METEORS. 349 



fragment is then supposed to pass out of the atmosphere, 

 and to continue its revolution until again it approaches 

 the earth, and by dipping into its atmosphere, produces 

 again the same effects. 



In corroboration of this hypothesis it may be said, 



1. The stones which fall at any time, are always very 

 small, in comparison with the observed magnitude of the 

 meteor moving through the air. 



2. The stones, as it is said, are always hot, if examin- 

 ed immediately after they fall. 



3. The stones are all similar in character. It ought 

 however to be added that their density is much greater 

 than the mean density of the asteroids. 



4. The noise which precedes the falling of the stones 

 is a rapid succession of reports, like the irregular discharge 

 of musketry. 



5. The meteor which is usually seen before the fall of 

 the stones, has always a rapid motion, and that not in a 

 direction towards the earth, but parallel, or slightly in- 

 clined to the horizon. 



We do not offer this opinion as a satisfactory explana- 

 tion of the phenomena, nor do we condemn it as fanciful. 

 It is presented for the reader's consideration. 



III. Jgnes Fatui. With the Ignes Fatui, familiarly 

 known by the name of the Will o' the Wisp, we are better 

 acquainted than with those more sublime meteors which 

 ride higher in the heavens, and by the rapidity of their 

 flight, and their momentary existence, elude investigation. 

 To the ignorant and superstitious the ignes fatui are a 

 source of terror. The appearance of these harmless 

 lights in a marsh has jnade many a poor simpleton trem- 

 ble with fright. But it would be just as wise to be fright- 

 ened by the dense fog which rises from the bosom of the 

 lake, or to be appalled by the cheerful blaze of the win- 

 try fire. These luminous bodies are always seen in 

 marshy lands. Sometimes they are caused by the de- 

 composition of vegetable substances, forming something 

 of the nature of light wood, with which every one is 

 acquainted. The light emitted from these decaying 

 bodies, and seen through the damp exhalations of the 

 marsh is magnified, as the sun when setting behind a 

 thin veil of clouds, expands to double its usual apparent 



