— B26 - Meteoric Observations. 
past two it became — and at three the mabey was almost en- 
tirely obscured. 
Hours of observation. aa = = ae j ar Sum. 
‘rom T till 2. A.M. 5 8 5 | 20 
ee 10 | 6 5 4 | 25 
soe, etd CR So Oa Eg td a 
Total, 14 3 ile ie = ioe te. 
- It is now to be icine that the state of the atmosphere was 
not peculiarly favorable, on any one of the nights of: observation. 
It was occasionally hazy, and floating clouds were continually 
obscuring some part of the firmament. It was thought, however, 
that the morning of the 13th was as favorable in this respect as 
either of the other mornings, and yet it happened that a smaller 
number was seen then than before or after. It was particularly 
noticed that the meteors of the 13th were: inferior in splendor to 
some observed on the other mornings. For many of them had 
tails and trains, and shone with the brillianey of Sirius. — - 
Now it is clear that no conclusion is to be drawn from this or 
any other-single set of observations. They are only valuable in 
connexion with all others made at the same or any other time. 
We still want a continued series, extending through every day of - 
- the year, and reaching from midnight till sunrise. Withont-these 
data, we are not prepared for the question whether one period or 
any number of periods is particularly supplied with meteors ; nor 
are we competent to investigate the cause of these phenomena 
A longer series of observations has been made i in Germany. than 
elsewhere, and, as far as they go, they seem to indicate an equal 
and uniform distribution of meteors throughout the year. No 
hypothesis can be received which aims simply to account for 
what are considered by some periodic showers ; since no one can 
deny that meteors are seen every clear night-in wee abundane e ; 
and no theory is complete or exhausts the subject, which pales 
these unexplained. . 
. The members of the Senioe class whose names I have given 
above, and by whom the observations at Cambridge were made, 
uniting: an honorable mention for the zeal and fidelity with which 
they have discharged their trust. /The notes which I have before 
me permit me to see from what point of the heavens each meteor 
first became visible, and in what direction it afterwards moved. - I 
have carefully = eae’ to discover, if possible, some common 
+a 
as 
Se.  - 
