440 Scientific Intelligence. 
Observations with reference to the velocity of the current of the 
Mississippi at this place, the quantity of water passing by during a cer- 
in period, and the sedimentary matter suspended in the river water in 
different seasons, have been undertaken by me, but are not sufficiently 
advanced to be made public. I may only state, that contrary to the 
adopted opinion, the velocity of the current of the Mississippi is on an 
average rather under than over four miles in the hour; and that only 
at seasons of high water its velocity is increased to over five and even 
six miles in the hour. 
es 
mild character; and we find in correspondence with this circumstance, 
and I may say, as the cause of it, the quantity of rain from May to /u- 
ly only 94 inches. 
St. Louis, February 18, 1847. 
3. Meteorological Society in Finland.—-A meteorological associa- 
tion has been roa Shp at Helsingfors, as M. Kupffer writes, the 
principal object of which 1 i 
ering and fructification in that high northern latitude. M. Quetelet wr 
ting from Brussels on this subject, adds that M. CErsted recently at that 
lace proposes to establish a similar association (for the observation of 
periodical phenomena, but especially times of inflorescence) in Denmark. 
4. Auroral Belt.—A very distinct and brilliant Auroral belt, spann'ng 
the heavens from east and west, was seen at various places in th 
Northern and Middle States, about 10 Pp. m., April 7, 1847. It lasted 
At 10" 6™ the zone broke up, revealing within numerous oblique beams. 
It rallied in part at various times after this, and at 115 39™, a long am 
arc could be traced as low down as # and ¢ Corvi. Various observa- 
tions were made here of the precise time when the northern or southern 
limb touched some bright star ; and persons at other places who have 
secured similar observations, are desired to communicate them. A fuller 
account may be given hereafter. [New Haven, Ct.] B.C. H. 
