful asteroid.

unsuccessful

an

seemed
projectile

By

enormous

projectile
shock, breaking its impetus,
it might be irresistibly
or, lastly,

glance the consequences

which
would, one
way

panions stood

"

collision was

experiment to

rapidlyas

earth

the

by

away

him.

path,or

the

to

of this

appearance

deplorableresults

with

from

drawn

The

answer.

relief.

Michel

"

Ardan,

of space is largeenough
SUrelyinfinity
littleprojectile
to walk
throughwithout fear. Now,

is this portentous globe which

"

"'

Oh, indeed ! you know

nearlystruck

Barbicane.
know," replied

everything."

us

?"

with
for

what

THE

It

"

is,"said Barbicane, "

which

one,
"

the attraction
"

Is it

has

FIRST

two

!
possible
like

moons

"Yes,

havingonly one

simplemeteorite,but

of the earth has retained

exclaimed

Neptune

friend,two

my

; but

Michel

Ardan

though

moons,

this second

by noticingdisturbances

that

able

existence

determine

to

calculate

its elements.

meteorite will
hours

the

and

an

as

"

enormous

satellite."

the earth

then

"

French
of

According

accomplishits revolution

twenty minutes, which

it passes

is

moon

great,that the inhabitants of the earth

BO

165

HALF-HOUE.

for
generally

small,and

so

cannot

its

it.

see

speed

It

was

astronomer, M. Petit,was
this
to

second

hia

satellite and

this
observations,

round

the earth

impliesa

in three

wonderful

of

rate

speed."
"Do

asked
"

all astronomers

admit

the

existence

of this satellite?"

NichoU.

No," repliedBarbicane

theycould

"

but

if,like

us,

theyhad

it,

met

longerdoubt it. Indeed, I think that this meteorite,

would
have much
which, had it struck the projectile,
embarrassed
the means
of decidingwhat
our
us, will give us
positionin
no

space is."
? " said Ardan.

"

How

"

Because

its distance is
miles from

exactly4650
"

"

than

More

That

beats

and

when

we

it,we

met

the surface of the terrestrial

French

2000

the

known,

express

exclaimed
leagues,"

trains of the

were

globe.

Michel

Ardan.

pitiful
globe called

the

earth."
"

I should
"

think

so,"repliedNicholl, consultinghia chronometer

it is eleven

left the American

we
"

Only thirteen

"Yes,"
yards has

and
o'clock,

it is

onlythirteen

minutes

since

Continent."

minutes

? " said Barbicane.

said

Nicholl; "and

been

kept up,

we

if

our

shall have

iuitiatory
speed of 12,000
made

about

20,000 miles

in the hour."
"

That

is all very

well, my

said
friends,"

the

president,but
"

66

HOUND

THE

MOON.

the insoluble questionstill remains.

detonation of the Columbiad
For

of

want

an

side.

He

filledthe

; and

with
projectile

put

man,

the

out

conversation

the

answer

succeeded

observation

we

not

hear

tha

?"

to
began thoughtfully

cane

did

Why

let down

the

dropped,and
shutter

Barbi-

of the pecond

throughthe uncovered glassthe moon

brilliant light. K'ichoU,as an economical

gas,

useless,and

now

whose

brilliancy

of the

interplanetary
space.
The lunar disc shone with wonderful
purity. Her rays, no
longerfiltered through the vapoury atmosphereof the terrestrial
the air in the interior of
g'obe,shone through the glass,filling
the projectile
with silvery
reflections. The
black curtain of the
firmament
in reality
which, in
heightenedthe moon's brilliancy,
this void of ether unfavourable
the
to difTusion did not eclipse
neighbouringstars. The heavens,thus seen, presentedquitea
preventedany

aspect,and

new

One

conceive

may

watched

which

one

the orb of

the

the human

eye could

interest with

the great aim

night,

which

of.

dream

never

these

bold

men

of their

journey.
In its motion the earth's satellite was
insensibly
nearingthe
zenith,the mithematical
point which it ought to attain ninetysix hours later. Her mountains,her plains,
was
every projection
discernible to their eyes as if they were
as
clearly
observingit
from

through space
a

with

platinummirror.

was

but

its

lightwas
developed
wonderful
The
disc shone like
intensity.
from under their feet,
Of the earth flying
the
;

lost all recollection.

travellers had

It

the earth

spot upon

some

CaptainNichoU

who

firstrecalled their attention

to

the

vanishingglobe.
"

Yes," said

Since
it.

we

are

I wish

Michel

Ardan, "

leavingour
to

see

do not

country,let our

the earth

once

more

let

us

be

to
ungrateful

it.

last looks be directed to

before it is

quitehidden

from my
To
window

eyes."
his companions,Barbioane
satisfy
began to
of the projectile,
at the bottom
which would

uncover

the

allow them

68

shootingstars burst upon their cjes.

meteorites,ignited
by the friction of the atmosphere,

brilliant cluster of

ness,

MOON.

THE

ROUND

of

Hundreds

train,and lined the cloudy

of the luminous

irradiated the shadow

partsof the disc with their fire. At this periodthe earth

of December

month

the

perihelium,and

its

is

so

in

was

to
propitious

counted
have
as
as
stars,that astronomers
many
shooting
But Michel Ardan, disdaining
hour.
thousand in an
twenty-four
thus
scientificreasonings,
preferredthinkingthat the earth was
these

salutingthe departure of

children

three

her

with

her

most

brilliant fireworks.
this

Indeed

inferiororb of the solar

an

theyhad

crescent

united in

their brain.

Then

earth,reaction

But

in

theyhad

hour,when
with
"I
"

loud

and

ever-

mind

over

No

passed

"

since

must

we

their

on

sat

up

let us sleep."
sleep,
all
couches,they were

more

than

quarter of

suddenly,and rousing his

panions
com-

voice,exclaimed,"

found it!"

have

What

Barbicane
a

body

an

crept

of those last hours

profoundslumber.
themselves
not forgotten

with

inevitable.

was

stretchingthemselves
soon

of

both

over-excitement

Well,"said NichoU,

three

speaking,though

irresistible drowsiness

an

it weariness

Was

doubt ; for after the

And

withont

heart,whilst the projectile

sped onward

decreasingspeed.

an

friends look

three

did the

Long

"

globe lost in the shadow,

world, risingand settingto the great

simplemorning or evening star ! This globe,where

than a fugitive
left all their affections,
was
nothingmore

planetslike

upon

of the

all they saw

was

have

you

found ?" asked

Michel Ardan,

jumpingirom

his bed.
"

The

reason

why

we

did

not

hear

the

detonation

of the

Columbiad."
it is"

"

And

"

Because

our

? " said Nicholl

tr"\e)ledfasterthan
projectile

the tmtnd I "

CHAPTER

THEIR

This

curious

three

friends

calmer

towns,

in

motion

and

in

sea,

the

vessels

the

air, the

balloon

divers

the

of

midst

earth, houses,

given
by

oscillates
This

the

the

found

have

they

On

rocked

densities.

in

space,

in?
shock

evei-y

On

of

strata

sleep

to

the

given,

once

Could

slumbers.

feel

country

explanation

correct

their

to

SHELTEB.

OP

peaceful spot

globe.

perfect

in

certainly

more

cottages,

the

PLACE

returned

or

of

fluid

but

in.

to

exterior

the

still

are

waves

incessantly

the

on

projectile alone,

floating

ofiered

perfect

perfect silence,

repose.
the

Thus

sleep

of

if

indefinitely prolonged,
them

about

at

eight
This

noise

"The
at

was

dogs!

the

noise
of

morning

might
had
the

not

2nd

have

been

awakened
of

ber,
Decem-

departure.

barking.

natural

very

it is

the

in

their

after

travellers

unexpected

an

o'clock

seven

hours

adventurous

our

Michel

exclaimed

dogs!"

Ardan,

rising

once.

"

They

"By

Jove!"

"Where

They
divan.

are

looked,

It

hunger.

Ardan

of

her

the
was

Nicholl.

said

replied Michel,

they?"

and
comer

the

asked

forgotten

them."

Barbicane.
animals

shaken

by

the

initiatoryshock,

till its

voice

amiable

her

we

the

retreat, though

encouraging

have

"

of

found

and

Terrified
in

out

hungry,"

are

with

one

Diana,
not

returned
still very

without

most

much

gracious

under

croucbed

with

the

confused,

the

it had

mained
re-

pangs
who

crept

persuasion, Michel
words.

of

ROUND

lyo
"

Come, Diana,"said he

will be marked
would

have

"

come,

St. Eoeh

cynegeticannals

space, and wilt

who

; thou

the

perhaps be

thou whose

girl!

my

thou

destiny

the pagans

whom

the

god Anubis, and Christians

art

rushinginto interplanetary

givenas companion to

friend to

as

in the

MOON.

THE

Eve

of all Selenite

dogs!

come,

here."

Diana, come

Diana, flattered or not, advanced

by degrees,
utteringplaintive

cries.
"

"I

Good," said Barbicane;

"Adam?"

repliedMichel;

there somewhere
But

Satellite did

not

"Adam

they

her

gave

pie,which

Diana

whither

The

in

silenced

of the upper

one

unaccountable

some

beast,much

poor

"The

devil!"

unfortunate

broken

been

could

that he

from

recover

will take

We

for your

to

complaints. As

hunt

have

longtime

to

before

projectile,

the

hurled
violently

him.

piteousstate.

care

existence.

dog

down

with

againstthe roof,and

stretched comfortably
on
"

her

bruised,and

not

was

off

leave

said Michel.

They broughtthe
skull had

in

off; he is

not

compartments of

shock must

hurt,was

would

that she

he seemed quitelost. They had

Satellite,
him
finding

fai

Satellite! here.Satellite!"

appear.

howling. They found, however,

is Adam?"

bo

cannot

call him.

must

; we

Eve, but where

see

of

such

shock.

cushion.

Meanwhile,

Once there,he heaved

you," said

I would

unlikely

it seemed

Michel

rather lose

an

"

;
arm

Ita

great care.

we

was

sigh.
responsible

are

than

he

paw

of my

poor Satellite."

Saying which, he offered some

swallowed
This

it with

waier

to the wounded

dog,who

avidity.

attention

paid,the travellers watched the earth and the

The
earth was
moon
now
only discernible by a
attentively.
contracted than that
cloudydisc endingin a crescent, rather more
of the previous evening; but its expanse
still enormous,
was
compared
and

nearer

with that of the moon,

to

perfectcircle.

which

was

approachingnearer

PLACE

THEIR

!"

By Jove

"

did not

said Michel

when

start

"Because

should

we

light, the

new

"

has

full,the

Tou

wish

we

which

we

lunar

"

become

Which

"

That

man

had

that is to say,

the

moon,

consider at

nightsto

invisible,

to

us

been

the

see

"

and,

we

shall have

time

our

leisure the

globe

Michel Ardan;

"

we

! I
projectile

the

am

"they are

inhabit

no

world,

new

Barbicane's

more

likeness,

Beyond us, around us, human nature

the only population
of this microcosm

are

pure

We

are

Selenites.

"Very well,"retorted Michel; "then

of

the shadow

their

laws

of

chief

cook,

hunger.
an

why

reason

the inhabitants

eating,and

gave

of

the captain.
hours,"replied
eighty-eight
Ardan.
to say?" asked Michel
means
it is half-past
repliedNichoU.
eight,"

"

gas

if the earth

It is better for

reached

is NichoU's.

end, and

In about

Indeed

but

new

the Selenites

ourselves

"

even

like

likenesses swarm."

^nd Barbicane

until

I should
the eye

which

on

sun.

likenesses !" exclaimed

peopledby
an

reach,than the pointof departure."

have

we

our

Our

Is at

earth

been

of the
to

likenesses than

our

in

seas

right,Barbicane,"repliedCaptainNichoU

are

during the long

"

have

of the rays

besides,when

on

our

the solar rays, the latter

of the world.

maps
the

and

continents

our

seen

some

poles of

would

moon

destination
"

say, when

to

wa

the sun."

say,"repliedBarbicane

I dare

because

that

reallysorry

am

yet rested.

never

"

first resplendentunder

those

seen

"

171

full,that is

was

have

cloudyas representedon
to have

Ardan,

the earth

to
globewas in opposition
"Why?" asked NichoU.

SHELTER.

OF

of the

stomachs
Michel

star

new

Ardan,

furnished

the elements

could

not

sufieringfrom
as

to find

raised

live without

the

Frenchman,

which
important function,

sufiicient heat for the

me

should not go to breakfast."

we

were

for
it is impossible

no

imperious

was

rival.

culinaryapparatus, and
of this first feast.

declared
The

the provision-bo

172

ROUND

The

breakfast

to the

prepared from
To

the

kitchen

of

that

cups of tea with

the dish
and

bread

to
lastly,

bottle of
box.

the

crown

Nuits,which

The

the

waa

amiable

followed

was

butter,after the American

exquisite,and

leaves,of which

who

red."

"

nature,"said
and

drauli
hy-

an

the

by

some

fashion.
due

was

Emperor

to

the

of Kussia

chests for the benefit of the travellers.

given some

And

Pampas.

brought straightfrom

even

than

of meat

declared

beverage was

infusion of the choicest

had

if

as

they were

vegetables
(" fresher

Michel)succeeded
The

succulent

English eating-house. Michel,

an

maintained
imaginative,
Preserved

of the

ruminants

Liebig,

beefsteaks,compressedby

some

tender and

as

of

preciouscakes

of those

parts of the

succeeded

soup

of excellent sonp, thanks

three bowls

water

the best

press,

the

began with

in hot
liquefaction

MOON.

THE

repast, Ardan

found

was

three friends drank

"

brought out
"

chance

by

to the union

in the

fine

provision-

of the earth and

her

eatellite.

And,
wine

if he

as

which

had

he had

not

alreadydone enongh

distilled

chose to be of the party.

At

from

the

cast

rays

of the

conical

shadow

radiant

direct,occasioned

orb

the

on

this

by

struck

for the

generous

slopesof Burgundy,the
the

moment

the

the

projectile
emerged

terrestrial

lower

by the angle which

globe,and

disc of the

the

sun

moon's

the

projectile

orbit makes

with that of the earth.

"

The

"

No

sun

!"

exclaimed

doubt," repliedBarbicane

"But,"

Michel, "the

said

leaves in space
"

Far

Michel

extends

beyond it,if

stars,the
same

sun,

the

and

"

expectedit"

conical

the

there is an

which

atmosphericrefraction

earth, and
Then

shadow

"But

when

is not taken into

the

the centres

the moon,

are

all in

the nodes coincide with

eclipse.If

the earth

?"

moon

shadow, it is because

line.
straight

the moon,

beyond the

consideration,"said Barbicane.
in this

Ardan.

we

had

is

moon

of the
one

the

and

veloped
en-

three
the

phases of

started when

there

The

Sun

chose

to

be

of

the

party.

174
his

companionswalked

it

upon

with
it directly
striking

Bun

MOON.

THE

ROUND

if it

as

neither
provisions,

plentiful
enough
Barbicane
on

and

the

only enough

was

and

brandy,which

could

streams

in

fail.

not

had

adventurous

care

year.

As

land

water

to

there
fifty
gallons,
the

last

low, dense, and

deep valleys,and

there

Thus, during their passage,

for the first year of tlieir settlement

these

than

more

accoi'dingto

moon

the

the

to

should
projectile

consisted of
but

of water

abundant, and

utterlybarren.

the

least

the

case

months;

for two

atmosphere,at

springsand

were
provisions

was

of astronomers,

observations
thick

which

moon

of

reserve

Their

cautious,in

to be

part of the

thanks
suffered,

last the three travellers for

to

wished

of their store

state

had

of which

the shock.

deaden

to

the

but

lit the interior of the projectile

its rays

the
They begah by investigating

taken

plank;

beneath, thus producingsingulareiTects of light.

from

aad

solid

were

explorerswould

the

on

lunar

suffer neither

continent,

hunger

nor

thirst.
about the air in the

Now
Eeiset

and

Regnaut's apparatus,
suppliedwith

was

oxygen,

There, too, they were

projectile.

obligedto keep

above

400".

only wanted
oxygen

But
a

had

discovered
The

become

charged with
acid,by

The
to

apparatus

produced by expiration.

atmosphere of

this deleterious

Diana
by observing

phenomenon

the

renew

similar

gas.

the

jectile
pro-

Nicholl

pantingpainfully.
to

that

duced
pro-

Grotto del Cane, had collected at the bottom

its weight.Poor

suffer before her masters

CaptainNicholl

they

temperature of

enough

acid

the

hours

the state of the air

carbonic

not

was

the carbonic

the last twelve

projectile
owing to

would

on

absorb

it

at a

months.

gas, for

all safe.

againthey were
But

productionof

quantityof

producingsubstance

littlecare.

in the famous
the

there

they mnst

During

the

certain

for the

of potass for two

chlorate

consumed
They necessarily
were

intended

secure.

hastened

to

the floor several receivers

from

remedy

of

Diana, with her head low,

the presence of this gas. But

this

state

of

things,
by placing

caustic potash which

containing

he

PLACE

THEIR

shook

for

about

OF

substance,greedy of carbonic

this

time,and

175

SHELTER.

the air.
absorbed it,thus purifying
completely
then begun. The
inventoryof instruments was

acid,soon
An

and

the

thermometer,
aneroid

hung
the

Of

it

course

quantityof

which

moisture

its needle oscillated between

It

box

An

which

and

marked

it also

showed

At

it contained.

and

it and

contained

but
projectile,

25'24

excellent

that

moment

25"08.

flue weather.

was

had

Barbicane
intact.

One

needles

broughtseveral

also

understand

must

actingwildly,that

were

pole could
box

have

the

placed on

In any

strange phenomena.
whether

lunar

any

from

disc

the

found
their

direction.

constant

earth,the magnetic
the apparatus ; but

upon

m'ght perhaps exhibit

it would

case

he

present conditions

is without

action
perceptible

no

which

compasses,

that under

Indeed,at the distance they were

the

minimum

one

only affected by

was

pi'essure of the air inside the

the

but

bruken.

was

the wadded

from

the wall.

on

which

glass of

drawn

was

all
resisted,

had

barometers

mometers
ther-

the earth's satellitesubmitted

be

some

to
interesting

see

like herself to its magnetic

influence.
A

hypsometerto

sextant

useful

take

to

height of

the

looked

heightof
the

the moon,

they neared

as

the

measure

over, and

the lunar

mountains,a

glasseswhich

sun,

all these

pronounced good

would

instruments
in

spiteof

bo

were

fully
care-

the

violent

shock.
As

the

to

pickaxesand

choice
especial

; as

shrubs

Michel

which

ground, they were

There
which
no

Now

and

but

sacks

Ardan

stowed
a

hoped
away

one

knew,

and

in the

of granary

sort

the

then he climbed

to

had

of

upper

He

Selenite

part of the projectile.

there,loaded

heaped

up.

with

arrangedand

things

What

did not

by cramp-ironsrivetted

to himself.
kept the inspection

grain and

transplantinto

good-temperedfellow

up

Nicholl's

were

of different kinds

extravagant Frenchman

the

were

was

to the

different tools which

they

explain.

to the

walls,

rearranged,

176

ROUND

he

plunged his hand

singingin one of the

THE

MOON.

mysteriousboxes,

certain

rapidlyinto

falsest of voices

refrain to

old French

an

enliven the situation.

Barbicane
had

arms

observed

with

been

not

when
the

which
on

drawn

pointof

be six times

with

There

the

was

sphereswarmed

with

enough

an

to drive

stars and

of

halo,standingout
moon

motionless

in the midst

the earth ! Here

formed

by

midst of which
The

awoke

hour

ranks
could

notes

enterprise.He
business-like

During
minutes

of

only as

purity,
side the

one

by

What

under

its

"

largespot

cord
silvery

like

nadir,an

apparently

immense

emotions
wished

from

an

it

ring
in the

Milky Way,"

their eyes

largeflakes of

star of tlie fourth

take

not

Barbicane

of all facts
wrote

Then,

masses

of stars,the

suggested!

journeywhile

took

starry world.

could give
description

no

in their souls !

of his

! On

and
by reflection,

the zenith to the

sun

which

reflections it

fire

and there nebulous

observers

of
spectacle,
What

the

celestial

lightedoven, a dazzlingdisc without a

dark backgroundof the sky ! On the

impalpabledust

an

of the

extent

bordered
fiiTnament,

from

; and

to watch

glasscoverlid.

of his mind

out

of the

to the

whole

been

tion
inspec-

constellations of wonderful

returningits

seeminglynailed
starrysnow

the

on

other,the

was

The

astronomer

like the mouth

sun,

and the lower

view.

The

returned

each

fall

; a

have

to the difference of bulk.

side windows
same

surface

it would

rapid than

generalsatisfaction,when

throughthe

space

less

jectile,
pro-

(afterhaving passed

moon's

the

to

fall of the

the

attraction

on
attraction)

other

important,because,

were

lessen

to

the lunar

thanks
surface,

the earth's
ended

help

to

by

neutral

ought to

These

damaged.

heavilyloaded,theywere

and

ir.terest that his guns

some

tude.
magni-

this novel

adequate idea.

hitherto unknown

begin the relation

first impressions,
and hour after

happening in

with
quietly,

his

to

the

beginning of

the

in
largesquare writing,

style.

this time

NichoU,

their passage,

the

and

looked
calculator,

worked

out

over

figureswith

the
UU'

PLACE

THEIR

paralleled
who

not

lastly

with

busy
glass,

another

at

always

not

the

correct)

earth,

closed

with

of

accident
confidence

any

peacefully,
was

of

so,

full

whilst

crossing

and

day,

of

the
the

hope,

which

happened

yet

already
under

to

an

and

French

that

they
is

expression

forms

day

upon

No

prepared.

shake

of

sure

lower

projectile,

the

carefully

supper

the

believe

to

and

coming,

and

represented

(for

rather

hours,

projectile

sky.

or

you

not

theories,

over

the

he

beg

we

twelve

had

nature

of

did

who

his

bent

heights

Barbicane,

going

time

one

with

of

auswering,

the

plentiful

Nicholl,

microcosm

The

lapse

at

this

represented.

well

"peed

In

with

none

and

in

roosting

excitability,

and

loquacity
were

details

Blnging.

first

then

questioning

thousand

chatted

understood

who

Diana,

himself,

with

and

177

SHELTER.

Ardan

him,

answer

with

him,

near

Michel

dexterity.

did

OF

the

success,

unifoimly

travellers'

they

slept

decreasing

IV.

CHAPTER

The
is

night passed

without

position

of

projectilewith

the

change.

Astronomicallj,

night

the

on

upper

of the

getting
The

sun

night," however,

motion

betrayed
however

progress,
effect
when

or

with

the

it.

however,

What
is at

the

is in repose
if

This

is

it will

felt

indifference
and

to

no

of it.

would
Had

stagnation.

or

than

shut

the

same

it not

been

for

the

sworn

repose

as

obstacle

an

have

if
moon,

that

in

the

they

vacuum,

is carried

Motion

and

when
force

under
a

body

displaces
in

its way.

inertia.
believed

themselves

projectile ; indeed,
had

which

they

comes

is called

sible
sen-

speed, which,

strange

no

might
up

in

were

of

its

hour

per

Not

any

which

body

perceives

miles

repose

companions

been

have

earth

the

place

jectile's
pro-

rate

produce

it takes

long

as

have

them, they might

the

The

space.

cannot

with

stop unless

perfectly stationary,being
effect

be,

when

more

so

motion

his

might

"

not

rising and

peaceful by

through

68,000

remain

it will

moving,

Barbicane

"

the

between

and

words

absolutely motionless.

of the

of

rate

these

it seemed

circulates

air

inhabitant

conditions

Buch

of

mass

narrative

not

part,

more

frame

human

time

lower

rendered

course

it

rapid

the

on

was

onward

its

the

did

sun

earth.

speed, for

excessive

of

the

to

on

this

during
lapse

the

sleep

regard

daylight

was

the

upon

travellers'

it
when

so

used, they represent

are

it

"

word

The

incident.

scarcely applicable.
The

ALGEBBA.

LITTLE

been
was

on

the

the

outside

increasing

above

floatingin complete

ALGEBRA.

LITTLE

79

morning, the 3rd of December, the travellers were

awakened
by a joyousbut unexpectednoise ; it was the crowing
Michel
of a cock which sounded
Ardan, who
throughthe ear.
That

the first on

was

feet,climbed

his

lid of which

the

shuttinga box,

hold

voice," Will you

the

to

the

and
projectile,
said in

partlyopen,

was

tongue

your

top of
That

will

creature

low

spoil

design!"

my

"Acock!"
"

who

Barbicane

Nicholl and

But

Why

said Nicholl.

awake

to
to

vent

done

Michel
friends,"

no, my

wished

gave

two

Americans
talent

So

"

it

was

saying,he

would

have

proudestof poultry-yards.

to the

"Fine

quickly
;

this rural sound."

by

you

answered

splendidcock-a-doodledoo,which

honour

The

awake.

were

could not

helplaughing.

at his
that,"said Nicholl,lookingsuspiciously

companion.
"

Yes," said Michel

"

joke in

country. It is very Gallic;

my

they playthe cock so in the best society."

Then
turningthe conversation,
"

"Barbicane, do you

know

what

I have

been

thinkingof

all

night?"

"

No," answered

"

Of

am

for

an
me

our

the

president.

Cambridge friends.

You

ignoramusin

mathematical

how

the savants

to find out

to calculate what

have

remarked
already

subjects
; and
of the

it is impossible

were
Observatory

initiatory
speed the projectile
ought to

leavingthe Columbiad in order to attain the moon."

You mean
to say,"replied
Barbicane, to attain
"

"

the terrestrial and

pointwhere

that

from
starting
travelled over,
account
"

So

the

lunar

that

attractions

are

able

have

on

that neutral

equal; for,

situated about nine-tenths of the distance

point,
would simplyfall upon the moon, on
projectile

of its weight."
be

it,"said Michel

calcalnte the

"

but,once

speed?
initiatory

"

more

; how

could

they

l8o

ROUND

"

Nothing can

"

And

you

Barbicane,
easier,"
replied

be

knew

MOON.

THE

how

that calculation ? "

to make

asked Michel

Ardan.
"

had

saved

Eot

I would

and

Perfectly.Nicholl

have

it,if

made

the Observatory

the trouble."

us

they might
Very well, old Barbicane," repliedMichel ;
have cat off my
head, beginning at my feet,before they could
"

"

have

made

solve that

me

"Because

you

do

problem."
know

not

answered
algebra,"

Barbicane

quietly.
"

Ah, there you

all when
"

you

"

"

'

think you

said

"

ploughwithout
Hardly."

"

use

you

can

?
ploughshare

know

how

to use

forge without

"

Well, algebrais a tool,like the plough or

to those who

have

Algebra.'

or

good tool
"

said

Michel," said Barbicane,

hammer,
"

have

eaters of np-; you

are, you

the

hammer,

and

it."

"

?
Seriously
Quiteseriously."

"

And

"

If it will interest

"

And

can

you

show

me

use

that tool in my

"
presence ?

you."
how they calculated the initiatory
speedof

our

car?"
"

Yes, my

elements

worthy

of the

to the centre

friend

problem,the

of the moon,

the centre

all the

of the earth

earth,of its bulk,

tell

exactlywhat ought to be
and that by a simple
formula."
speedof the projectile,
initiatory

"

Let

"

You

drawn

us

shall

by
orbs

can

see."

the

onlyI shall not give you the real course

between
the moon
and the earth in conprojectile
sidering
see

it ;

their motion
two

distance from

consideration

of the radius of the

and of the bulk of the moon,

the

taking into

as

pui'pose."

round

the

sun.

No,

which
motionless,
perfectly

I shall consider these

will

answer

all

oar

82

ROUND

the

The

problem.

MOON.

THE

remainder

only a questionof arithmetic,

is

requiring
merelythe knowledgeof the four rules."
That is something!
repliedMichel Ardan, who
"

"

could

Chinese
"

addition

expressionv

speed which

calculate the

the

NichoU

that

the

than

more

is
equation,

point that

alreadythat

as

of totals.

leavingthe

on

half times

rule

in that

have

know

we

the

all sorts

see

you

"it is from

and

exactlyone

defined

to obtain

one

which

zero,

since
velocity,

was
departure

who

will
projectile

the

said
so,''

"Just

right,and
allowed

puzzle,which

The

the

do

not

for his life

we

sphere."
atmo-

must

at
velocity
on
leaving

atmosphere."

"

I understand

"

It is

"

Not

"

That

the

more," said

no

said
simplecalculation,"

very

simpleas

as

am," retorted

that when

means,

atmosphereit
speed."
initiatory
As

"

Yes, my

strata.

much

it meets
"

friend

That

from

"

Finish

me

Barbicane
with
the work

x's and

zero's,and

"

and

of its

atmospheric
resistance

more

understand

it,

are
algebraic
formulae,
rattling

bag."
algebra,"
repliedBarbicane

goingto
!"

Michel

prove
out

the

given number

"

and

now,

to

of these different

their value."

repliedMichel.

took the paper, and

began againto

great rapidity.Nicholl looked

as

one-third

that the faster it goes the

that is,work
expressions,
"

alreadylost

the air."

First effects of
are

the limits of

friction againstthe

merely by

like nails in

head

we
finish,

had

admit," answered

althoughyour
in my

understand

with

Michel.

that ? "

as

You

Barbicane.

reached
projectile

our

terrestrial

"

MicheL

it proceeded.

"

That's it! thit's it I " at last he cried.

**

Is it clear ? "

asked

Barbicane.

over

make
and

his calculations
read
greedily

"

It is written in letters of

"

Wonderful

"

Do
Do

"

fellows ! "

I understand

it ?

83

Ardan.

muttered

"

said NichoU.
fire,"

it at last ? "

understand

you

ALGEBRA.

LITTLE

asked

cried Ardan

Barbicane.
"

head

my

is

splitting

with it."
"

And

now," said Nicholl,"

when
The

it left the

as
captain,

write with
under

Barbicane

watched

headache

with both

Very

"

Well !"

man
practical

the

all

the

tile
projec-

calculate that."

difficulties,
began to

be

Ardan

nursed

growing

hands.

asked

Barbicane,after
;

"

for the

it to reach

enable

minutes' silence.

some

every calculation

speed necessary

atmosphere,to

the

made,

zero, that

on
projectile
leavingthe

equal pointof attraction,

"
"

?" said Barbicane.

"

Twelve

"

What

thousand
1"

Twelve

yards."

exclaimed

"

Barbicane,starting
;

"

you

say

"

thousand

devil !

"

yards."
cried the president,
making

"

The

"

What

is the matter

"

What

is the matter

have been

"

asked Michel

why,

one-third

alreadydiminished
ought to

speed of

only to

equalto

him, whilst Michel

repliedNicholl

is to say,

"

"

well ?

"

"Yes

have

atmosphere,we

the

frightful
rapidity.Divisions and multiplications
grew
like hail on the white page.
were
fingers
; the figures

his

ought to

to find out

gestureof despair

Ardan, much

if at this moment

surprised.

our

speed had

the initiatory
by friction,
speed

"
"

Seventeen thousand

yards."
declared that 12,000 yards
"And
the Cambridge Observatory
which
our
was
projectile,
; and
enough at starting
only started
with that speed
"

"

"

"Well?"

asked

"

Well, it will

"

Good,"

"

We

not

Nicholl.
be

enough."

shall not be able to reach the neutral

point,"

184

ROUND

"The
"

"

We
In

jumping,

MOON.

THE

deuce!"
shall
the

not

of

name

as

if

it

was

half

get

eren

the

way."
!

projectile

already

on

the

"

exclaimed

point

striking

of

globe.
"

And

we

shall

fall

back

upon

the

earth

"

Michel
the

Ardan,
terrestrial

CHAPTER

THE

This

revelation
such

an

Nicholl

it.

formula
truth

it

yards

revised

in

first

neutral

the

The

looked

like

just

would

give

in

"

already

been

is over,

and

to

said

Barbicane

suspect
of

them

its

17,000
reach

to

did

angular

distance

took

silently.

