THE MIEAGE. 251 



presenting also a double image, but generally less distinct 

 than the images of the land. 



"All the various forms assumed by objects, under the 

 influence of this mirage," says Dr. Kelly, in an able paper 

 in the transactions of the Literary and Historical Society 

 of Quebec, " seem to be the result of two or more images 

 alternately erect and inverted, either distinct or mingled 

 together in a greater or less degree. When the objects 

 are near, the images are usually confused; they are so 

 occasionally in distant objects, but can, in most instances 

 be distinguished by the help of a telescope, and sometimes 

 they are beautifully distinct to the naked eye." 



A telescope should always be employed in observing 

 mirages, as it enables the eye to detect particulars that 

 would escape the naked organ of vision. On one occasion 

 when, to the naked eye, the hull of a ship seemed raised to 

 an enormous height, and the sails very small, the telescope 

 showed three distinct images. Of the two lower the second 

 was inverted, and its rigging and sails intimately mingled 

 with those of the first upright one. The third image was 

 erect, with its hull resting on the inverted hull of the 

 second. The space between the hulls of the first and 

 second image being occupied by a confused mingling of 

 masts, sails and rigging, gave to the whole the appearance 

 of one immensely raised hull, as already stated. 



By the help of the telescope we were afterwards enabled 

 to detect five distinct images, though the whole gave to 



