306 METEOKS AND AEROLITES. 



meteors, &c. The shooting-stars comprised between NNE. 

 and NE. have the longest visible course, the mean being up- 

 wards of 15 degrees; those between WSW. and SW. are 

 only seen through about 11 degrees. Whatever the time 

 of year or hour of night the line is one of descent towards 

 the horizon. Out of 5,302 fifteen only were seen to describe 

 curves. 



The estimate of our authors as to the height of shooting- 

 stars places their point of appearance at from 20 to 50 or 60 

 miles above the earth. Their relative size, colour, and 

 manner of apparition were carefully observed. Of Bolides 

 (luminous globes) eight were noted during 42 months, three 

 only of which burst, and these without any noise of explosion. 

 Of the proper shooting-stars 80 were registered as of the first 

 magnitude, having the apparent size and lustre of Venus or 

 Jupiter. The others were classed down to the 6th magnitude, 

 corresponding to the 5th of the fixed stars. The colour, 

 especially of the largest, is generally a pure white. Those 

 of red colour are rarer ; but remarkable as seeming to be 

 slower in movement, and not leaving trains of light behind. 

 Some occur of bluish colour, but still more rarely. 



We find it necessary to abstain from further details, but 

 we believe we have said enough to show the value of these 

 researches. They clearly suggest many important consider- 

 ations hitherto little regarded ; and some of these, as already 

 remarked, at variance with the conclusions now generally 

 adopted. We must admit that a revision of these conclusions 

 is required ; and their adaptation, if such be possible, to the 

 new facts brought before us. Allowing the authenticity of 

 the latter, we are bound to say that no theory of meteoric 

 phenomena can be complete which does not include and explain 

 the horary and annual variations just described. They are 

 problems of high interest, but of very difficult comprehension. 

 And while thus recording the most recent researches in this 



