of Aurora Borealis observed at Dundee. 



33 



In December, 1834, there were two aurorse observed here, 

 additional to those recorded in VIII. 96., the one on the even- 

 ing of the 21st, and the other on that of the 22d. The 21st 

 was a most delightful day, and made one fancy that midwinter 

 was wed with midsummer; for the trees, shrubs, and herbage, 

 though denuded of their green glory and blossomy grandeur, 

 were profusely decorated with beautiful frost-flowers, among 

 which the sun's light sported in all the glowing tints of a warmer 

 season ; the air was clear and healthful ; and the flocks of 

 finches and larks that bivouacked about the hedges and fields, 

 evinced, by the sprightliness of their motions, and their half- 

 warbled ditties of gladness, a much greater share of vivacity 

 than is usually shown by them at this season. The manifest- 

 ation of the aurora in the evening was splendid, but that on 

 the succeeding night was much more brilliant and extensive, 

 and the streamers kept up their airy revels till next morning. 

 On the 19th, a hard frost had set in, which continued till the 

 afternoon of the 29th, with the exception of a thaw of short 

 duration on the 23d. The wind was chiefly westerly until the 

 29th, when it shifted to the s.w., and brought fresh weather, 

 with an ample outpouring of rain during that night and next 

 Vol. IX. — No. 57. d 



