whose work of observing the earth was known far and wide.

Proctor was occupied a short time in adjusting it, and then asked us if we
could recognize what was in the field. I motioned to the doctor, but as he
insisted that I should take the first view I put my eye to the glass with
much trepidation. Instead of the magnified disk of the earth, which I
expected to behold, I saw but a small portion of the surface, and that a
familiar stretch of coast line. I never knew whether Proctor thought by
our accent or by the cut of our clothes that we were New Englanders, but
he had so pointed the telescope that our first sight of the earth showed
us dear old Massachusetts Bay, with its islands and boundaries. I did not
speak till the doctor had looked, and then we told the others of our
pleasant surprise.

Proctor made another adjustment, saying he would bring the globe still
nearer to us, and we looked and saw a patch of beautiful green country. It
appeared to be but a few miles away, and we thought we ought to
distinguish large objects. But the appearance was deceptive in this
respect, and Proctor told us they had not been able to determine
definitely whether the earth was inhabited. They could see important
changes going on from time to time; they believed they could tell
cultivated from wild land; certain peculiar spots they called large
cities; and there were many such indications of inhabitants. But they had
not yet beheld man nor his unquestioned footsteps. As to their belief on
the subject, they had the strongest faith that the earth was peopled by an
intelligent race, and Proctor added that he rejoiced to see that faith so
happily justified by our presence. To which the doctor pleasantly replied
that he should be sorry to have him judge of the intelligence of the race
at large from two such inferior specimens.