110 REV. JAMES FARQUH ARSON ON THE AURORA BOREALIS. 



well as near the northern horizon. The experience derived from former observa- 

 tions taught me to discern immediately an arrangement of these groups, which 

 formed fragments of at least three separate fringes. Observing several groups 

 approaching, from the north, the prime vertical to the magnetic meridian at 

 both its ends, I requested the persons in company with me to watch for a little, 

 when they would see two very brilliant and narrow columns of light at these 

 two quarters, which I pointed out to them. This we all soon witnessed ; but 

 the arch over the zenith was not complete, from a deficiency of streamers there. 

 Further observations were not at this time continued. I have since received 

 information that similar appearances were observed at the same time in various 

 parts of this county ; and I refer to my own observations of this evening as a 

 proof of the justness of the conclusions, I had formerly arrived at, regarding 

 the peculiar arrangement and progress of the meteor, as well as showing, in 

 conjunction with your observation in Cornwall, that the peculiar matter of the 

 meteor was contemporaneously very active at nearly the extreme north, as well 

 as the extreme south of this Island. 



The observations, now briefly detailed, all evidently go to confirm the cor- 

 rectness of the views I had announced in 1823 ; and the only modifications of 

 the statements then made, now directed by them, are two of a very trifling 

 description. The one,^that the point, to which the streamers are directed, is a 

 little more south of the zenith than I had then estimated it. The uncommonly 

 long and brilliant streamers of 9th September 1827, and 29th September 1828, 

 led to this correction. I would now estimate the point at 15°, or rather more 

 south of the zenith, instead of 10°: but objects so evanescent and unsteady do 

 not admit of preciseness in making such an estimate ; and there may yet be 

 an error of 3° or 4°. The other modification is, that the luminous belt is, at 

 the zenith, sometimes a little broader than I had stated it at its maximum (5°) ; 

 and this correction is directed by the appearance of the most southerly arch of 

 9th September, 1827, which moved southward with unusual rapidity, and ap- 

 peared about 6° broad. There is now likewise an addition to be made to the 

 former statements, which is, that the extremity of the zenith arch sometimes 

 descends to the horizon. 



I am fully aware how important it is in the eyes of the Royal Society, that 

 the observations of one individual, of any natural phsenomena, should be fully 



