222 DISSERr ACTION on the 



which mofl enjoy the kindly influence of the fun, that fufFef 

 by the efFecfls of its fuperior heat ; fo that if the atmofphere of 

 the north is not fo genial as that of the fouth, at leaft it re- 

 mains perfeflly quiet and ferene, without threatening deflruc- 

 tion to man and the produdl of his induftry, as in what are 

 commonly called happier climates. 



Aurora Borealis, 



As to the Aurora Borealis, it often illuminates our hemi- 

 fphere, more particularly in winter, when it appears from fix- 

 teen to feventeen times in the fix months, although we, by no 

 means, enjoy fo much of its light as our more northern neigh- 

 bours, who have certainly a better title to its fervices, from the 

 beautiful plan of equality mentioned above. Some remarks 

 which I fliall make in the next article but one, may probably 

 flrengthen the opinion of its being an eledlric phenomenon, 

 that is to fay, if proving the atmofphere in general to be un- 

 commonly eledlric, at the time of its greatefl prevalency, can 

 lead to a prefumption pf its connexion with that fluid. 



Parbeliums and Mock Moons 



Are {ttn pretty frequently in the north. Probably oui" 

 frozen mifts and vapours make thefe phenomena more frequent 

 here than in the temperate climates. 



General Obfervations on the Winter Atmofphere. 



The air, though cold, is remarkably pure and elafl;ic during 

 our fevere froft, fo as to give a mofl: furprifing degree of fpring 

 and tone to the human frame. At this time the atmofphere is 

 mofl; aftonilhingly eledric, even more fo than during our vio- 

 lent thunder- ftorms in fummer, if we are to judge from the 



great 



