ly RECORD OF AURORAL PHENOMENA. 



likewise rising, at or near the zenith. The effect of the junction was a dark gray arch, extend- 

 ing from E. by S. to W. by N. across the zenith, aud completely obscuriug the stars, though at 

 each side of the arch they were particularly clear and twinkling. 

 In the mean time, the Aurora assumed every variety of form ; such as undulating and fringed 

 arches, 30° to 50° high and more or less broad, with flashes and beams at right angles to them. 

 The cloudy arch, too, was illuminated at and around its N. W. edges near the horizon, while 

 rays and beams played round its eastern extremity. In a few seconds, the part of this nearest 

 the horizon assumed a zigzag form, like forked lightning; and immediately the western extremity 

 sympathized, undergoing momentary transitions which defy description. Such convulsions at 

 the extremes soon affected the centre of the arch, which, becoming gradually fainter aud fainter, 

 at last vanished entirely, leaving the stars to shine forth in all their brilliance. The detached 

 masses yet remained, though under various forms, and the Aurora nimbly played round and 

 through them, especially the eastern one, until not the slightest vestige of them remained." — 

 Ibid., p. 200. 



N. B. — 1. At 5^ p. m., coruscations from a dark cloud, E. by S. 



2. Stars not visible through the Aurora. 



3. Needle slightly agitated. 



4. Dark clouds — one E., one TV. 



5. Meet at or near the zenith. 



G. Form an arch from E. by S. to W. by N. 



Fort Reliance.— Lat. 62° 46' 29" N. Long. 109° 00' 38" W. 1833-34. King. 



"The Aurora Borealis, as soon as evening sets in, overspreads the ethereal space, as if intended by 

 Providence to cheer the hours of darkness by its beautiful and varied coruscations. For about 

 two hours after midnight, it was invariably observed by us to be most brilliant and active ; 

 passing from east to west, or vice versd, and northerly; sometimes appearing in the form of a 

 splendid arch flitting across the heavens with inconceivable velocity, and resembling the spiral 

 motions of a serpent. Then, suddenly disappearing, the veil of night would be at once diffused 

 around; when, as quick as the flash of a star, a thousand dancing lights would again be seen 

 playing mysteriously through the sky, assuming a variety of forms and diversity of motion, of 

 which it is too difficult for an inanimate description to convey any idea. 



It seldom appeared southerly, as if there was something in that part of the heavens which it dare 

 not approach ; but, commencing in the eastern or southeastern horizon — in which particular 

 it coincides with the remarks of Parry and Crautz — would shoot across the zenith to the west, 

 and descend in a variety of forms to the northern part of the earth, covering the whole of that 

 portion of the concave with a brilliant light, while the opposite cpiarter of the hemisphere was 

 enveloped in darkness. 



Notwithstanding the Aurora is most frequent in the severest weather during a calm, yet I have 

 seen equally vivid coruscations when the wind was blowiug a stiff breeze; and although directly 

 opposed to its motions, far from being in any way affected, it continued uninterruptedly on in 

 its accustomed eccentricity. At times there would appear two currents in active motion from 

 opposite points, approaching the zenith, where they formed a corona, presenting the appearance 

 of so many snakes twisting with amazing swiftness; while at the same time a fringed, undulatiug 

 arch, composed of numberless bright rays, would be seen flitting with inconceivable velocity 

 from the horizon towsfrds the zenith. Among them might be frequently observed streams of 

 light perpendicular to the horizon, collected together, and moving with even greater velocity 

 than the rest; which from their peculiar appearance have acquired the name of 'merry dancers.' 



The appearance of the Aurora is not confined to an unclouded sky; it was frequently observed by 

 us in active motion when the heavens were partially obscured by a hazy atmosphere, and occa- 

 sionally perceived emerging from behind a black cloud. 



Capell Brooke observed this peculiarity at Haniinerfest ; aud we had an opportunity of witnessing 