There

clenched

teeth, knitted

watching
and

arms,

muttering,

scientific

men

pistoles

if

examining

was

no

the

his

"

they

was

through

do

never

could

we

anything

fall

it, together with

crush

the

upon

the

whole

lot

it contains."

struck

it is

the

which

captain,

not

answer,

pair
of
an

hours

falling that

not

of

the
exact

in the

o'clock

seven

thirty-two

are

took

he

"

gone

captain,

window

the

to

he

at

once

Barbicane.

he

we

his

was

and

thought

communicated

with

which

figures
a

Barbicane,

twenty

of dabblers

Suddenly

other

those

Observatory

Ah

not

enable

to

each

at

Ardan

Cambridge

"

could

they

necessary

crossed

had

Michel
is

As

exact.

pected
ex-

believe

not

initiatory velocity

an

was

would

were

clasped convulsively, was

hands

calculations.

else.

second

NichoU

That

that

breakfast.

window.

"

them,

have

could

Barbicane

determined

friends

of
and

brows,

Who

thunderbolt.

point.

three

thought

SPACE.

figures: they

evident

was

the

his

had

OF

calculation

in

error

which

COLD

like

came

V.

but,

compasses

terrestrial

than

more

;
am

morning

observation,

and

our

passage

glance

rapid

wherewith

globe;

have

we

of."

aware

after

half

to

then
noticed

at

the

measure

from
that

the

the
the

lower
pro-

86

THE

ROUND

MOON.

apparentlystationary. Then risingand wiping his

he
which largedrops of perspiration
were
standing,
on
forehead,

was
jectile

put

on
figures

some

from

No," exclaimed

"

! no,
falling

not

earth.

is

That

that

"

moments,

no,

are

we

50,000 leaguesfrom the

which

passed the pointat

the

would
projectile

onlybeen 12,000 yardsat starting.

its speed had

have

understand

the

and

"

the power

exceeded

of the

conclude

must

we

400,000 lbs. of

required12,000 yards.

how, after thirteen

which
satellite,

second

minutes

round
gravitates

only,we

gun-

Now

the

met

the eai-th at

than

more

distance."
leagues'

2000

"

than

evident,"repliedNicholl

cotton, must

"

more
already

initialspeed,under

our

can

some

stillgoing up.''

are
"

anxiously.

him

Barbicane,after
are

have

We

stoppedif

have

We

we

watched

He

the earth.

president

tance
disprojectile's

the

the terrestrial diameter

deductingfrom

was

that the

understood

Nicholl

paper.

And

this

explanationis the

because,in throwingoff the

found
breaks, the projectile

added Barbicane,
probable,"

more

enclosed between

water

itself

lightenedof

its partitionconsiderable

weight."
so,"said Nicholl.

"

Just

"

Ah, my

"

Very well,then,"said

let

us

Michel

; but

mistaken.

not

was

much
fortunately,

saved !"

are

Ardan

quietly
;

"

as

we

are

safe,

breakfast."

have

Nicholl

Nicholl,we

brave

the

above

The

initial

that estimated

speed

had

been,very

vatory
by the CambridgeObser-

CambridgeObservatoryhad

nevertheless

made

mistake.
The

recovered
travellers,

merrily.If theyate
was
"

Why

should

we

from

this false

great deal,theytalked

greaterafter than before

should
not

not

we

arrive

obstacle before us,

no

succeed ?

?
eafely
stones

in

We
our

"

"

alarm, breakfasted
Their

more.

the incident of the

said Michel
launched

are

way

the road

Ardan
;

we

dence
confi-

algebra."
"

why

have

is open,

no

more

THE

BO

than

of

that of

balloon

COLD

a
destination,
galloongo

attain its end

"

"

It will attain

"

If

the

the

and

aim ?

do honour

What

"But

"

draughts, cards,

trifles?
"

ns

made

have

and

dominoes

inhabitants

exclaimed

also

with

than

only

at

friends,"replied
I

have

chess,

disposal; nothing is

your

"

"

and

laudable

brought

you

such

away

They

have

What

!"

selves,
our-

endowing the

is

moon

thousands

doubt

that

inhabited,its

of years

their star

Selenites have

before

is much

existed

their
same

brain,they have alreadyinvented

even

nothing to

to learn from

of

intention

distract

of years, and if their brain is of the

human

the

these

invented,and

have

we

cannot

we

only to

not

them."

with

If then

ours.

as
organization

ages.

speak, and

to

appeared some

earth,for

of thousands

hundreds

that

begin to think,

contingency,
my

Barbicane

the

have

must

of the

older

President

weary."
get rightroyally

friend,"said Barbicane," if the

My

those

happy

gestureof denial.

the

you

Selenite smoking divans

like

shall

Ardan,

"

but

"

We

Michel

produce a

longeruneasy,

no

Certainly,"repliedMichel,

"

jectile
pro-

billiard-table."

!"

What

our

to
enterprise

an

could

which

provided for

wanting but

that

reach its

cannot

Americans," added

one

are

and NichoU

Michel

"

we

of

I have

than

ship can

pleases,
why

bring such

could

now

will become

Barbicane

if

open

"

to the

termination,and the only

Ah,

it

and

more

it,"said Barbicans.

only peoplewho

Barbicane.

the sea;

wind;

where

187

SPACE.

with
ship battling

battlingwith

onlyto

OF

what

we

invent

may

learn from us, and

we

in future

have

thing
every-

them."

said Michel

Phidias,Michael

"

you

believe

that

Angelo,or Raphael?

they have

artists

"

"Tes."
"

Poets like

Homer, Virgil,
Milton,Lamartine,and Hugo ? "

"

of it."

am

sure

all

ROUND

MOON.

THE

"

like Plato,Aristotle,
Descartes,Kant
Philosophers

"

I have

of it."

doubt

no

"

Scientificmen

like

"

I could

it."

swear

"Comic
Nadar

photographerslike"

and

Amal,

"

like

"

Certain."

"

Then,

friend

Barbicane, if they are

stronger these Selenites

with

they not

theyhave

told you that

never

done

as

are, and

we

tried to

launched

why have they not

terrestrial regions?"
earth ?

the

to our
projectile

Who

strong

as

have

why

"

"

"

Archimedes, Euclid,Pascal,Newton

like

writers

"

even

?"

municate
com-

lunar

?" said Earbicane,

so

seriously.
NichoU,

Indeed," added

"

for us, for two

reasons

surface is six times

allow
be

enough to

80,000, which
times less
"

aone

that of the

on

requirethe

earth,which

would

it would

leaguesinstead

8000

force of

than

the moon's

on

because
easily;secondly,

more

projectile
onlyat

would

easier for them

be

to
projection

of

be tea

strong."

Then,"

Michel,

continued

"

repeat it,why have

they not

it ? "
I

"And
have

less than

send such

it would

because the attraction

first,

to rise
projectile

"

not

repeat,"said Barbicane;

done

it ?

"who

told you

that

they

"

"When?"
"

"

see
"

our

Thousands

of years before

man

appearedon

earth."

I demand
where
is the projectile
?
to
projectile
the projectile."
five-sixths of
Barbicane, the sea covers
replied
My friend,"
And

the

"

"

globe. From

that

that the lunar

bottom
crevasse

of the Atlantic
at

hai'dened,"

that

we

may

draw

if ever
projectile,
or

five

good

for supposing

reasons

launched,is

now

at

tfiePacific,unless it sped into

periodwhen

the ciust of the eai'th was

the

some

not

yet

19"

ROUND

piteous
tone,
that you

that is

will leave

Indeed
It

"

MOON.

I
embarrassing.

no

Satellite had

!"
regions
its wound.

survived

not

looked

Ardan

Michel

fear,my poor Diana,

much

in the lunar

progeny

the unfortunate

quite dead.

was

THE

his friends with

at

rueful countenance.
"

said
questionpresents itself,"

One

keep the

dead

body of

this

with

dog

Barbicane.

We

"

for the next

us

cannot

forty-eight

hours."

fixed

hinges; they ban

on

throw

the

The
"

not," repliedNichoU
certainly

"No

body

into

out

be let down.

will open

are

one, and

moments, and then said,

some

do so, but

must

we

We

scuttles

our

space."

presidentthoughtfor

Yes,

; "but

at

"

the

time

same

takingvery great

precautions."
"

Why

"

For

? " asked
two

of which

which

reasons

lose

must

we

But

"

Only in part.

and

with

not

furnish

make
the

the oxygen,

we

lungs do

do not

Agreed

but

the second

And

second

"The

make

reason

reason

worthy Michel;
for

quantity;

an

excess

But

if

the azote,that medium

ought to
open

remain

we

which

intact ; and

scuttles."

poor Satellite ?

"

said MicheL

quickly."

act
"

my

troubles.
physiological

throwing out
must

we

and
projectile,

that the apparatus does

rapidly
throughthe

! the time for

"

great

absorb,and which

not

will escape

Oh

which

serious

oxygen,

watch

must

in too

oxygen
very

"

"

the

in the

bicane.
Bar-

possible."

only the

regard to that,we

that azote

understand,"answered

the air ?"

make

We

bring us

would

littleas

as

manufacture

"

we

will

you

first relates to the air shut up

The

"

Michel.

asked

is that

is excessive,penetratethe

we

Michel.
must

not

let the outer

or
we
projectile,

cold,

shall be frozen

to death."
"

But

the

"

The

sun

sun

wurms

?"
our

which
projectile,

absorbs

its rays j but

it

THE

does

not

the

warm

Where

moment.

diffused

light;

sun's rays

do

COLD

and the

is
same

I9I

we

with darkness
This

floatingat

are

air,there is

no

strike direct.

not

SPACE.

in which

vacuum

there

OF

no

heat

more

this
than

it is cold where

the

temperature is only the

temperature produced by the radiation of the stars; that is to say,

the terrestrial globewould

what

if the

undergo

disappeared

sun

day."

one
"

Which

"

Who

the
move
"

does

Michel, "do

earth

passed through

comet

whose

the

earth,becoming

Or let

comet

its

sun

towards

will
satellite,
will have

the

action

no

displacementneed

suppose

us

that of the

sun.

wandering star, and

drawn

be

the

that in 1861

such

distance

its surface."

on

be

not

"

but the

sequences
con-

formidable

so

as

not?"

why

the

Because

It has

along in

its

its nearest

heat

been

the cold would

that,had

calculated

by

course

and

approachto

of

the comet

is sufficient to

hence

the

and the heat of

At

how

would

have

have

this

have

carried

formed

the cold of the

"

is the

heat

heat,which

modified that excessive

asked Nicholl,
degrees,"

planetaryspaces estimated

been

undergone

But

summer.

between
coBipensation
the perihelion."

many

earth

our

that is,
1861, at its perihelion,

evaporate the waters, would

ringof cloud,which

equalizedon

be
our

it would

the sun,

28,000 times greater than that of

the

might

suppose."

globe.

"

the earth

miglit
happen,indeed,"repliedBarbicane,

That

"And
"

admittingthat

with his ideas."

know

not

we

the tail of

terrestrial orbit will bend

of such
you

is Michel

of attraction is greater than

power

that the rays of the

"

in

But,

happen that

Barbicane, " there

"And," continued

The

"

it?"

! " said

There

Ardan.

go out, might it not

not

from

away

Nicholl.
feared,"replied

? " said Michel

knows

sun

to be

is not

thick

ture
tempera-

aphelion

temperature of

?"

"Formerly,"repliedBarbicane,"it

was

exaggerated;
greatly

but now,
of

THE

ROUND

192

after the calculations of

it is not supposedto
Science,
"

Pooh

"

It

which

I" said
is very

Fourier,of the French

below
Centigrade
nothing!

If I mistake

estimates the

Not

But, when

days of nightat
experiment,for
"What

such
perfectly

by

mean

Fahr.

below

We

zero.

calculations for ourselves."

beatingdirectly
upon
high

during its

leisure

perature.
tem-

fifteen

make

to

the

vacuum."
f"

vacuum

asked

MicheL

"Is

it

?"

"

It is absolutely
void of air."

"

And

"

By

"

And

pray what

"

The

ether,my

is the air

by nothingwhatever
replaced
only,"repliedBarbicane.

the ether

each other

as

?"

is the ether ?"

friend,is

of imponderable
agglomeration

an

to their dimensions,
are
atoms, which, relatively

from

Island and

PouiUet, another savant,

shall have

MelviUe

in the moon,

satellitelies in

our

do you

face,we

temperature

the contrary, a very

arrive

we

the

zero."

solar rays,

give,on

either

M.

verifythese

to

thermometer,would

our

"

at 250"

temperature of space

present ; because the

at

below

not,"said NichoU,

shall,however, be able
"

"

polarregions,at

Fort Reliance,that is 76" Fahrenheit

"

zero."

"

much," repliedBarbicane
in the

Academy

60"

exceed

Michel, "that's

observed

was

MOON.

the celestial bodies

far removed

as

in space.

are

It is these

which, by their vibratory

motion,produce both lightand

atoms

heat in the universe."

They

proceeded to

now

drop

him

drop a body into

the

merely

to

theymust
bolts
twelve

into space, in
sea

of

the

Satellite.

same

but, as President

They

had

that sailors

way

Barbicane

suggested,

act

inches

across,

grieved,preparedto
a

burial

to lose as littleas possible

so
as
of that air
quickly,
would
elasticity
rapidlyhave spread it into space. The
of the rightscuttle,
the opening of which
measured
about

whose

by

the

were

launch

powerfullever,which

drawn,
carefully
his

dog

enabled

whilst

into space.
it to

overcome

Michel,quite

The

glass,raised

the pressure

of

the

inside

hinges,
could

on

air

escaped,

Barbicane

cumbered

the

Satellite

and
have

on

did

th"

ear.

THE

COLD

walls

of
thrown

was

and

not

the
fear

OF

the

SPACE.

projectilej

dispose

turned

Scarcely

out.

operation
to

I93

was

of

so

the

rapidly
a

particle

successful,
rubbish

that

which

on

of

its
air
later

ea-

VI.

CHAPTER

On

the

four

hours'

half

they

but

of

Now

like

the

when

Hearing

All
which

points,
they

As

travellers'

yet

to

make
her

Thus
the

them,

the

glasses,

not

the

time
Each

mcon.

always
incidents

one

in

might

window,

relative

to

as

in

The

at

size

did

exactly

as

next

night

with

the

powerful,

did
her

upon

not

the

liant
briltance
dis-

great

not

do

they

allow

surface,

to

seem

to

considerably larger

was

was

it at

meet

studded

but,

the

moment

very
of

orb

was

their

never-ending
forward

and

enthusiastic.

way.

us

but

them
or

as

noitre
recon-

geologically.

or

brought

Barbicane

which

vault

observations

passed

lower

the

the

Above,

she

the

at

new,

slowly

very

projectile;

spot, drowned

move

moon,

useful

be

appeared

stars

topographically

facts
Ardau

to

any

to

and

sun

earth.

upon

from

were

The

change.

seemed

the

forty

of the

cloudy light

more

black

the

dark

projectile,so

the

by

aiound

no

full.

be

of

and

the

seven-tenths

throngh

would

earth

followed

line

hour.

given

the
would

moon

the

crescent,

in

sojourn

earth

than

more

hours

five

over

fifty-

regularly decreasing speed.

the

observed

more

midnight,

at

their

to

their

to

nothing

No

rays.

day,

due

they

when

solar

just

was

after
o'clock

five

marked

already accomplished nearly

had

looked

it

time

assigned

that

peculiarity was

This

the

In

awoke

travellers

the

chronometer

the

morning.

minutes,

"when

December,

journey,

terrestrial

it

of

4th

ANSWER.

AND

QUESTION

The

his

NichoU

conversations
OAvn

always

all about
of particular

contingent
serious,

Michel

projectile,its situation, its

happen,

the

precautious

tion,
direc-

uecesBitated

AND

QUESTION

by their

to the moon,

fall on

I95

ANSWER.

inexhaustible matters

were

of

jecture.
con-

As

to
a
questionof Michel's,
theywere breakfasting,
relating
the projectile,
from Barbicane,
provokedrather a cui'ious answer
which is worth repeating.Michel, supposingit to be roughly

stopped,whilst
what

know

its formidable initialspeed,wished

stillunder

the consequences

of the

But," said Barbicane," I do

"

stoppagewould

not

how

see

to

have been.

it could have bee"

stopped."

"

"

But

"

It is an

let

us

said
supposition,"
impossible

unless the

would

so,"said Michel.

suppose

impulsiveforce

diminish

and
by degrees,

"

Admit

"

What

"

Why

"

Then," said Nicholl,"

into
"

that it had struck

body ?
that

failed ; but
it would

not

then its speed

even

have

denly."
stoppedsud-

body in space."
which

meteor

and
pieces,

met."

we

the

would
projectile

we

with it."

that,"repliedBarbicane

than

Barbicane
practical

"

enormous

thousand

More

had

the

"

have been broken

should have

we

been

burnt to death."
exclaimed

"Burnt?"
not
"

happen?'justto
And

you

that heat

now

warmed

"

set in

are

would
is

Michel, "by Jove 1 I

sorry it did

am

see.'"

Barbicane.
seen,"replied

have

onlya

modification of motion.

that is to say, when

heat is added

"

It is known

When

to it
"

water

its partjclea

motion."

"

Well," said Michel,"that is an ingenious

theory!"

"

And

true

one,

my

worthy friend ;

phenomenon of caloric. Heat

oscillationof the
to a

which

iiil/Oheut,aud

it had

comes

to

for it

is but the motion

of a body.
particles

train,the train

motion

is

When

theyapplythe

?
previouslypossessed

of atoms, a

stop ; but what

the break becomes

hot.
2

explainsevery

Why

becomes

simple
break
of the

It is transform"id

do

theygrease

tl"

196

ROUND

axles of the wheels

"would

be

MOON.

this hea"

because
prevent their heating,

To

generatedby

THE

the motion

which

is thus

lost

by

formation."
trans-

For example,
"Yes, I understand,"
repliedMichel, "perfectly.
when

I have

run

in largedrops,why
perspiring
because my

could

returningto
"

his

Thus, in

struck the metal

am

changed into

swimming,when

am

obligedto stop ?

am

Simply

heat."
Michel's

help smilingat

not

reply; then,

said,
theoiy,
"

of

case

with

as

is

motion

Barbicane

long time, when

baU

shock,it

which

plate;

would

falls in

it is its motion

have

been with

after

burning state
which

our

is turned

jectile
pro-

having

into heat.

I affirm that,if our projectile

had struck the meteor,
Consequently
its speed thus suddenlychecked would
have raised a heat great
enough to turn it into vapour instantaneously."
Then," asked Nicholl, what would happen if the earth's
?"
motion were
to stop suddenly
Her
temperature would be raised to such a pitch,"said
"

"

"

"

Barbicane,
"

will
"

that she would

Well," said Michel,

"

be at

reduced

once

that is a way

of

vapour."

to

endingthe

earth which

greatly
simplify
things."
And

if the earth fell upon

the

sun

? " asked Nicholl.

"

repliedBarbicane, the fallwould

Accordingto calculation,"
developea heat equal to that produced by 16,000 globesof coal,
each equalin bulk to our terrestrial globe."
"

"

Good

which

additional heat for the

the inhabitants of

my

And

this

the heat of the solar disc is fed

its surface.

"Oh, dear !"

"They

have

of

not

be

stoppedproducesheat.
on

"

perishedwith cold on their planets."

said Barbicane, "all motion
friends,"
suddenly

complain; they must

"Thus,

sun,"repliedMichel Ardan,
Uranus or Neptune would
doubtless

They

murmured
even

theoryallows

by a

have

even

to

us

hail of meteors

calculated

infer that

santly
incesfalling
"

"

are
Michel,"the figures
coming."
continued
the imperturbable
calculated,"

igS

ROUND

"

MOON.

THE

prettycountry,thatl" exclaimed

I wish

curious

there ! Ah

was

have

to

I my

the earth

for

oneself,There
'

when

it is about

to

moon,

our

Horizon,to recognizethe shape

to

comrades, it will

dear

mind!

"Never

Michel.

rather

be

it rise

see

continents,and

of its

is

America, there is Europe ;'then

to

lose itself in the

on

the

to

say

to follow it

sun's rays !

By-the-bye,

?"
Barbicane,have the Selenites eclipses

of the three orbs

the solar

upon
"

And
the

not

are

on

line,the earth being in the middle.

only partial,
during which

they are

disc,allows

is there

"

of the shadow

screen

greaterportionto be seen."

the

why," asked Nicholl,

cone

earth,cast like

the

But

by

cast

total

no

the earth

?
eclipse

Does

beyond

extend

the

?"

moon

Yes, if we

"

by

take

do not

into consideration

the terrestrial atmosphere.

into consideration.

Thus

"

Oh

I" said Michel.

"Very

well

the

moon

the

the

cone

lengthof

is reduced

pure

there

when
"

are

of the

the
eclipses,
that the

ought not

Simply because

That

the

we

that the

moon

man

of

"

algebra!

shadow,

The

of the refraction,
result is that

itselfbeyond the

finds

sends

sun

merry

the solar rays

her its rays, not

cons

of

onlyfrom

tone,

"

why

are

there

eclipses,

are

get there.

weakened

by

this refraction,

they pass extinguishes

I"

satisfiesme,"

is an

acconiit

on

radii.
forty-two
moon

mean

being sixtyterrestrial radii,

atmosphere through which

reason

when

"

to be any ?"

the greater part of them

"

parallel,

its centre."

Then," said Michel,in

and

horizontal

"

the earth

to less than

shadow, and

there

take that refraction

we

speak plainly,
you

Do

to

its edges,but also from

"

the

the refraction produced

;"repliedBarbicane,"in popularlanguagethe

distance from

when

"

No, if

let 8 be

and p the apparent semidiameter

see

the centres

of the sun,"replied
Barbicane, " when
Yes, eclipses

"

repliedMichel.

"

Besides

we

shall

Now, tell me, Barbicane,do you believe

old comet

'"

There's

"

"

ANSWER.

AND

QUESTION

I99

idea !"

an

Tes," repliedMichel, with

amiable

an

"

swagger,

I have

few ideas of that bort."

"

But

that

idea

does

from

spring

not

Michel,"

answered

NichoU.
"

"

Well, then,I
No

doubt

about

pretendthat

so

plagiarist."

it.

According to

their

in the

seen

Startingfrom

moon

earth before the

the

this

whose

comet

ancients,the Arcadians

the

inhabited

ancestors

her satellite.

became

have

am

to the earth that it will be held there

near
"

Is there any truth in this

"

None
has

moon

hypothesis?"

whatever," said Barbicane, "

preservedno

by

the

day bring it

one

its attraction."

asked

and

of the gaseous

trace

scientific men

fact,some

orbit will

moon

Michel.

proof is,that

the

envelopewhich always

accompaniescomets."
"

But," continued
could

sun

It is

"

make

Because
Ah

"

Faith I do not

!" exclaimed

of all that

"

Three

"

How

of all those gaseous

not

so

the

near

substances

?"

probable."

such

feel that I

am

his

What

time

the

companions
to note

Michel

might

is it ?" asked

Barbicane.

Nicholl.
of scientific
much

! I

"

well !

becominga

hoisted

Michel

we

I"

"

to observe

Nothing new

of volumes

goes,"said Michel, in the conversation

I feel I know
! Certainly,
too
as
we
are

Sayingwhich,
"

know."

do not know

answered
o'clock,"
time

men

When

perihelion,
pass

Michel,"what hundreds

we

indeed.

Ah!

and

in her

lite,
satel-

not?"

"

time

when

friend Nicholl,but
possible,

"Why
"

the moon,

by evaporationto get rid

as
"

not

Nicholl," before becoming the earth's

moon

himself

the roof of the projectile,

to

better,"he pretended. During this

watching through

were

the

lower

glass.

Ardan

suddenlythey heard

came
an

down, he
exclamation

went

of

to the side scuttle |

I
surprise

"

What

The

is it ? " aeked

Back

animated
What

yards from

motionless

as

with the

"

What

allows

it to the

me," said WichoU,

NichoU," replied
Barbicane,after
what

know

not

Michel

the

was

Ardan.

quently
conse-

is that the

"

Is it one

"

its attrac*

?"

moon

specific
weight

less than that of

body, which is certainly
it."
it to keep so perfectly
on
a level with

of the

"

projectile.This

projectile
keepswithin

our

will accompany

astonishes

of

sort

ascendingmovement.

same

of the bodies of space which

the

saw

and
projectile,

the

as

?" continued

is that machine

tion,and which

-window, and

the

floatingsome

objectseemed
"

Barbicane,

presidentapproached

flattened

MOON.

THE

ROUND

200

moment's

the

projectile,

"
I do
reflection,

objectis,but

I do know

why

it maintains

in
floating

space, my

dear

captain,and

our

level."
"

And

"

Because

?"

why

bodies

space

are

we

fall

resistance creates
in

(which

move

be their

speed whatever

vacuum

or

same

these differences in

"

the

will
projectile
Ah

"

Why

"

Because

that

we

everythingwe

might

exclaimed

asked

have

all would

all out, and

happy thought! Why

W

hy

cannot

enjoyment
more

it would

favoured

themselves

launch

we

be

up 1

cannot

into
to

throw

out

of the

the moon."

Michel.

filled the

have
we

space

with
projectile
We

followed
walk

could
in

through the
must

our

have

use

useful
thrown

train.

outside like the

feel oneself thus

than the birds who

"

create

you

Barbicane.

objects,books, instniments,tools,"c.
them

by its

throughit,grainsof dust
Here in space is the
rapidity.

same

and

"

!"

are

?"
expletive
we

air,which

weight. When

it until it reaches

accompany

! fools that

"

it is the

effect."

same

so,"said NichoU,

Just

thing)with equal

same

send

tube,the objectsyou
and the

cause

form

weightor

grainsof lead,fallwith

or

is the

in

But

meteor

scuttle ?

What

suspended in ether,
their

wingi to keep

QUESTION

"

Granted,"

"

Hang

"

of
"

if

fail

to

did

Then

Sol

how

breathe

to

inopportunely

!"

Michel,

density

would

you

remain

must

we

fail,

not

projectile,

so

ANSWER.

but

"

Barbicane,

air,

it

the

in

your

bei'-g

less

than

behind,"

?"

car

our

lefl

be

soon

must!"

"We

"

the

But

that

said

AND

!"

Ah

"

What

"

is

"

What

"

It

is
is

Indeed,
the

and

ever

our

this

body

what

guess,
is

which

asteroid

was

know,

asked

matter,"

the

"

unfortunate

of

mounting,

this

asked

dog

deformed,

loud

roice.

Nicholl.

accompanying

then

it

in

Michel,

exclaimed

pretended
us

It

mounting

is

not

piece

is

of

It

is

no

planet."

Barbicane.
1

It

is

Diana's

unrecognizable

Satellite,

meteor

flattened

husband

object,
like

reduced

bagpipe

I"

to

without

nothing,
wind,

VIL

CHAPTER

Thus
these

conditions.

strange

and

course

drew

they

the

near

them

moon

stretched
The

day,

That

day

the

The

most

the

first of the

extraordinary

saluted

of

ancient

morning, thi-ough
the

orb

of

night

themselves.

fancied

the

in

if

they

would

that

o'clock,
reach

its

journey ended,

times.

scuttles

silvered

all

journey,

twelve

at

they
see

morning,

of their

last

modern

with

Their

projectile,whose

night,

would

the

five

moon,

or

in.

were

they

the

very
full

midnight

next

be

have

it.

at

to

was

the

at

and

as

would

insensibly to

seize

That

true.

were

disc.

the

they

than

eyes,

could

nothing
then

of Xovember,

eighteen hours, exactly

brilliant

their

to

versation
con-

seen
unfore-

expected

they

mind

faster

they

5th

the

foot.

on

were

hands

their

out

if all calculations
in

of

wont

larger

grew

next

three

frame

They

and

evidently diminishing, though

was

the

But

the

imagination

over-excited

speed

in

phenomena

new

for

increased

travellers

journey.

same

exhaust.

not

three

the

of their

end

and

incidents,
astonished

of

the

subject

was

could

evening

excitement

the

Besides,

whole

the

which

There

it did.

stop until

never

follow

projectile would

the

from

throvra

object

Every

under

happening

explicable,was

but

curious

ptenomenon,

INTOXICATIOW.

OP

MOMENT

coniident

Thus

by

from

its rays,

and

joyous

hurrah.
The

where

was

moon

her

few

more

meeting

majesticallyalong

advancing
degrees,
with

the

and

she

would

projectilewas

reach
to

take

the

the

ment.
starry firmaexact

place.

point

According
they

only in

than

are

lunar

of

summit

Mont

rare.

stretch

favourable

atmospherewas

stored

And,"

in

or

the

Captain Nicholl,

added

will remain

motionless

declivityit

when

not

out

come

"

Asia

easier

embark
dis-

to

the

on

top of the

rightplace."
on

flat

it has

roll like

would

should

we
squirrels

quitein

plainis

Selenite,
depositedin Europe

Blanc,

be

not

"

Ardan,

Michel

mountain.

Himalayas,would

mountains

that

its depths.

the

on

reckoned

hemisphere,where

if,as theythought,the

upon

"

northern

where

Besides,"observed

"

203

observations,Barbicane
her

on

INTOXICATION.

OF

own

planes,and

circumstance

on

bis

to

land

would

immense

MOMENT

ground, the

touched

once

safe and sound.

whereas

avalanche, and

an

jectile
pro-

being

not

So it is all for

the best."

Indeed, the
doubtful.

But

not

wishing to

the

subject.

Barbicane
make

direction

The

of the audacious

success

his

the

altered.

The

there,there
it ?

caused

her

more

have

must

been

suitable for

contented
see

the

carried

Jiave

carry

If it did not
What

had

determine

pointsto

no

go

the

by.

other result than

no

border of the moon,

At

uneasiness to his

of the

course

have

beyond

space.

were

region

companions,Barbicane

constantly
obpervingthe

himself with

the situation would

being

slightly

landing.

impartinghis

whether

the upper

near

imagine,nor

on

moon's

been

deviation.

some

could neither

Barbicane

bringingthem

Without

had

course

of the lunar disc.

very centre

importanceof the deviation,for there

He
hoped, however, that it would
that of

the

would
discbarge,
mathematicallycalculated,

to the
projectile

land

that

but

silence

kept

takingtowards

was
projectile

hemisphere,showed

thought;

one

he

companions uneasy,

northern

the

with
preoccupied

was

longerappeared

attempt no

been

the

would
projectile

in order to

moon,

not

be altered

terrible if it failed in its

disc should

that moment,

be

the moon,

launched

for

aim, and

into interplanetary

instead of

appearing

flat like

If the sun's rays had

its convexity.

disc,showed

fissures
capricious

all reliefwas

But

the

crater's

which

wound

brought out

gaping abysses,and

of

said Michel

"Face, indeed!"
sister of

amiable
But

Apollo.

observingthis

through its

Leaning

that orb for

so

!"

end,

the

near

depths.

eye

followed

plains.
could
the

moon

sorry for the

emptying

walking
scending
highestpeaks,dethere they fancied

in the

solitude

rarefied

so

the mountain

catch

to

incessantly

were

themselves

and

Here

abyss,they hoped

mute

ever

pittedface

They imagined

watercourses

the

over

the

am

scarcelykept togetherunder

seas,

atmosphere,and

countries,climbingits

unknown

vast

give to

"but

Ardan;

very

world.

new

into its lowest

they saw

now
travellers,

the

The

face.

human

high

They
brilliancy.

those largespots which

scarcelydistinguish
appearance

struck

the

immense

through the

in intense

yet levelled

as

have

clearlydetached.

been

have

would

might have gazedinto

the

would

thrown

the shadow
it obliquely,

mountains, which

MOON.

THE

ROUND

204

tributaries.
sounds

some

of space.

an

That

from

last

day

left them.

They

took down

of
possession

took
would

It would

them

"weighed"

almost

had

end.

