176 On the Shooting Stars of August 9th and 10th, 1837. 
Art. XVII.—On the Shooting Stars of August 9th and 10th, 
‘1887; and on the Probability of the Annual Occurrence of a 
Meteoric Shower in August ; by Epwarp C. Herrick. 
Tue investigation of the causes of the luminous meteors called 
shooting stars, is a matter of great and increasing interest ; and it is 
therefore important to collect and place on record, every particular 
of consequence regarding the unusual display of these bodies wit- 
nessed on the night of Wednesday, August 9th, 1837. The few 
facts here given are in addition to those stated in the interesting 
communication of Mr. Schaeffer, (p. 183 of this No.,) in which 
article are contained the only definite observations of this phenom- 
enon, which have come to my knowledge. 
Between 9 and 10 P. M. of the evening above mentioned, I noti- 
ced in the northeastern quarter of the heavens, (that being the only 
portion visible at my station,) from twelve to fifteen shooting stars of 
‘uncommon brilliancy, most of which left trains of considerable extent. 
The moon was about two hours high in the west at the time, and 
doubtless concealed some of inferior lustre. No attempt was made to 
ascertain the radiating point of the meteors, but I noticed that many 
of them proceeded in a southwestern direction from a region in the 
northeast. My observations ceased at ten o’clock. From persons 
-who were abroad after midnight, it appears that from about 1 A. M. 
until the morning light, the meteors were numerous and brilliant, 
and attracted the notice of many who commonly give no heed to 
celestial appearances. I have no data for estimating the number 
seen during the night; but there can be no doubt that it far exceeded 
the amount commonly visible during the like period of time. It is 
no less doubtful that the display was greatly inferior to the ever-me- 
morable spectacle of the night of the 12th of November, 1833. 
Over what extent of country this phenomenon was seen, we have 
not at present the means of determining. The whole amount of 
information concerning it which has hitherto reached us from a dis- 
tance is very limited. It is earnestly to be desired that all who have 
in their possession any accurate observations upon it should give 
them to the public. It was seen as far south as Macon, Ga., (lat. 
82° 52’ N., long. 73° 44’ W.,) as appears by the following article, 
quoted fn the Messenger of the 17th August, through the nee 
Haven) Daily Herald of September 4th. 
