60 MAGNETISM. 



ism of the earth may be only modified electricity ; 

 and it is probable that hereafter all the magnetic 

 phenomena will be considered the effect of electric 

 currents. 



Chinese Poles. 



In China the south pole alone is considered the 

 attracting power. 



Aurora Borealis. 



This meteor is strongest and most frequent about 

 the Arctic circle, or between that and the parallel of 

 64 N. At Melville Island, which is about lat. 75, 

 the coruscations are much fainter in comparison. 

 The observations of Capt. Franklin's party appear 

 to have determined, that the height of the aurora is 

 rarely above six or seven miles. It frequently darts 

 below the clouds, and at very short distances from 

 the earth's surface, and is even acted on by the winds. 

 That it makes a rustling noise is asserted by all the 

 North-west traders, but this sound was not heard by 

 any of the officers of the two expeditions. A bril- 

 liant aurora, when it approached the zenith, drew 

 the magnetic needle about a degree out of its usual 

 direction, which it did not regain for five or six hours. 

 Where Capt. Parry wintered, it ought td have been 

 called the Aurora Australis, as it always appeared in 

 the southern horizon. 



