2i8 ESSAYS AND OBSERVATIONS 



the Iky, and beccxne faint in their co- 

 lours ; then they coalefce ^nd revolve, 

 and are fcattered again, or continue flalh* 

 ing hither and thither thro' the air, iq a 

 thin luminous vapour that feems to be 

 compofed of a grofler and more volatile 

 kind, and people imagine they fometimes 

 hear a faint crackling noife. 



It is probable that the fliining of the 

 fea is a phaenomenon nearly related to 

 thofe above ; namely, That it is owing 

 to fome volatile oily fulphureous matter 

 that arifes from the fea, and floats upon 

 its fur face when the evaporation is fmall ; 

 as is the cafe at land with the ignesfatuiy 

 and thofe fiery fparks which often appear, 

 when you tread in marfliy or mofly low 

 grounds, in damp weather. We may even 

 fuppofe that thofe particles are often car- 

 ried down to the earth and fea from the 

 Iky, adhering to the particles of rain,, 

 hail, or fnow, and continue floating there 

 till they are evaporated again. 



These things are agreeable to what 

 obfervations I could make, and I leave 

 them to be examined by thofe who have 

 better opportunity. 



Art, 