It

nothing.

and

terrestrialattractions would

to

spiteof

prepare

They

the

ate with

meat.
preserved

by

This

felt how

their

them

weight

the
was

that ardent

gun,

to

then
projectile

decreasing,

ever

the

lunar

neutralize each other.

with

of the

Ardan

speed had

that line where

on

Ardan

gas

was

so

French

distil

that
even

forget

punctuality.

excellent

nothing better

to remark

ought to

did not

his accustomed

glassesof good

Some

uneasiness

quite insuflicient

because

good appetite.Nothing
the heat

uneasiness

vague

the end.

Michel
preoccupation,

repast,causingMichel

warmed

Its

morning repast

by
liquefied

Boup

the

his

to

was

entirelyannihilated

would

in

they

seemed

and

But

be

they neared

have

the

to

as

doubled

been

have

decreased.
carry

them

details.
trifling

the most

wine

as

the

than

the

crowned

the lunar
more

vines,

generous

2o6

ROUND

radiant

ether,to

bathe oneself in

If Barbicane

pure rays.

divingapparatus and

and assumed
the

MOON.

THE

us
onlythoughtof furnishing

had

air-pump,I

an

in the sun's

oneself

it,to wrap

fanciful attitudes of

could

have

with

ventured

feignedmonsters

the

on

out

top of

projectile."

"

"

Well,old Michel,"repliedBarbicane,

made

would

you

have

not

feignedmonster long,for in spiteof your diver's dress,

swollen by the expansionof air within you, you would have burst
like a shell,
rather like a balloon which has risen too high. So
or
do not regret it,and do not forgetthis
as
long as we float in
forbidden,"
are
space, all sentimental walks beyond the projectile
a

"

Michel

Ardan

admitted

He

extent.

The

conversation

for
failing
under

that the

which

word

he

this
to the

of the

NichoU

put

but how
His

"

he

get back again?

to

this

thoughtthat

possible
im-

though,

as
as

leaves

felt bewildered.

In the

did not find

crossed

each

immediate

an

other,

solution.

it is all very well to go to the moon,

"

looked

interlocutors

two

friends

their brains

in

which

answers

question which

Ah, indeedf^said

not

subjectto another,not

spring.They

and
questions

one

certain

difficultbut

three

ideas shot up
present conditions,

middle

to

uttered.

It seemed

of

convinced

thing was

never

shoot at the firstwarmth

"

be

to

passed from

instant.

an

himself

allowed

surprised.One
occurred

now
possibility

to

them

would

have

for the first

time.
"What

do

by that, NichoU?"

mean

you

asked

Barbicane

gravely.
"

have

we
"

"

ask for

To

but I

not

I know

"

And

never

and
question,

to

draw

ask,

'

"

sUu-ted."

if I had

rather

me

known

Michel,

"

when

inopportune."

back," repliedNichoU

IIow

nothingabout it,"answered

I,"said Michel,

have

added
country,"

say that,wishing to

repeatmy

"'

to leave

yet arrived there,seems

not

do

means

shall

we

return

?'"

Barbicane.
how

to

return,I would

"

I could

have

ventured

out

on

the

top

of

the

projectile."

"

There's

"

MOMENT

"

an

answer

add, that the questionhas

the Columbiad
"

"

to

words," said Barbicane

real interest.

no

will take

return, we

is not

is

The

gun,"repliedBarbicane,
bo

can

failin the
in order

the moon,

fall upon

to

Neither

made.

depths of

Later, when

counsel

A ball without
step certainly.

"

and
we

together. If

will be."
there,the projectile

That

powder

207

cried Nicholl.

of Michel's

quite approve

think it advisable

INTOXICATION.

OF

"

be

can

!"

gun

manufactured.

metals,saltpetre,
nor

and

need

we

the terrestrial

only go

globe by

The

coal

8000

can

leagues

virtue of the

mere

laws of weJsrhS."
"

Enougu,''said

As

to

not

be difficult."

By

"

Well

of meteoi's

means

"

than

of

that

our

"Hurrah!"

do you

we

And

weightof

did

Why

meteor

volcano

which

"these

how

meteors

tone

from

the

has

not

shall be

we

able to

I think of it

now

handy

are

laugh

"

"

we

could

Michel, with

not

fasten

thread to

exchanged telegramswith

answered

nothing. They

each time.

convinced

that."

But

Nicholl.

thread 250,000 miles

charge; they

think of?"

could have

"
deuce !

The

in

force five times greater

one

Michel;

nothing.

idea.
capital
and

claimed

is not

administration.
post-office

"What

"As

cost

Barbicane

propulsionthan

of

lunar volcanos."

suffice to send

there

exclaimed

postmen, and

"

by

calculated that

would

gun

earth,and

greater power

our

launched

Laplace has

to the

"

longer

no

alreadyentertained it too long.

former earthly
that will
colleagues,

thought of,Michel," said

of voice.

the

Let it be

"

how?"

"

moon

animation.

have

communicatingwith

"And

at

with

: we
questionof returning

Michel

could

have

whom

"

you

jectile,
pro-

earth ?"

consider

the

longnothing?"
have

trebled

quadrupled
the

Do

the

our

verb

or

took

the

Columbiad's

quintupled it!"
a

es-

higher intonation

2o8

"

THE

ROUND

There

is but

one

to make
littleobjection

repliedBarbicane,"whicli
the

chain

on

to the

But

I have

will be able to

Golumbiad

still buried

wherewith

nitric acid wanted

the

time
years'

Yes," continued
our

friends

Gun

Club,and

will

run

Hurrah
It is
hurrahs
he

was

zenith

of

between
projectiles

!"

probablethat,if

the Hon.

uttered

in his
?

doingthen

Doubtless

the

cotton

and

will come,

the

ears

not

placeas to-day?"

same

by

earth

at

postedin

and

and

and

and

must

allow that

that,under the influence of

devotingto

him

But whence
the tenants

their best

this

of the

they were
a

tingled.What
Bocky Mountains,

least

the

not

invisible
his dear

far behind

him ;

strange excitement,theywera

thoughts.

which
excitement,

was

evidently
growingupon

Their sobriety
could
projectile?

This strange irritation of the brain,must

circumstances
peculiar
their proximity
to the
them, to some
separated

moon

did not hear the

of

companions,we

by they

the

Long'sPeak, he was tryingto find the

If he was
in space.
projectile
gravitating
thinkingof
at the station

with
of thi

members

J. T. Maston

honour, his

Is

the

Michel, " yes, Marston

for J. T. Maston

to

and

worthy
Is

all the
Elphistone,
Blomsberry,
theywill be well received. And

trains of

of

? Will
pyroxile
In eighteen
Florida ?

exactlythe

will she not occupy

easier?

to manufacture

to the

againpass

moon

is

is

soil of Florida?

the

in

worthy

do not return

we

he

"

Besides, what

comrade.

ideas

to us."

come

Yes, he'll come," repliedBarbicane

courageous

him

that,if

notion

Michel, "I

said

the

earth,J. T. Maston

"

have brought us
inevitably

capstan,and that it would

J. T. Maston.

not

of

it like

itself round

wound

have

of the Union!"
stars
thirty-nine
ideas to-day;
nothing but impracticable

have

proposition,"

ground."

"By

"

to your

that,during the rotary motion

is

thread would

globe,our

MOON.

under
orb of

which

it be

not

be doubted.

attributed

to the

they found themselves, to

night,from

which

secret influence of the

onlya few hours

moon
actingupon

their

OF

exposed

in loud accents

resounded

cork driven out

by carbonic

they wanted

much

of them

they none
"

so

we

know

what

are

"

What

we

as

if he

know

!"

with his foot

an

if

as

rosy

theyhad

their

oven-,

escapedlike

voices

champagne

their gesturesbecame

annoying,

and, strangeto say,

greattension of the mind.

short tone,

from

"

now

the

that I do

not

I want

to

moon,

do there ?"
do there ? "

going to

are

of

return

ever

goingto

209

as

performthem

to

room

shall

whether
we

acid

noticed this

know

were

their words

NichoU, in

said

Now,"

faces

roaringflames

the

to

INTOXICATION.

Their

Bystem ?

nervous

been

MOMENT

in

was

repliedBarbicane,stamping
fencingsaloon

"I

do not

know."
"

You

do not

provokeda
in the

echo in the

sonorous

have

No, I

"

not

"

Speak,then,"cried NichoU,
I shall

speak if

must

"

and

suit

"

Why
take

to add
to

we

it suits

you,"said Barbicane,with
It

"

was

you

to know

want

want

to know

?"

exclaimed

what

drew

if there

are

an
us

eye

fire and

on

into this

frightful

for."

that I do not

know

where I

am

am

"

moon

in the

fortieth State to the Union

them,

who

; to

name

of the United

colonize the lunar

States;

regions;

peoplethem, to transportthither all the

and industry
science,
; to civilizethe Selenites,
to

of art,of
prodigies
civilized than we
are
unless they are more
if they are not alreadyone
them a republic,

"And

the

going."
Michel, jumping a yard high, why

why

of the
possession

cultivate

longercontain

no

his
me," exclaimed Michel, seizing

"
now
Yes," said the captain,

going,I

could

with violence.

threateninghand.
jjumoy,

who

his voice.

arms
companions'

It

bellow which

thoughtabout it,"retorted Barbicane,

even

Michel.
Well, I know," replied

"

projectile.

"

"

Michel, with

loud tone.

same

growlingof

To

exclaimed

no

and

constitute

to

"

Selenites ?" retorted NichoU,

who, under
9

THE

ROUND

210

the

MOON.

was
intoxication,

of this unaccountable

influence

cof

very

tradictory,
said that there

"Who
in

were

Miche\

Selenites ?" exclaimed

no

tone.
threatening

"Ido,"howledNichoU.
Captain,"said Michel,

"

will knock
The

adversaries

two

the incoherent

throat !"

your

going

were

with

I
or
repeat that insolence,

not

each

fall upon

to

discussion threatened

intervened

Barbicane

to

into

merge

if there

are

Yes," exclaimed

"

will do without

will do without

we
Selenites,

no

Michel, who

them.

We

other,and
when
fight,

bound.

one

his
Stop,miserable men," said he, separating

"

"

teeth down

your

do

"

have

onlyto

them."

particular
;

not

was

companions;

two

make

"

yes,

Selenites.

we

Down

with the Selenites !"

empire of

The

"

the

three constitute the

us

said
belongsto us,''

moon

I will be the

"

And

I the senate,"retorted Nicholl.

"

And

howled
Barbicane,the president,"

"

Not

well,
"and

Michel;

cried
congress,"

presidentelected by

"Very

as

Let

MicheL

the

Michel.

nation,"repliedBarbicane.

presidentelected by

"

republic."

"

Nicholl.

the

am

congress,

the

congress,"cried

unanimously

are

you

elected!"
"

Hurrah

! hurrah I for

! hurrah

President

claimed
Barbicane,"ex-

Nicholl.
"

"

Hip ! hip ! hip !

Then

the President

voice the

popularsoug

resounded

Then

vociferated Michel

Yankee

"

the masculine

they struck

the Senate

and

up

idiotic

stampings,and

clowns

in the circus.

tones
a

sti'uck up

in

tremendous

Doodle," whilst from the Congress

of the

"

Marseillaise,"

frantic dance, with

somersaults

like

Diana, joiningin

iu her turn, jumped to the

Ardan.

maniacal

those
the

of

gestures,

the

dance, and

An
top of the projectile.

boneless

howling

unaccount-

CHAPTEB

FOUETEES

AND

HUNDRED

FIVE

THOUSAND

SEVENTY-EIGHT

AT

VnX

LEAGUES.

What

happened

the

consequences

able

was

perfect

if

as

had

he

He

degree.

NichoU

struck

sulphur

with

and

demanded

revelation

light, the

And

The

From

of

all

highest

supplementary

destined

his

to

brilliancyas

gas-burner

get

surprise

which

the

help

to

fire,

some

to

to

he

the

see

be

almost

lit

rose

light.

troubles

his

NichoU's

on

first tried
was

the

of electric

physiological

moral

which
and

mind.

That

had

arisen

quarrelsome

intensity
in

him,

of

the

faculties,
"

he

all.
oxygen

leaning

allowing

What

the

to

answer.

tea

He

Everything

days.

Michel

not

some

extraordinary

eye.

several

hungei,

gnawing

he

Although

overexcited

did

prepare

felt

captain,

the

senses.

he

from

sandwiches.

dawned

overexcitement

"

to

so

jet

for

were

up,

sharply.

the

to

trous
disas-

very

minutes,

some

before,

brain,

dozen

shine

equal

been

cation,
intoxi-

fortunately, NichoU

scattered

anything

utterly done

match

his

and

tried

to

understood

up

unbearable
flame

of

lasted

hours

eaten

got

then

absorption
and

not

Michel,

repast.

Michel's, which,

two

him, stomach

about

of

collected

only

breakfasted

which

singular

this

have

might

of

which

swoon,

recovering first,soon
had

of

cause

in time.

correct

to

After

blunder

simple

the

Whence

had

the

!" he
over

scentless

exclaimed.

the

air

apparatus,

colourless

gas

to

he

saw

escape

that

the

tap

was

":eely,life-giving,

78,514LEAGUES.

AT

but

in its pure

producing the gravest

state

system. Michel

had

213
disorders

opened the tap of

blunderingly

in

the

the apparatus

to the full.

NichoU

hastened

atmosphere was
the

stop the escape of oxygen

to

would

saturated,which

have

but by
not by suffocation,
travellers,

later,the air less charged with

noiinal condition.
their intoxication
sober

their oxygen,

over

When

Michel

he

broke

And

"

under

for

the

room

few hours

should

at

instead of

in
activity

derive. From

strong

heady

one,

whole

I know

and

nation
than

more

itselfunder

the

"

Do

not

am

sorry

know, my

you

founded

be

with

could

Fancy partieswhere
it

where

the souls of

passionin

what
fire,

what
functions,

exhausted

an

ought to put

its

quicklyforgotten.

fluid,theatres

what

pressure;

thingshad

system is weakened

with this heroic

high

foolish

might

active life.

more

from

ness
unexpecteddrunken-

gas.

establishment

assemblyonly a

an

This

Frenchman,

and spectators! what

actors

what

live

their

of this incident,
responsibility

peoplewhose

saturated

kept

be

the merry

where

to

hour

his wine.

over

its influence,
but also

curious

was

does

journey.Many

little of this

of oxygen,

rooms

drunkard

of the

lungs

of

obligedto sleep themselves

disconcerted.

monotony

tasted

friends,that

the

much

then," added

have

to

the

said while

been

An

three friends recovered

learnt his share of the

not

was

as

the

the

the death

been

combustion.

it restored

By degreesthe
; but
they were

with which

enthusiasm

And

if,

people could

be

supplementto

lifeit would

theymight make
one

regime of

state in old

saturated,
great and

Europe which

for the sake of its

oxygen

health !"
Michel

spoke with

fancied that the tap

Barbicane
"

That

inform

us

themselves

soon

so

was

much

animation, that

stilltoo

open.

But

one

might have

few

words

from

scattered his enthusiasm.

is all very
where
up in

well,friend Michel," said he,

these
our

chickens

concert

i"

came

from

which

"

but will you

have

mixed

ROUND

214

"Those
"

MOON.

THE

chickens?"

Yes."

Indeed,half

chickens

dozen

and

fine cock

walking

were

about,flappingtheir wings and chattering.

"

Ah, the awkward

has made
'*

The

"

oxygen

revolt."

them

But

Michel.

thingsI" exclaimed

Tthat do you

with

do

to

want

these

chickens

?" asked

Barbicane."

"

To

"

Then

"

acclimatize them

in the moon,

by

Jove I"

why did you hide them ?"

a simple
joke,my worthy president,
joke,which

miserable

failure.

I wanted

set them

to

free

has

proved

the lunar

on

tinent,
con-

sayinganything. Oh, what would have been

animals pecking
on
seeingthese earthly-winged

without
your amazement

in the lunar fields !"

"

You

do not
we

rascal,
rascal,"repliedBarbicane,"
you unmitigated

want

under

were

to the head.

to mount

oxygen

the

influence

of

the

You
gas

alwayswhat
are
always

are

you

you

foolish!"
"

says that

Ah, who

we

not wise then ?"

were

repliedMichel

Ardan.
After

this

the
reflection,
philosophical

restoringthe

order

of the

reinstated in their coup.

tion,Barbicane
of

earth,their

new
own

and

when
and

it would

But

his two

instruments

as

as

the

of the
an

this loss of the

felt
sensibly

the

cock

this opera"
desired perception

most

of

moment

and
projectile,

leavingthe
the objects
it

diminution.
increasing
would
a moment
projectile,
upon

themselves

were

and

If

they

arrive

the utensils

they used.

weight destined
much

From

and

with
proceeding

companionshad

weight,that

It is needless to say that

the

whilst

phenomenon.

be

friends set about

Chickens
projectile.

enclosed,had been subjectto

could not prove

three

to

weigh

scale would
the

objectitself ; but

not

objectwould
a

show

this loss ; for

have lost

for
springsteelyard

exactly
example,

78,514 LEAGUES.

AT

the

of which

tension

have

given a justestimate
know

We

that the

of the distances.
in space,

if the

it

other

made

celestial bodies

got farther from

for
weight etitirely,

the

a time
But, in reality,

moon.

attraction diminished
There

then

must

come

and

have

been

whole

to reckon

point,a body having

remain

would
itself,

by

both

orbs,^nd

be

not

the

losingits
alwayshave

down

set

in

rose

these two

an

zero.

the

terrestrial

proportion.
weight

possess

equal distance

been

between

no

equal,
the two

it was
consideration,

be situated at 47-60ths of the

the

principleof speed
for ever,

being drawn

as

the

attractions would

the earth's densities had

at

no

between

earth, the

would
projectile

pointwould

no

weigh

ever

traced

being

was

immovable

not

hilated,
suddenly anni-

would
projectile

78,114 leaguesfrom

at

alone

been

weight, after allowing for

different densities into

that this

journey,i.e.

the

effect could

the

takingthe

when

pointwhere

in

the squares

laws, would

the lunar attraction

moon's

easy

Newton's

but

longer. If the
this pointwould
But

been

it distanced

other

orbs.

had

As

each

neutralize

of

course
projectile's

the

as
inversely

earth,but without

come

law

other celestial bodies whose

earth and

weight,is

distance.

must

the

longer be subjectto
the

called the

the terrestrial attraction would

itself felt,
at whatever

Indeed,

would
attraction,

this effect : If the earth had

projectile,
accordingto

the
as

otherwise
attraction,

Hence

the

of this loss.

the densities of bodies,and

proportionto

less

independentof

was

215

more

or

earth.

At

this

displacementin

being attracted equally

towards

one

than towards

the other,
Now

if the

projectile's
impulsiveforce

it would
trace of

1. Either

the pointof

the excess

attain this pointwithout

weight,as

happen then

had

well

Three

it would

as

all the

culated,
calcorrectly
speed,having lost all

objectswithin

hypothesespresentea
retain

certain

and
equalattraction,

been

of the lunar "ttr(^QtioB

ov^r

the

would

themselves.
of

amount

fall upon

it. What

the
tei

motion, and
moon

by

restrisl.

pass

virtue of

2l6

to reacli the

and unable
Or, its speed failing,

2.

it would
attraction,

fall upon

the lunar attraction

over

point,but

the neutral

suspendedin

ever

virtue of the

by

moon

of

excess

with suflBcient speed to enable it to reach

not

it,it would

sufficient to pass

of

spot like the pretendedtomb

that

for

remain

Mahomet,

the zenith and the nadir.

between
Such

their situation

was

consequences

to

his

interested them.

But

how

reached

had

would
projectile,

and

Barbicane

clearlyexplained

companions,which greatly
travelling
when
should they know
the projectile

this neutral
neither

especiallywhen
in the

the

point of equal

the terrestrial.

animated
Or,lastly,

3.

the

MOON.

THE

ROUND

point situated
the

themselves,nor
be

any

at

that

distance,

objectsenclosed

longer subjectto

the laws

of

weight?
Up

to

action

was

whilst
time, the travellers,

this

had
decreasing,
constantly

not

admittingthat

yet become

this

sensible to

its total absence.

day, about eleven o'clock in the morning,NichoU

let a glass slipfrom his hand, the glass,
having accidentally
remained
instead of falling,
suspendedin the air.
that is rather an
Ah !" exclaimed Michel Ardan,
amusing
piece of natural philosophy."
And
firearms and bottles,
immediately divers other objects,
that

But

"

"

abandoned
Diana
any

to

held
themselves,

as

up

by enchantment.

too, placedin space by Michel, reproduced,but

trick,the

wonderful

Robert Houdin.
was

themselves

without

suspensionpractisedby Caston

Indeed the

dog

did not

seem

to know

and

that she

in air.
floating

The

three adventurous

despitetheir

companionswere

surprisedand stupefied,

scientific reasonings.

They felt themselves

of wonders ! they felt that weight
domain
their bodies. If they stretched out their

beingcarried into the

was
really
wanting to
arms, theydid not attempt to fall. Their
glioulders. Their feet no longerclung to

heads

shook

on

their

the floor of the pro-

78,514 LEAGUES.

AT

jeetile.They

like drunken

were

217
ia
stability

having no

men

themselves.

here

But

shadow.

neutralisation

the

reality,by

nothinghad

in whom

forces,produced men

others without
reflection,

without

depicted men

has

Fancy

of attractive
who

weight,and

any

weighed nothingthemselves.

SuddenlyMichel, taking a spring,left the

suspendedin
The

friends

two
"

miraculous

'

thus, what
The

an

yet it is

and

'

projectile
passes

it

claimed
possible?" ex-

Eaphael had

thrown

lunar

canvas

upon

attraction

seen

"

us

!"

If the

will draw

to the moon."

us
"

Then

"

No,"

Barbicane,

gravityis very

low ; it will

all

Then

"

the

feet will be upon

our

said

is

point,the

projectile.

last,''
repliedBarbicane.

cannot

the neutral

! if

have

would

Assumption' he

Assumption

'

Ah

so.

Anges.

all three formed

probable? is

is it

believed?
"

Michel

of the

in the centre

"

remained

of the Cusine des

and
instantly,

joinedhim

Ascension

it to be

"la

"

air,like Murillo's monk

the

floor and

our

"

roof,"repliedMichel.
the

because

be

of

by degrees."

only turn

will
portables

centre
projectile's

upset from top

to

bottom, that

fact."

Calm

"

feared

Michel," repliedNichoU ; no upset is to be

yourself,
evolution will
for the projectile's
not a thingwill move,
"

imperceptible."

be
"

Just

so,"continued

"

Barbicane

and when

it has

passedthe

its base, being the heavier,will draw it

pointof equalattraction,
to the moon;
but, in order that this phenomenon
perpendicularly

should take
"

Pass

place,we

have

"
the neutral line !

sailors do when
A

must

they cross

passedthe

cried
the

slio-ht side movement

Michel;

neutral
"

line."

then let

us

do

as

the

equator."

brought

Michel

back

towards

the

placedthem "in
padded side; thence he took a bottle and glasses,
space"before his companions,and, drinkingmerrily,they saluted
hurrah.
the line vtritha triple

The

influence of these

attractions

2l8

ROUND

lasted
(scarcely

an

drawn

the

towards

of the

end

towards

THE

liour;the travellers felt themselves

and Barbicane
floor,

was
projectile
varyinga

the

By

moon.

the
first;

lunar

the fall towards

MOON.

inverse

an

attraction

the

moon

fancied

littlefrom
motion

that the conical

its normal

the base

would

its

turn

speed on

be

then

of their

success

earth,and

fall with

the surface of the Selenite

to

would

the

to

cone

be

become

drawn
decided,the projectile,

more

ing
approach;

almost imperceptibly
as
beginning,

was

yet, but by degreesthe attractive force would

the fallwould

was

direction

the terrestrial

over
prevailing

was

ingensiblj

attained.

Now

and
enterprise,

stronger,

by

its base,

ever-increasing

tion
continent;their destina-

nothing could prevent

NichoU

Michel

and

Ardan

the

shared

Barbicane's joy.

theychatted

Then
them

after the

one

of

laws

weight.
which

of

which

Michel

that

on

astonished

drew
Ardan, always enthusiastic,

clusions
con-

purelyfanciful.

were

if

had

the neutralization of the

other,particularly

what

"

should make
some

phenomena

he exclaimed,
worthy friends,"

Ah, my

"

of all the

earth

chain

could throw

we

which

no
liberty;

binds

off

her

to

us

of that

some

we

progress

it would

weight,
be the

fatigueof either arms or legs.

Or, if it is true that in order to flyon the earth's surface,to keep
oneself suspended in the air merely by the playof the muscles,
there requiresa strength
hundred
and fifty
a
times greater than
prisonerset

that which
bear
"

at

we

possess,

Just

no

of

so," said NichoU, smiling;

suppressing
weight as
"

simple act

would
a
volition,
caprice,

into space, if attraction did not exist."

us

would

more

change the

they

suppress

face of modern

Yes," cried Michel, full of

more

"Well

"

if

we

could

succeed

in

that
pain by anaesthesia,
"

!
society
his subject,destroy
weight,and
"

burdens!"

said,"repliedBarbicane; "but

weight,nothing would

keep

your head, worthy Michel

in its
nor

place,not

your

if

nothinghad
even

house,whose

your

any

hat

stones

on

oulj

ROUND

220

And

"

In

"

the

if its

times
than

greater

the

surface

the

is

attraction

the

and

of

times

twenty-seven

everything

globe, keeping

our

ought

inhabitants

twenty-foui

and

hundred

is thirteen

density

greater,
on

proportion,

to

be

should

least

at

hundred

two

high."

feet
"

"

sun

sun,

thousand

in

the

in

MOON.

THE

than

!"

Jove

By

pigmy,

with

"

Just

"

And

would

Good,"

"

effect

sun

useless

to

carry

of

pieces

some

oneself."
NichoU

replied

the

on

more

NicholL

said

quite

be

not

defend

artillery to

nothing

be

Barbicane.

so," replied
it

giants,"

the

"

!"

shrimp

Gulliver

"

Michel

exclaimed

they

projectiles

"

your

fall

would

back

would

the

on

have

earth

after

no

some

minutes."
"

That

"

It

50001bs.,
"

The

"un

at

by

fall

to

weight

devil

However,
there

weigh

would

were

you

Bai'bicane

least

and

!"
will

we

that

orb,

enormous

earth

the

remark,"

strong

certain," replied

is

this

on

If

is

we

by."

which
said
be
shall

19201bs.

would

you

Michel

"

satisfied
cut

one

with

great

attraction

is

the

weigh
never

would
the

figure.

surface
let

"

be

able

want

moon

We

great

so

70,0001bs.

weighing

on

would

it you

upon

object

an

but

the

"

of

me

to

for
will

the

see

again."

portable
the
see

sun.

about

"

raise

on

crane.

present
about

the

CHAPTER

THE

Babbioane
far

as

would

the

of

It

the
in

was

where

lunar

reality

To

deaden

longer

able
at

force

the

journey,

concerned

was

line

certainly

its

at

its

own

certainly

remain

not

least

at

it would

single hypothesis

leagues

reckoned

taken

motionless

remained

be

to

destination

touch

the

by

anj

the

employ

that

it

was

say,

against

to

deaden

soil,others

that

pity

had

which

is to

terrestrial
which

the
to

shock

delay

the

was

no

violent.
a

means

of

one

some

lunar

the

orb, it is true,

an

delay.

sorts,

it less

make

on

one-sixth

at

without

of two

were

shock,

departure,

8296

be

be

must

the
to

of

fall, nevertheless,

consequently

fall,and

shock

only

could

projectile should

the

when

issue

projectile

the

fall of

precautions

These

DEVIATION.

neutral

the

One

of

attraction.

precaution

every

the

it would

formidable

of

beyond

arrival

weight

weight

it

attraction.

realized, the
of

OP

fear

no

earth

to

line

action

now

carry

return

on

CONSEQUENCES

projectile'simpulsive

the

as

speed
not

had

IX.

by

Barbicane

ably

so

used

water

weakened
as

the

springs

and

partition-breaks.

the

The

partitions

their

use

days

still existed
which

reserve,

the

but

precious,

was

should

element

liquid

failed,for they

water

be

in

case

found

could

during
wanting

not

the

flist
lunar

on

soil.
And
a

indeed

spring.

departure,

this

The
and

layer
on

would

reserve

which

of

water

the

have
stored

waterproof

quite insufficient

been
in

the

disc

projectile

lay, occupied

at
no

for

their

less

THE

ROUND

222

than
than

fifth

therefore

part of it ; they must

of

means

deadeningthe
with

content

strong springplugs,destined

the base

after the

the

movable

was

now

The

disc

layon

inconvenience

resulted

window

blocked

was

the

observe

to

tools

its steel

movahle

against

partitions.These
readjustthem and replace
their

handle, as

to

weight

trouble,it beingonlya

from

the

wanting,and
table

replacingof

its

on

the

legs. One

disc,the lower

for
impossible

was

the

soon

the travellers

opening while they were

that

from

not

were

plugs,like

up ; thus it

moon

the

lessen the shock

fitted without

screws

reinstated disc

Happily,Barhicane,

quicklymounted.

pieceswere

of bolts and

matter

piece,easy

was
felt,
scarcely

different

contain

the horizontal

they had only to

every

to

less

this efficient

up

furnished

had

disc with

breakingof

give

of arrival.

shock

employing water,

plugsstill existed

surface of not

Besides, the cistern did not

feet.

fifty-four
square

one

not

depth,and spreadover

feet in

three

MOON.

being

her ; but they were

to
obliged
precipitated
perpendicularly
upon
give it up ; even
by the side openingstheycould still see vast
lunar

as
regions,

This

aeronaut

an

of
replacing

past twelve

when

the disc

at least

was

all prepai-ations
were

fresh observations
annoyance

it had

seemed

take

to

the earth from

sees

on

the

over

to
parallel

curve

car.

hour's work.

It

finished. Barbicane

was

took

inclination of the

turned

not

an

his

into
nightshone splendidly

space,

but to his
projectile,
for its fall ; it
sufficiently

the

lunar

disc.

the
whilst,opposite,

The

orb of

orb of

day

blazed with fire.

Their

situation

"Are

we

reachingour

us

act

"

Let

as

began to
if

we

make

them

uneasy.

destination ?" said NichoU.

were

about

bicane.
reachingit^''
repliedBar-

"
shall
Ardan.
We
retorted Michel
sceptical,"
an-ive,and that,too, quickerthan we like."
and
This answer
back to his preparations,
broughtBarbicane
he occupiedhimself with placingthe contrivances intended to
"

You

are

CONSEQUENCES

THE

break

their descent.

held

forward

Barbicane's

as

CaptainNichoU's
rockets

the

Florida,when

in

maintainingthat

the

he would

223
of the

scene

meeting

Captain Nicholl

Michel

and

enemy

Michel repliedthat
glass,

DEVIATION.

remember

may

Town,

Tampa

at

We

OF

Ardan's

adversary.To

would
projectile

break

came

like

smash

their fall by

of

means

properlyplaced.

from
Thus, powerfulfireworks,
takingtheir starting-point
base
a

check
burstingoutside,could,by producinga recoil,

and

in space, it is true

could

of which

burning

has
the

atmosphereround
Barbicane

lightthe

in little steel guns,

The

which

work

to

her

velocityalso

was

moon

it in

drew

resulted

for its lower

There
them

All the efiect

alreadyrammed

do

but

to

raise the

by

the guns,

places.
three

remained

certain

o'clock,and

but to wait.
and

moon,

might

would
projectile
reason

of

the

cumbed
sucevidently

degree ; though

line which

part,by

But

after

its

Fi'om these
become

own
flicting
con-

tangent

not

fall

his

resist
projectile

on
directly
its weight,oughtto be

her.

turned towards
Barbicane's

been

obliquedirection.

an

certain that the

it was

had

to

on

flush with the

were

provided.

was

finished about

influence to

influences

the

these fireworks,

in the disc allowed

nearing the
perceptibly

was
projectile

of

want

be screwed

base,and replacethem

in their
fitted closely
new

each

there
takingall these precautions

But

with

could

guns

burningmixture

metallic bufiers fixed in the

This

which

They had, then, nothing to

into each gun.

which

the

stopped by

openingleft

An

with

match

felt outside.

was

fail them, for they

not

outside,they protrudedabout eighteeninches.

to

were

moon.

twenty of them.

were

yet been

never

to

it, like the lunar volcanoes,the

Inside,these
projectile.

the base of the

to

with

rockets

accordinglysuppliedhimself

had

enclosed

would

but oxygen

supplythemselves

bottom

These

degree the projectile's

speed.

certain

burn

the

uneasiness

the influence of

increased

The
gravitation.

as

he

Unknown

saw

was

opening befort

224

ROUND

Mm,

the Unknown

thoughthe

in

"

earth,the

neutral

line

terrors

of the

and

MOON.

