388 Description of the Aurora Borecdis 



toward the horizon on their respective sides ; and, as to the 

 outer columns on the east, inclined, not in rectilinear figures, 

 but in curves more or less decided. In these columq&^-ot 

 coruscations several particulars were to be remarked. ,rf< vfn', 



1. That, within the space of from one hour to two, the 

 whole group appeared to traverse the horizon together, from 

 the west of north to the east of north, as if upon one movable 

 base, or as if the source of their appearance became gradually 

 exhausted to the west of north, and grew gradually into acti- 

 vity upon the east of north ; alternatives of explanation, how- 

 ever, which might materially affect the theory of their pro- 

 duction. During the whole change, in the meantime, the 

 north preserved its splendour, appearing uniformly as the 

 focus of the fire, or as the pivot of the machine, or as the well 

 from which all else was supplied. The change consisted in the 

 appearance of columns, of more or less magnitude, strength, 

 and brightness, more or less advanced from the north toward 

 the west, or from the north toward the east ; but the north, 

 during all this variation, suffered no other change than this, 

 that whereas, in the beginning of the evening, the greater 

 portion of the columns rose to its west, while, in the latter 

 part of the night, the greater portion arose to its east. But, 

 besides this general configuration, and this united motion of 

 the meteor, there was to be observed, in the several columns 

 themselves, both the variations of colour which distinguished 

 one from another, and the irregular and independent move- 

 ment of each, always in the direction of its length or altitude, 

 and , situate in the interior, as it w^ere, of its body; and also 

 that peculiarity of form which distinguishes these coruscations 

 from all other luminous appearances. 



2|.^^The colours of the columns, in that part of their height 

 which is nearest their base, and where, as a ground, they had 

 only the white light of the horizon, by which, and by their 

 motion, audit should, perhaps, be added, by their yividnf^, 

 they were distinguished, is a point upon which the writer 

 speaks with some hesitation, and with respect to the more 

 close observation of which he could like to enjoy a second 

 opportunity of beholding the phenomenon. The variety and 

 richness, and sometimes the terrible grandeur, of the colours 



