Sun- Spots. 75 



lae, we would ask, What velocities must these 

 sudden and apparently widespread outbursts 

 represent, if they take place at the sun ? 



Effects of these WonderfiU Phenomena. 



That this phenomenon is a result of an in- 

 terruption of the solar current is rational to 

 suppose. It is indisputable that the inter- 

 ruptions which produce these manifestations 

 have an important bearing upon terrestrial 

 phenomena. Winds, storms, vegetation, 

 healthfulness, are manifestly influenced, and 

 in a measure controlled by these perturba- 

 tions. 



Mistaken Conceptions. 



The claim of many scientists that spot 

 periods may be calculated, and classified, 

 possesses no element even of probability, 

 much less of fact, to sustain the supposition. 

 The evanescent character of many of these 

 spots places them beyond the sphere of sta- 

 tistical calculation. 



May not be Tabulated. 



Not even concerted and systematic inves- 

 tigation can insure reliable conclusions, for 