The man
of science
interplanetary
space.
foreseen the onlythree hypothesespossible the

had

to the

return

THE

return

here

the

to

fourth

hypothesis,big

be

must

resolute

phlegmaticbeing like Nicholl,or

the

have asked

carryingthem.
which
So

themselves
Not

have

we

Then

"

I do not

view

they

was
projectile
carriage

they sought for

the

cause

route,"said Michel

our

Nicholl, that,in spiteof

"

Columbiad
be

was

not

enough

to

have

aimed

badly?"

all

fairlypointed. An
throw

the

asked

so,''
repliedBarbicane.

exact, its direction

was

reach

to

ns

out

of the

it at

full.

the

"The

to the zenith

the

passiug to

moon

Michel.

There

perpendicularit
of the spot incon-

zenith

of the

is another

spot, we

reason, but it

me."

escapes
"Are

not

we

Too

late ?

"

too
arriving

says

that the

hours
say, that

late ?" asked

Nicholl.
transit

"The

ought

thirteen minutes
sooner

the

moon

and that later it will have

Cambridge Observatory's

to

be

accomplished in ninety-

and

twenty

will

not

be

seconds
at

the

which

means

point indicated,

passedit."

True," repliedBarbicane.

December, at

Nicholl.

said Barbicane.

"Yes," continued

"

from

diverted

small,would

think

testible ; and

to

their

these

fear,"answered

they must

of the gun

seven

practical
pointof

would

men

attraction."

"

note

like

effect.

become

much

however

moon's

"

adventurer

subject.Other

whither

with

so

precautionstaken, the

ought

Barbicane,a

?"

I very

error,

this

questionfrom

produced this

"butwhy
"

started upon

was

considered

would

"

audacious

an

all the

face it without

like

savant

the

Ardan.

Conversation
havo

with

Infinite,
surged up inopportunely.To

one
flinching,

Michel

on
stagnation

or

moon,

thu'teen minutes

"

and

But

we

started

the

seconds
twenty-five

1st

of

to eleven

and

night;

at

when

moment

exact

the

the 5th of December.

do

it not

"Might
*'

for

know

we

half

see

of

are

we

past three in

at the end

us

the

at
midnight,

the

at

now

evening;

journey. Why

our

arrive ? "

not

we

the 5th at

on

22$

DEVIATION.

would be full ; and

moon

It is now

ought to
past eight

half

arrive

ought to

we

OF

CONSEQUENCES

THE

be

an

that

now

of

speed?" answered Nicholl ;

its initialvelocity
was
greater than they
excess

supposed."
"No
of

hundred

speed,if the
have

not

I"

times,No

direction of the

Barhicane.
replied

had
projectile

us
reachingthe
prevented

deviation.

have

We

By

"

I cannot

would
right,

been

course."

our

"

by what ? asked Nicholl.

say,"repliedBarbicane.
?

whom

"

excess

No, there has been

moon.

turned out of

been

"An

said Michel, do you wish

Very well,then, Barbicane,"
know my opinionon the subject
of finding
out this deviation ?"
"

"

"

"

Speak."
I would

deviated
shall
end

to

is

Since

into
by falling

Ardan's

Michel
that he
any cost

was

by

the

had
projectile
continued
projectile
mass

of

becoming uniform

"

fresh

its

space

we

shall

we

other."
Barbicane.

he wanted

Not

to know

sidewaysto

course

at

the lunar

could

landmarks

as

that
leaguesdistant,

there

the moon,

Barbicane

out.

served

proofthat

force stillprevailed
over

have

deviated.

thingsthrown

only2000

was

or

content

but
future,

the elevations which

which

moon,

of attraction

we

little;

matters

beingborne alongin

indiflferencedid not
about

it. That

going to

are

centre

his

and with it the

prove,

we
are

some

uneasy

why

the

But

we

dollar to know

Where

fact

see.

soon

give half

not

was

no

upon

its

even

the

speed was

fall. Its

sive
impul-

but the projecattraction,

tile's

to the moon,
and
certainly
bringingit nearer
theymight hope that at a nearer pointthe weight,predominating^
course

would
The

cause

three

was

decided fall

friend^,
havingnothingbetter

to

do,continued their
Q

226

observations

; but

of
position

the

MOON.

THE

ROUND

they could

levelled under

relief was

satellite ; every

topographical

the

yet determine

not

the

reflection of the solar rays.

They

watched

o'clock at

The

night.

the

through

thus

had

moon

then

The

eyes that it filledhalf of the firmament.

the orb of
At

the

nighton

leagues.The speed of
than 200 yards,
about
or
but

rectilineal course

Barbicane

problem.

was

side,and

one

no

more

to

him

be

changed

to

it

to be

Under

towards

tended
projectile

passedwithout

reach her.

As

moon,

any

but it was

the nearest

to

more

the
the

tripetal
cen-

mooo

probablethat

was

of

curve

result.

The

distance

at

its

sort, the

some

insoluble

was
projectile

also evident

that it would

which

it would

attraction
forces,

be the result of the two

must

tance
the disthan 700

theycould not at presentdetermine.

still seeking the solution of his

Hours

her, that

at

170 leaguesa second.

base of the

evidentlynearingthe
never

on

estimate

seemed
projectile

the

would

of which

nature

could

their aim

still prevailed
centrifugal
; and

the

pass

thoughthe
from

separatedthem

the
force,

sun

their

with light.
other,flooded the projectile

that moment, Barbicane

which

large in

so

grown

eight

until

windows

side

and

its motion.
repulsion,
afiecting
"

I ask but

said
thing,"

one

enough to penetrateher
"

Michel

"

that

we

may

pass

near

secrets."

Cursed be the thingthat has caused

our

to deviate
projectile

its course,"
cried NicholL

from

And,

as

if a

lighthad suddenlybroken
"

answered,

Then

cursed

in upon

be the meteor

his

which

bicane
mind, Barcrossed

our

that

our

path."
"

What

?" said Michel

"

What

do you

"

mean

Ardan.

? " exclaimed

mean," said Barbicane

deviation is
"

But

"

What

to
owing solely

it did not

even

in

does tha" matter

decided

tone, "I

meetingwith

our

brush

NicholL

us

as

Ju

this

mean

erringbody."

it passed,"
said Michel.
mass,

compared

to

that of

out

X.

CHAPTER

THE

Baebicane
this
to

deviation.

bold

by

they

Would

travellers.

But

who

these

could

The

fatality.

and

circumstance;

the

reach

never

now

to

fate

in

of

them

to

solve

for

store

This

the

occupied

sical
phy-

certain

insoluble

then

which

in

this

was

of these

minds

themselves,

was

that

these
few

wandering

fellows

observe

amid

air ?

want

soon

stifled

time

the

become

intrepid

these

their

until

one,

able

be

to

did

they

of it.

would

fall

would

to

would

what

only

As

dream

even

to

the

and

question,

not

enough

near

pass

geological questions

and

bold

was

fortuitous

exceptional event, they

some

It

sufficed

been, it had

have

prqject'le.
by

of

only plausible reason

the

upon

disc.

moon's

the

the

miscarried

had

attempt

unless

of

course

UOOIT.

THE

slight it might

However

the

modify

hit

evidently

had

OP

OBSERTEES

they

But

they

and

days

some

they

and

which

moon

solitudes,

days,

more

projectile.

centm-y;

infinite

all

devoted

longer hoped

no

to

reach.
The

distance

satellite

were

the

earth

with

Indeed,

we

farther
their
know

Par.-onstown,
an

at

the

regards

travellers

withia

then

estimated

was

as

at

which

200

visibilityof
the

moon

projectile from

leagues.
the

Under

details

than

are

of
the

the

these
the

ditions,
con-

disc, the

inhabitants

of

powerful telescopes.
that

which

apparent

about

from

the

separated

the

instrument

magnifies

distance

of

6500

sixteen

mounted

by

times, brings

leagues.

And

Lord
the
more

Hosse
moon

to

than

The

telescope at Parsontown.

that, with

OF

OBSERVERS

THE

powerful one

the

MOON.

THE

set up

Long'sPeak, the

at

night,magnified48,000 times,is broughtto

leagues,and
details of

the

determined

with

those immense
could not

precision.The

disappearedunder

the

bath

oblong form

with

giganticegg,
Indeed

iufluence

of

of

form

her

from

But

He

we

not

that

had
is

which

The

lost her

taken refuge on
from

seen

the

of the satellitewas

distance

of the projectile

rapidlyunder

its

"

propelsour

speed,

eightor

its initial velocity,but

which

ol

savants

some

never

form
primitive

the

in advance

fact

this

very

drawn

under
elongated

gravitywas

from

its formation,

soon

she
satellite,

eaHh.

express

trains.

from its very obliquity,

projectile,
gave
the lunar disc at some
some
hopes of striking
point
reach it.
could not think that they would
never

not

believe it ; and
was

this

better

opinionhe

often

judge,always

repeated.

answered

him

logic.

No, Michel, no
are

days of

of the

Barbicane, who

with merciless
"

and

less than

greater than

Ardan

of

centre

diminished

much

was

! he could

No

her

leaning

the

towards

became

the

appeared like

the first

few moments.

moon

obliquecourse
other.

or

the

that

nine times

Michel

earth,it

of the moon,

tains
moun-

involuntarily
; but
It

turned

in
pliable

This alteration in the

for
onlyperceptible

The

end

that the air and water

oppositesurface

though

it

quiteclear.

small

figure;

the conclusion

earth.

from

gravitation.In becoming

purityof

the

if it was

as

a
originally
perfectsphere; but, being

tiie centre
draw

eye, dazzled

was

the attraction of the

within

the

the

seas,"but they

"

prominence of

silver,turned

liquidand

the moon,
was

native

The

of the orb

two

outline of

vast

splendidu-radiation producedby

the

of molten

The

nature.

reflection of the solar rays.

over

caught the

eye

called
depressions
inappropriately

recognizetheir

less than

within

of

diameter

observed

moon,

orb of

feet are
seen
thirty
this distance,the topographical
without
could not be
glasses,

objectshaving a
So that, at
distinctly.

very

229

We

falling.The

can

only reach

the

moon

by a fall,and

force keeps us
centripetal

under

tha

ROUND

230
moon's

bjt
iDfiuence,

from

away

This

THE

MOON.

force
centrifugal

the

draws

irresistibly

us

it."
said in

was

which

tone

quenched Michel

Ardan's last

hope.
The

the northern
below

for

the

by

the

and
glasses,

the

was

was
projectile
nearingwas
that which the Selenographic
hemisphere,
place
maps
drawn after the outline given
these maps
are
generally

portionof

with

travellers should

condition

This

moon

Boeer

northern

objects. Such

the

they reverse

and

Moedler

which

hemisphere presentedvast

their

detennined

An
eighthparallel.

course.

by

its

mathematicallyat

full.

was

At

that

alightedupon it,if

have

diverted

not

that

isolated mountains.

midnight the

had

the

Selenographicaof

consulted.

dotted
plains,
At

know

we

Mappa

Barbicane

which

moon

the

The

the mischievous

orb

meteor

exactlyin
Cambridge Observatory. It

and
perigee,

observer

the

precisemoment

the

at

zenith

of the

the bottom

placedat

of the

the

in the mouth

moon

the
tlirougii

of the

axis

of the orb of

centre

night of

the 5th

Could

instant's rest.

world

thought :

No

All

enonnoua

they close

and

present,all centred in them

the

human

se"!rets

race

look

at

these

of their satellite1
from

they went
Their

one

window

to say,

their eyes when

that

so

concentrated
the

during the

It is

lunar

this

near

in

not

one

through their

To

take

new

single

eyes

that

regions,and penetrate
filledtheir hearts

the
as

the other.

observations,reproduced by Barbicane, were

detei mined.

an

earth, of humanity,past

strange emotion
to

passed through the

the travellers took

were
feelings

their

have

line di-awn
straight

have

December,

of

It is needless

of
Representatives

See !

"

piece would

night.

6th

"

of the gun.

was

twenty-

to the horizon, would

Columbiad, pointedperpendicularly

framed

the

was

them, they had

glasses
; to

rigidly

correct

them,

maps.

As

regards the opticalinstruments

excellent

marine

at

their

constructed
glasses specially

disposal,
they had
for this

journey.

THE

They
have

than

for

and

2000

the

in

hours

from

yards

in

medium

instruments

1500

moon

leagues

three

could

OF

magnifying

possessed
brought

OBSERVERS

the
free

reduce

THE

of

powers
within

to

the

But

did

morning
all

from
the

100.

then,

not

atmospheric

lunar

23

surface

would

They

distance

earth.

MOON.

of

(apparent)
at

exceed

miles,
these

disturbances,
with'"

lees

which

distance

sixty-five

to

thus

'ess

tluut

CHAPTER

AMD

FANCY

Have

"

of

of his

one

No,

"

In

of

the

or

it
the

sense,

majority
of

replied

heard

one

In

Contrary

have

hemisphere

Africa, and

How

never

might

answer

have

be

it

speak

heard

the

examined

never

large

through

least

at

"

by

given
have

people

many

seen

selenographic

the

glass

of their

map

the
of

continents
the

remind

one

the

the

land

the

surface

is

of

coasts,
the

of the
;

hydrographers

moon,

and
the

we

rich

in

in

the

well

may

islands

when

they

been

pity

they

took

the

the

lunar

show

not

South

as

America,

the
came

They

peninsulas.
of

Sound,

the

navigation

have

it must

and

gulfs

If

southern

angular, capricious, and

Their

indented.

former,

latter, when

lines

ns.

Earth

the

do

continents

regular boundary

are

of

that

strikes

particularly the

These

globe.

confusion

excessively

for

more

peninsula.

Indian

dangerous

the

followed

occupy

lunar

peculiarity

one

map,

arrangement

indented

deeply

coasts,

of."

many

decided, clear, and

and

more

1 must

but

ironically,

"

pupil, still

spoken

How

at

to

Mars,

such

professor, ironically,

looking

and

the

pupil's witty

who

moon,

satellite

asked

?"

moon

sublunary beings.

telescope !

the

seen

EEALITT.

pupils.

sir !"

I have

Bay

ever

yon

XL

existed

ever

wonderfully

these

soundings

of

its

on

difficult

sailors

Selenite
upon

where

and

perilous
stormy

banks.
We
much

may
more

also

notice

continental

that,
than

on

the

north

sphere,

pole.

On

the
the

Fonth

pole

is

latter, there

ROUND

234

two

feminine,the other masculine

parts,one

speaking thus,Michel
from

very

right. Judge
In the left
human

"

different

point of

Sea of

often

so

often

gain

fever

the

the

of

aught but

contain

man

four words

whole

the

then

the Sea

of

breezes

"

is at
"

of Death
a

is the

the

from

waters

humours,

"

does

summed

Sea of

"

? that vast

career

the

the life

up in these

not

Sea of

of

Nectar," with

its waves

Sea of

"

useless
whose

which

a joyous
Dreams," refiecting

of tenderness

dimensions

vast

incident of

over
Serenity,"

Sea of Fruitfulness;"
"The

that
lastly,

and

Sea of Crises;"

are

perhapsa

little

in which
Tranquillity,"

dream, every unsatisfied desire

waves

into
peaceably

emerge

the

!"

two

and

ladies,"encloses

the

to

contain every
"

Lake

strange succession of

woman,
was

by deceit,
ten-estnal misery,

drops of

some

dedicated

"

The

passion,
every

of the moon's

And

"

lengthabsorbed,and

What

of his

Sea of Vapours,"whose

false

Lake

and

of

love;"The

too confined ; and

every

There

girlbends;
"

future ;

this is the

out

worn

of

body

names
significant

existence.

the young

Near

Sea

"

smaller seas, whose

feminine

Clouds," where

far off lies the

these ? and is it not

right hemisphere,

The

of

fighting
againsthis passions,

ever

!" Clouds,rain,stonns, and

Gulf of Dew

Sea

"

the

victory. Then,

Humours," barelysoftened by
"

Lttle in the

of existence.

is

man

find at the end

he

was

shipwrecked. Not

all the

and
treasoHS, infidelity,
does

the Innar

upon

to that of their fantiistic

view

hemisphere stretches

Storms," where

too

what

looked

yourselves.

Rains," fed by

which

NichoU

and

for

is

reason

sphere
righthemi-

the

prosaiccompanionsshrug

Nevertheless,their f/iatastic friend

friend.

of

his

made

Barbicane

their shoulders.
map

the left for man."

for woman,
Ln

MOON.

century,it is the card of life,very neatlydivided

leventeeenth
nto

THE

names

! "What

hemispheres,joined to

forming that sphere of

the fantastic Michel

one

division
singular
another

life carried

right in

thus

like

into

man

space!

the
interpi-eting

FANCY

fancies

thus

of
roved

the

ancient
"

over

things
this

new

diftmet'vs.

world

more

by

AND

REALITY.

astronomers

the

seas,"

his

But

grave

geographically.
heart.

They

235

were

whilst

his

companions

They
measuring

imagination
were

were

sidering
con-

learning
angles

and

CHAPTER

Xn.

OCOGBAFHIC

The

taten

course

travellers

deviation.
the

It

distance
the

advanced
the

the

glasses,
fourteen

with

know
the

favourable

above

named

The
nearer

work

would

and

into

eyes,

to

the

day

one

from

this
space.

bo

upon

in

us

know

not

to

other
a

make

in

of
than

more

brought
singularly

his

details

moon

means

little

serious

Nevertheless,

projectileis

by

pole,

projectile,

which

weie

observers.

I do

the

observe

atmosphere

could

seize

then

the

Mountains

posted

useful

every

Let

terrestrial

it

parallel,

to

map

to

Rocky

the

the
as

tenth

Indeed,
reduced

president,

globe again.

to

Barbicane,

earthly

going

are

we

free

minds

carried

his

of

diminish

the

able

was

the

Thus

friends," said

whither

but

power.

terrestrial

distance

than

greater

the

on

were

estimated

projectile was

across

conditions.

telescope

imperceptible

My

but

companions

two

glasses to

the

The

Pole.

equator

most

its

almost
"

of the

his

much

lessened

North

latitude, carefully taken

miles.

moon

the

then

would

have

irremediable

an

little

which

and

to

Barbicano

was

would

they

subject
and

The

hemisphere.

which

point

been

not

radius,

to

and
the

under

central

remarked,

before

have

we

northern

miles, which

lunar

that

Barbicane

the

750

altitude

from

and

moon's

past midnight

nearer

at

not

the

course

was

at

of

length

the

from

their

had

projectile,as

towards
far

were

Btrnck,

our

it

bearing

was

the

by

DETAILS.

if
let

us

in
our

the

Let
We

I"

I do

not

ever

proceed

Cambridge

observations

"

shall

we

fellow-men.

our

consideration.

room

voice,

are

as

us

see

if

our

keep
nomers
astro-

Uuiversity,

OROGRAPHIC

said,work

This

begun

was

different distances which

the time that the

At

N.

longitude.We

E.

the

great

and

they
at

moon,

the

reached.
projectile

make

here

the tenth

high as

as

follow

rigidlyto

must

exactness

aspects of the

was
projectile

seemed

it
latitude,

with

different

reproduced the
faithfully

237

DETAILS.

the

parallelj

twentieth

degree,

important remark

one

with

the

takingobservations. In
by which theywere
of the reversingof
selenographical
maps where, on account

the

objects
by

the map

regard to

it would

the
glasses,

the

natural

seem

south is above and the north

that,on

should be to the left hand, and

not
as

If the map

so.

her, the

see

we

accordingto

them.

backs

to the

north,the

when

theystudya

To

exists

of

reason

north,the

this

observers

the moon's

their

on

be

the

in

As

to be

order

the west

to the

The

Observers
in the

moon

that which

in

the

south,
"

their

theyoccupy

their backs to

they turn

and
left,

quiteto

of these
apparent reversing
it in mind

moon

the west

to

their

right.

hemisphere(Patagoniafor example),

is behind

south

the

right,as

would

it is

terrestrial maps.

on

to
position

reverse

in the southern

west

But

right.

and
left,

anomaly.

terrestrial map.
is

the

east

they take observations,

theyturn

When

cast

the
inversion,

upsidedown, showing the

be to the

that which

the

to

hemisphere(sayin Europe) see

northern

the

would

east

right,contrary to

followingis

the west

turned

were

of that

account

below,

their

them.

two

Such

cardinal

able to

and
left,

the east

is the

and
points,

follow

of the

reason
we

President

their

to

bear

must

Barbicane's

observations.
the

With

travellers

helpof

were

Boeer and Moedler's

able at

once

to

the
Mappa Selenographica,

recognizethat portionof

the disc

enclosed within the field of their glasses.

"

What

"

At

bicane.

are

we

lookingat,at

the northern
"

We

are

part of the
too

far off to

plainscomposedof arid sand,as

Or are they nothingbut immense

this moment
*

?" asked

Michel.

"
Sea of Clouds,'
answered

recognizeits nature.
the first astronomer

Are

Barthese

mainlained

forests,
accordingto M. Warren

238

ROUND

de la Rue'a
a

who
opinion,

very low and

We

by.

gives the

very dense

one

atmosphere,though

an

moon

That

nothing until

affirm

must

MOON.

THE

shall know

we

in

are

we

ard

by

positionto

do so."

This

"

Sea of Clouds

the maps.

blocks

It is

of lava

"

is rather

supposedthat

these

marked
out
doubtfully
vast
plainsare strewn

upon
with

neighbouringvolcanoes on its right,

But the projectile
was
Ptolemy,Purbach, Arzachel.
advancing,
and sensibly
nearingit. Soon there appeared the heightswhich
bound

this

from

eruptionof

limit.

at this northern

sea

radiant

the

with

beauty,the top

"

repliedBarbicans.
Copernicus,"
Let us see Copernicus."
to

rose

is"

heightof 10,600 feet

quitevisible
the

from

the

above

earth ; and

new

from

west, allowingthem

Copernicus forms

This

the

to
most

system, situated in the southern

It rises isolated like

Brah^.
of

the

Sea
thus

It

was

on

the

the

of

lightingby

space,
could

its

north,extends

the

an

the

measure

"

to the

in the series of

is bounded

radiating

that

by
two

the

"

portion

pests,"
Sea of Tem-

oceans

luminous

at

time.

trains,so

which, passingthe boundaiy chain

of Bains."

Sea

chief features.

Like

At
a

one

balloon

superb mountain.

ringed mountains

division of great circles.

the

on
lighthouse
gigantic

the top uf this

its
recognizeperfectly

lengthways
heights.

hemisphere,accordingto Tycho

like
morning,the projectile,

overlooked

It ig

moon.

last quarter and

important of

splendidrays

and

longitude,

thrown

are

equal,those long

an

the full moon,

terrestrial

Clouds, which

sightwithout

dazzlingin

tain
moun-

study it with

can

between

the shadows

then

because

moon,

east to

lost in

the surface of the

astronomers

particularly
duringthe phase

ease,

seemed

situated in 9" north latitude and 20" east

mount
a

of which

rose

?" asked Michel.

That

This

them

solar rays.

"

"

Before

Kepler

o'clock of
borne

into

Barbicaue

Copernicus is

prised
com-

of the first order,in the

and

Aristarchus,wkicb

DETAILS.

OROGRAPHIC

overlook the
brilliant

Tempests,sometimes

point through

in

volcano

of

Ocean

But
activity.

side of the

cloudy light,and

it is

onlyan

twenty-two leagues. The

produced by

showed

successive

taken

like all

"

diameter

the

for

that

on

of about

of stratification

traces

eruptions,and
which

appeared like

was

extinct one,

glassesdiscovered

with volcanic remains

strewn

was

it

the

Its circumference

moon.

239

neighbourhood

still choked

of the

some

craters.

There

"

exist,"said Barbicane, " several kinds of circles on the

surface of the moon,

the

to

fierymouths.

taken

by

curve

of the bottom

diameter
"And
"

We

"

What

"

this

the

see

were

so

many

without

one

an

interior surface of these

the

givesa sphere of

form

the

general
smaller

asked Nicholl.

know," repliedBarbicane.

splendidradiation

!" said

"

Michel.

One could hardly

I think."
spectacle,
would
us

you

then," repliedBarbicane," if chance

say,

towards

the southern
that

it was

hemisphere?"
still more

retorted
beautiful,"

Ardan.

circle.

The

circle,and
even

in

the

its

of

Copernicusformed

steep escarpments

a second
distinguish
a

yellow. At

jewelcase, sparkledfor
enormous

over
projectile
hung perpendicularly

circumference

greyishplain,of

like

the

?"
peculiardisposition

this moment

marked

times

follows,then, that

It

why
do not

Michel

in former

of these circles

Well, I should say

could

should

exterior,and contrary to

that of the moon."

What

At

Copernicusbelongs
we

nearer,

that

than

should bear
"

disc,is

terrestrial craters.

finer

that

an'angement, and

of the

reverse

see

were

we

curious

the lunar

circles is the

If

inside,which

the

exceptionon

see

it is easy to

radiatingclass.
on
bristling

cones

and

wUd

aspect, on
of the

instant

dazzlinggems.

two

Towards

clearlydefined.

ringedenclosure.

the bottom
one

were

almost

which

Around
every

the

perfect
They
spread

relief

was

if enclosed in
as
circle,
or

three

eruptivecones,

the north

the escarjH

ROUND

240

lowered

ments

were

given

access

In

by

of less

little ringed

one

the

would

probablyhave

crater.

surroundingplains,Barbicane

the

great number

MOON.

which
depression

to the interior of

passingover

measured

THE

important mountains
Lussac,

called Guy

and

the

noticed

others

among

breadth

of which

twelve miles.

Towards

the

without
till where

south,the plainwas
Towards
projection.

one

it

bounded

was

liquidsurface agitatedby

formed

waves

succession

of

the

north,on

of Storms

the Sea

by

without
flat,

very

storm, of which

tion,
eleva-

one

the contrary,
it resembled

the hills and

hollows

suddenlycongealed. Over the

whole of this,
and in all directions,
laythe luminous lines,all
convergingto the summit of Copernicus.
a

The

travellers discussed

they could

the

determine

not

originof

their nature

these

strange rays

more

any

but

than

terrestrial

rays

be

observers.
"

But

"

why," said Nicholl,

of mountains

spurs

should

reflect more

which

these

not

simply

the lightof
vividly

the

8un?"
"

No," repliedBarbicane
of the moon,

in

became

"

?
liglit

asked

"

under

certain

ditions
con-

shadows,and they

cast

the orb of

as
disappeared

they endeavoured

Michel

"

for I cannot

for want

an

Yes," repliedBarbicane

Never
He

which
BO

and

of

but
opinion,
"

ridgeswould

the moon,

have

how

be stranded
"

so,

soon

day was
its rays

as

oblique.

But

ever

was

indeed,these rays onlyappearedwhen

to
opposition

"

these

if it

any."

do not cast
And

"

he did not venture

mind.

What

thoughtthat
shone

but

when

nothingcan

was

to

explainthese

believe that savants

sun

would

explanation."
"

Herschel

has

put forward

an

to affirm it."

the

opinion?

"

tliose rays

the

lines of

might be streams of
beat straight
upon them.

be less certain.

Besides,if

we

cooled
It may
pass

lava
be

nearer

THE

ROUND

242

"

For

might

have

enormous

beat

The

"

during

did

impossible

of

than

But

earth?"

put

end

Soon

Eratosthenes

In

the

lunar

to

six

are

the

Some,

however,

sphere

also.

About

they
the

two

above

were

projectile

Barbicane,

now

the

least of

of

these

work

that

probable

of

circles, for

giants, quite

?"

in

the

twentieth

less

times

retorted

the

discerned

some

the

portions

morning

moon

secrets

allow

over

lanar

Nicholl.

that
not

of

the

the

more

if of

the

observation.

Carpathiars.
of

mopn-

hemisphere.

southern

Barbicane

projectile

despair,
her

northiern
of

without

chains

parallel.
not

was

disc, did

horizon

the

from

the

perceiving

the

"

Apennines

certain

the

close

have

o'clock

discovering

six

of

chiefly distributed

lunar

is

Barbicane.

added

to

the

they

occupy

smaller

under

disappeared

from

surface

discussion.

separated

are

it is

but

the

times

Selenites

no

orography

tains, which

"

moon's

projectilebeing sufficientlynear
mountain

which

rays

MicheL

said

are

This

This

solar

days.''

been

the

on

Selenites

if there
an

these

dug

Selenites."

weight

if the

And

"

the

the

dimensions

have

and

Michel.

NichoU

true

would

from

consecutiye

fools," said

the

them

if

the

on

"

for

Why

know

shield

and

fifteen
not

are

not

digging

"

singular idea," replied

Kepler
the

them
Selenites

refuge

for

works

immense

these

holes
upon

"*

undertaken

Selenitea

The

"

one," replied Barbicane.

natural

very

MOON.

hemi-

found
The

than
was

that

distance
600

miles.

steadily approaching

reaching her,

configuration.

of

at

Xm.

CHAPTER

LANDSCAFSS.

LUNAB

At

two
half-past

in

the

morning,

thirteenth lunar parallel

and
reduced

the

by

that it could

glaosesto

so
moderate,
comparatively

bicane.

At

that

enable

to
was

it to

bear

the

cause

phenomenon

Besides, time
relief

was

would

not

failed them

Under

lose

miles.

What

would

This, however,

colours

rather

oceans

distinguishon
the

present
common

and

oceans

to
to

siderable,
con-

attraction.

Here

them

again.

All

cause.

were

the
the

vast

distance

lunar

they

the

since

the

cannot

than

say,

25,000 feet.
Barbicane

what

Selenographers are

colours.

up,

There

plainsknown

and

of different

agreed

not

several, and

are

Schmidt, pretends that, if

a

Selenite

observer

globe a great'sr diversityof

continental

of five

this distance from

height. Large patches

Julius
dried

the

descriptionof

terrestrial observer.
the

been

and
travellers,

at

to

We

more

disc.

these

vividlymarked.

terrestrial

this

the

of

nature

been

exact

at

saw

appeared

its surface?

an

appeared on
the

upon

is

disc

aeronaut, borne

an

has not

greatest ascension

companions

of the

eyes

have

escaped

investigatethe

the

glasses the

earth, distinguishon

his

of which

Bar-

singledetail.

the

it must

moon

againsther

up

to

defilingunder

the

speed,

President

inexplicableto

from

distance

Its motive

part of the disc.

was

miles,

however,
impossible,

It stillseemed

any

the

over

of 500

the effective distance

at

five.

touch

ever

was
projectile

the

According

by

the

shades

those

plainsthan
name

to

could

on

him,
of

"

the
not

between
the

the

muon

colour
"

seas

is

dark

mixed

grey

opinion of
Boeer and
their

with

present the

craters

the

green

of

was

not

that of

on

only grey

such
distinct,

very

Schmidt, from
also noticed

the

of

seas

polished.These

colours

did

some

result,as

fection in the

surface.

In

to the
belonged really

the

Barbicane
which

lunar

say, cither from

astronomers

of
objective

Julius

of steel

sheet

the

from

or
glasses

the

parts

some

interior cones,

any

on

admit

Humours.

Serenityand

the reflection of

to

who

springs,according to

as

largecraters, without

bluish tint similar

not

moon's

the

on

by

right was

that

astronomers

some

this

shared

opinion

proved

has

large

knew

Barbicane

an
selenographer,

Observation

of the

Some

brown.

appearance.

German

side,and

MOON.

and

green

same

Moedler,

existence

THE

ROUND

244

shed

freshly

disc,and

imper

the

oi
iuterposition

the terrestrial atmosphere.

