Eruption of Vesuvius. 71 
Has the moon a particular influence on the seasons ? 
Has noé the moon a particular influence on the weather ? 
The first question arises from a nete in the work in page 2, 
alluding to the year 1811. The second question arises from the 
observations whereby to foretel the weather, in page 93. 
I wish, as my Lord Gray and the Duke of Gordon observe, 
that these journals were more frequently sent from the silent ¢lo- 
set of the meteorologist before the eye of an enlightened public. 
noe 3 
ERUPTION OF VESUVIUS. 
Napies, Dec. 26. 
Yesterday, at five in the evening, commenced one of the most 
formidable eruptions of which there is any record in the history 
of Vesuvius. Happily, though it presented a terrific spectacle, 
it caused no great damage. The explosion began by a shower 
of volcanic gravel, which was followed by a violent eruption of 
lava. This ignited matter having divided itself into two torrents, 
flowed over the ancient lavas towards the Torre del Greco. At 
ten in the evening the first torrent stopped; but the second 
continued to proceed towards Bosco-Reale and Bosco-T're-Case. 
This morning the apparent calm of the volcano was followed 
by an explosion resembling a violent discharge of cannon. A 
column of voleanic ashes rose in the air, and obscured the hori- 
zon. At the moment we are writing the eruptions still continue. 
Redoubled shocks make the houses of the city shake, but have 
as yet done no damage. We do not know the direction of the lava. 
The Government has taken every necessary measure to afford 
assistance to those who may have need of it. Yesterday the King 
sent one of his equerries to inform himself of the state of things, 
and to-day the monarch came out hiiself to observe the erup- 
tion. When arrived in the neighbourhood of the fiery torrent, 
he spoke to every person with that affability which characterizes 
him, and pointed out to those who appeared terrified, that the 
direction of the lava secured us from any danger, 
P.S. It is two o’clock ; the eruption appears to have ceased. 
On the 29th of December a second explosion of the Felling 
Colliery took place, causing destruction to nearly every living 
creature within the range of its explosion. Nine men, 13 boys, 
and 12 horses, fell vietims to the fury of the blast, and 8 more 
pitmen were severely scorched, though likely to recover. By this 
heart-rending occurrence, 8 widows, and 18 fatherless children, 
are becoming the deserving objects of public benevolence*. 
* Why has no attempt been made to prevent these dreadful calamities, 
by applying to coal-mines Mr. John Taylor's cheap and simple exhausting 
machine, described in vol. xxxviii. p. 120, which has been found so effec- 
tual in the mines of Devon? 
