The Riddle of Mars the Planet

Abstract

THERE are many who have read with real pleasure Dr. Percival Lowell's pleasant diversions based upon his assiduous and careful observations of the planet Mars, which the magnificent equipment of his well-placed observatory have made possible. Whether they have followed him to all his conclusions is immaterial, they have admired his skill and industry, his beautiful photographs, his imagination and the charming way in which he has presented his case. Among his followers the author of the present work is one who is not content with merely following Dr. Lowell, but, being apparently of a constructive turn of mind, he has gone in considerable detail into the engineering works that are obviously required to help the water of the melting snow caps to the parts of the planet where it is wanted for the growing crops. By the use of a coloured plate or diagram on which the colour changes in different latitudes in the course of the Martian year are represented, the author develops the engineering problem of moving the water, using open canals or closed pipes where water is pumped over or to high ground. He wants for this purpose 2,500,000,000 N.H.P.; 170,000 6-ft. pipes, each 1400 miles long, with ten pumping stations of 1150 N.H.P. to each to account for part of the total power required. Oil engines are suggested, the oil being obtained from wells as on earth, but possibly sun power in the clear sky is used as in Egypt. The author goes into details in other directions which it seems unnecessary to follow, and he estimates the area requiring irrigation and producing crops twice a year by a consideration of the colour changes.

The Riddle of Mars the Planet.

By C. E. Housden. Pp. xi + 69 + plates. (London: Longmans, Green and Co., 1914.) Price 3s. 6d. net.