1853.] OF THE ROYAL INSTITUTION. 275 
recurrence of the aurora borealis with that observed in relation to the 
sun’s spots and the daily magnetic variation (Vide p. 237). 
Dunse (N. Britain), 1 March, 1853. 
Dear Sir, 
In the report in the Atheneum of your lecture at the Royal 
Institution on the 21st January, I observe that you refer to the 
highly interesting observations of Schwabe, Sabine, Wolf, Gautier, 
&c., from which it would appear that a connexion exists between the 
solar spots and the variation of the terrestrial magnetic forces. 
Since a connexion has been demonstrated to exist between the 
latter and auroral phenomena, I was induced to look over my notes 
relating to the aurore observed at this place, with a view to ascertain 
whether these also exhibited maxima and minima; and if so, whether 
the periods of such agreed with those of the solar spots and of the 
magnetic variations. The subjoined table shews the distribution of 
the aurorze seen here in the years 1838 to 1847 inclusive. 
Jan. Feb. Mar. Apr. May June July Aug. Sep. Oct. Nov. Dec. Sum. 
Peace eS Sel eeaaieesie ive | —— 2 able Wel o® lessee 
MetOn One moe An et se | ee s| gi te Fl co ot ay eae 
eer | on ae ae en sel yl Gal 6 i Bal] 43 
eee ee Gel 3) | Ar fea on | en) 22 eae ite tetse) Meine M5 
TS etyT a [ekg ie ol) TEI SS SE Uy cee vate Oc 9 
ez [i OTN Tee! ig psc ne fea ir ct aa Hee Hic 
ee eee ee ee eee eae | Ee saa ole us 
[ESF fe aL fine =i Pe ibe =o alfa Pet Nae? ill a al et 10 
ied |e!) Sigel A) A A lle A ht eee Meir 
Aree Dao | Se ee ee ST eee: lec6, au lh 30 
33 |20|18|18| 3|—| 2| 14 | 43 | 34 | 30 | 23 | 238 
These figures speak for themselves. I may remark that the returns 
for 1842 are incomplete, as I was absent from home during March 
and April of that year. In 1848 I was also absent for some months ; 
but from the number of aurore which I have noted during that 
year, I am satisfied that a maximum then occurred both as regards 
the number and the intensity of auroral displays. This present 
winter has been very barren in auroral phenomena. Of crimson 
aurore, I find I have noted two in 1837, one in 1839, one in 1846, 
three in 1847, and no less than six in 1848. 
A discussion of the aurorz seen in N. America and the North of 
Europe during a series of years would be interesting in reference to 
the points in question, 
I am, my dear Sir, 
Your’s faithfully, &c., 
Wo. SrevENsON. 
