206 LETTERS ON NATURAL MAGIC. 



the buildings, were perfectly discernible. Mr. Latham 

 likewise states that the cape of land called Dungeness, 

 which extends nearly two miles into the sea, and is about 

 sixteen miles in a straight line from Hastings, appeared as 

 if quite close to it, and the vessels and fishing-boats which 

 were sailing between the two places appeared equally 

 near, and were magnified to a high degree. These curious 

 phenomena continued " in the highest splendour " till 

 past eight o'clock, although a black cloud had for some 

 time totally obscured the face of the sun. 



A phenomenon no less marvellous was seen by Pro- 

 fessor Vince of Cambridge and another gentleman on the 

 Fig. 31. 



6th August, 1806, at Ramsgate. The summits v w x y of 

 the four turrets of Dover Castle are usually seen over the 

 hill A B, upon which it stands, lying between Kamsgate 

 and Dover ; but on the day above mentioned, at seven 

 o'clock in the evening, when the air was very still and a little 

 hazy, not only were the tops v w x y of the four towers of 

 Dover Castle seen over the adjacent hill A B, but the whole 

 of the castle, m n r s, appeared as if it were situated on the 

 side of the hill next Ramsgate, and rising above the hill as 

 much as usual. This phenomenon was so very singular and 

 unexpected, that at first sight Dr. Vince thought it an illu- 

 sion ; but upon continuing his observations, he became 

 satisfied that it was a real image of the* castle. Upon 



