On the Meteors of ISth JVovemher. 379 



In a subsequent communication, dated Nov. 30th, Dr. Smith adds 

 the following remarks. 



" In this section of country, the meteors, though mostly appearing 

 to descend, did not radiate from any single or several points of the 

 sky. Some few crossed the vertical meridian nearly at right an- 

 gles; many started at least 100 degrees from each other, in every 

 quarter of the heavens. My own careful observation is confirmed in 

 this particular by that of many intelligent witnesses of the phenom- 

 ena, with whom I have conversed. Not one of them even sugges- 

 ted the idea of their radiation from a central point or region. Although 

 the progress of the meteors, especially of the larger ones, appeared 

 to be suddenly arrested, I do not recollect seeing any explosion and 

 scattering of the fragments, in the form of lesser meteors, like the 

 bursting of a sky rocket, a phenomenon I had often witnessed previ- 

 ously to the night of the 12th. 



By far the most magnificent meteor seen on the morning of the 

 13th, in this vicinity, crossed the vertical meridian about 3 o'clock, 

 A. M. Its course was nearly due west, in length by conjecture, 

 about 45°, and at a distance of about 25° south from the zenith. In 

 size, it appeared somewhat larger than the full moon rising. I was 

 startled by the splendid light in which the surrounding scene was 

 exhibited, rendering even small objects quite visible ; but I heard no 

 noise, though every sense seemed to be suddenly aroused, if I may 

 so speak, in sympathy with the violent impression on the sight. Nor 

 did I at any time hear any aerial noises. It is proper however to add, 

 that although I was very attentive, the movement of my sulkey would 

 have rendered slight sounds inaudible. The track of the meteor advert- 

 ed to, was visible at least twenty minutes, or, forming ray estimate from 

 the distance I travelled the while, I should rather say, half an hour. 

 It assumed successively the following shapes. 



and finally that of a small irregular luminous cloud. I greatly regretted 

 my want of instruments for taking the altitude of this track. By its con- 

 tinuing to have a southern declination from me when first and last seen, 

 (my course in travelling happened to be towards it, and in the same 

 plane) I concluded it was probably several miles high. I am aware 

 however that a small current of air would effectually destroy such 

 loose calculations. 



Previously to the 13th, the atmosphere had been for several days, 

 a litde hazy, mild, and quite genial, without rain. In the progress of 

 the meteoric display, the air became very perceptibly more dry, 

 harsh and elastic ; this state of it rapidly increased, and on the 15th 

 it was very keen, and cold, with high, dry winds, circumstances which 

 were very favorable to the developement of artificial electricity." 



