Remarkable Atmospheric Appearanees. 329 
‘phenomenon as seen in that city. We have thought this 
particular account of it, as observed elsewhere, would be ac- 
«<eptable te our readers. 
[From the R. I. Republican.] 
The above described phenomenon was observed at this 
place on the same day, Sunday, Sept. Sth, between the hours 
of two and three in the afternoon; duration of its appearance 
about 4@ or 50 minutes. The annexed sketch was delinea- 
ted at the time by actual observation. 
The sun at that hour bearing about. south west... The 
halo immediately encircling the sun was about the usual di- 
ameter of those commonly seen, but uncommonly brigh 
being tinged in its whole circumference with prismatic col- 
ours, especially on its apper and north-eastern limb, where a 
bright mock sun (or sun dog, as it is usually called by sea- 
men) was formed ; the rays of light from which, formed a 
second hale of a smoky white colour, well defined in its 
whole circumference, but more faintly as it approached the 
primary halo on its south-western limb, where they united, 
the second being exactly double the diameter of the first ; 
first, on its north-western, and another on its south-eastern 
limb, on a right line, nearly in that direction from the one 
in the primary halo; the ray of light thrown off from which, 
formed two other circles, double the diameter of the second, 
halo on its north-eastern limb about thirty degrees from the 
horizon, where they were well defined, but diminished into 
north-eastern part of the primary halo. The rays of 
light thrown off from the concentration of these circles at 
their junction, or place of crossing the north-east, formed an- 
other and larger circle, (about 120 degrees of which was be- 
low the horizon) which crossed the two last in faint lines, and 
lost itself as it approached the second circle, which it would 
have touched, if continued on its south-western limb. 
It would be presumption in the writer to attempt account- 
ing for the causes of a p non in nature, which has 
remained unaccounted for by the philosophers of the pre- 
sent and preceding ages; but it will not be considered pre- 
mption to premise the causes of a phenomenon, whi¢h caw 
VOL. XL—NO. 2. 42 