Not
he

doubt

observed

in Barbicane's

existed

it

through

He

error.
optical

and

space,

considered

mind

could

so

could not
Farther

shade

noticed

before

known
enclosure,
situated
moon

They
of the

noticed

from

more

not

the

It

was

dense

as

an

ing
belong-

atmosphere?

of

at

the

bottom

tell the

not

same

isolated

an

which
circle,
Lichtenburg's
the

on

regardto

near

borders

is

of tlie

of it.

natui'e

decide upon

watching

of

The

the

the

another
cause

peculiarity

of it.

president,when

he

lines,vividlylightedup by the direct rays of

a

radiation

succession

of

of luminous

Copernicusnot

furrows,very

long

before

different

they

each other.

Michel,with
Look

low

of green,

tint,quitedefined.

fortunate with

was

long white

sun.

any

of this fact

shades

Hercynian mountains,

Ardin

with
parallel

"

name

disc,for they could

Michel

the

not

reddish

observed

the

they could

were

been

by

the

near

bat

commit

yet say.

on, he

had

regard to it,as

not

the establishment

these
to science.
Now, were
acquisition
to tropical
kept up by a
vegetation,

He

with

his usual

readiness,hastened

there! cultivated fieldsI

''

to

exclaim,"

ran

"

Cultivated fieldsI

"

Ploughed,at

"

his
repliedNichoU, slirugging

all events," retorted Michel

"

They
by

mean

"

stuff !

knew

furrow
;

to

repliedMichel

about

"

"

mildly;

knew

every

part of the disc which

that

that

He

declivities ;

that their breadth

their borders

they

Of

by

imagination he
of

long lines

were

their borders

parallel
; some

craters; here

theywound

Petavius

or

the Sea of
These

time

from

400
1000

or

their nature.

formed

were

and

have

great

of steep

with

some

admitted

the

as
straight,
perfectly

were

some

other,some

cut

such
throughordinarycavities,

they wound

throughthe

through
as

Posi-

seas, such

as

Serenity,

natural

these
seemed

1789 firstdrew
as

from

curved, though stillkeeping

slightly

accidents

excited
naturally

terrestrial astronomers.

discovered

ous
mountain-

these rifts with

might

crossed each

there

kind of

raised by Selenite engifortifications,

neers.

these different rifts

line;others

to what
a

varied

long parallel
ramparts,

were

of

of

existence

them,

you

parallel
strictly
; but

were

that their borders

noticed

amount

Herschel

do

aa

not

was

either of their formation

nothingmore

attention.

these

what

measured
furrows, generally
isolated,

yards,and

donius

but

rifts."

they were

observed
Barbicane,through his glasses,

if cut

theyare

rifts. He

leaguesin length;

he knew

small

"

lunar

on

that these

to 1500

thejmust

his companion
immediately
enlightened

found

500

but what

"

'rifts' in the scientificworld?"

Barbicane
he

such furrows

cut

furrows,"said Barbicane

not

are

Rifts ?

"

plough to

Ardan

shoulders.

be, and what giantoxen

labourers those Selenites must

harness to their

245

LANDSCAPES.

LUNAR

to have

known

Hevelius,Cassim,La
them.

attention to them.

It

Others

was

counted, their

amounts

nature

has

to
not

not fortifications,
certainly
any

had

Moedler.

who

more

determined

than

they are

in

studied
At

seventy; but, if they have

yet been

not

Hire,nor

Schroeter

followed who

Fastorff,
Gruithuysen,Bceer, and

their number

of
imaginations

first observations

The

rifts. Neither

the

this
been

they are

the ancient

246
beds

of

dried-uprivers

themselves

side,the waters,

one

have

never

of

craters

cross

slight

so

drains

such

worn

other,they often

the

and, on

for,on

surface,could

the moon's

on

MOON.

THE

ROUND

for

great

elevation.

must, however, allow that Michel

We

that,without

and

coincided

knowing it,he

had

Ardan

in that

"

idea,"

an

respectwith

Julius Schmidt.
"

be

"

said

Why,"

he, " should

simplyphenomena
"

What

"

Do

do you

"

You

"

"

Baibicane

asked

quickly.

Michel;
replied
yourself,
my worthy president,"
that the dark lines formingthat bastion
be possible
trees regularly
placed?
"

of

rows

excite

not

might it not

"VIere

appearances

?"
vegetation

of

mean

these unaccountable

not

then ?"
vegetation,

stick to your

Michel

retorted
like,"

Ardan,

"

to

said Barbicane.

explainwhat

hypothesishas
explain
; at least my
why these rifts disappear,or seem
indicating

the

cannot

you savants

advantage of
at
disappear,

to

certain seasons."
"

And

"

For

their
"

for what
the

?"

reason

that the trees become

reason

invisible when

theylose

leaves,and visible when

explanationis

Your

Barbicane,
"

theyregainthem,"
ingenious,
replied
my dear companion,"

but inadmlssable."

"Why?"
"Because,

so

to

speak,there

are

no

seasons

the phenomena
and that, consequently,
surface,
which

you

speakcannot

an

almost

equal height

equatorial
regionsthe
zenith,and does

of

the

moon's

of
vegetation

occur."

of
Indeed, the slightobliquity
at

on

in

the lunar

every

radiant orb almost

axis

keeps the

latitude.

Above

sun

the

invariably
occupiesthe

pass the limits of the horizon

in the

polar
regions;thus,accordingto each region,there reignsa perpetual
lanet Jupiter,
whose
or autumn,
as in the
winter,spring,summer,
not

'

axis is but littleinclined upon

its orbit.

LUNAR

What

origin do they

questiondifficult to
formation

of craters

due
But

the

to

this

high,and
small

the

Sea

"

seventy times
make

to

of animals

of man;
be

to

was

In

degree.

the

part

no

indeed

then you

No,"

interposed
And

He

that of

therefore,

was,

solvingthat great question

but the solution still escaped

but

life,in

the three
one

fluid

desert

beds, immense
Not

his course;

no

in

part

was

trayed
be-

not

an

inferior

was

kingdomswhich

alone

work

group

there

an

share the

representee

on

the

that the mineral.

lunar,and

"

ruin marked

them,

terrestrial globe between

one

surface;

before,either

Mountains.

there

was

be

to

objectobserved.

indicatinglife,even

seen

have

greater distance than

done

ever

no

north,arid mountains.

vegetation. Of

appeai'ance of

Ah,

carried to

moon

of the

name

the moon's

on

the

and

conditions for

not

feet

transparent than it is,to allow

distinguishnothing

the hand

glassesobjects

the

atmospherewould

Rocky

of the
habitability

towards

see

! " said Michel

no

one

tree

Ai-dan,a

littleout of countenance;

"

Nicholl

answered

animal, not

elevations,
enclosing

floated
projectile

himself

that of the

or

could

be

and
plains,

"

it

at
lat.,

Helicon. 1620

Kair.s,"under

more

the

extremelyfavourable
of the

"

of

moderate

had
powerfultelescopes

Ilosse

Mount

perfectobservations

found

the

Through

the eye of the observer

Barbicane

them-

Thus

the 40" of lunar

feet,rose

terrestrial

The

and

the most

him

miles.

the left rose

about

round

itself between

under

the

to

ramparts.

miles distant.

in the void in which

Lord

is

forces.

attained

their

point,under

astronomers

more,

That

anterior
certainly

are

natural

now

only four

be

portionof

hundred

but

rifts?

their circular

expansion of

of Lis.

Gulf

They

exceeding400

appearedto

these

to

for several have introduced

circles,

and

had
projectile

the

distance not

At

solve.

247

that,contemporary with the latter geological

epochs,they

be

are

attribute

by breaking through

eelves
may

LANDSCAPES.

After

"

up

to this time

not

man,

the atmospherehas
all,iv^jiistheji-

not

an

taken

248

ROUND

the

refuge at
even

off ;
but

if there
that,'

so

cannot

we

are

distance

vast

well,unfathomable

This
which
last

hole

projectile,

our

quarterand the

height of

the

miles.

to 300

To

the fiftieth
tlieleft ran

"Black

Lake;" it

moon,

new

from

when

Pluto,a deep circle

was

the

earth,between

the

shadows

the

soil.

into the lunar

gloomy, drilled

and

studied
conveniently

be

can

the

was

see

hal/

shaped,lyingin the full light.

capriciously
contrary, lay a black hollow resemblinga

the

on
right,

reduced

was

line of mountains
the

miles and

them."

see

the
parallel,

To

Selenites,
theycan

any

piercingeye

most

tlian three

four in the morning, at

Towards

to the

even

decide."

cannot

we

farther
distinguished

be

cannot

man

of the moon,

Barbicane,"

Besides,"added

"

MOON.

01
of cavities,in tliomidst of the circles,

bottom

face
opposite

the

on

THE

fall from

west

to east.

black colour is

This

circle of

Endymion, to the east

and at the bottom of
hemisphere,
the eastern
is

Pluto

of the
the

Sea, in the northern

of the Cold

on
Grimaldi's circle,

mountain, situated

annular

an

9" east

Barbicane

surface

the

equator,

of the orb.

border

longitude.Its
broad.
thirty-two

and

the

on

in the depthsof
yet it has onlybeen recognized

satellite. As

towards

with

rarelymet

in

51" north latitude,

miles long
forty-seven

circuit is

regrettedthat they were

not

and

above
passingdirectly

abyss to fathom, perhapssome

course
mysteriousphenomenon to surprise
; but the projectile's
submit.
could not be altered. They must
They could
rigidly
enclosed
when
not guide a balloon,still less a projectile,
once
this vast

within

opening.

its walls.

There

Towards

of the Sea of Rains

damine
on

the

and

That

becoming quite
within two

was

Fontenelle

left.

was

an

five in the morning

at

the northern

lengthpassed. The

remained

"

one

on

the

mounts

The

of Con-

right,the

part of the disc beginning with

mountainous.

limits

glassesbrought

the summit
miles,less than that separating

other

60^
them

was

to

of Mont

so

ROUND

distance

seemed

reduced
if

as

impossible
only
visible

himself

on

the

black

glasses

to

touched

the

by

the

projectile

brilliant

arch

of

quarter

hand

would
of

which

"f

the

not

mile.

It

seemed

strike

was

It

if

her,

distinctly

so

sky.

the

to

could

Michel,

carried

one

open

surface

moon's

projectile

satellite,

the

wanted

to

MOON.

be

long,

pole,

Ardan

Michel

if

before

north

the

on

might

moon

that,

the

at

the

the

by

THE

attain

not

along

useless

yery

its

throw

attempt

could

motion,

and

whatever

point

any

by

scuttles

of

not

for
the

attain

it

either.
At
disc

up,

that

only
whilst

projectile
And

absolute

moment,

at

six

to

the

presented
the

passed

the

darkness,

line
and

lunar

travellers'

disappeared

other

the

o'clock,

of

was

one

gaze

in

the

in

The

appeared.

half

darkness.

demarcation

plunged

pole

brilliauHy
Sudden.y

between

intense

profound

night

lit

the

jght
1

XIV.

CHAPTER

THE

NIGHT

OF

THBEE

AND

At

the

projectile
five miles

luminous

more

the

be

and

which

last

each

of

disc,

the

the

translatory

and

invisible
In

other.

Hence

desirous
of

fictitious

refused.

of

action

interior, the

However
reserve

without
the

of

extinguished

been

exclaimed,

Ardan

reflection

even

three

the

four

and

long night resulting

conical

the
the

of

movements

shadow

solar

the
of

no

rays

from

nights

and

half

The

moon.

more

are

at

equality of

the

the

from

rays

lunar

hours

ness
dark-

The

the

by

so

in which

hundred

Nothing

dazzling.

bo

more

"

blackness

shadow.

nor

disc, formerly

aghast.

jectile,
pro-

satellite, experienced
than

of

any

its

points.

the

each

see

the

it into

attenuation

have

to

the

twenty-

sudden,

so

without

seemed

Michel

rotatory
in

immerged
the

light,

that

plunge

to

was

rapidly,

so

less

at

sufficed

had

rendered

that

was

insteeped,
point

!"

of that

seen

"

It

stars.

orb

pole

transition

neither

was

complete,

was

the

disappeared

to

was

of

place

blow.

there

Indeed,

The

space.

that

waves,

Melted,

"

of

took

north

seconds

gradation

powerful

moon's

Some

darkness

HALF.

phenomenon

skirting the

was

without

shade,

this

distance.

absolute

by

when

moment

HOUSB

FIFTT-FOTJK

AND

HUNDRED

the

Barbicane

which

light,

obscurity

was

an

complete.

was

necessity

be

might

small,

expensive

he

of

was

They

dispelling
to

husband

obliged

brilliancy

which

the
the

to

could

darkness.
the

gas,

ask
the

not

from
sun

it

then

ROUND

252
"

Do

to

like

expend gas,
let

not

but
fault,

It is the

sun

"

It is the

moon

idle

it is the fault of the

placed herself

and

come

hia

Michel.

Barbicane

put

end to

an

the fault of the

sun

by saying,"
of the

nor

moon

which, instead of rigidly

projectile,
following

awkwardly missed

fault of that unfortunate

it.
which

meteor

To

be

has

just,it

more
so

is the

altered
deplorably

firstdirection.

our
"

Michel Ardan,
Well," replied,
After

breakfast.

have

build ourselves up
This

without

borne

away

rays, felt

But

so

hurrahs.

they talked

gloomy space,
uneasiness

Victor

to

and

The

sake,they
eating's

bold travellers

their accustomed

their hearts.

Hugo's pen

bound

nightof

the inhabitants

his friends

some

of this curious

the consequences

is fair to

prepared

The
them

"

strange

"

all sides.

on

three hundred

of the

being

cortege of

half,nearlyfifteen days,which

physicshas imposed on
gave

without
at

for

they ate

the interminable

over

hours
fifty-four

Barbicane

Michel
contradiction,

no

toasts,without

dear

let us
settled,

little."

vague

is

the matter

night of watching,it

whole

But

into
a

"as

few minutes.

drank

shadow

meeting with
proposal

the repast in

of

it is not

!" retorted NichoU.

it is neither
My friends,

has

gratuitouslj."
"

has

which

"

it."

!" continued

which
dispute,

its course,

his rays

givingus

which

and

us

Ardan,

Michel

sun," said Nicholl,

the

accuse

between

screen

An

us

instead of

of the moon,

that

"

"

MOON.

Dovil take *he radiant orb !" exclaimed

forces us
"

THE

and

the law

moon.

of
explanation

the

causes

and

phenomenon.

said
"Curious indeed,"
is

deprivedof
float does

solar

they;"for,ifeach hemisphereof the moon

lightfor fifteen days,that above which we

enjoyduringits long night any view of

the earth so beautifully
lit up.
In a word
she has no
moon
this designation
to our
{applying
globe)but on one side of her disc
if this were
the case
with the earth, ifj
Now
for example,Euro(ia
the moon, and she was
never
saw
only visible at the Antipodes,
now

not

even

"

''

It is the

fault

of

the

Moon."

THE

NIGHT

OF

imagineto yourselfthe

HOURS

354

AND

astonishment

of

HALF.

253

European

airiving

on

in Australia."

They would make

Michel.
! replied

"

for

the voyage

nothing but

to

the

see

"

moon
"

well !"

Very

continued

for the Selenites who

reserved

astonishment

that

inhabit the face of the

earth,a face which

to the

"

Barbicane,

is ever

invisible to

moon

is

site
oppo-

countrymen

our

of the terrestrial globe."

which

"And

aiTivedhere
I will

"

should have

we

when

the

moon

was

add, to make

the detriment

as

you

to break

see

dark

which
know

rise

is thii-teentimes
;

"

The

which

which

sheds

qualified
by atmosphericstrata
at the moment

when

"

Nicelyworded

"

It

!" said

inhabit,since

is

full,or

Michel,

"

on

it

always looks

the earth when

the

times

moon

the

The

faces,for

heat
insupportable

the eai'th'slightis

agreeable
the

moon

is new."

the

by

be

well compensated

lightbringswith

the

I say that for you, Nicholl, because

understand."

knittinghis

when

sun

heat

Michel

it,"

for the two

same

evidentlydeprivedof

searched

of two

perhaps."

be very

inconvenience, in that respect,is the

invisible face is still more

face.

which

we

!"

academical
slightly

either the

earth,

that

moon

Barbicane,without

on

horizon,

only disappears

in its turn

disc must

sun

greater than that

Bui," said Nicholl," that advantage must

by

%ot

reappears

the

diameter

earth which

that the visible face of the

"

to

"

sun

the

follows,then,"continued

brows,

"

the

"

the

It is the

that diminutive

lightthirteen

latter,

singleray

the contrary, when

developesitself at
a

by nature,

one

oppositehorizon.

greaterthan

the earth

degrees,and

hours, without

354

fifteen days sinks below

the

on

that the

"

the invisible face. The

on

other,on

given its lightfor

splendidorb

nightsof

the darkness.

has

which

favoured
singularly

of their brethren

see, have

Barbicane,

amends,''continued
are

had

we

that is to say fifteendays later."

new,

inhabitants of the visible face

to

seen,"added NichoU, "if

heat.
than

But

the

the visible

will

probably

Michel.

"

Thank

"

Indeed," continued

you,"said

at the

the

is

moon

and

new

occupiesin oppositionwhen

by

twice

the

from

sun

the

earth

sun

that invisible face is

in round

much

so

that

and

to the

nearer

distance

part of that which

two-hundredth

earth,or

she is

full,that
the

from

distance
at the

be estimated

the

follows,then, consideringthe positionwhich

she

her

ceives
re-

it is because

the sun,

is situated between

that is to say, she

It

the earth.

from

heat

lightand

kivisible face

the

Barbicane, " when

time

same

MOON.

THE

ROUND

254

may

separates
So

400,000 miles.

numbers
to the

nearer

snn

she receives

when

sun

its rays."
"

Quite right,"
repliedNicholl.

"

On

"

One

"

What

"

I ask to be allowed

his grave companion.

moment," said Michel,internipting
do you

"And

*'

Get

along with

"

On

the

to

prove

you," said Barbicane,smiling.

"

president,

is lit

moon

I imderstand."

that

contrary," said

of the

say,

by

the

opposite the

it from
separating

Michel, imitating the

the

on

sun,

radiant

the

the

contrary, when

it is because

with

sun

400,000 miles,and

to

explanation."

the

to contiaue

why?"

To

the

?"

want

"'

tures

Barbicane.

continued
contrary,"

the

regard

heat

which

is

must

ol

face

distance

in round

receives

ges

full,that ie

The

earth.

increased

she

visible

moon

the

to

orb is then

the

the

and

tone

numbers
be

little

less."
"

Very well said ! " exclaimed

that,for
"

an

amateur,

you

Yes," repliedMichel

are

"

Barbicane.

Do

you

know, Michel,

intelligent."

coolly,

"

are

we

all so

the Boulevard

on

def

Italiens."
Barbicane
continued

gravelyclasped the
to enumerate

the

hand

of his amiable

advantages reserved

companion,

for the

and

inhabitants

of the visible face.

Amongst others, he

mentioned

eclipsesof

the

sun, which

on]}

256

ROUND

milos

off;but

there

that medium
that

of

that that

allow

must

It

patientobservers.
fifteen

or

illuminated

by

sight.

could say ?

the

Where

drawn

solar

rays,

it to ?

would

of

was

lunar

to

alreadyhalf

man

disc

then

was

would

may

the
of

be

and

so

favourable

be, splendidly

being

lost

in

utter

Who

attractions
conflicting

travellers in the

the

All observation

constellations
that

allow

must

Faye, Charconac, and Secchi,never

circumstances

days

fifteen

would

imagined.

we

most

hemispherewhich

be
projectile

impossible.The

all their attention

aggravate the

face which

That

disappointmentof

The

darkness

claimed

unknown

the chances

midst of this utter

the

enough

days later,had been, or

In fifteen days where

darkness.

have

was

just that

was

their

stealingfrom

sooner,

"

legends call

of

the groanmgs

transmit

to

Air,

hear it.

not

If

it

see

slillbreathing."

and
granite,

was

wanting

Arabic

the

could

companions

surface,they could

its

on

MOON.

his

nor

sound,was

which

moon

One

neither he

any noise

was

THE

found

alone

the astronomers

themselves

in

for their observation.

Indeed, nothingcould equal the splendourof this starryworld,

limpid ether.

in

bathed

Its diamonds

The
sparkledmagnificently.
Southern

Cioss to the North

12,000 years, by

in

set in the

eye took in the firmament

Star,those
of

reason

the

two

resigntheir part of polar stars, the

southern hemisphere,the other to Wega
lo^es itself in this sublime
like
gravitating,

man.

From

soft lustre

natural

they did

cause,
not

new

one

of

to

in the

by

no

stars

were

soft eyes,

th"

the hand

of

with

atmospheie

dense
which, by the intervention of its layersunequally
difiereut degreesof

gination
Ima-

which

these constellations shone

was

in the

northern.

created

twinkle,for there

the

equinoxes,

Canopus

amidst
Infinity,
star

from

constellations which

succession

will

was
projectile

heavenlyvault

and

of

humidity,produces this scintillation. These

lookingout

into the dark

night,amidst

the

"ilcnce of absolute space.

Long

did the travellers stand

mute,

watchingthe

constellated

THE

OF

NIGHT

firmament,upon

which

black

hole.

enormoas

from

them

their

covered

soon

coatingof
with

But

watchings. This

The

ice.

and
by radiation,

space

result.

The

NichoU

heat

the interior

the

thermometer, and

reasons

begged lightfrom

for

the
in

the gas,

!" observed

also

was

our

Michel, "

we

profounddarkness,amidst
pole. No,
in

indeed !

our

of the

the

have

we

"

Then," continued Michel

now

of the

have

had, at least

lightand
!

now

saturated

plunged

Esquimauxs

rightto complain;

into

of the
nature

is the

temperature outside ?"

Ardan,

"

would

dared

we

not this be the time

attempt, when

not

we

in the sun's rays ?"

or

never,"repliedBarbicane,

Pouillet'scalculations
In any

with

Pampas

no

the temperature of
to verify
position

"

Its tenants

space,"repliedBarbicane.
planetary

experimentwhich

drowned
It is

The

honour."

Exactlythat

"

for heat.

reasonablycomplain of

like the

cold

"

were

So that,in spite

varietywe

blinded

But," asked Nicholl," what

the

in

into ice upon

longerendurable.

What

"

to make

up

that it had fallen

saw

zero.'

cannot

we

are

heat, like the Indians

does wonders

heat stored

obligedto beg

no

journey!

temperature. Now

north

projectile

frozen to death.

been

monotony of

with

the

thick

economizing,Barbicane, after having

low temperature was

projectile's

WeU

cold,which

scuttles with

changed

was

of the

"

drew

was

below
degrees (centigrade)

have

the

losingthe

to seventeen

would

intense

an

an

glass,
preventingall observation.

consulted

many

made

rapidlyevaporatinginto
lower temperature was
the
considerably

humidity of

with the

contact

This

257

screen,

longer warming

no

thus it was

by degrees.

HALF.

yast

was

glassof

was

sun

lengtha painfulsensation

at

the inside of the

AND

like

the moon,

its direct rays, and

its walls

HOURS

354

case

"

for

space, and

we
see

are

in

good

if Fourier

or

exact."

are

it is cold,"said Michel.

"

1" Fahr.

(Ed.)

"

See ! the steam

of the

258

ROUND

interior is

the

condensingon

continues,the vapour

THE

of

MOON.

of
glasses

will fall in

breath

our

If the fall

the scuttles.

around

snow

us."
"

Let

We

us

thermometer," said Barbicane.

imaginethat

may

result under

in which

would

mercury

have

furnished

had

himself

Wafferdin's system, which

frozen

been

with

gives the

afford

this instrument

zero' it is

degreesbelow
forty-two

Barbicane

would

ordinarythermometer

an

the circumstances

The

exposed.
below

prepare

to be

was

in its

ball,as

longerliquid. But

no

spiritthermometer

no

minima

of

on

low
excessively

temperatures.
Before

beginningthe experiment,this instrument was

with an ordinary
one, and then Barbicane preparedto

How

"

shall

set about

we

it ?" asked

pared
comuse

it.

NicholL

"

at
Nothing is easier,"
repliedMichel Ardan, who was never
We
loss.
ment
out the instru; throw
open the scuttle rapidly
with exemplary docility
; it follows the projectile
; and a
"

quarter of

hour

an

after,draw

"

With

the hand

"

With

the

"

Well

then, my

Barbicane,
"

but

?" asked Barbicane.

Michel.
hand," replied

friend,do

for the hand

not

that you

Really!"

"

Ton

draw

in

will feel as

if you

had

had

white

heat ; for whether

or
briskly

enters

it is exactly
the
briskly,

at

not

at

all certain that the

us."
following
Why not ?"
"

"

again will

terrible

am

answered
yourself,"

expose

be

nothing

cold."
stump frozen and deformed by the frightful

"

iron

it in.

Because, if

asked
we

we
objects

heat

leaves

thing. Besides,I

same

have

bodies

our

thrown

out

still

ore

Nicholl.

passing through an

are

these objects
will
slightest
density,

prevents our

the

bum, like that of

atmosphere of

be retarded.

seeingif theystillfloat around

"

-4*"

Tahr.

(Ed.)

Again, the
us.

But

the

ness
dark-

in order

THE

not

to

NIGHT

ourselves

expose

fasten

it,

and

we

Barbicane's

short
had

cord,

sufficed

"

The

freeze

devil

of

the

time

Barbicane

and

said,
"

little

M.

her.

scuttle
held

was

drawn

by

The

up.
that

but

rapidly
a

scuttle

second

had

cold.

half

to

Ardan,

allow

the
soldered

and

forty

hour

an

the

is

it

"

cold

enough

it
of

quantity
the

to

elapsed,

had

instrument

Then

temperature.

phial

Pouillet

radiation
into

enough

hundred

of

the

to

to

rapidly

spirits

lower

fall

to

was

part

which

of

wine

of

the

was

level

the

pulled

in.

overflowed

instrument,

"

undoubted
that

will

we

again."

which

second,

Michel

until

calculated

the

back

it

pull

easily

more

259

thermonieter,

our

instrument

intense

HALF.

Through

than

exclaimed

surrounding

into

be

more

waited

than

of

easily

the

might

most

loss

bear."

Barbicane

more

in

!"

white

it

AND

followed.

out

opened

let

to

the

more

was

threw
that

so

been

not

then

advice

HOURS

354

to

can

Nicholl

opened,

OF

right

was

temperature
the

lunar
all

the

degrees

of

continents,
heat

which

and

centigrade*
Fourier

the

starry
when
fifteen

the

below

That

wrong.
space.
orb

of

days

of

zero

"

the

was

Such

is,

night

has

sun

have

perhaps,
lost

by

poured

CHAPTER

XV.

BTPEBBOLA

We

little

80

their
of

metal

their

Instead

installed

in their

might

anxieties

they

minds

with

the

The

truth

aeronaut

contrary,
forbidden.

in the

them,
Forae

the

it

was

the

else

had

been

were

about

do

than

masters

of

to

the

alter

nor

of

head
motion

his

quietly

to

above

such

such

trifles
their

occupy

their

he

as

let

projectile;

pleases;

They,

balloon.

vehicle.
to

their

its direction.

ship

his

to

inclination

themselves

day

for

her

in the
to

to

force,

pole.

at

called

firmament.

impossible

north

not

were

the

certainly

unaccountable
satellite's

they

Every

the

on

manoeuvre

things alone,

an

was

or

the

as

run."

of

enough

upon

screen

infinity

going, they passed

themselves

its course,

the

find

Very

near

even

the

in

were

strong-minded

trouble

over

they

morning
?

they

power

let her

did

Where

if

as

so

something

vertical

Hence

say,

not

change

no

"

sailors

did

check

give

had

men

that

can

can

through

them

future.

was

sailor

that

had

neither

could

they

for

panions
com-

study.

they

that

where

his

and

reserved

them

bearing

experiments,

answer

that

"

future

the

was

asking

own

"and

they

of

making

time

We

which

Barbicane

find

to

with

occupied

prison

space.

astonished

be

perhaps,

may,

PABABOLA.

OB

upon

the

earth

look

to

them

like

As

to

the

distance

been

at

moment,

it.

within

an

The
four

o'clock

eight

the

of

neighbourhood

estimate
had

this

the

6th

cember
Deand

moon,

black

enormous

which

of

separated

projectile,held
miles

of

by

grazing

HYPERBOLA

OR

261

PARABOLA.

_%

But since

the
entering

the distance increased

wantingby
the

cone

of shadow
?

diminished

or

hours,had

these last two

Every point of

to estimate both the direction and

which

mark

was

speed of

the

projectile.
it was

Perhaps
quit the
be

might

shadow.

pure

nearingit
ended

have

the other

Perhaps, again,on
much

so

that in

short time it

hemisphere,which

the invisible

high pointon

some

that it would

rapidly
leavingthe disc,so

journeymuch

the

the

to

soon

hand,

it

might strike

would

lessly
doubt-

of

detriment

the

travellers.
A

discussion

ready with

arose

this

on

an

explanation,
gave

by

the lunar

held

it

First of

fall to the earth

does not
so

and if we

follow that
"

But

had

how

if we

; it is

passed into

should

we

Barbicane," every aerolite

only a

small

near

enough ?

"

rush

shooting stars

not

do

necessarily

repliedMichel.
"Have

mistake,"repliedBarbicane.

"Pure

which
proportion

it does
aerolite,

an

the

by fallingon

reach the surface of the moon."

ever

get

end

the projectile,

aerolite.

an

friend,"answered

all,my

Ardan, always

opinionthat

his

as

would
attraction,

surface of the terrestrial globelike

"

Michel

and
subject,

through

the

sky by

not

you

thousands

seen

certain

at

?"

seasons

"Yes."
"

are

onlyshine when they

Well, these stars,or rather corpuscules,
the atmosphericlayers. Now, if they
heated by glidingover
the

enter

atmosphere,they pass

earth,but they
It may

approachvery

But

"1

see

moments'
"

near

it.

The

fortymiles

same

to the moon,

then,"asked Michel," I shall be curious

erringvehicle

our

faU upon

least within

with
and

our

of the
jectile.
pro-

yet not fall

it."

upon
"

seldom

at

What

but

how

will act in space ?"

two

repliedBarbicane,after
hypotheses,"

reflection.
are

to know

they?'

some

262

ROUND

The

"

has
projectile
and it will follow

curves,

with which

it is

MOON.

THE

the

choice

one

or

between

the

other

animated,and which

at

mathematical

two

the

to
according

this moment

speed

I cannot

estimate."
said

"Yes,"

will follow either

Nicholl,"it

parabolaor

hyperbola."
Just

"

the

assume

and
parabola,

I like those

"

knows

what
directly

order,the

! ah !" said

Ah

It is very

"

bomb

"

Perfect !

"

The

And

the

And

Michel,in
from
the

is your

"

one

para

curve

intersected

cone

satisfied tone.

the

Nicholl,
"

described

conrse

mortar."

hyperbola?
a

"

curve

conic

constitutes two

if theyhad told him of

of the second order,produced

surface and

branches

Michel

two

obscure

planeparallel
from

the

directions."

Ardan

hyperbola(I was

it is still more

separatedone

serious event.

some

definition of the

blague)is that

will

of its sides."

one

Is it possible
!" exclaimed

like in your

"

in the
other,both tendingindefinitely
"

Ardan

pray what

result of the section of

Michel,is
hyperbola,
by the intersection of a

to its axis,and

Michel

captain, the parabolais

nearly,"continued

launched

speed it

"

to
by a planeparallel
"

certain

greaterthe hyperbola."

they mean.

My friend,"answered

of the second

by

with

With

grand words," exclaimed

bola,if you please?

"

"

so,"repliedEarbicane.

in
"

serious tone, as

What

particularly

goingto

than the word

say

hyper-

you pretend

to define."

Nicholl

and

Earbicane

cared

little for Michel

Ardan's

fun.

