Does The Earth Receive Heat From The Sun?

2 nd . If the sun gives out heat to all the planets , then Mercury , on account of its proximity to the sun , must be hi a state of fluidity . A enus at the boiling point . Jupiter , being so distant , must be all ice . Saturn and the more distant planets colder

than anything wo can conceive . But if heat is generated in each of the respective atmospheres of the planets , then by their having more or less surrounding them , according to their distances from the sun , each may possess the same moderate

temperature as the earth . 3 rd . If heat pass from the sun to the moon , why is not a proportionate amount reflected or radiated to the earth ? Professor Tyndall and others have not been able to discover the slightest particle of

heat in the moon ' s lays , although tested with the most delicate instruments , and I think there are three evident reasons why : — Ifirst , the sun ' s rays are not heat , and therefore there is none to reflect . Secondly , the moon has little or no atmosphere in which heat can be generated , and so there is no radiation .

Thirdly , even if tho moon had an atmosphere , and heat was generated in it , there could be no reflection or radiation beyond the limits of the assumed atmosphere . In conclusion : Let Nature be our great Teacher . Heat is required for innumerable

purposes near the surface of the earth , and that is just where the EVIDENCE of our senses and investigation prove it is provided , instead of its proceeding from the Sun as many persons THEORETICALLY suppose . J . A . R .

What Happened At A Christmas Gathering.

WHAT HAPPENED AT A CHRISTMAS GATHERING .

BY TIIEOPILOS TOMLINSON . ClIAl'TEU II . I i / EFf off my story at the end of our first day at Compton L'Estrange—for so the old manor-house was termed—when the

genial company was dispersing for the night . Some of the irreverent youth adjourned to the smoking-room , and , when we elderly people had gone to our virtuous

couches , were exhaling until early hours the fragant (?) weed , and imbibing a mysterious compound termed " B . and S . " When we all assembled for breakfast in the morning , everybody seemed very cheerful except old Jamieson . I at first thought

it was the mental conflict of the evening before between love in a cottage and love in " widow ' s weeds , " but youug Miller whispered to me' " Old Jamieson has been in the haunted room , and I am quite sure has seen the ghost . " But as we were all

talking and eating and drinking at the samet ime , no one had any leisure time for anybody else ' s grievances or mishaps . And I often think that the breakfast is the one

meal of the day when many of us are inclined to be sulky and savage , and resent enquiry , and dislike confidence . Even the " gal" you adore does not look always benign at breakfast time , though I do not know why . Perhaps it is that we

noble animals require our " pabulum corporis , " like those of a lower grade , and after feeding-time is over become civil and sociable and gregarious again . But this morning Jamieson ' s little melancholy was soon discovered b y the buxom widowwho

, instantly began to pity and " proner " the old rascal , who , to say the truth , like most men , was not averse to be petted and fussed over . I observed some sagacious looks passing between Jorum and Jimmy and after we had all left the

breakfastroom and the men had got into their morning-room , Jorum began pumping old Jamieson . ' ' " By the way , Jamieson , " he said , " I hear you slept in the haunted room last night . Did you see anything ?"

Jamieson , who did not evidently relish the cross-questioning , said hastily , " Oh , no ; I slept very well , and saw noihing and heard nothing . " "Well , " replied Jorum , "I thought you was looking pale this morning- I have

heard queer stories about that room . They say "—he went on , not pretending to notice old Jamieson ' s fidgetting about— " that a woman appears and gazes on you with a melancholy look . Come , Jamieson , " added Jorum" tell us the truthold boywe

, , ; won ' t peach , Did you see something last ni ght ?" Jamieson , who was evidently a little nervous , at last said to Jorum , in a lower key than usual , " Well , it is a curious