ofNovemher 1836*. 83 



too well known to require the recital of any particulars. Of the 

 recurrence of the phenomenon at the corresponding period in 

 1834, and in 1835, evidence has been presented to the public 

 in previous numbers of this Journal. (See vols, xxvii. pp. 339, 

 and 417.; xxix. 168.) I now feel authorized to assert, that 

 the meteoric shower reappeared on the viorning of the ISth No- 

 vember 1836. 



It has been supposed by some, that the appearance of an extra- 

 ordinary number of shooting stars, at several anniversaries since 

 the great phenomenon of November 1833, can be accounted for 

 by the fact, that so general an expectation of such an event has 

 been excited, and that so many persons have been on the watch for 

 it. Having, however, been much in the habit of observing phe- 

 nomena of this kind, I can truly say, that those exhibitions of 

 shooting stars which have for several years occurred on the 13th 

 or 14th of November, are characterized by several peculiarities, 

 which clearly distinguish them from ordinary shooting stars. 

 Such peculiarities are the following : 



1. The number of meteors, though exceedingly variable, is 

 much greater than usual, especially of the larger and brighter 

 kinds. 



2. An uncommonly large proportion leave hnninons trains. 

 8. The meteors, with few exceptions, all appear to proceed 



from a common centre, the position of which has been uni- 

 formly in nearly the same point in the heavens, viz. in some part 

 of the constellation Leo. 



4. The principal exhibition has at all times, and at all places, 

 occurred between midnight and sunrise, and the maximum from 

 three to four o'clock. 



In all these particulars, the meteoric showers of 1834, 5 and 

 6, have resembled that of 1833 ; while no person, so far as 

 I have heard, has observed the same combination of circum- 

 stances on any other occasion within the same period. I have 

 not supposed it necessary, in order to establish the identity of 

 these later meteoric showers with that of 1833, that they should 

 be of the same magnitude with that. A small eclipse I have 

 considered a phenomenon of the same kind, with a large one ; 

 and, conformably to this analogy, I have regarded an eclipse of 

 the sun, first exhibiting itself as a slight indentation of the solar 



