In dealing with the conditions on a distant and inaccessible world the farthest flight of imagination might fall short of the reality, but I have preferred to treat these matters somewhat restrainedly. Whilst no one can say positively that the intelligent inhabitants of Mars do not possess bodies resembling our own, it is very probable that they differ from us entirely; and may possess forms which would appear to us strange and weird. I have, however, thought it desirable to endow the Martians with bodies resembling ours, but glorified in form and features. The powers ascribed to the Martians are really only extensions of powers which some amongst us claim to possess, and they fall short of what more than one modern scientific writer has predicated as being within the possibilities of science at a not very distant future. During the past few years I have been greatly indebted to Professor Lowell for his kindness and ready courtesy in furnishing me with information on obscure matters connected with Mars; and my thanks are also due to the Rev. Theodore E.R. Phillips, of Ashstead, who was good enough to read the manuscript of this book, and whose great observational experience enabled him to make valuable suggestions in regard to the scientific matters dealt with therein. Truly "a labour of love," this little book--which Professor Lowell has most kindly permitted me to dedicate to him--is now submitted to the public, in the sincere hope that its perusal may serve not only to while away a leisure hour, but tend to nurture a love of the sublime science of astronomy, and at the same time provide some food for thought. A few maps, plates, and charts have been added to give completeness to the work, and it is hoped that they will aid the reader in understanding the several matters dealt with. M.W. 1910. CONTENTS PAGE LIST OF PLATES AND MAPS xvii NOTES ON THE MAPS AND CHARTS xix THE SUN, MOON, AND PLANETS xxiii (_Narrative by Wilfrid Poynders, Esq._) CHAP. I. WE START ON A VERY LONG VOYAGE 25 II. PERSONAL REMINISCENCES--WHY WE DECIDED ON THE VOYAGE 35 III. WE APPROACH THE MOON--A MAGNIFICENT SPECTACLE 44 IV. CLOSE TO THE MOON--I GIVE SOME INFORMATION ABOUT IT 52 V. WE VIEW THE LUNAR SCENERY IN THE NORTHERN HEMISPHERE 63 VI. THE SCENERY OF THE MOON'S SOUTHERN HEMISPHERE 78 VII. WE RESUME OUR VOYAGE--THE SUN AND THE SKY AS SEEN FROM SPACE 92 VIII. JOHN INSISTS ON GOING BACK AGAIN--A STRANGE, BUT AMUSING INCIDENT OCCURS 101