On the Aurora Borealis below the Clouds. 135 
Fig. 3. The same parts on the longitudinal section parallel to the medullary 
rays. The letters have the same reference as in the last figure. In consequence 
of there not being sufficient room in the plate, the median part of the two last 
sections is not represented ; its tissue is in pea-shaped bundles. 
Fig. 4. Tubes of the ligneous zone, on the longitudinal section, parallel to the 
bark; d, sections of medullary rays ; e, vascular passages ; f, leaf cords. 
Fig. 5. Portion ofa ligneous tube, exposing the lines or bars with which its 
walls are furnished, still more magnified. 
Fig. 6 exhibits the form and arrangement of the bars which characterise the 
walls of the vascular tubes. 
PLATE V., VOL. 38. 
Fig. 1. Transverse section of Stigmaria; a b, the ligneo-vascular axis ; c, the 
pith; d, the bark ; ¢, the vascular passages. 
Fig. 2. Impression of the tissues composing the ligneo-vascular axis of Stig- 
maria; f, fibril cords intersecting the axis a 6; c, the pith. 
Fig. 3. Restoration of the ligneo-vascular axis of Stigmaria enlarged; a re- 
presents the position of the vascular part relatively to the ligneous portion 6; 
¢, the pith; e, the vascular passages; /, the fibril cords. 
Fig. 4. Transverse section of the rhizome of ‘Aspidium Filix Mas, shewing the 
circular arrangement of the bundles of-the vascular system. 
Fig. 5. Enlarged longitudinal view of a portion of the netted cylinder or 
vascular system of Aspidium Filia Mas. ' 
Report of a Remarkable Appearance of the Aurora Borealis 
below the Clouds. By the Rev. JAMES FARQUHARSON, 
LL.D., F.R.S., Minister of the Parish of Alford. 
Alford, February 24.1842.—Saw, at 11 P.M., a remarkable 
aurora borealis between the observer and lofty stratus clouds. 
The density of the clouds, the great brilliancy of the meteor, 
its considerable continuance, its renewed display, and the 
extent of space it occupied, left no doubt of the reality of the 
phenomenon. 
After a day, during which the whole heavens had been 
mostly shrouded by a uniform cloud, with a gentle wind at 
NW., the sky, after sunset, became partially clear, and the 
thermometer descended to 34°, with calm; barometer 28-89 
_inches. At 11 P.M. a very brilliant display of pencils of 
aurora (streamers) was seen at W. by S., in a limited space 
about 10° broad, and 15° or 20° high, a little above the visi- 
ble horizon; and a separated display of the same, much 
