Meteoric Observations at Canton, in August, 1839. 301 
rises to 100° or 110° F. This should be done two or three times 
before running any risks by venturing to handle the apparatus 
while charged. 
It has been our object to construct an apparatus for forming the 
solid acid merely, but the gauges for ascertaining the pressure, 
&c. might of course be added as in Dr. Mitchell’s apparatus. 
The above apparatus, including the expense of testing three 
times, cost us about nineteen dollars. 
ta 
Arr. XII.— Observations made at Canton, China, on the Shoot- 
ing Stars of the 10th and 11th of August, 1839, in a letter 
Jrom Rev. Perer Parker, M. D. of Canton, to E. C. Herrick. 
“In accordance with your request I have made observations 
for shooting stars on the evenings specified in your letter. On 
the 3d of August, 1839, a gentle South wind prevailed during the 
day. The evening was beautiful; but discovering only éwo me- 
teors between 8 and 9 o’clock, I gave up the watch. Aug. 4. 
Cloudy. Wind N. At 3 P. M., came on a sudden and violent 
squall from 8. S. E., which drove the cargo boats with their an- 
chors against a six-knot tide. Several lives were lost in the river 
front of the factories. Aug. 5. Cloudy. Aug. 6. From 10h. to 
10h. 30m. P. M. saw but three meteors. Aug. 7. Strong gale 
from S. E. Aug.8and 9. Storm continued. Aug. 10. Extremely 
pleasant during the day and evening, with a gentle breeze from 
the South. At 8h. P. M. three meteors fell simultaneously: at 
8h. 5m. a fourth. At 8h. 10m. a very beautiful one from Cas- 
siopeia to the S. It had the singular appearance of being propel- 
led by three distinct successive forces, and moved in an irregular 
but graceful undulating course. At 8h. 30m., another, similar to 
the last : at 8h. 45m., one from « Serpentis to the S. Other du- 
ties then interrupted the observations. At 10 o’clock observations 
Were commenced by two persons and continued about two hours, 
during which time the following meteors were seen by them. 
10h. p.m. 1 fr. Cassiop. to S. E. very {10k. 12m.1 
beautiful. 13 2 fr. Zenith to 8. 
5m. 1 * Zenith to N. is = é 
7 1-4 Ursa maj. 22 1 “ Cass. to Ursa Major, the 
as very broad and 
See S. « ~ do, small. ; 
“ do. visible for half a minute. 
A Ee & 
