Colour of the Rocks in the Lake District, G5 



monly pleases ; moreover, it ought not to pass unobset*ved, 

 that the discolouring effects described, however prevalent, 

 are not universal, and that they are often intermixed with 

 brighter hues, tints of red, orange, and white, derived from 

 the lichens which spread over the rocks of drier surfaces, 

 and enhance the variety and beauty of the colouring. 



In another point of view,* in relation to the influence of 

 atmosphere, it may be a question, whether the salubrity of 

 air of this district may not be impaired by the cause adverted 

 to. If it be, it is probably in so small a degree, as not to be 

 appreciable. The good to the town or crowded district from 

 which the fuliginous vapours are removed no doubt prepon- 

 derates greatly over any possible evil to the country. Benefit 

 may even result to the latter, from the precipitation of the 

 matter of these vapours, in their fertilizing effects on the up- 

 land pastures. Thus considered may they not be viewed as 

 an example of the equalizing, moderating tendencies, which 

 belong to the economy of nature, in which, when sufficiently 

 scrutinized no real waste of means can be detected, nor loss 

 of substance ? 



Ijesketh How, Amblesidt;, 

 September 26, 1851. 



Some views respecting the Source of Light, ^c. By JamES 

 Nasmytii, Esq., F.R.A.S. 



Impressed with the conviction that the progress of 

 science has often been most importantly advanced by the 

 setting forth of hypothetical views as to the nature of those 

 causes which result in great phenomena, I am, for these 

 reasons, induced to hazard and venture forth with some 

 views on the subject of the nature of the solar light, more 

 especially in reference to the well known but most remark- 

 able phenomena occurring in the case of stars of variable 

 and transitory brightness, as also in reference to those 

 wonderful results of geological research, namely, the un- 

 questionable evidence of the existence of an arctic or glacial 

 climate in regions where such cannot now naturally exist ; 

 thus giving evidence of the existence of a condition of climate, 



VOL. LII. NO. cm. — JANUARY 1852. E 



