854 Mr. J. Glaisher's additional Observations on 



in this I may not be accurate. Its breadth struck me as 

 about that of Venus at her greatest brilliancy, so that it ap- 

 peared as a line of light such as would arise from the length- 

 ening of that planet to the same extent. Its head might be a 

 little larger, but not much ; its colour was a dull red. When 

 it burst I felt sure that the fragments described parabolic 

 curves, and I did not notice that any one of these returned 

 upon its path. Its path was perfectly straight, and slightly 

 inclined to the horizon. 



" It appeared as I stood as nearly as possible to the N.W., 

 and its apparent motion was fi-om S.W to S.E. I did not 

 test its light by anything, but it quite startled me. I should 

 not have said its continuance exceeded 4 seconds. I think it 

 was hardly as much." 



At my request Mr. Goodhart again went to the spot, and 

 took the altitudes and azimuths of the points to the best of his 

 recollection. The following is the additional information : — 



XXXII. Second communication from the Rev. C. J. Good- 

 hart. 



" I am sorry I did not take more pains to certify my state- 

 ments before I sent them to you. I have now done so ; but 

 the distance of time renders me unable to give you the certain 

 information I could wish, though the observations I have 

 made today are, I believe, approximate to the truth. The 

 measurements I have made may be thoroughly depended 

 upon, but the precise spots I can only state within limits. I 

 am not sure to within two or three paces of my own position 

 on the hill, and the limits therefore at the first point of sight, 

 and at the point of explosion, are for the former 28° to 35°* 

 west of the north point, and for the latter a° to 10°* east of it. 



"These measurements were obtained by the comparison 

 of two compasses with the meridian line. The altitude of the 

 former point (where first seen) was not greater than 26°; this 

 I think I am sure of; it might not be more than 23° or 24°; 

 and the altitude of the point of explosion I place at 16°, or 

 perhaps a little higher, but not I believe lower. 



" These I have obtained by measuring the angles between 

 the lines of sight and a plumb-line." 



XXXIII. Euston Square, London. Third communica- 

 tion from G. F. Burder, Esq. 



"There is one point, however, in which I think it worth 



* The variation of the compass at Reading is about 22° 50'. I do not 

 know the value used in deducing the above values, but they do not seem 

 to be right ; we may conclude, however, that at its first appearance it was 

 situated at an angle of about 39° west of the place of explosion. 