Taey were deep in a scientificdiscussion. What curve would the

follow ? was
their hobby. One maintained the hyperprojectile
bola,
the other the parabola. They gave each other reasons
with a;.
Their arguments were
couched
in language
bristling
which
would

made

Michel jump.

giveup

his chosen

curve

The

discussion
to his

was

hot,and

adversarjr.

neither

264

ROUND

In
continually.

any

But
not

minds

If

which

matter

justone,

ever

the

is at the full."

moon

"that

said NichoU,
"Certainly,"

I allow that

favourable.

the

would

earth,which
round

drawn
have

the

instead

of

what

should
if

invisible part of

seeing the

we

should

we

more

sun's rays,

we

is more,

this moment,

at

as

moon,

in the

immersed

And

fuU.

be

advantage

the

the moon,

will be

circumstance

but
during the transit,

be visible

not

Michel, apparently

shall do well to

again,we

beginthis journeyover

we

ardent

these

this reflection from

drew

It did

dark.

and

"

choose the time when

wiU

dumb

of questionsput by
multiplicity

the

; a
a

"

highestinterest.

up to this time the disc remained

answer

discover

be able to

theymight hope to

case

of the

phenomena

some

MOON.

THE

see
were

at

least

her

disc

lit."
magnificently
"

Michel Ardan.
said,NichoU," replied

Well

What

"

do

you

think,Barbicane?"
"

I think

this,"answered

the

begin this journeyagain,we

under

the

conditions.

would

it not have

same

than
daylight,

our

suffered

"

"

I have

Here

no

we

made

was

and

had

same

attained

ever

we

time

and

end,

our

continents

in broad

Would

not

better circumstances ?
could

side,we

the lunar
chosen.

"

darkness ?

under

in order to have

deviation

nothingto

well

the

at

found

utter

the invisible

to

moon

arrived at the end

have

been

expeditionson
exploring

of the fuU

time

Suppose

country plunged in

Yes, evidently.As
it in

shall start

been better to have

firstinstallation have

our

:
president

grave

globe.

But
so

have

So that the

ought

we

visited

we
arrived,

to

have

ought to

the road."

on

that,"answered

to

say

Michel

Ardan.

lost of observing
the other
is,however, a good opportunity

side of the moon."

But

the

incalculable
ascertain.

was
projectile

course

Had

which

describingin

now
no

the

sight-markwould

its direction been

shadow
allow

them

that
to

either by the influence

altered,

HYPERBOLA

of the lunar

OR

265

PARABOLA.

or
attraction,
by the action of

Barbicane could not

But

say.

change had

relative position
of the vehicle ; and

unknown

some

taken

Barbicane

star

place in

the

verified it about

four in the

morning.
change consisted

The
Lad

turned

this,that the

in

the moon's

towards

surface,and

perpendicular
passingthrough its
to say the

axis.

had broughtabout
weight,

fall upon

Was

it

desired

No.

the

And

the

nearingthe

almost

pointof

This

reddish

mark

which

much

quite
sign-point,
his projectile
was

shifted

by foUowing

which
brightness,

it is

increased

with

an

by

Nicholl
the black
It

star.

it and

was

decided

by degrees,a

towards
shifting

was
projectile

volcano!

"A

it had

be confounded

not

the surface of the

normallyon

of

the limit of the horizon formed

pointcould
the

attainingthat

that

Barbicane

luminous

was

incandescence

proof that

if it

as

curve.

on
sightedsuddenly,

disc.

heaviest

the invisible disc

travellers

that

and

moon,

concentric

This

by

that is
attraction,

The

observation

in itself,
showed
inexplicable
not

held

so

it.

falling? Were

end ?

was

this alteration. The

inclined towards
part of the projectile
would

projectile

of the

base

not

falling

moon.

volcano

in action!"

cried

Nicholl; "a

! That world is
of the interior fires of the moon
disembowelling
not quiteextinguished."
carefully
"Yes, an eruption,"repliedBarbicane, who was
studyingthe phenomenon throughhis nightglass."What should
it be, if not
"

volcano ?"

combustion,there
that

Ardan,

But, then," said Michel

must

be

air. So

"

an

atmospheredoes

surround

partof the moon."

"P"rAops so,"repliedBarbicane,"but
by
own

in order to maintain that

the

oxygen,

that the

of
decomposition
and

thus throw

by the
deflagration,

certain

not

The
necessarily.

substances,can

cano,
vol-

provideits

flames

into space.

It

intense

of
brilliancy

the

seems

to

me

substances

266

in

MOON.

THE

ROUND

We

combustion,is produced in pure oxygen.

hurryto proclaimthe
The
fierymountain
south latitude

takingit far

he could not

being sighted,this
dark

horizon

considerable

the

had

and where

kingdom,nay,
in

volcano
would

yet disappearedfrom

heat

exists,who

influences ?

allowed

Barbicane

forgothimself

He

destinyof
combine

incident

was

threatened

more

lunar

danger,the

be

these

of

was

proved
of this

vegetable
this

to

up

of this

existence

The

carried away
reverie

deep

earthlysavants,
to the grave

these reflections.

in which

the mysterious
He

was

up to that

time,

brisklyto reality.This

him

cosmical

consequences

by

uppermost.

was

facts observed

recalled

than

the

moon.

world

togetherthe

incident

new

the

in

to

not

theories favourable

to many

himself

by

It

the bowels

has
kingdom itself,

the animal

of the
habitability

the

phenomenon

afiirm that the

can

seen
eruption,
unmistakably

questionof

when

this

studies.
selenographic

in their

give rise

after

hour

an

behind
point had disappeared

not

even

doubtless

seekingto

exactly. Half

nature

resisted all destructive

time

the

verification of

consequence

that all heat

globe;

its

luminous

; but

part of the disc;but, to Barbicane'e

was
describing
projectile
pointindicated by the eruption.Thus

the

determine

45"

the

about

situated

been

which

curve

from

be in

not

atmosphere."

lunar

have

must

the invisible

on

the
great displeasure,
was

existence of

must

phenomenon
of which

might

it
be

was

trous
disas-

in the extreme.

Suddenly,in

the

midst

of the

ether,in

the

profounddarkness,

descent
appeared. It was like a moon, but an incanall the more
whose
intolerable as it
was
brilliancy
moon,
the frightful
darkness of space.
This mass, of a
cut sharply
on
circular form, threw
The
a
lightwhich filled the projectile.
an

enormous

forms
white

of

mass

Barbicane, NichoU, and

sheets, assumed

physicians
producewith
with salt.

that

livid

Michel

Ardan, bathed

spectralappearance

of alcohol
the fictitiouslight

in

its

which

impregnated

HYPERBOLA

*'

By

!" cried Michel

Jove

that ill-conditioned
"

"

we

hideous.

are

is

What

space ?"

Yes."

globesuddenlyappearingin
shooting
200

at most

diameter
and

Ardan,

?"

moon

burning in

meteor

This
of

267

PARABOLA.

meteor,"repliedBai'bieane.

"A
"

OR

it in

of 2000

It advanced

yards.
It

the

cut

As

minutes.

some

at

distance

have

miles, ought, accordingto Barbicane,to

half per second.

shadow

it

at

speed of

about

projectile's
path,and
it grew

approached

to

mile

one

must

reach

enormous

proportions.
the
Imagine, if possible,
to
impossible

describe

it.

stiffened

the

of which

course

this

ignitedmass,

It seemed

as

danger, they

limbs,a prey

than

intense

Their

projectile,

the open

of

mouth

towards
beingprecipitated

thoughtheywere

froid,
sang-

on
rushing straight

alter,was

not

It is

mute, motionless

were

terror.
frightful

to

theycould

more

travellers !

the

spiteof their courage, their

In

their carelessness of
with

situation of

an

oven.

an

abyss

of fire.

looked

three
heated

to

of his two

seized the hands

had

Barbicane

through

their

heat.

white

If

thoughtwas

given themselves

them

after the

minutes

Two

centuries of

two

to strike

making

the

it,when
any

of
agitation

the

paletteis

What
rich

all this awe,

amidst

sudden

globeof

of the meteor

appearance

fire burst like

void

where

cry, and he and

sight!

enough

theymust

for lost.

layersof air,could
a

destroyedwithin

seemed
anguish)the projectile

noise in that

Nicholl uttered
scuttle.

up

not

all

that asteroid

half-openeyelids
upon

them, if their brains stillworked

have

companions,and

What

not

in colours

to

bomb,

be

is but

the

generated.

companionsrushed
can

about

but without

sound, which

his

pen

almost

(to

describe

it ?

to the

Wliat

a
reproduceso magnificent

?
spectacle
It

was

like the

openingof

of an
crater,like the scuttcring

268

ROUND

immense

irradiated space

was

there

with

their fires.

There
intermingled.

yellow,red,green,

grey

the

much-dreaded

and

enormous

these

in their
whitish

Its left scuttle

blocks crossed

was

cracked

even

lightwhich saturated the

Michel, drawing Barbicane

And

luminous

througha

the whole

three

the eye of

man

at

by

the

surrounded

struck the

violent shock.

by

projectile.
It seemed

the
shells,

veiy

confined

so

smallest of

to

his

window,

visible at last !"

emanation,which

which

intense,
wonderfully

NichoU

that

for the firsttime.

saw

distance

was

and

caughta glimpseof
now

ether

they

atmosphere,from

lasted

of
mountains, but also projections

not

clouds

which
less

some

seconds,

disc which
mysterious
What
could theydistinguish

could

lengthenedbands along the disc,real

a

asteroids

might destroyit instantly.

exclaimed," The invisible moon,

of

become

nothing

struck each other,scattering

and

hail of howitzer

The
that

remained

Of

trains of brilliant

them

of which

some
fragments,

amidst
floating

which

globe there

leavingbehind

others

incandescent

stillsmaller

be

of fireworks of all colours.

crown

dust.

These

to

were

Every size,every colour,

rays of yellow and pale

now
fragmentscarried in all directions,
turn, some
flaminglike a sword, some

cloud,and

cosmical

"

fragmentslit up

of luminous

Thousands
conflagration.

and

dut

MOON.

THE

estimate ?

formed

Some

in the midst

emerged not onlyall

importance
; its circles,

face.
placedas on the visible surcapriciously
Then immense
but real seas,
spaces, no longerarid plains,
their liquid
surface allthe
on
reflecting
oceans, widelydistributed,
the surface of
on
dazzling
magic of the fires of space ; and, lastly,
the continents,largedark masses,
lookinglike immense forests
under the rapidillumination of a brilliance.

its yawning craters, as

Was

givea
Dared
eo

it an

a mistake,
an
illusion,

scientificassent

theypronounce
a glimpseof
slight

to

an

upon

illusion?
optical

observation
the

so

they

obtained
superficially

questionof

the invisible disc ?

Conld

its

after
habitability

HYPERBOLA

But

the

brilliancy
and

to

its

again
was

lightnings
died

were

away

again

buried

in

the

darkness
in

the

in

asteroids
in

firmament,
impenetrable

269

PARABOLA.

subsided

space

extinguished

accustomed
twinkled

OR

by

degrees
in

dispersed
distance.

the

the

stars,
and

the

night.

The

eclipsed
disc,

so

its

accidental

different
ether
for

hastily

tions
direcreturned

moment,

discerned,

XVI.

CHAPTER

The

projectile had

unforeseen
with

meteors

for

the

that

of

invisible

glory
had

to

been

by

the

that
But

have

passed

opposite

the

this

closed

the

would

curve

be

the

cone

diameter

of

the

This

floating

in

of

of

day

this

It

and

deep

moon.

was

to

up

shadow.

still

Had

than

projected

when

time

Whatever

to

bola.
hyper-

quickly
into

the

compared

this

so.

determined
inclined

narrow,

its

feared

be

projectile must

to

then,

projectile

was

parabola

shadow

little

so

The

the

Barbicane

the

and

seas,

Questions

unalterably

indeed, is very

cone,

being

moon

orb

round

rather

through

afternoon.

reasoning.

the

seconds

some

curiosity 1

curve

parabola,

the

human

meteor

describe

firework,

atmosphere,

an

not

cosmical

inimitable
for

Did

direction

by

of

not

No,

flash, continents,

the

in

upon

space

life-givingatoms

three

past

perils

sandbanks

of

lit up

against

rencontre

sailors, they could

this

them.

rery

serious

create

many

than

that

the

of

been

its

altered

sun.

so

since

admitting

diameter

had

face

of mechanical

laws

believe

to

projectile must

the

might

such

splendid sight

In

its curvilinear

again

imitate, had

visible

ever

half

then

following

course

But

for

the

moon.

unknown

insoluble, and

was

the

of

complain

expansion,

become

this

was

of

thought

fortunate

them

could

Ruggieri

no

bring

from

and

them

to

adventurers

given

danger,

bodies

were

less

these

had

bursting

forests

They

terrible

have

erring

which,

did

nature

meteor

It

These

ether

But

escape.

which

would

travellers.

sea

since

just escaped

Who

one.

HEMISFHEBE.

SOUTHERN'

THE

the
had

space

angular
with

the

projectile
been

its

Which

"

An

"

is

ellipse.

"

it

Moon

of

the

Only,

"

"

Barbicane,
"

the

Yes,
careless

will

projectile

the

itself

interplanetary

in

describe

space,

elliptical

an

orbit

!"

that

And

losing

moon."

Indeed

"

of

Instead

that

the

around

called""

is

probable

MOON.

THE

ROUND

272

become

moon

!"

have

would
"

in

will

that

another

Frenchman

we

are

satellite."

her

Michel

cried

you

observe,
the

none

and

manner,

with

his

less

much

most

Ardan.

my

worthy

lost

more

amiable

for

friend,"

replied

that."

pleasantly/'
smile.

answereil

it

CHAPTER

XVn.

TTCHO.

At

six

than

in the

eveningthe projectile
passe

a
fortymiles off,

north

pole.

At

the

east

triplehurrah.

to

metal

appearance.

The

once

The

its

those

also

ice melted

which
saluted

was

move

by

heat, which

sent

for economy's sake, the

immediately,

and

orb

out.

blessed

the

stars

glass resumed

The

layers of

entered

radiant

lightit

walls.

at the

alreadyreached

more

more

once

west.

With

pierced the

saw

that

carried
being rigidly

was

travellers

They

sun.

slowlyfrom

equal to

curve
elliptical

this moment
of the

rays

The

distance

ais

if

gas

was

less

pole at

south

the

soon

its accustomed

by

enchantment

put out, the

air

apparatus alone consuming its usual quantity.

Ah

"

!"

said

"

NichoU,

must
impatience

these rays of heat

the Selenites wait

the

With

good.

are

what

of the

reappearance

orb

day."

of
"

Yes," repliedMichel Ardan, "imbibingas it were

ether,lightand heat,all life is contained

At
from

the bottom

this moment
the lunar

orbit.
elliptical
Barbicane

and

in
surface,

From
his

brought by
leave

the

the

order

this

to

was

could

in them."

deviated
projectile

follow the

point,had

companions

in the sun's u'radiation she

attracted their

of the

have

seen

scuttles,and

somewhat

slightly
lengthened

the earth

been

at

the

full,

it,but immersed

quiteinvisible. Another spectacle

attention,that of the southern

glassesto

the brilliant

within

450

noted

every

part of the moon,

yards. They
detail of

did not

again

this fantastical

continent,
T

274

ROUND

Mounts

Doerfel

the south

near

the

and Leibnitz formed

pole.

The

occupiedthe

latitude to the

the

separate groups
from

extended

the

pole to

part of the orb; the

eastern

border,extending from

eastern

very

65" of

the

pole.

formed ridgeappeareddazzlingsheets,as
capriciously

On their
mentioned

two

first group

on
parallel,
eighty-fourth

second

MOON.

THE

by

Boman

With

Pfere Secehi.

astronomer, Barbicane

the illustrious

than
certainty

more

their
recognize

enabled to

was

nature.
"

snow,"

They

are

"

Snow

?"

"

Yes, Nicholl,snow

See

how

repeatedNicholl.

they

give

never

such

out

And

the fact
if ever

can

These

Barbicane

mountains

plainsof

should

of Doerfel

and

extent, which

of circles and

succession

see

the

deeplyfrozen.
lava

then

must

little as

again,his

be

please,

you

No, it could

earth

would

not

be.
will

notes

observations.
great fact in his selenographic

medium

contested."

longerbe

no

There

As

moon.

is

Cooled

rays.

reflection.

the

on

of which

luminous

intense

be air

bear witness to this

surface

; the

reflect the

water, there must

but

he exclaimed.

annular

Leibnitz

in the midst

rose

bounded

were

by

indefinite

an

These

ramparts.

of

two

chains

the

tively
onlyones met with in this region of circles. Comparabut slightly
marked, they throw up here and there some
the highest
summit
of which attains an altitude of
sharp points,

are

24,600 feet.
But

was
projectile

the

high

projections
disappearedin
of the lunar

raw
landscapes,

and without

But

them

by

I'egionas

all this

and
landscape,

of
brilliancy

sight of

its very
if

in tone, without

the disc. And

gradationof colours,
and

white, from

light.

this desolate world

strangeness. They

they had

the

reappeared that original

aspect

degrees of shadow, roughlyblack

of difiiisionof
the

the intense

of the travellers there

to the eyes

the want

above

been

borne

on

did not
were

fail to

moving

the breath

of

captivate
over

some

this

storm.

TYCHO.

watchingheightsdefile under
their eyes,

going

275

their

into the

down

the cavities with

feet,
piercing

rifts,climbingthe ramparts,

soundingthese mysteriousholes,and
of

trace

no

no
vegetation,

of

beds
stratification,

of cities ;

appearance

sun's rays

Nothing belonging to

with

would

nothing but

overpoweringbrilliancy.

livingworld

everythingto

"

of the

the bottom

at
dispersenoiselessly

In any
retainingthe motion, but wanting the sound.
the image of death,without its being possible
even
was

that life had

80th

30"

in
parallel,

in former

days

far from

Michel

dismantled

of

there
portico,

"

two

or

town

conduit of

an

aqueduct;

bed

so

amiable

companionswould
Moments
The

were

Selenite

could

who

too

see

tained
ardour, main-

must

have

their base

supportedthe

part the sunken

parts of

much

see
really

the

of
pillars
rift. He

imaginationin
we

must

would

dare

that which

his

mistrust
to

say,

his two

?
be

preciousto

city,whether

afar o""

height of

lyingunder

who
affirm,

fellow did not

not

to

still intact arch

the thickest
with

rivers of

to the

the

that
and throughglassesso fantastical,
glance,
But

the

it he discerned

here

in another

bridge,run into
gigantic
all this,but
distinguished
his observation.

of

Beneath

three columns

that the

say

Short, equalto the Asiatic

succession of arches which

farther on,

as

of his fortress.

ramparts of

the

about

was

his accustomed

with

Ardan,

the evidences

It

that, rose

of

17,400 feet the annular mountain

"

to

heap of stones, rather

fortress,
overlobkinga long

served

had

Not

times.
prehistorical

Caucasus.

it

case

longitude. This

a vast
placed,represented
regularly

which
rift,

abyss,

recognizeda heap

Barbicane's attention.

he drew

ruins,to which

tains,
moun-

existed there.

ever

Ardan, however, thought he

Michel

dead

of the

from the summits

avalanches,rolling

world, where

But

lava, overflowings
polishedlike immense

the
reflecting

mirrors,

cracks.

all
levelling

sacrificed in idle discussion.

The distance of the

T

not, had

appeared
alreadydisfrom tKe lunai
projectile

imaginaiyor

276
disc

was

lost in
and

the

on

and
increase,

confused

without

It

annular

an

Barbicane
mountain

above

depth of

the

formed

rays could

break,

the

violent causes;

that the

heightof

far from

this

equallingthie

ment,
beyond all measure-

was

of which

bottom

the

well have

mountains,of which
that the moon's

long.

impassable.

hole

lightof

Newton," said Barbicane,"

prove

east

the sun's

There, accordingto Humboldt, reigns

Mythologistscould

annular

recognized

and 16"
lat.,

south

gloomy abyss,the

darkness,which

utter

to be

enormous

reach.

never

Barbicane

companions observe

This

curiosities of

of the

surroundingplainwas

its crater.

and

"

his

made

one

ramparts of which, risingto

crater, the

heightof 21,300 feet,seemed

boundary

Mappa Selenographica.

exactly77"

is situated in

It forms

the

their

craters

left,layextended

which

Newton,

was

the

to

one
orography,

to
trouble,by referring

Newton

still showed

this moment,

of the finest circles of lunar

this continent.

the
the circles,
reliefs,

remained, and

At
distinctly.

being

details of the soil were

the

The

jumble.

plainsalone

lines

MOON.

THE

ROUND

for whilst under

of

means

no

cannot

of hell.

perfecttype

most

the earth possesses

formation,by

reliefs rise to considerable

it the mouth

made

is the

the earth

and

sun

of these

sample.They

is
cooling,

due

to

of internal fires the

the pressure

the depthswilhdi'aw
height,

far below

the lunar leveL"

"

minutes

Some

overlooked
distance
in the

in 58"
at

after

crater

mountain

the siimmits of

south

lat.,and

(reduced to

projectile
directly

the

of Moret.

Blancanus, and

at

It skirted at
about

some

seven
half-past

the circle of Clavius.

of the most

one
circle,

22,950 feet.

miles

passingNewton,

the annular

eveningreached

This

Ardan.

Michel
disputethe fact,"
replied

I do not

15"

remarkable
east

long.

The

at
travellers,

four

by

their

of the
Its

disc,is situated

height is

distance

could
glasses),

of

estimated

twenty-four

admire

this vast

in its entirety.

"Terrestrial

volcanoes,"said Barbicane,"are

but

molehilla

TYCHO.

formed

littlemore

island is
What

"It is 150
the

circle of the

the

the

largeston

Clavius,which

of

againstthat

? " asked

globe.

we

look
over-

Nicholl.
"

miles,"repliedBarbicane.
the

important on

most

Ceyland the

"

is its breadth

What

the circle of

is considered

these diameters

are

find them

we

France

In

; at

across

fortymiles,which

at this moment
"

miles

six

measures

Etna,

and

three miles in breadth.

than

old craters

Measuring the

moon.

of Vesuvius
the first eruptions

by

Cantal

of the

those

with

compared

277

but

moon,

This

circle is

many

others

certainly
measure

150, 100, or 75 miles."

Ah

"

! my

this

yourselveswhat
smoke

time

then,and

carcase

suns,

after

of

This

decay!

the

cause,

is

pictureto

you

been

have
the

at

wonderful

moon

same

spectacle
than

nothingmore
sadlybroken

left but

reason,

the

motive

and

squibs,rockets,serpents

fireworks,whose

say the

can

can

night must

What

have
superb brilliancy,

"

vomited
thunderings,

tongues of flame.

what

now

thin

Who

and

of

peacefulorb

now

its craters, filled with

when

Michel,

friends,"exclaimed

cases.

force of these

?"
cataclysms
Barbicane

not

was

those

hundreds

burrowed
a

Michel

At

of

small

the bottom

colander,and overlooked

reliefs,
nothing so
so

may

mountains

burst

at

The

which

plating
contem-

was

by large mountains

of the immense

cavity

by

these

ruins

peak 15,000 feet high.

Nothing so
of

arid

these

as

mountains, and

(if

the soil.

The

satellite seemed

to

and

ha\

this spot.
stilladvancing,and this movement

Circles,craters, and uprootedmountains

incessantly.No

ending

as

he

these fragments of peaks

ourselves)

strewed

was
projectile

subside.
other

express

sad

extinguishedcraters,riddlingthe

Around, the plainappeared desolate.

we

Ardan

ramparts of Clavius,formed

several miles.

spreadover
soil like

to
listening

Switzerland

and

more

plains;no

Norway.

And

more

did not

succeeded
seas.

in, the
lastly,

each
never-

centre

of

278

ROUND

this

regionof

THE

MOON.

the most

crevasses,

splendidmountain

disc,the dazzling
Tycho, in which
the

of the illustrious Danish

name

In

ohservingthe

failed to remark
Michel

full

this brilliant

Ardan

used

centre

tire of

silver

wheel,

an
tentacles,

crushed

head,

forms

face of the

eai^th

such

can

240,000 miles !
this pure

was
ether,its brilliancy

and

his friends

smoke

before

they

contemplated. All
at

could

lightthat

its

was

the

disc with

its

the inhabitantg
at

distance of
the

intensityto

miles
onlyfifty

Seen

of

eye

through

intolerable that Barbicane

so

blacken

bear

It

the

their

glasseswith

splendour.

Then

the gas

silent,

of admiration,they gazed,they
interjection

utteringan
scarcely

concentrated

distance of

obligedto

were

in that

of

Imagine, then,

placedat

focus of

Creator's hand, and

glasses,
though

observers

moon

it without

has

one

flames,a glorycarved

the

by

concentration

see

enclosingthe

launched

no

imaginationcould

Tycho was
vomitingrays.

eye filled with

star

preserve

hemisphere.

this

asteria

an

enormous

againstthe

Tycho

him

sky

the southern

that his

crater
a
irradiation,

brilliant

for Pluto's

of the

of

cloudless

pointof

To

ever

astronomer.

metaphor

every

supplyto designateit by.

a
light,

will
posterity

in

moon

the lunar

on

their

all their impressions,

were
feelings,

look,as

under

violent emotion

any

centrated
con-

all life is

the heart.

Tycho belongsto

the

momitains, like Arissystem of radiating

Copernicus
; but it is of all the most
compieie duiI
the frightful
volcanic action to
decided,showing unquestionably

tarchus and

which
43"

the formation

south

lat.,and

miles
fifty

crater

is surrounded
east

and west

It is
and

group

crowned

What

this

by

of the
12" east

broad.
an

It

of Mont

assumes

is

is situated in

occupiedby

form, and
elliptical
slightly

of annular

outer

Tycho

Its centre

long.

enclosure

overlook the

is due.

moon

ramparts, which

plainfrom

Blancs, placedround

on

the

heightof 15,000 feet.

one

common

centre

beams.
by radiating

incomparablemountain

is,with
really

all the

projee-

28o

ROUND

"Ah!"
"

of

grand

mountains

for

humanity

All

simply.

be

city,

constructed

live

refuge,

peaceful

isolated

and

might

enthusiastic

there,

the

all

who

sight;

within

that

beyond

all

misanthropes,

those
and

at

have

ring
human
those

distaste

lifel"

social
"

calm

How

of

quiet

MOON.

Ardan,

might

town

misery.
haters

Michel

exclaimed

what

THE

It

would

be

too

small

for

them,"

replied

Barbicane

CHAPTER

XVin.

GRATE

BcT

the

projectilehad

Barbicane

and

attention

the

his

What
had

the

and

miles
thirty
to within

towards

of

in the

concave

These

miles

Neander,

of

rays, which

shone

crater

their
an

of

the

on

plainsas

be ?

They

to
brilliancy

seen

was

which

All

and

particularly
half of

as

far

Another

as

the
the

by

Others, towards

miles.
the Sea

of Humours

origin of

the
well

as

on

the

started from
from

of lava

has not been

in these

north, the

places

some

Nectar, breaking againstthe

sprang

currents

cover,

meridian.

circuit of 800

What

Tycho.

have

of

to

at

miles, others
in

jetsextended

40th

the Sea of Clouds

opinion,however,

astronomers

Sea

the

and

the

on

the

network.

furrows, raised

twelve

some

seemed

of these

situated

height they might

the

question occupied

brilliant trains extended

Tycho, and

Pyrenees,after

luminous

centre,

north-east

furrowed

the west, covered

a

This

beams

hemisphere. One

slightcurve
chain

geologicalphenomenon

What

in all directions luminous

the east, the

circle of

glory ?

ardent

ran

broad.

600

southern

shed

mountain

mind.

his eyes

edges

scrupulous

with

celebrated

and

the horizon.

over

designed these

Under

watched

the

Tyeho,

of

enceinte

companions

two

this radiant

was

Barbicane's

the

passed

brilliant rajs which

all
curiously

so

QUESTIONS.

him.

these

sparkling

at
reliefs,

Herschel

kind of

buted
attri-

the cold

generallyadopted.

inexplicable
rays

ever
what-

centre,

common

congealedby

with

Other

moraines.

282

ROUND

of erratic

rows

THE

MOON.

blocks,wh'.ch had been thrown

up at the

periodof

Tycho'sformation.
And

"

and

why

these
rejecting
Because

"

Eh

"

to

me

the
to

necessary

to

?" asked

not

by

of
regularity

Jove

Well

Michel.

hand

The

"Ah!

is not

and

those

brave

My

is useless.

seems

enough

easy

rays."

"It

is

producedby

as

throw

enough to

ball or

ball to

give such

say that it is

stone

thrown

what

hand

to the

stone, let

much-abused

us

suppose

comets!"

is
Michel, your explanation
The

shock

which

shock

at a

it to be

not

would
that ?"

as

at

all

founded
con-

comet."

exclaimed

producedthat
A

Nicholl,not

answered
necessary,"

the inside of the star.

from

it

"

repliedBarbicane,smiling. "And

!"

"

"

to that

powerfulenough to
"

these

plicable."
distances,is inex-

glassI"

square of

be

such

to

?" said Barbicane.

star,similar

"

matter

the violence

and
lines,

repliedMichel Ardan,

"Indeed," continued
vast

these luminous

volcanic

!"

relating

was

opinions.

explainthe originof

Indeed

"

different

carry

Barbicane,who

Nicholl of

Barbicane.

bad

; but

rent

must

comet

your
have

come

violent contraction of the lunar

might suffice to imprintthis giganticstar."

crust, while cooling,
"

Michel
"

something like

contraction I

lunar

stomach-ache,"said

Ardan.

Barbicane," this opinionis that of

Besides,"added

savant, Nasmyth, and

it

seems

to

to

me

English
sufficiently
explainthe
an

radiation of these mountains."

"

That

Long

did the

the

admire

luminous
have

Nasmyth

was

no

fool !"

whom
travellers,

such

splendoursof Tycho.

gleams it

appeared

the double

like

an

suddenlyfrom excessive
prepuriugthem to become

Michel.
replied
a

Their

sightcould

cold to intense

Seleuites.

weary,

saturated
projectile,

irradiation of

incandescent

never

sun

and

globe. They
heat.

Become

Nature

moon,

had
was

Selenilea I

wiih
must

passed
thus

Thail

GRAVE

broughtup

idea

After

moon.

Would

they

his two

once

they had

decide

for

friends to

they thoughtthat

the

more

what

questionof

and

animals

of the
habitahilitj

Michel

opinion,and

an

the

the travellers solve it ?

could

seen,

againstit ?

or

form

men

283

QUESTIONS.

Ardan

persuaded

them

asked

if
directly

in
represented

were

the lunar

world.
"I

think that
idea the

to my

it to be
"

Put

"

Here

one,

the
"

we

answer," said Barbicane

can

questionought not

to be

; "but

according

in that form.

put

I ask

put differently."
it your

way," repliedMichel.

own

it is,"continued

and

double

requiresa

moon

been

ever

Barbicane.

"

solution.

Is the

inhabited

problem is a

The

double

habitable ?

moon

Has

?"

Good I " repliedNichoU.

First let

"

us

whether

see

the

moon

is habitable."
"To

truth, I know

tell the

about

nothing

it,"answered

Michel.
"

And

in the

answer

her actual state,with

much

reduced,her

supplyof
and
seem

days

habitable

to

development,nor

part dried up, her insufficient

nightsof

and

me,

hours; the

354

she

does

nor

sufficient for the

seem

of

wants

That

question
NichoU

I ask

Without

"

Then, my

and

that

is

the

doubt

difficult to answer,

more

if motion

whatever
life,

"

observed

not

animal

existence

"

result of

does

moon

propitiousto

But
is not the
Agreed,"repliedNichoU.
for creatures
differently
organizedfrom ourselves
"

and

In

as

we

it."

understand

"

"

surroundingatmosphere certainly
very

for the most

seas

Barbicane.

sudden alterations of cold

restricted,
vegetation,

water

heat,her

her

continued
negative,"

appears

be its

at

to

us

"

but
to

be

I will
a

try ;

necessary

"

NichoU.

worthy compauion,I

nothing seemed

him

?
organization

! " answered

lunar continent

to

habitable

moon

distance
to

answer

that

we

have

of 500

yards

at

most,

would

move

on

the moon's

surface

284
The

of any

presence

its attendant
what

And

have

of nature,

works

work

the

have

unfathomable

reach ; which

animal

however

raised
slightly

visible.

