136 



Account of an Aurora Borealis. 



state that it had presented, under any former observations for sev- 



eral years 





i 9 



The constant arch of the Aurora of the Lakes has, I believe, 

 never been noticed in any scientific publication, and is well worthy 

 the attention of the learned. Whether it is created by a peculiar 

 locality of the matter, of which the substance of the Aurora is com- 

 posed, or whether the Aurora itself, as the magnetic influence, has 

 a peculiar pole from whence its effluences emanate, can scarcely be, 

 at present, determined ; but it is at all events highly singular, that 

 in a latitude so low as 44°, the Aurora should assume forms, un- 

 known in the higher northern regions where its powers were hitherto 

 supposed to have developed themselves in the highest possible state. 



Not having been very well when this singular scene occurred, I 

 did not take all that notice of it which it deserved. I trust I shall 

 be able during the winter to note the atmospheric phenomena which 

 accompany it, more particularly, as well as to give more detailed 

 accounts, and more perfect drawings. 



II. Solar Phenomenon. 



Immediately previous to the alteration of the weather at Kingston 

 on Lake Ontario, after an unusual duration of severe frost, and about 

 the middle of March, at near four o'clock in the afternoon of Sunday, 

 I observed a singular species of halo or rainbow. 



The day was mild, and there was scarcely any wind, and no rain, 

 but the face of the sky was overclouded, and the sun appeared as it 

 does through a slight fo£. 



