24 Remarks on the 
suspended by fine flaxen threads from brass wires, and the electri¢ 
sparks drawn from insulated metallic rods during a thunder-storm, 
and sometimes during the passage of a nimbus, strengthen this opi- 
nion. I have often thought that the friction of the peculiar pro- 
perties of a dry portion of the air, or the gaseous exhalations from 
the earth (in which we may suppose the absence of electricity) , 
may be the cause of accensions, cr the appearance of the small 
and middle sort of meteors. From these considerations, does it 
not appear very probable, that the gaseous exhalations from the 
earth, and also that condensed electricities, in combination with 
the properties of the atmosphere, have been the natural cause of 
the largest and most ponderous Meéeorites that have so often, 
and in most situations, fallen on the earth’s surface, and from 
great elevations? 
To the 6th Query,—I answer that it may be practicable, but 
fear that, even in the present improving state of science, few men 
of equal ability and skill in the doctrine: of meteors are to be 
found, compared with those versed in meteorology. For with- 
out being possessed of a competent knowledge of the science, and 
of proper instruments fer the purpose, their observations would 
be rendered vague and erroneous. 
The 7th, Sth, and 9th Queries, which require time and new 
observation to solve, must be left unanswered for the present. 
However, I beg to say, with all due deference to Mr. Farey, as a 
former observer of atmospherical phenomena, that I cannot for a 
moment agree with bis opinion, that the chain of facts relating to 
the greatest and most conspicuous meteors, is sufficient for re- 
ferring all these bodies to the class of Satellitule of the Earth. 
This seems a new and bold idea, probably suggested to him from 
perusing the Chronological History of Meteorites in the 14th 
volume of the Edinburgh Encyclopedia; as in that article it is 
stated that similar meteoric appearances have formerly been seen 
on different nights. In all my observations on the largest sort 
of meteors, I have never seen any striking coincidence in their 
appearances and motions, that could rationally suggest the idea 
of their being Satedlitule of the Earth. 
TV. Remarks on the Gradation of Heat in the Atmosphere. 
By James Ivory, M.A. F.R.S. 
Tu E communication of heat between the earth and the atmo- 
sphere depends on so many circumstances, and follows laws so 
extremely complicated, that very little is exactly known on the 
subject. The alternate change of day and night; the winds pro- 
duced by the unequal action of the sun’s rays in different regions; 
the 
