Shooting IStars of August, 1839. 325 



ning ; chronometers, common watches, and compass-needles be- 

 ing all (by the lightning) rendered erratic and dangerous guides, 

 no longer to be relied on. We conceive that good conductors 

 would probably" prevent or greatly mitigate even these effects ; 

 but as it may not be possible entirely to shun the effects of elec- 

 tricity, and as it is of the utmost importance that the compass- 

 needle should always be correct, we venture to suggest a remedy. 

 Let every ship be provided with a small calorimotor and the 

 appendages of helix-wires, acids, &c. With this apparatus the 

 needles could be instantly restored or new ones (unmagnetized 

 and carried for the pia-pose) may be magnetized witli certainty 

 and with all requisite energy and dispatch. Practical directions 

 can easily be given if desired. 



New Haven, September 9, 1839. — Eits. 



Art. XX. — Report on the Shooting Stars of August 9th and 

 10th, 1839, ivith other facts relating to the frequent occurrence 

 of a meteoric display in August ; by Edward C. Herrjck, Rec. 

 Sec. Conn. Acad. 



The present year has contributed additional strength to the 

 probability of the annual occurrence of a season of meteoric abund- 

 ance about the 9th and 1 0th of August. The state of the weather, 

 and other causes, have rendered it impracticable to observe at this 

 place the course of the phenomenon as thoroughly as was desired, 

 yet there has been ample opportunity to ascertain that at the ex- 

 pected time shooting stars were uncommonly abundant. Arrange- 

 ments were made to secure observations daring this season at nu- 

 merous places far and near, but at this early date few returns are 

 to be expected. 



1. Observations at Neiv Haven. — The evening of the 1st of 

 August, 1839, was clear. I watched from 9h. 30m. to lOh. 10m. 

 P. M.', and saw but one meteor.* 



The night of the 2d was overcast as late as llh. P. M. The 

 night of the 3d was clear, and several meteors were casually seen. 

 On the night of the 4th, Mr. C. P. Bash and myself watched from 



* I have been informed that on the evening of July 3], meteors were much more 

 numerous than common. Perhaps they will be found unusually frequent about 

 the 28th or 30th of that month. 



