a = * ie : * ® : 
Miscellanies. © 195 Tes 
feet Fraunhofer, with a yellow screen glass, having a slight ni of 
teen. He saw them distinctly in the 33 feet Dollond, with a red 
screen glass, used by Prof. Henry, for some four minutes after the 
rupture of the ring, though none was visible in the Fraunhofer tele- 
Scope; at least none is recollected to have been seen, though he ex- 
amined the sun in the direction in which the ring broke. The testi- 
mony of so experienced an observer, who, in examining this arch and 
brush of light, used, interchangeably, the yellow and red screen 
glasses, in favor of their far greater visibility through the red screen 
glass, appears to be conclusive on the subject. This remarkable cir- 
cumstance, not hitherto noticed in European observations, and first 
suggested by Robert Treat Paine, Esq., from his observations at 
Washington, appears to be now confirmed. It is one of great im- 
portance ; as it seems to furnish evidence of the existence of a Junar 
atmosphere, through which, as through our own, the red rays have the 
greatest penetrative power. It also leads to new views concerning the 
cause of the remarkable appearances of the beads of light, and the dark 
lines frequently noticed ; since it shows that their appearance may be 
completely modified by a change in the color, and, consequently, in 
the absorbing power of the screen glass through which they are ob- 
served. : 
The fact, noticed by most of the observers, that before the forma- 
tion and after the breaking of the ring, the edge of the moon of the 
sun was distinctly visible, and illuminated for some distance within the 
moon’s surface, is just such as would be presented by a twilight caused 
by a lunar atmosphere; nor does there seem to be any other plausible 
explanation of this phenomenon. 
Mr. Lea submitted the following description of a new shell, recent- 
ly taken in the vicinity of Cincinnati by Mr. T. G. Lea. 
MELANIA CINCINNATIENSIS, 
s Testa yalde depress, inferné compressa, fusca, irieecee; bicarinata, _apice 
acuminata ; anfractibus quaternis ; 3 apertura subrotunda. 
is is a very minute oe and very remarkable for its roof-shaped spire, and 
two carine which are color 
On motion of Dr. valine the Committee appointed on the late 
eclipse, were instructed to make and collect observations in relation to 
the occultation of stars in the constellation of the Pleiades, which will 
occur on the 27th instant. 
January 4, 1839.—Dr. Dunglison made a verbal communication 
On the subject of the vaccine virus and its alledged liability to lose 
its protective character under certain circumstances. 
He stated that, in consequence of severe epidemic small-pox having 
recently occurred in England, from which many who had been pre- 
