Page:The Moon (Pickering).djvu/97

Rh of discovery of some hitherto unknown fact. Thus, a large canal exists in the western portion of Alphonsus, shown faintly on Plate 10C [1.3, 2.1]; two small but well-defined ones are found in Hell, 10E [1.9, 5.5]. Fifthly, and most important, we are able to study the surface conditions and determine the relation of the various details to the natural elevations, slopes and depressions of the surface. Sixthly, since no water in the liquid form can exist upon the Moon, this fact will enable us to rule out many seductive but erroneous hypotheses. Seventh, and lastly, we know that so little air and water-vapour exist there that we can confidently also rule out all aid in the construction of these formations from intelligent or intellectual life.

While from this point of view the observations may have their disappointing side, still it must be remembered that they do not disprove that intelligent life may exist either on Mars or elsewhere in the universe. They merely weaken the strongest argument hitherto found for the existence of highly intelligent life upon Mars. I do not believe that any astronomer will be tempted to use the inverse argumnt that we now have evidence of such life upon the Moon!