Lesson XXIIK] IGNIS FATUUS. 



it may be reasonably inferred that when this in- 

 flammable air arises, it will be speedily kindled, 

 and, being wafted about near the surface of the 

 earth, will cause the appearances which create so 

 much unnecessary alarm. 



Dr. Skaiv has described a singular Ignis Fatuus 

 which he saw in the Holy Land, when the atmos- 

 phere had been thick and hazy, insomuch that 

 the dew on the horses' bridles was remarkably 

 clammy and unctuous. This meteor was sometimes 

 globular, then in the form of a flame of a candle; 

 presently afterwards it spread itself so much as to 

 involve the whole company in a pale harmless 

 light, and then it would contract itself and suddenly 

 disappear. But in less than a minute it would be- 

 come visible as before, or, running along from one 

 place to another, with a swift, progressive motion, 

 would expand itself at certain intervals over niote 

 than two or three acres of the adjacent mountains. 



In the plains in the territory of Bologna, these 

 meteors are very often seen : sometimes they vary. 

 in figure and situation in a very uncertain manner; 

 but commonly they are very large, and give light 

 equal to a torch. 



Even in England they are frequently seen in dif- 

 ferent numbers, from two or three to upwards of 

 twenty together in one field, running here and 

 there with great rapidity; sometimes mixed to- 

 gether and crossing each other's paths, as though ' 

 they were danciig: then all at once several of 

 them disappear, which may, perhaps, be occasioned 

 by their striking against each other, or some cori- 

 H tisruoii* 



