Brilliant Pheenomenon. 157 
down 180 days on which rain fell more or less, which number is 
one less than last year. In the last five months of 1820 there 
were 85 wet days ; the number in the corresponding ones of 1821 
is 101. February was the dryest, and September and Novem- 
ber the wettest. 
_ The south, south-west, and west winds have been the most 
prevalent: those winds were noticed to blow on 224 days, On 
the 18th, 19th, and 20th of March, (about the vernal equinox) 
the wind blew hurricanes from the north-west, attended with 
rain, snow, and sleet. On the night of the 30th of November 
and following morning, the wind blew a most violent gale from 
the south-west accompanied with hail and rain; the damage 
done in consequence, by the falling of chimneys, unroofing of 
houses, &c. was great; several lives were lost in Liverpool and 
other places, and a large number of vessels suffered in the harbours 
and on the neighbouring coasts. 
Bridge-street, 28th January, 1822. 
BRILLIANT PHENOMENON. 
[A brief notice of the following brilliant phenomenon appeared in several of 
the journals not long after its occurrence. We have been favoured with 
the following more particular account, written by an eye-witness. ] 
*¢ On the night of the 2d of August 1819, in‘ north latitude 
5°, and west longitude 20°, a most astonishing degree of bril- 
liancy was exhibited by the ocean, under circumstances which 
added in a very remarkable manner to the magnificence of the 
spectacle. , 
‘¢ Every appearance of an. approaching storm was indicated ; 
black clouds traversed the firmament in hurried confusion ; the 
wind, veering from point to point, rushed by in short heavy 
blasts—suddenly it lulled, darkness became intense, and the most 
profound silence ensued. Anxiety was now excited to its ut- 
most height ; in breathless suspense we awaited the result of an 
impending storm, which threatened almost sure destruction to 
the stoutest vessel, should she encounter the first discharge of its 
fury. From this region of gloom, and horrors anticipated, our 
trusty bark emerged ; and instantly, as by magic, we were ush- 
ered into an element flaming with resplendence, The ocean 
presented one continued sheet of illumination; the phosphorescent 
blaze, radiated from the blue-tinted wave, produced a variety of 
beautifully coloured light, which at intervals shone with the 
clearness of noon-day. ‘The reflection falling on the sails and 
white masts gave a rich metallic cast: the bowsprit and yard, 
from their favourable situation and the fresh coat of paint re- 
cently put on them, attracted the highest degree of admiration ; 
the silvery lustre which they displayed could scarcely have been 
surpassed 
