Observations on Ignis Fatuus. 247 
ridge, which sloped down on three sides to the beautiful 
dows which form the margin of the Connecticut, and of 
its tributary creeks, and which, owing to their own luxuri- 
= ? 
feet from the edge of the causeway. He stopped some time 
to look at it; and was strongly tempted, notwithstanding the 
miriness of the place, to get nearer to it, for the purpose of 
closer examination. It was evidently a vapor, [phosphuret- 
ted hydrogen ?] issuing from the mud, and becoming ignited, 
or at least luminous, in contact with the air. It exhibited a 
flickering appearance, like that of a candle expiring in its 
socket; alternately burning with a large flame and then sink- 
to a small taper; and occasionally, for a moment, be- 
coming quite extinct. Jt constantly appeared over the same 
Spot. 
