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SCENERY OF THE HEAVENS. 



successive years, and on the same day of the month as the two preceding, seemed to invest the 

 meteoric showers with a periodical character; and hence originated the title of the November 

 meteors. The chief scene of the exhibition was included within the limits of the longitude 

 of 61 in the Atlantic Ocean, and that of 100 in Central Mexico, and from the North 

 American lakes to the West Indies. Over this wide area, an appearance presented itself, 

 far surpassing in grandeur the most imposing artificial fire-works. An incessant play of 

 dazzlingly brilliant luminosities was kept up in the heavens for several hours. Some of 

 these were of considerable magnitude and peculiar form. One of large size remained for 

 some time almost stationary in the zenith, over the Falls of Niagara, emitting streams of 

 light. The wild dash of the waters, as contrasted with the fiery uproar above them, 

 formed a scene of unequalled sublimity. In many districts, the mass of the population 

 were terror-struck, and the more enlightened were awed at contemplating so vivid a picture 

 of the Apocalyptic image that of the stars of heaven falling to the earth, even as a fig- 

 tree casting her untimely figs, when she is shaken of a mighty wind. A planter of South 

 Carolina thus describes the effect of the scene upon the ignorant blacks : "I was suddenly 

 awakened by the most distressing cries that ever fell on my ears. Shrieks of horror and 

 cries for mercy I could hear from most of the negroes of three plantations, amounting in 

 all to about six or eight hundred. While earnestly listening for the cause, I heard a faint 

 voice near the door calling my name. I arose, arid taking my sword, stood at the door. 

 At this moment, I heard the same voice still beseeching me to rise, and saying * O my 



God, the world is on fire !' I then opened the door, and it is difficult to say which excited 

 me most the awfulness of the scene, or the distressed cries of the negroes. Upwards of 

 one hundred lay prostrate on the ground some speechless, and some with the bitterest 

 cries, but with their hands raised, imploring God to save the world and them. The scene 

 was truly awful ; for never did rain fall much thicker than the meteors fell towards the 

 earth ; east, west, north and south, it was the same." 



This extraordinary spectacle commenced a little before midnight, and reached its height 



