and especially in Scotland, 146 



malous phenomena, chiefly of a meteorological character, and 

 apparently connected with these shocks, which it is proper not 

 to lose sight of. 



(1.) There is the circumstance mentioned by Sir John 

 Mansel, that, on the morning following the great shock of 23d 

 October 1839, some linen clothes were found entirely covered 

 with a black powder. This circumstance is interesting, on 

 account of a similar powder which, on several occasions, both 

 before and afterwards, was observed on Loch Erne, and the 

 adjoining country. 



The previous occasion* on which this black powder was ob- 

 served, has been already mentioned. It may be as well to 

 notice in this place other occasions, when it was again re- 

 marked, and to mention the result of an examination of it 

 which Professor Traill kindly undertook. 



A few days before the 23d October 1839, some boatmen on 

 Loch Erne observed on the surface of the water, a scum as 

 black as ink, which rendered it unfit for domestic use. 



In November 1839, there fell over the district at and near 

 Comrie, a powder blacker than soot, and which defiled linen 

 clothes on the hedges. Dr Forbes, a medical practitioner at 

 Comrie, informed the author, that he had seen this powder at va- 

 rious places, particularly on the public road opposite to Dunira, 

 where it was in considerable quantity. A good deal of rain 

 had fallen shortly before Dr Forbes observed the powder, 

 and in some parts of the road he observed the powder floating 

 on the pools of water. 



On the 23d February and 2d March 1841, a quantity of black 

 powder was observed on Loch Voil and Loch Erne, as shewn 

 by the following letters from Mr Stewart of Ardvoirlich. It 

 may be mentioned that Ardvoirlich is situated on the south 

 bank of Loch Erne, near the west end, and about twelve miles 

 west of Comrie : — 



"Ardvoirlich, \st March 1841. 



" Dear Sir,: — On Tuesday morning last Mr Macdonald of 

 Cragnie observed a black scu?n, which he mentioned to you 



* Vol. xxxi. p. 121 and 292. 



VOL. XXXV. NO. LXIX. JULY 1843. K 



