220 Mr. Bowno1n on an all-furrounding Orb, 
figures : in which cach fort of the coloured rays, as before the 
interfection, would generally be together; and in that affociated- 
ftate, continually diverge in proportion to ‘their diftance from 
the line of interfection. - 
. But perhaps the whole of this effea, the tt Canon of the 
rays, may be caufed by the reflecting power of the expanfe : 
which, in that cafe, would receive the rays in the fame mixt 
ftate as the dire&t folar light comes to the earth : with refpe& 
to which, we know that it frequently undergoes a a ee 
by reflection, as well as by refraction, . . M= 
In either cafe, as the three. moft refrangible, and reflexible 
clafles, at a proper diftance from the focus; are not'to be dif- 
tinguifhed.from each. other, but all appear blue : and as the 
blue, at that diftance and beyond it, doth therefore. pofíefs fo 
large a portion of the interior {pace of the expanfe, it is con- 
ceivable, that many fyftems may.be fo placed, as to be on all 
fides in the dire&ion of the rays of that colour ; and to which. 
the whole .expanfe would, for that reafon,. appear blue... 
With refpect tothe earth, it is probably fo fituated as to be 
in all parts of its orbit, principally within the limits of fach 
claffes as are compofed of the blue rays ; and partly within the 
verge | of clafles, whofe rays, by reafon of their imperfect fepara- - 
tion being in a mixed fate, exhibit a brighter light. The pre- 
dominant colour, therefore, of the expanfe, as it refpeéts the 
earth, is blue ; with interfperfions-of a brighter light, fuch as 
.the M i y Way, and other lucid parts of the expanf : whofe 
pearance, in the Milky Way, may be owing (as 
| y fuggeíted) to the particular conftruction and 
fiom of its parts : the brightnefs of which certis. to 
. intimate 
