34 On the observations of Comets. 
ically, the flux, and reflux of the water; but I was frequent- 
ly at the lower end of Lake Superior, and found the water ei- 
ther ebbing or flowing, except in violent gales, when it could 
not be so well observed. 
_ Although Ihave stated only what came under my own 
observation, still I feel great delicacy, in making the commu- 
nication, for none of the inhabitants, had made similar ob- 
servations. They had noticed a rise and fall in the water, 
but only such as they attributed to the winds. It would seem 
hardly possible that the lake should ebb and flow regularly, 
continually, and not have attracted the attention of some 
of them, a few of whom have been there for many years. 
The periodical rise of the lower lakes, which takes place 
in from three to seven years, may possibly, be the effect of 
the height of water, in Lake Superior, and this caused by 
an unusual depth of snow on its borders, and tributary 
Streams, or an uncommon rainy season. 
I never could observe, at the foot of the rapids of St. Marie, 
any thing more than a light and sudden rise of water. The 
- of the water above never caused a corresponding rise 
ow. 
I know but little relative to the tides in Lakes Erie, Michi- 
gen, Huron and Ontario, save vague rumor. In 1814, Lake 
ntario, was about two feet higher, than in 1813. My situa- 
tion on that lake, during those years, enabled me to remark 
this difference. 
Arr. XIII.—On the observations of Comets; by P. J. Ro- 
DRIGUEZ. 
. the other parts of Astronomy have attained. This uncer- 