There

to which

motion, which

"

One

well

as

have

These

which

creatures
living

cover,

nowhere

are

of

of

left traces

traces

one

say,

cannot

eye

atmosphere must

that
hypothesis,
is foreign."
is life,
but

remains

might

the

must

the

be.

it may

they must

the moon,

on

cavities which

plainswhich

those

on

If,then, there exist

man.

admit, for they

I cannot

their passage

of

kingdom

of
representatives
fled to those

by ruins.
geological

even

Everywhere and always the

the

never

betrayedby

been

have

and
buildings,

divers

as

seen

we

of life would

kind

marks, such

MOON.

THE

ROUND

livingrace
live,"

do not

repliedMichel.
so,"said Barbicane, " which for

"

Just

"

Then

"'

Yes," repliedNichoU.

"

Very well,"continued

we

form

may

assembled
founded

their

in the

No

I the

This

the

decision

may
"

be

was

the

questionof

of the

Commission, if

the

Club, after having

recently observed,

the

of the
habitability

decide

moon

"

"

Barbicane

sittingof

of

attack

the

to his notebook,

the 6th of December

satellite ; but I will add

in this

an

second

I ask

has
habitable,

an
question,

the

she

honourable

ever

habited.
been in-

"

"

order to form

the

first.

friends,"
repliedBarbicane,

journeyin

opinionon

that

our

I did
the

not

undertake

this

of our
past habitability

firm
personalobservations only con-

that the moon

opinion.I believe,indeed 1 affirm,
been inhabited by a human
race
organizedlike our own ; that
hae producedanimals anatomically
formed like the terrestrial
me

Bhe

us

is not

moon

Citizen Barbicane

has

Gun

seen,

Now," said Nicholl," let

My

mission
Scientific Com-

the

"

consignedby President

process

meaning."

no

said Michel.

Ardan,

facts

on

complement
indispensable

"

"

of the
projectile

is not habitable.'

moon

where

Michel

argument

unanimouslyupon
'

opinion?

our

has

us

dRAVE

Bnimals

biit I add that these races, human

day, and

their

are

for

now

!"

No

quicker,and

much

"

formation

whose

and

the earth

nothing but

were

have

passedinto

and

the solid

than

the

which

has

deformation have

our

sphere

been

still gaseous

was

had

and
cooling,

solidified by

has

in the

cracked,
and

moon

These
originally.
different

later.

But

influences,
certainly

most

the

moon

was

habitable."

become

it,"said Nicholl.

"

I believe

"

Then," continued Barbicane,

contained

waters

The

liquid,when

or

than

of this

this.

under

formed

of matter

moon

state

masses

gaseous

liquidstate

have

masses

actual

abundantlyproves

disc

burst

twisted,and

the

world

interior of the

violent in the

more

interior of the terrestrial globe. The

gases

older

force
the organizing
rapid. Relatively,

more

been

be

must

moon

decidedly,but

said Barbicans

old

grown

been

had

"

earth ?
"

animal,have

or

extinct 1 "

ever

Then," asked Michel," the

"

285

QUESTIONS.

within

"

an

atmosphere

this gaseous

surrounded

envelope

could

it,
not

solar heat,
the influence of air,water, light,
evaporate. Under
central heat,vegetationtook possessionof the continents
and

preparedto
for
period,

does

nature

"But,"

said

"An

argument

Let

us

the

of

in the actual state of the

not

so

at the

the

world

inherent

animal
354

and

in

habited.
in-

our

vegetable

hours ?"

polesthey last six months," said Michel.

habited.
not inlittle value, since the poles are

observe, my

diflerences of

phenomena

expansionof

; and

this

be
necessarily

must

example, its days and nightsof

the terrestrial

"At

"

For

herself in vain

for habitation

Nicholl, "many

satellitemight cramp

kingdom.

expend

not

wonderfullyformed

so

itself about

life showed
it,and certainly

receive

continued
friends,"
moon

Barbicane, " that

its longnightsand

if

longdays created

it was
to organization,
temperatui-einsupportable

historicalperiodof time. The

atmosphereenveloped

286

ROUND

the disc with

of clouds

fluid mantle

this natural

THE

tempered the

screen

which

hence

longerexists,now
entirelydisappeared. And
you."
no

"

Astonish

"

And

"

Because

that

now

at

? " asked

why

her axis

NlchoU

going

am

to

almost
astonish

moon

habited
in-

was

I"

hours

last 334

not

the

the

her

rotarymotion

an
revolution,

of the

moon

equalitywhich

part of her disc duringfifteen days

presents each

has

quickly.

equal to

not

was

atmosphere

periodwhen

the

probablythen

most

the influences

Ardan.

nightsand days did

the

upon

that

firmlybelieve

"

that

shape

of the solar

ardour

equalitybetween

an

the

Light,like ^eat,can

radiation.

? " said Michel

us

depositeditselfin

vapour

rays, and retained the nocturnal

diffuse itself in the air

MOON.

to the

action

of the solar
"

rays."
Granted,"replied
NichoU,

motions
"

have been
that

Because

equal,as theyare
who

say that

can

enough to

alter the motion

earth

stillfluid ?

was

"Just
has

who

can

of the

say,"exclaimed

are
speculations

Do

not

two

by

that

was

terrestrial

powerful

period when

the

who

let

us

too

Michel

say that the

can

moon

"

Ardan,

"

that the

moon

"

carried them
imaginations
hypothesis.Barbicane soughtto

insoluble.

determined

at

moon

these

not

?"

so
really

satellite of the earth ?

Their

Those

should

"

did not exist before the earth ?

"

why

this attraction

so,"repliedNicholl;"and

alwaysbeen

"And

but

has onlybeen
equality

And

attraction.

"

sway

into

restrain them.

high,"said he;

enter

indefinitefieldof

an

upon

the

them.

"

problemsutterly
Let

us

mit
only ad-

of the primordialattraction ; and then by

insufiiciency
the inequality
of the two
motions of rotation and revolution,
the
days and nightscould have succeeded each other on the moon
as
without
they succeed each other on the earth. Besides,even
these

life was
conditions,

possible."

288

ROUND

Four

"

that

thousand

hundred

breathe

had

not

Barbicane

Nicholl

and

the

50,000

help

not

who

Nicholl,

hear

you;

imagined

live."

laughing
wished

which

"Ah!

Michel.

to

to

years

question,

second

exclaimed

frightened

was

could

Then

uneasiness.

put

than

more

MOON.

years!"

Really

again.
we

THE

at

to

just

had

their

nion's
compa-

the

end

been

sion,
discus-

considered

again.
the

Has

"

The

answer

projectile

and

distance;
the

rapidly
the

earth's

imperishable

all

the

satellite,
remembrance.

in

leaving

tra.veller8'

of

?
in

unanimously
fruitful

was

from

away

of

was

discussion,

this

inhabited

been

moon

he
the

somewhat
the

asked.

hazardous

moon

wonderful,
soon

But

affirmative.

mountains

eyes,

there

"

the

were

strange,
remained

and

during
the

theories,
lineaments

faded

confused

in

fantastical

nothing

the
form

but

the

CHAPTER
A

For

long time

and

STRUGGLE

Moses

as

AGAINST

Barbicane

leavingwithout

was

This
them.

the
In

leavingthe

on

in

watching

the

It

"^:om facts
shared

us?"
"

We

"But

arrived

Michel

don't
one

"Two,"

were

The

it.

jectile's
prothe

and

the satellite in

part turned

That

was

towards

analogousto
very

an

it,

difficult point.

projectile
they could
course

surprise

see

that

that traced

which
long ellipse,

pointof equal attraction,where

its satellite are

which

neutralized.

Barbicane

conviction

very

which

justlydrew

his two

friends

him.

when

asked

to the

alreadyobserved, a

with

"And

its heaviest

describinga

was

conclusion

the

was

they

fail to

not

gravitateround

it followed

moon

the influences of the earth

Such

tance,
dis-

and
altered,

had

moon

silently

from

which

and

did
verified,

of the

course

likelyextend

most

to

not

was

approachingher.

would

the

hers to the earth ?

turns

moon

to

only seen

returningto

ever

Barbicane

was
projectile

orbit,why
elliptical
as

regard

change, which
If the

Canaan,

of

looked

to the earth.

turned

now

land

companions

they had

of
possibility

positionwith
base

his

which

the

saw

IMPOSSIBLE.

THE

and

that world

sadlyupon

XIX.

this dead

point,what

will become

of

Ardan.

know," repliedBarbicane.

can

draw

answered

I suppose?"
hypotheses,
Barbicane; "either the projectile's
speed

and
will be insufficient,
line of double

at

some

it will remain

for

ever

inuuovable

attraction""
V

on

this

ROUND

290
I

"

preferthe

other

THE

MOON.

whatever
hypothesis,

it may

rupted
be," inter-

Michel.
"

Or," contioued IBarbicane,

its speed will be sufficient,

and

"

will continue
orb
"

its elliptical
course,

of

night."

revolution

not

the state of humble

to look

as

upon

all

at

to

moon

wac/m

handmaid.

own

around

ever

said Michel,
consoling,"

servants

our

for
gravitate

to

are

we

"

to

it

tho

pass to

accustomed

So that is tho fate in store

for us?"
Neither
"

You

"

There

"Is

do

there

Barbicane.

Do

word

what

Subdue

Nicholl.

Do

you

pretendto fightagainst

and

two

you

do?"

Americans

shrink

would

which

is bearingus

away."

it?"

employ

else alter it,

Michel, gettinganimated, "or

it to the

accomplishmentof

our

ends."

own

how?"

"And
That

is your

affair.

projectile
they are
the

you I
No

trip nas

lucing you
What

had

! who

savants

me
ir.ducing

In

we

If

are
artillerymen

artillerymen.If

not

gunner,

faith ! fine

after

Frenchman

?"

"Yes," continued

better

ram

do not

masters

of their

is to
projectile

the

the

mand
com-

into the gun.

giiuner

what

Know

is to become

of

us

"

!"

do you

cried
mean

Barbicane

by

that ?

pleasedme,

the

and

"

projectile
agrees

possibleto

NicholL

"

Inducing

"

recrimination,"said Michel.

the moon."

not

"

all that is humanly

on

"

one

this motion

"Subdue

"

impatiently.

nothing to try?"

not

such

"But

"

Michel

nothingto answer," said

answered

Why

from

My

continued

?
impossible

"

"

answered.

"

the

and

Nicholl

nor

answer,"

not

is

No,"

"

"

Barbicane

do to fall

I do
with

not
me

complain;
; but

somewhere, even

let

us

the
do

it oniy

"

"

ask

We

but
"

STRUGGLE

better,my

no

THE

IMPOSSIBLE.

29I

worthy Michel," repliedBarbicaue,

failus."

means

We

AGAINST

alter the motion

cannot

of the

projectile?"

"No."
Nor

"

diminish

its

speed?

"

"No."
"Not
vessel ?
"What
ballast
would

it,as
by lightening

even

on

would

you

board

; and

go much

overloaded

Slower."

"

Quicker."

"Neither

slower

his two

throw

out?"

indeed

it

said Nicholl.
to

seems

"We

that if

me

have

no

lightenedit

quicker."

"

make

they lightenan

"

quicker,"said Barbicano,wishing

nor

friends agree

for

"

float in space, and

we

must

to
no

longerconsider specific
weight."
"

Very well," cried

there remains
"What

but

one

Michel

thingto

alwaysbrought up

from

success

but

none

cool,audacious

the

operationhad

no

"

then

gloriousbottle
their

on

Frenchman, who

difficultjuncture.

influence

the

on

projectile's

and
inconvenience,

point of

stomachic

then

drawn

from

we
brains,

in the

at two

served

Michel

little.

view.

at

thrown

an

out.

his

his

must

morning; the

usual

despairof

invariable

were
distance,

in
Evidently,

hour

repast, crowned

privatecellar.

If

the

tered
mat-

by

ideas did not

the Cliambertin

objectswhich

motion
its translatory

rouuJ

of 1853.
the projectile,
had

been

the moon,

passedthrough any atmosphere,for the specific

weight
would have checked their relative speed.
different objects

not

of these

even

Michel
Certainly

cbsei-vations began again. Around

repast finished,

it had

good ideas.

breakfasted

They

The

voice

do."

it could at least be tried without

course,

crowd

decided

this solution at the mo.st

In any case, if this

had

in

is it?" said Nicholl.

"Breakfast," answered

with

Ardan

The

earth
twelve

but

was

and

days

two

repasses the

On

the

all her

side the

moon's

of this

as
Selenites,

in its

the
different;

sightwas

by

whose
constellations,

On

her rays.

the dark

shone in

orb

the
is

tint which

disc,the plainswere
from

seen

the earth.
in the

and
brilliant,

remained

shone

Tycho
generalbrilliancy,

purity

prominentlylike

sun.

Barbicane
but

the

no

that

it must

uniformlydecrease,according
admitted

reasoning. Having

describingan orbit round the

be elliptical;
science proves
necessarily

was
projectile

motive

No

so.

round
body circulating

fails in this law.

And

why

should

In

satellite is nearer, and

it

which

gravitates.When

and
perihelion;
of the moon,

farthest from
with which
remains

as

nearest.

in her

she

speed;

moving

towards

elliptical.
this

escape

from

the orb around

the sun, she is in

the farthest

point. Speaking

the earth in her

to

To

use

the

moment

one

and
perigee,

analogousexpressions,

languageis enriched,if the projectile

we

point,and

and in the former

its

Club

that at

farther

aphelionat

In the latter case, the

of

that it must

is

space

the earth is nearest

satelliteof the moon,

its farthest

so

another

apogee.

the astronomers'
a

foci

is nearest

it in her

at
aposelene"

at

this

orbits,the attracting
elliptical
body

of the

always occupiesone

moon,

that

attractingbody

an

Every orbit described in

the projectile
of the Gun

arrangement?

natural

her

of estimatingthe projectile's
speed,

means

laws of mechanical

orbit must
be

had

reasoningshowed

to all the

"

night before

pointsafter twenty-fourhours

its

part of the nimbus

other

seen.

its crescent, freed

clock to the

innumerable

amidst
splendour

alreadyreturningto
midst

as

the

new

be

to

lunar meridian.

same

could not be troubled

The

of

been

elapse before

must

serve

each

rotatory movement

spherenothing was

day old,havins'

from the solar rays, would

MOON.

the side of the terrestrial

On

at

THE

ROUND

292

must

in its

say that it is in its

"

would
projectile
its minimum.

aposelenitical
point;

"

periselene

its

mum
attain its maxi-

It
and

at

was

evidently

Barbicane

had

STRUGGLE

to think

reason

that its

increase

then
would

Barbicane

IMPOSSIBLE.

293

point,and

decrease up to this

it neared

the

This

moon.

speed

nil,if this pointjoinedthat of equalattraction.

studied

of these different

the consequences
inference

and

thinkingwhat

was

roughly disturbed by
he

"By Jove!"

THE

speedwould

by degrees as

become

even

AGAINST

he

could

cry from

exclaimed, " I

from

draw

Michel

them, when

he

Ardan.

admit

must

situations,

we

downright

are

"

!
simpletons
"

I do not

say

"

Because

we

which

have

"

To

"

Done

"

We

from

!"

and

the moon,

do not

we

"

why?
checkingthis speed
"but

use

it I"

"

in

the recoil contained

use

of

simplemeans

very

is the means?

what

And

Barbicane
not,"replied

are

is bearingus

"

but

we

rockets."

our

said NichoU.

have

not

this force

used

yet,"said Barbicane,"

itis true,

will do so."

we

"

When?

"

When

asked

"

Michel.

time

the

positionoccupiedby
regard

to

lunar

the

direction,might

the

an
oblique positionwith
projectile,
alteringits
disc, our rockets,in slightly

the

the

it from

turn

friends,that

Observe, my

comes.

of

instead

moon

drawing it

neai-er? "
"

Just

"

Let

Michel.
so," replied
us

is
at

the

turningits base
the

its speed will be

of

the influence
on
directly

Biavo
do

not

tile was
"

the
influence,
inexplicable

some

the earth.

towards

its conical
point of equal attraction,

rigidlytowards

"

By

wait, then.

on

nil ;
our

then

; at

that

will be

rockets,

we

the surface of the lunar

"'

said Michel.
first passage

our

then

Very

moon

endowed

well

with

"

What

cap

moment

the

may

we

will be

may
to

moment

probablethat
directed

hope

that

act, and with

perhaps provoke

fall

disc."
we

at the dead
too

It is

jectile
pro-

did not

do, what

point,because

great a speed."

reasoned,"said NichoU.

we

the

could

projec

294
"

ROUND

Let

chance

us

continued
patiently,"

our

side, and

say I think that

And

after

shall

we

conclusion

hurrahs.

was

habitable.

And

much

yet they

I may
despaired,

boobies

had solved
no

Putting every

were

Ardan's

Michel

of the audacious

inhabited

"

end."

signalfor

none

is not

moon

Barbieane.

having so

gain our

questionthat they themselves

the

MOON.

wait

on

This

THE

moon

going

to

and

remembered

in the

! the

hips

the

negative. No

is

probablynot
try every thing to

reach her.

One
moment

singlequestionremained to
the projectile
would
reach

which

on

the

travellers must

this to

calculate

within

refer to his notes, and

the

lunar

between

equal to

the

the

hours

with itscourse,
The

rockets

reckon

it would
had

last card.

the different

the time necessary

pointand

reached

the

north
time
was

at

8th of December.

"

what

seconds, Barbieane

the calculation
be

At

precise

pointof equalattraction,

their

separatingthe

point would

the 7th

few

the

the
representing

noted, and
carefully
that this

dead

distance

The

nightof

to

parallels.Thus

distance

point.

play

be solved.

had

only to

heightstaken

to

south

travel

on

the

over

pole would

pole from
travelled

easy.

the

be
dead

over

Barbieane

in the

one

In order to

were

found

morning on

the

So that,if nothinginterfered

reach the

givenpointin twenty-two hours.

primarilybeen

placed to

check

the fall of

and now
projectile
theywere goingto employ
upon the moon,
In any case
them
for a directly
theywere
contrary purpose.
to set fire to
ready,and they had only to wait for the moment
the

them.
"

'*

Since there is

nothingelse

to be

done,"said Nicholl,
"

I make

proposition."
is it ? " asked

"

What

"

I propose

"

What

"

It is

Some

to go

motion

to

"

Barbieane.

sleep."
exclaimed

fortyhours since we
hours of sleepwill restore

Michel

Ardan.

closed
our

our

eyes,"said Nicholl.

strength."

296

ROUND

what

would

moon's

he

south

They

But

would

be

of this great

the

arrived.
the

would

seeing it disappearbehind
them

see

The

no

The

and

no

be and

the neutral line.

would
terrestrial,
This

more.

his

companions
under

return

they must

At

in

much

the very

would

same

produced by

were

annulled

on

would

All is

had

speed
it.

in the

one

projectile's
ping-poi
stopattractions,

two

"weigh"

surprisedBarbicane
be

At

repeatedon

this

and
their

precisemoment

turned
sensibly

was

to

as

way

to

utilize the whole

of

of the rocket apparatus. The

If its

decided

to
slight,

one,"said

towards

speed was

utterly

towards

movement

determine

the

its falL

Nicholl.

match
a lighted
ready,"repliedMichel Ardan, directing

to the flame

of the gas.

I " said

that moment

themselves

point,a

however
suffice,

"

Wait

the pressure

this dead

Five minutes

Barbicane,holdinghis
weight had

the entire

the neutral

no

Ardan
with

chronometer

effect.

of
disappearance

point,if they did not

One o'clock,"
said Barbicane.

Michol

What

Objectswould

in favour of the travellers.

"

"

hour more,

act.

the recoil

At

the

spot the

conditions.

disc,presentedin such

"

this the

be nil.

going,would

the lunar

moon

Was

could not estimate

mark

that

conical top
Already the projectile's

chances

J. T.

calculations. At

be annulled.

singularfact,which
so

be reached.

would

Besides,another phenomenon would

lunar

Had

terrestrial midnight

?
projectile
They

morning,this speed ought to

on

pole!

beginning. One

was

vitiate Barbicane's

could

error

to the world

incident.

pointof equal attraction

the

north

satellite!

tlia

?
enterprise

8th of December

animate

by the

reappear

satellite of

day passedwithout

then

But

After

given this unexpected news

denouement

and

pole,he
therefore

must

Maston

think ?

MOON.

THE

touch

The

it.

in his hand.

travillers felt in

They

were

very

near

it.

appliedthe lightedmaich
the rockets. J^o detonation

to
was

train in

munication
com-

h@ard in tltft

STRUGGLE

AGAINST

ineide,for thei'e was

saw

prolonged smoke,

IMPOSSIBLE.

297

But, through the scuttles

aii".

no

THE

the

flames

of which

Barbicane

immediately

were

extinguished.
The

sustained
projectile

shock,which

certain

sensibly

was

felt in the interior.

The

three

friends looked

breathing. One
scarcely
amidst

hearts
"

Are

"

No,"

said

"

He

asked

Michel

Ardan,

length.

at

of the

since the bottom

pale,his
frightfully

was

"

!
falling

are

Ah

! " cried Michel

"'

On

to the earth

"

The

is not
projectile

forehead

his

to

wrinkled,

said he.

to the

we

And

now

borne

the

Michel

into this

which

projectile
beyond the

could

carried

it

not

divert

its

thing. The

"

laws

of

Ardan, adding philosophically

we
projectile

very doubtful

were

The

begun.

speed retained

had

point. The explosionof

dead

This

course.

line,and

the neutral

over

moon

should get out of it 1"

we

this fearful fall had

rockets

to the

on

!"

came

with

ease

"

Ardan,

devil I " exclaimed

well,when

same

their

beatingof

turned
Barbicane, quittingthe scuttle,

"

as

the

lipscontracted.

We

"

heard

disc ! "

the lunar

companions.

and his

"

Nicholl,"

this moment,

two

have

might

speaking,and

perfectsilence.

?
falling

we

turningto
At

this

listened without

and

in

speed

in

going had

returninghad

physicscondemned

the

done

it to pass

the

through

terrible
a
point which it had alreadygone through. It was
from
a
height of 160,000 miles,and no springsto break it.
fall,
every

According to
with

earth
the

Columbiad,

But
that

the laws

to
an

speed equal to
a

give some

object thrown
the

that with

must
projectile

which

strike the

it left the mouth

of

speed of 16,000 yardsin the last second.

figuresof comparison,it has been reckoned
from

h-"ightof which
pavement at a speed of 240
Dame,

the

of gunnery,

the

top of the

is only 200
miles

per

towers

of

feet,will arrive
hgur.

Here

Notre
on

tl"

the
pro-

298

ROUND

jectile

strike

must

THE

the

earth

said

Michel

MOON.

with

of

speed

miles

115,200

per

hour.
We

"

"

lost

are

well

Very

religious

It

life,

"

In

world
the

will

will

The

know
with

identified

be

us

for

God

the

loss

will

nothing,

either

eternal

wisdom

Ardan,

Michel

console

"

of

the
that

be

tell

whole

cently
magnifi!

us

of

inferior

In

the

machines

of

of

sort

"

the
orb

other
called

"

crossed

resignation,

Bublime

to

want

will

travels

our

that

secret

own

interrupted

well

may

Barhicane

"

It

fact,"

moon

soul

the

His

of

result

with

Barhicane,

answered

the

"

is

coolly.

die,"

we

enthusiasm,

engines

or

if

spread.
other

"

will

of

heaven

his

on

arms

saying
be

at

done

the

his

same

!"

breast,
time,^

with

motion

of

CHAPTER

THE

"

SOUNDINGS

think, sir,that

repliedLieutenant
of

findingsuch

the

American
"

depth

"

Humboldt's

by
far
"

These

favourable
that

this

Sir,at

bottom
"

it
"

Touch

The

moment

who

cried

was

depth

submarine

the

skirts

coast

valley

of America

lieutenant,"

the

level

Valentia

not

are

bottom,
and

like

'

foundland,
New-

With

have

is very

fathoms

3508

sounding
have

your

permission,

"

lead has

come

up

not

of line out, and

yet touched

the

of itself."

said Captain Blomsberry;

ingenious,"

soundings."
this

at

moment

one

of the

men

at the

fore-

the operation.
superintending

captainand

What

the

exact

very
!"

is

cable between

we

apparatus

gives us

spot there

continued

now

we

are

for if so, it would

Brook's

wheel,

"

depression," said

great

Bronsfield.

you,

draws

the ball which

from

miles

better."

lieutenant, where
"

thought

Magellan."

American

with

agree

have

only 200

laying telegraphic cables.

for

supportingthe

this

depths,"

is much
"

would

shore, and

current, which

great

who

But

is

there

In

Straits of

the

as

in

near

Certainly, Bronsfield,

worn

"

so

"

"

coast

"

operation is nearing its completion,"

Bronsfield.

"SUSQUEHANNA."

THE

soundings ?

our

the

Captain Blomsberry.

as

OF

and
Well, lieutenant,
"

XX.

the

have

lieutenant
we

"

asked

mounted
the

the

quarter-deck.

captain.

ROUND

300
"

Three

thousand

THE

MOON.

hundred

six

repliedthe lieutenant,
enteringit in
"

said
Well, Bronsfield,"

result.

Now

haul

hours.

some

shall be

we

ready to

will take

sounding line.
the

start

his note-book.

captain,"I

the

in the

In that time

twenty-seven fathoms,"

and

as

as

finished.

I
o'clock,and with your permission,
lieutenant,
"Do

so, sir ; do

The

caplain of

the

the humble

servant

be, and
took

repliedthe

"

lieutenant

of his

in."

obligingly.
a

man

returned
officers,

for the steward

earned

It is ten

will turn

brave

as
Susquehanna,''

in,not without

turned

his

!"

brandy-grog,which

and

so

cf

It will be the work

have

you

the

lightthe furnaces,and

engineercan
soon

down

to his

end of

no

having complimented his

need

as

servant

cabin,

praise,
upon

making beds, and slepta peacefulsleep.

It

then

was

December
The

ten

niglit.The

at

drawing to

was

States' navy,

United

Pacific Ocean

about

close in

Susquehanna," a

"

was

day

of the

of

horse-power,of

the

occupied in taking soundings in

the

500

miles off the American

200

month

night.
magnificent

of

corvette

long peninsula which

that

eleventh

stretches

coast,

down

the

There

was

following
of New

coast

Mexico.
wind

The

in the air.

had

dropped by degrees.

Their

from

motionless

hung

pennant

disturbance

no

the

maintop-

truck.
gallant-mast

Captain

Jonathan

Elomsberry,one
who

the
on

for finer weather

of the

the

captain and

in which

of sounding.
operations

great tempest, which

the

of

aunt

supporters of the Gun

Club,

daughter of

"

wished

delicate

an

ardent

most

Kentucky merchant,) CaptainBlomsberrycould

honourable
have

of the

married

had

Colonel

Blomsberry (cousin-germanof

went

he

not

did

allowed

well, and with

forgetto

thank

bring

corvette

by sweeping away

Rocky Mountains, had

famous projectile.

Everything

His

to

them

all the
heaven

had

to

not

even

the groups

fervour

of

for it.

The

not

close his

to observe

an

felt

of clouds
the

course

terian,
Presbyoerie^ of

THE

SOUNDINGS

Boundingstaken
of

spot for the laying of

the Hawaian

was

Islands with

Its

covering all

electrical

network,

American

genius.
"

The

of America.

and
enterprise,

was

of

in her last

then

moon,

cable to

instigationof

"

had
the

on

powerful

with

confided

been

north

Field,
vast

worthy

one

night of

exactly27" 7'

in

was

It

the meridian

long.,on

west

submarine

islands of Oceania

Susquehanna

operationsof sounding.
she

the

immense

an

corvette

December,

the finding

managing director,the intelligent

Cyrus

purposed even

the

to the

30I

for its aim

a

the coast

due
great undertaking,

company.

To

"SUSQUEHANNA."

THE

Susquehanna,"had

"

the

favourable

connect

It

by

OF

the

the

11th

first

12th

"

41"

lat.,and

of

37'

Washington.
rise above

beginningto

quarter,was

the horizon.

departureof Captain BlomsbeiTy,the

the

After

oflicers were

some

of the

eyes of

their

moon,

whole

glassescould

thoughts turned

discovered

have

to

the appearance

that orb

which

contemplating. The

hemisphere were

not

On

the poop.

standingtogetheron

lieutenant and

the

the

best naval

projectile
wandering around

pointedtowards that brilliant disc

hemisphere,and yet all were
moment.
which millions of eyes were
lookingat at the same
its

"

at last.
"

in

a
"

What

"

have

They
"

been

have

They

and

Oh

! I

"But,"
doubted.

makes

my

doing what
of

man,
midship-

young

all travellers do when

theyarrive

I"

that,if you tell

me

so, my

was
projectile

We

six

And

days.
would

oflRcer,"their

another

midnight.

brave

young

friend,"

Bronsfield,smiling.

continued
The

?"

of them

become

Bronsfield

Lieutenant

exclaimed
arrived,lieutenant,"

sure

am

darkness,one
tee

days,"said

ten

country, takinga walk

new

at

has

they are

said Lieutenant

5th

gone

are

in

have

to reach

now

at

to

countrymen encamped

when

moon

the 11th of

six times
time

the

arrival

cannot

be

full on

the

December, which

twenty-fourhours, without

settle comfortably. I
at the bottom

of

somB

fancy I

valley.

302

ROUND

on

the borders

by

its fall amidst

of

THE

Selenite stream,

volcanic

Michel

near

half
projectile

rubbish,CaptainNichoU

President
levelling
operations,
and

MOON.

Ardan

embalming

I it must

be so, it is

Barbicane

buried

beginninghis
his notes,

writingout

the lunar solitudes with

the

perfumfl

of his""
"

Yes

worked

man,

of his
"

pitchof

to a

up

!"

so

exclaimed

enthusiasm

the young

by

this ideal

midship

descriptiot

superiorofficer.

should

like

quiteunmoved.

"

who
it,"repliedthe lieutenant,

believe

to

Unfortunatelydirect

was

from the lunai*world

news

is stillwanting."
said
pardon, lieutenant,"

"Beg

Barbicane

President
A
"

letters !" continued

No

has

administration
"

asked

But

cannot

the young

something to
the

be

answer.

see

"

quickly.

man

The

postal

there."

to

that is at fault ?"

telegraphicservice

of the officers ironically.

one

necessarily,"
repliedthe midshipman, not

"Not
"

it not

Might

midshipman, "but

write ?"

laughtergreetedthis

of

burst

the

it is very

to set

easy

up

at all confused.

graphiccommunication

the

with

earth."
"

And

"

By

how

?"
know
it
Yon
at Long'sPeak.
telescope
to within four miles of the Rocky Mountains,and
its surface of onlynine feet in diameter.
on
objects
of the

means

bringsthe

moon

that it shows

Very

well

let them

alphabet;
three miles
The

the idea

industrious

our

then

they can

midshipman,who

had

send
a

us

news

from

the

unlebs
the terrestrial,

dietaat
ttokiug

observatiins

lunar world
the
at

news

if

by

Seleuites

"*Ltiir
disposal.

sentences

of themselves

?"

tion,
imagina-

of

allowing that

these

they could
had

gigantic

long,and

Brousfield

but observingthat
possible,

was

construct

certain amount

Lieutenant

loudlyapplauded;

could receive

friends

three fathoms

write words

long,and

young
was

from

let

means

not

send

insli-umeuts

they
any
fit foi

ROUND

304

before

hissing

the

appeared

of

rapidity

dazzled

its

MOON.

frightfully

became

their

to

THE

eyes
and

course

its

ignited
the

through

friction

there

snddenly

meteor,

enormous

an

and

intense,

by

the

atmospheric

gtrata.

This

fiery

noise

of

stem,

and

with

rushing
hurried,

the

body,

to

on

the

the
the

Captain
the

with

waves

"

"

with

dose

deafening

Susquehanna

appeared,

Blomsberry

the

thi;

to

roar

would

have

half

dressed,

With

all

whither

forecastle-deck,
"

smashed

it

which

fell,

and

eyes,

foun"

board

on

exclaimed,
?

in

their

to

bowsprit,

and

nearer,

instant

happened
And

itself

all

this

At

the

upon

buried

feet

larger

grew

thunder,

few

dered

mass

ofBcers

had

what

gentlemen,

permission,

your

the

and

has

"

midshipman,
cried,

"

himself

making

Commander,

it

is

'

it

as

they

'

come

the

were

back

of

echo

again

"

few

feet

nearer.

CIIAPTES

J.

"

It is

they

'

said; and

'

that that meteor

travellers which

MASTON

RECALLED.

"

back

again !

one

had

understood

was

the

come

every

T.

XXI.

the

him.

of
projectile

midshipman

bad

one

doubted

but

Club.

As

young
No

the Gun

it enclosed,
opinionswere

divided

to the

regardingtheir

fate.
"

"

are

dead

They

are

alive !" said

shock
"

"

they must

they must

What

But
their

mass

be

to

But

both

fixed

Gun

Club

This
had
on

put

in

at

of the

speaker;

unanimously;"living

"

had

assembled

his

council.

and
officers,

They

The

more

"

with

decide upon

must

hasty ones

were

difficultoperation,
though not
had

powerful; so

no

proper

it

waa

an

machinery, which
resolved

that

port, and give information

nearest

an

atmosphere."

immediately.

and

nothing but

to

they
the

fall.
projectile's

determination

to be discussed.

27". lat.

the

the corvette

the

third

was
projectile

the

out

projectile.A

impossibleone.
be

"

holding a

done

the

fishing
up

air," continued

they exclaimed

Captain Blomsberry

should

deep,and the

is

crater

of sufiFocation."

pullthem

permission,"was

must

wanted

it crossed

as

must

something
for

another; "the

does it matter!"

dead, we

or

one.

replieda fourth;

!"

incandescent

have
died

have

Burnt

"

said

deadened."

was

But

"

!"

They

Higher

was

The

unanimous.

The

neighbouring coast

up, above

the

choice
had

of the

port

anchorage

no

peninsulaof Monterey, stands

X

3o6
the

ROUND

of

the borders
interior
could

the

by

it takes its

which

perfectdesert,it was

network

MOON.

with

fast

And

Union.

of the

The

therefore start at

must

made

fires were

thousand

falhoms

up ;

of line

berry,not wishing to

lose

with

on

the

enough.
San Francisco.

Through

would

in less than

be easy

days

two

the

could arrive in that

Susquehanna,"by puttingon high pressure,

port. She

but, seated

alone
electricity

gold country, communication

the

heart

the

connected

not

degreesabove openedthe bay of

capitalof

name

wires, and
telegraphic

of

spreadthese importantnews

Some

"

from

importanttown

THE

once.

set off immediately.Two

they could

CaptainBlomshaulingin,resolved to

still out, which

were

precioustime

in

cut.

We

"

wiU

will fasten the

show

"

us

end to

buoy,"said

spot where

the exact

"
Bronsfield,

27" 7' north lat. and 41" 37' west

exact"

have

we

we
permission,

will have

into the

The

ocean.

tion
situa-

our

with your

now,

the line cut."

strong buoy,strengthenedby

buoy

long."

Well, Mr. Bronsfield,"repliedthe captain,"

"

and that

fell."
projectile

the

Besides,"repliedLieutenant

"

he

end of the

coupleof

rope

spars,

was

thrown

lashed
carefully

was

it|

to

and, left solelyto the rise and fall of the billows,the buoy would

sensiblydeviate

not

At

this moment

steam

up and

was

the

from
the

the

engineersent

they could

good
had

vessel
covered

and

like the

It

The

captainthat

nication
agreeablecommu-

course

three in the

was

miles
fifty
"

to cross

Susquehanna."

that distance

twenty-seven minutes

him.

the

then

was

given

the corvette, wearing,steered at full steam

direct for San Francisco.

hundred

to inform

start,for which

captainthanked

and
north-north-east,

Four

spot.

and

past one

at

on

it

nothingfor a
hours she
thirty-six

In

the

morning.
was

of

14th

night,she

December,

entered

the

at

bay of

San Francisco.
At

the

sight of

shipof

the

national

navy

arrivingat

full

Bpeed,with

crowd

dense

Bronsfield
them

entered

the quay,

on

cutter, which
eight-oared

an

addressed
questions

thousand

officerof the

through a

of

concourse

Some

J. T. Maston,
Sub-Director

In 20" 7' north

17 minutes

past

entire world

out

second

to

the

the first

"

the ViceHon.

third to the

to the

"

west

afterwards the
Before
heard

not

by

whole

six in the
the great

whole

of

that
the

Susquehanna

her
extinguishing

of

town

evening the

"

San

Europe

Francisco

different States

catastrophe
; and

experiment.
attempt to picturethe

"

"

Club, Baltimore

cable,the

receiptof

On

the

sent

long.,on the 12th of Decemher, ai;

fell into
of the Columbiad
in the morning, the projectile
instructions.
Susquehanna.'
Blomsbekey, Commander

had

the

will

telegramwas

"

greatAmerican
We

fourfold

lat.,and 41" 37'

news.

of the Union

by

each other at the door.

follows:

as

minutes

learned the

crushed

'

Send

the Pacific.

telegraph-offic

Long's Peak, Eocky Mountains ; the fourth

Massachusetts.
of the Cambridge Observatory,

worded

was

to the

spectators. Blomsberry and Bronsfield

Gun

of the

President

them

Secretaryat Washington ;

the Naval

Five

later

minutes

of the

answering one

to them.

port conducted

entered,while the crowd

It

brought

soon

to the quay.

on

telegraph?"they asked, without

"The

The

Lieutenant

land.

to

They jumped

the

assembled

soon

greatly
waitingfor

casting anchor, Captain Blomsberry and

After

"

307

to disembark.

them

to

RECALLED.

was
bowsprit broken, public curiosity

her

roused.

MASTON

T.

J.

night,
after mid-

knew

the result of the

effect

produced on

the

unexpecteddenouement.
to
telegramthe Naval Secretarytelegraphed
to

wait in the

fires.

Day

and

bay

of San Fiancisco

n'ghtshe

must

be

without

ready tc put

to sea.

The
that

meeting; and, with

Cambridge Observatorycalled a special
leai-ued bodies in general,
which
distinguishes
composure
X

3o8

ROUND

discassed
peacefully

Gun

the

Club

assembled.

THE

MOON.

the scientific

there

was

bearingsof
explosion.All

an

Vice-President

the Hon.

Wilcome

tbe

question. At

the

gunners

were

in the act of

was

fast
readingthe premature despatch,in which J. T. Maston and Belannounced
that the projectile
had justbeen seen in the gigantic
reflector of Long'sPeak, and also that it was
held hj lunar attrac"
tion, and was
playingthe part of under satellite to the lunar
world.
know

We
But

the truth

the arrival of

on

that

on

contradicting
despatch,so decidedly
Blomsberry's

J. T. Maston's
of the Gun

bosom

fall of the

the

travellers

"

Club.

had

concluded

made

nothing

was

It

with which

was

it

difficult. The

might

have

however, was
fallen
could

on

the

but

the

that

difficultto
animated

was

commander

made

believed

the
To

in their

have

must

of the

smashed

"

hanna
Susque-

meteor,

the bows

of the

argument, for the speed

made

observation

Susquehanna"

in all

"

pretendedprojectile

nothing but

this

answer

of the

return

of the

the latter the

!

admitted

who

in the observations

commander

meteor

mistake

those

were

consequentlythe

in its fall had

good

faith

very

and her officers

argument,

one

had
favour, namely, that if the projectile

earth,its placeof meetingwith the terrestrial globe

onlytake place on

consideration

side

one

mistake.

shootingglobe,which
corvette.

On

foi'med in the

partieswere

other,those who

the

Long'sPeak,

of

telegram,two

and
projectile,

on

point.

this 27"

the time that had

earth)between

the

north

lat.,and (takinginto

elapsed,and

and
forty-first

the

the

rotary motion of

forty-second
degreeof

longitude.In any case, it was decided in the Gun Club that

Blomsberrybrothers,Bilsby,and Major Elphinstone should go
to San Francisco,and consult
of raisirig
to the means
as
straight
west

the

from
projectile

These
soon

cross

devoted

the

depths of

men

set oS at

the whole

of central

Louis, where

the

the

once

ocean.
;

and

the

Ameiica, took

swift mail-coaches

awaited

which
railroad,
them
them.

as

far

will
as

Almost

St.
at

ROUND

3IO
all the
disappearance
behind

the moon's

reappear
the

fuming J.

Each

minute

once

they did

time for it to

was

imagine the impatienceof

may

less

his not

not

impatientcompanion.

be

not

Hence

it.

see

discussions

affirmingthat

the
"

that
maintaining

J. T. Maston

seen,

projectile

the

constant

them, Belfast

disputesbetween

could
projectile

it

night they thought they saw

of the

violent

and

when

; but

disc,one

T. Maston

and

more,

and

invisible disc

passing

then

it was

as
easilyexplained,

more

the visible

on

MOON.

THE

it

put his eyes out."

had
"

It is the

"

No,"

"

J.
! repeated
projectile
Belfast

answered

"

it is

T. Maston.
from

detached

avalanche

an

lunar mountain."
"

Well, we

"

No,

shall

shall not

we

it to-morrow."

see

it any

see

space."

It is carried into

more.

""Yes!"
"No!"
And

at

these

of
of the Secretary
irritability

the well-known
a

permanent

of these two

the

cut

friends

abusing the

his side

Secretaryof

the

thousandth

at the
scuttles,

same

this moment
ten

was

at

of the
Belfast tore
"

What

the

"

"

Gun

as

Club

stituted
con-

existence

the

face

lunar

usual,who

him

rendered

despatch.

envelopeand read,and

said J. T. Maston.

the

of the

series of

very unpleasant.

on
appeai'ed
a

by

adding

lookingthrough one

enforcinghis argument by
hook

disc,

was

and
projectile,

the
It

platform(it

was

Susquehanna's"telegram.

the

an

December, the

maintainingfor

Club

just seen

gave

hail,

but
impossible;

the 15th of

to

Belfast's servant

night)and

become

like

The

busy observingthe

Ardan's

time

the Gun

Belfast.

learned Belfast

his formidable

gestures which
At

Michel

see

rained

discussions.
everlasting

were

time that he had

that he could

have

the 14th

J. T. Maston
;

the Hon.

soon

short their

night,from

irreconcilable

two

danger for

togetherwould

unforeseen event

During

contradictions

moments, when

uttered

cry.

the

mander
com-

J.

"The

T.

MASTON

RECALLED.

3II

projectile!"

"Well!"
"

Has

fallen

Another
turned

the

to

this

cry,

J.

towards

leaning

orifice of the

He

breathed.

they

He

Gun

!"

Ah

"

You

"Into

the

"Let
A

us

time

Francisco,

What

"

Fish

sooner

the

in

the

Belfast, dismayed,

mense
im-

rushed

rings

metal

his

caught by
which

bound

hook,

the

was

telescope

cries.
tackle

brought,

was

some

let

was

and

down,

trouble, the imprudent

tary
Secre-

orifice without

upper

broken

the

hurt.

mirror

paid for it," replied Belfast

projectilehas

fallen?"

"

severely.

asked

J. T.

Maston.

Pacific!"

of

as

up

the

hour

the

Rocky

Mountains

their

friends

of

killed

their
we

the

better."

do

the

five horses

brothers

the

on

shall

after

an

having

them

"

the

if I had

"

cursed

Elphinstone,
towards

dently
impru-

man,

disappeared

He

go!"

quarter

same

the

have

declivity of

the

feet !

Maston,

without

at

he,

would
that

unfortunate

tube, had

280

him.

answered

Club.

said

"And

The

metal

fearful

not

reappeared

"

T.

Help

up,

of the

Maston.

of

called.

hoisted

perfect howl,

reflector.

one

together, uttering
Belfast

fall of

J.

by

on

time

the

the

holding

!"

T.

over

telescope.
to

earth

two

savants
; and

Gun
on

days after, at

two

Club, they
the

descending

were

arrived

at

the

San

road.

Blomsberry,

and

Bilsby

rushed

arrival.
?"

they

exclaimed.

projectile,"replied J.

T.

Maston,

"

and

the

XXIl.

CHAPTER

EECOVEKED

The

spot where

known
the

ocean

American

made.
trifles.
to

sure

The

of

fishing-up

But

of.

thought

No

Yes,"

doubted

one

J.

repeated

over

everybody,

cannot

have

fallen

must

make

we

do

water

But

for
to

her
bear

go

the

upon

which

had

only difficultywas
walls

hooks.

Francisco,

of

On

which
that

and

were

account

had

some

been

in

The

very
drawn

smooth

engineer

"

aluminium

up

under

long

they
;

and
while.
!"
"

Susquehanna

machinery

to

and

quick, quick

so

the

inferior

the

Food

so.

for
;

up

powerful

enormous

bo

confidence

whose

them

want

fitted

fishing-up
so

to

alive, quite alive

enough

soon

They

weight

the

living.

people,

are

find

to

will

Her

by

of

interest

clever

They

have

hauling-chains.

19,2501bs.,

the
still

are

wish

they

quick.

in

were

friends

we

were

only thing

incessantly,

they

me;

destination.

new

cable
The

if

is what

did

they

weighed

the

trouble

not

they

simpletons.

haste

air, air, that

And

like

such

lessened

the

not

was

Maston
our

with

help they

was

promptly

"

then

invented,

plunged.

was

that

T.

gained

but

it

act

be

of

surface

troubled

be

which

weight,

the

it to

first

exactly

was

fixed, by their

projectile

must

waves

bring

not

once

its

the

must

could

in which

the

They

travellers.

of

spite

liquid

the

It

wanting.

engineers

it in

under

it and

grasp

grappling-irons

raise

density

"

still

was

to

SEA.

THE

sank

projectile

machinery

but

the

PEOM

brought

was

projectile only
that

of

the

similar

atlantic
trans-

conditions.

cylindro-conical projectile,

as

to

Murchison

oflfer

no

hold

hastened

grappling-irons

fixed

for

the

San

to

on

an

FROM

RECOVERED

system, which

automatic

succeeded

once

di-esaes were
allowed

also

had

in

would

prepared,which

the

divers

put

board

on

submarine

there

of the

with

far from

being

the
it

have

borne

of

use

the

T.

don

to

the

the

the

the

tion
perfec-

the

savants

operationwas
against

the water

the

20,000 feet of

At

workmen

day

if

And

travellers

had

water

they

rate

any

so, for

chances

would

were

construction

himself,or
diving-dress

to reconnoitre

apparatus,in order

of the

were

which

the

apparatuses

spiteof

feet under

hurried

Maston

compartments,

of
ingenuity

surface,how

terrible shock

piercedwith

in the

in

success

great

broken?
sufficiently

not

He

sea.

it was
fortunately

But

any.

How

the

to

These
used

very

them, the

certain.

the

ready

was

construct

brought

was

quickly. J.
He

and

projectile
being 20,000

even

perhaps

the

of the

certain

been

machinery,in spiteof

entrusted

them,

into

depths.

they had

breakwater
to

the bottom

let

into great

time

no

was

if it

Diving-

claws.

powerful

perfectchambers

were

water

Francisco,where

at San

of

it down

draw

projectile
go

apparatus of compressed air very

an

scuttles,which, with

313

ing
through this imperviouscover-

observe

There

cleverlydesigned.
could

in its

also

to

let the

never

seizingit

SEA.

TIIE

must

and

act

night,

try the air

situation of his courageous

friends.

spiteof

in

But

all

engines,in spiteof
the Gun

Club

by

in preparingthe
diligence
displayed

the considerable

the Government

sum

the

placedat

of the

Union,

five

different

of
disposal

lopg days

were
complete.
(fivecenturies !) elapsedbefore the preparations
During this time pa^licopinionwas excited to the highestpitch.

Telegrams
world

by

throughout
exchanged incessantly

were

of wires

means

Barbicane, Nicholl,
afiair.

Every

one

interested
directly
At

and

who

electric cables.

and

Michel
had

Ardan

subscribed

in the welfare

was

to

The

entire

saving of

international

an

the

the

Gun

Club

was

of the travellers.

the air-chambers,and the automatic

length the hauling-chains,
were
put on board. J. T. Maston, Engineer
grapplmg-irons

ROUND

314

MOON.

delegatesof

the

Murchisofl,and

THE

the Gun

alreadyin

Club, were

They had but to start,which they did on the 21st

the corvette meeting with
of December, at eighto'clock at night,
beautiful sea, a north-easterly
a
wind, and rather sharp cold.
The whole population
of San Francisco was
gatheredon the quay,
their cabins.

excited but silent,

reservingtheir hurrahs for the return.
greatly
of the "Susquehanna"
Steam
was
fullyup, and the screw
out of the bay.
carried them briskly
It is needless to relate the conversations

ol"cers,sailors,and

thought.

All

passengers.

these

the

All these hearts beat under

to helpthem, what
hastening
had become
companions doing? What

they
able

were

to

could

None

prisondefied
the

the

to

one

Whilst

were

Barbicane

and his

of

them?

Were

they
?
liberty

regain their

miles under

have

must

attempt

every

the ocean,

this metal

effort of its prisoners.

"

due at the fktal spot.

was

take the

soundingline

but

emotion.

inst.,at
eightin the morning,after

Susquehanna

till twelve

is that

truth

had

men

the

same

to

manoeuvre

nearlyfour

every

the 23rd

"

The

say.

Immersed

failed !

On

bold

attempt any

between

board

on

had

rapidpassage,

They

reckoningexactly. The buoy to

been

lashed had

not

yet been

At

wait

must

which

recognized.

twelve.Captain Blomsberiy,assisted by his

the observations,
took the reckoning
in
superintended

the presence

of the

delegatesof

anxiety. Her
to be

had

to westward

disappearedbeneath

The

Club.

positiondecided,the

minutes

some

the Gun

ship'scourse

the

was

Then
"

of the

there

officers who

was

moment

"

Susquehanna
spot where

the

was

of

found

projectile

waves.

then

changed so

as

to reach

this exact

point.
minutes
At forty-seven
past twelve they reached the buoy,it
in perfect
and must
have shifted but little.
was
condition,
last ! " exclaimed

"

At

"

Shall

"

Without

we

begin?
a
losing

"

J. T. Maston.

asked

second."

CaptainBlom^bei-ry.

FROM

RECOVERED

taken

Every precautionwas
motionless.
j^Turchison

submarine

danger, for

of which

consequences

J. T.

the

The

had
signal.The screw
the machinery collected
the apparatus

minutes

emotion

of

divided between

the

The

and

Maston
Pacific

animated

by

furnished
of the
was

"

As

or

flora.

to be

sailors

"

board

on

and
projectile

the

they were

now

prisoners

passing.

minutes
the

arid

an

the

By

ocean.

was

the

the

scuttles,
attentively

reached
but

by

selves,
latter,
they forgotthem-

of

extent

of

past two, J. T.
bottom

of

desert, no

lightof
see

view, but

the

longer

their

lamps,

the dark beds

the

projectile

seen.

these bold divers

electrical communication

Susquehanna

under

drawn

the surface of the

seventeen

had

quickly

began at twenty-flve

chamber,

to the

of

power

have

would

descent

the

nothing

considerable

signalalreadyagreed

the bottom.

the

slightest

the

on

the whole

powerful reflectors,
they could

of
impatience

having an
a

saw

either fauna

for

ocean

companions

they

with

nowhere
The

his

The

the air-

bridge,superintended

capstan

windows

At

placesin

their

his

through which

rapid.

was

but

the

on

the

water,

exposed to fracture,the

shipped,and

officers and

liquidmass

descent

been

apparatus.
to

of

haul in the chains

prisonersin

and, glued
watched

the

disappearedfrom

the

the

submarine

the

or

board.

on

reservoirs full of water,

in

surface

without

Blomsberry,and Engineer Murchi-

night,and

at

past one

The

not

they were

commander, postedon

operation,
ready to stop

drawn

the

engineswas

heedingthese dangers,took

chamber.

of the

bottom

the

be dreadful.

would

Maston, the Brothers

Bon, without

these

below

such great pressure,

and under

at
position

working of

20,000 feet

at

pletely
com-

apparatus destined for this expeditionwas

air. The

suppliedwith

almost

projectile,
Engineer

seize the

tryingto

315

SEA.

the corvette

keep

to

to find its exact

wanted

The

ocean.

Before

THE

moved

upon,
their

and

with

cannot

described,and

the corvette,

for the

chamber

be

space

along

some

of

they
a

made

mile

the

yardsabove

3l6

THE

ROUND

Thus

they explored the

whole

Here

by opticalillusions which
from
rock,there a projection

"

But

And

where

are

poor

man

Ardan,

as

the

Michel

him

answer

in

theywere

continued

the

to be the

ground,seemed
was

discovered,

soon

despair.

they ?

where

called

they?

are

throughsuch

an

"

cried J. T. Maston.

Nicholl,Barbicane,and

loudlyupon

friends could either hear

if his unfortunate

impenetrablemedium

or

search

The

these conditions until the vitiated air

under

at

their hearts.

broke

almost

their mistake

but
much-sought-forprojectile;
then

plain,deceived

Bubmarine

turn

every

and

MOON.

compelled

the divers to ascend.

hauling in began

The

before

ended
"

about

six in the

and
evening,

not

was

midnight.
J. T.

said

To-morrow,"

Maston,

as

he set foot

the

on

bridge

of the corvette.
"

Yes,"

"

And

"

Yea."

another

on

J. T. Maston

spot ?

did not

all the

understood

chances
from

was

of their final success,

doubt

of

chance

the

here

in the wide

alone that the

almost

ocean

meeting with

com

seemed

the

easy

impossible.

rapid proportion;

in

diminished

success

but his

of the first hours,

excitement

What
of the enterprise.
difliculty

San Francisco,seemed

The

"

longer upheld by

panious,no
at

CaptainBlomsberry.

answered

and

it

projectile
might

expected.

be

The

day, the 24th, in spiteof

next

day,the operationwas
minutes

the

to

The
fiea

westward, and

explorersto

same

whole

was

renewed.

the

desert.

The

The

fatigueof

the

depths of

the

brought

some

air,bore

ocean.

fruitless research

25th

previous

advanced

corvette

apparatus, providedwith

the

day passed in

the

no

other

the

bed

of

nor
result,

the
the

26th.
It

was

disheartening.They thought

for
Bbut up in the projectile

of

those

unfortunates

twenty-sixdays. Perhaps at

that

3l8

ROUND

shudder

through the

ran

on

that his

had been

rightarm

the other that

And

Ah

"

we

treblybrutes

it was

the brave

replacedby

iron

an

covered

hook,

his brain-

blow.

him, pickedhim np, restored him

the

to life.

boobies
quadruplyidiots ! qnintuply

that

I"

exclaimed

is it ? "

What

every

around

one

him.

is it?"

"What
"

Come, speak1 "

"

It

the

the

flag was

on
heap. Forgetting

formidable

his first words

were

are
"

towards

hurried

what

heard

simplegutta-percha
cap

box, he had given himself

They

That

crew.

J. T. Maston, who

and

whole

perfect
howlingwas
had justfallen all in

At this moment

hand

MOON.

flag!

American

one

THE

the

howled
is,simpletons,"

"
terrible Secretary,
it is that
"

I
projectile
onlyweighs 19,250Ibs.

"Well?"
"

that it

And

and
56,0001bs.,
Ah

what

float I "

"

twenty-eighttons, or
displaces
itfloats!"
that consequently
the

stress

And

it

worthy
I

true

was

laid

man

in other words

the

on

All, yes ! all these

verb

savants

had

of its
forgottenthis fundamental law, namely,that on account
after having been drawn
the projectile,
by
specific
lightness,
its fall to the greatestdepthsof the ocean, must
return
naturally
And
it was
to the surface.
at the mercy of
now
quietly
floating
the

waves.

The
rushed

boats

put

were

into them

to

J. T. Maston

sea.

Excitement

was

loudlywhilst they advanced to the

contain ? Livingor dead ?
Living,yes
had struck Barbicaue

hoisted the

flag. Profound

were

breathless.

the

was
projectile

and

his

silence

two

Some

height!

at
living,

least unless

friends since

reigned on

Eyes no longer saw,

open.

his friends had

Every heart
did it
What
projectile.

at its

beat

death

and

One

of

they had

the boats.
the

AU

scuttles of

piecesof glassremained

in the

EROM

RECOVERED

frame,
feet

five

rushed

the

that

had

This

scuttle

actually

fras

that

of

J.

T.

Maston,

and

J.

T.

Maston

window.

they

Michel

broken.

been

319

water.

heard

in

exclaiming

all, Barbicane,

Barbicane,
dominoes

broken

Ardan,

White

it

alongside,

moment

Michel
"

the

came

to

At
of

above

boat

that

showing

SEA.

THE

white

Ardan,

clear

an

all
and

and

accent

voice,

merry
of

triumph,

the

voice

"

"

NichoU

were

jJajing

at

XXIIL

CHAPTER

ENB

THE

We

remember

may

the

travellers

had

with
The

return

Florida, would

of

Those

greatness

of

left the

teiTestrial

to

had

voyage

into

prophet

Elias

celestial

then

first,and

Barbicane,
Club,

Journey
of
the

been
to

copies.

more

fail to

Nicholl, and

be

but

saleof

after

see

the

to
a

price

Indeed,

high.

of their
to

at

the

this

heroes

of

was

this

them

of the

Gun

received

with

Barbicane's

The

New
but

publication

amounted

to

travellers

known.

the

as

longing.

were

the

strange

see

yet known,

not

of the

return

To

delegates

public.

paper

this

President

during

expedition

the

of

notes

given

manuscript

days

Baltimore,

to

creatures

universal
the

No

respond

received

earth.

to

the

was

The

theMoon,"the
Three

back

such

delay

to

very

slightestdetail

nothing

not

them,

without

the

bought
have

could

Ardan,

ready

were

Herald

after

the

Union
?

to

returned
be

turers
adven-

the

bound

and

came

peninsula

Ardan

sphere,

enthusiasm.

indescribable

must

Michel

returning

voyage

hear

to

Michel

was

their

parts of

leave

Human

if he

the

all

terprise
en-

new

on

sublime

enterprise.

space,
be

would

public

the

the

worthily
who

of

passion

they

the

and

the

from

hurrying

and

old

beset

these

shores, would

of

received

had

Nicholl,

the

be

meet

to

of strangers,

Barbicane,

seen

ardent

the

and

rush

not

in

they

spectators which

accompanied

had

beginning

both

would

American

the

having

without

they

legions

towards

globe

of

millions

the

at

emotion

such

enthusiasm

what

If

departure.

excited

which

sympathy

intense

their

on

they
world,

the

There

superhuman

York
which
of

"

fivemillions
to

the

earth,

remained

enterprise.

THE

The
had

expeditionof
them

enabled

END.

Barbicane

and

round

admitted

theories

savants

had

They

knew

circumstances.
particular

what
rejected,

be

his friends

the many

to correct

the terrestrial satellite. These

under

321

retained with

regard

observed

what
the

to

the

given up

their last secrets.

againstconscientious observers,who
distance had marked

that curious

system of lunar orography?

How

systems should

formation

had

then

world

as

Cuvier

did the skeleton

of

that,a

companions,the

two
a

before

Union
All

take part in
directly

flyingrails ;

and

all the

on

and decorated with the

by

electric clocks which

days,from
stoppedas they are
For

four

States, and

speed,drawing

moon

the earth ! The

moon

upon

his

and

givinga banquet,

worthy

of the American

it.

lined
platforms,
were

placeat

was

on

on

the

joinedby
same

flags,

tables laid and

all

open.

the

banquet tables.

January, the

trains

were

the railwaysof the United

One

had
triumphalcarriage,

days

with

were

marked
calculated,
hours, successively
time,the
beat the seconds at the same

Sundays

on

State

the

in

the 5th to the 9th of

road

every

for those four

decided

invited to take their

were
population

The

"

illustrious member

ornaments,

same

certain

At

sei-ved alike.

lunar

uninhabited."

now

lines of railroads

the head

the

such conditions that all the inhabitants of the

under

could

limit

impose some

and say,
fossil,

of the conquerors,

banquet worthy

people,and

Club

Gun

to

borne

eye until

had reconstructed

of its most

celebrate the return

To

but

and
uninhabitable,

world

contradict

human

no

their turn

now

was

whose

savants

enterprisehad

disc,which

this,a habitable world,inhabited

was

is

It

seen

miles
twenty-four
Tycho,the strangest

those

of their

science,which
Selenographic

that

on

ever

had

objections

Pluto's circle ? How

of the

invisible face

that

over

of that

future

advance

of

answer

the chances

whom

ones

visu,and

at less than

mountain

sighthad penetratedthe abyss of

those bold

could

Who

regarding

de

Its past,present, and

its habitability.
orb, its origin,
even

moon

engine only at full

the rightof travelling

the railroads of the United

States.

ROUND

322
The

enginewas
carriage was

and
Nicholl,

the

Michel

MOON.

driver and

of

speed

of the Gun Club.

Maston, Secretary

J. T.

reserved

for

Ardan.

At

train left the

Barbicane, Colonel

President
the

whistle of the

that which

of the Columbiad

mouth
Thus

table

at
populations

had

driver,amid

the
acclamations,
lavishing

through the

way

But

same

bravos

They

speed

with

the

same

travelled in this

Union, Pennsylvania,Connecticut,

Hampshire; the

York, Ohio, Michigan,and

by New

this

was

other,findingwhole

road, salutingthem

of the

east

the

to

Massachusetts,Vermont, Maine, and New

the west

what

It ti-avelledat

carried the three heroes from the

town

one

their

on

Baltimore.

from

they sped

platformof

in the hour.

miles

160

compared with

and

stoker,and bore,by

hurrahs,and all the admiringvociferations of the American

the
language,
a

by

manned

special
favour,the Hon,
The

THE

Wisconsin

north
turning
; re-

to the south

Missouri,Arkansas, Texas, and

by Illinois,
Louisiana ; they went
and Florida,
to the south-east by Alabama
the centre by
going up by Georgia and the Carolinas,visiting
and Indiana, and, after quitting
Tennessee, Kentucky,Virginia,
the

Washington station,re-entered

were

seated at

with the

Aud

foundation

they go

of

from

after awhile
Will this

means

ever
a

The

States of America

apotheosiswas

of these

worthy

placedin

have

the rank

of demigods.

in the annals of
attempt, unprecedented

result
practical

to any

moon

the United

for four

them simultaneously
banquet,saluting

fable would

whom

will this

lead
travels,

swarm

hurrahs

now

the

thought that

immense

one

same

three heroes

with

have

would

days one

Baltimore, where

be

Will direct communication

established ?

Will

they

service throughthe
travelling

lay

ever

solar world

the

? Will

planetto another,from Jupiterto Mercury, and

one

from

one

star

to

of locomotion

another,from
allow

us

the Polar

to visit those

to Sirius
suns

which

in the firmament?

To such questionsno

answer

can

be

given. But knowing

the

THE

bold

of

ingenuity
if

astonished

Barbicane's

with

as

in

judge
nominated

race,

make

to

of

the

"

J.
it

T.
is

the

no

would

one

some

of

use

of

Barbicane

part

business,
commissioner,
beforehand

of

the

and

of

thousand

be

President

of

of

Director
American

Francis

dollars,

Honourable

Drayton,

divided

each,

NichoU

Michel

to

Harry

under

cation"
Communi-

Captain

Movements,

public

company,

Interstellary

temperament
the

of

the

dollars

Vice-president,

failure,

even

travellers,

million

Company

National

the

announcement

hundred

shares

Maston

of

return

favour

President,

Secretary,

the

thousand
of

name

after

capital

hundred

And

seek

Americans

marked

with

limited,

the

Anglo-Saxon

the

time

some

received

323

attempt.

Thus,

into

the

END.

Ardan.

foresee

thing
every-

Trolloppe,

magistrate,

weie