350 On the Meteors of 13th November, 1833. 
ing stars were seen moving from an altitude in the N. E., of about 
20°, to one in the S. E. of from 45° to 60°; and with flights, from 
the quarter first mentioned towards that last mentioned, of from 20° to 
40° inlength. Though the directions were uniform, the meteors fin- 
shed their flight at very different distances from the starting point in the 
N.E. Many drew trains after them to the termination of their course, 
where they burst into sparks; and so close was the resemblance to 
rockets that the sound of the bursting could be almost heard. ‘The 
tame of flight was two or three seconds. The meteors (the larger 
are probably intended) were not more frequent than perhaps two in 
a minute; but several small ones might be seen shooting at the same 
time. They were visible only in the quarter of the heavens from 
the N. E.to the S. E. The wind all night was N. E., and the ship’s 
course steady—standing for New York. Upon coming on deck, at 
4 A. M., our informant found by enquiry that the display had lasted 
through the night. The meteors stiJl continued visible in very small 
numbers—only a few in an hour—till day. Capt. Briggs has never, 
at any other time, seen a similar display. 
This twice repeated co-incidence, in the month and day of the 
month, as it has been remarked already, would make further -doubt 
respecting the celestial origin of the meteors irrational, but for a lim- 
itation not to be neglected ;—namely, the necessity of ascertaining, 
before we adopt an hypothesis in full, that it will certainly explain all 
the phenomena. The whole question has, by this time, reduced 
itself to an astronomical problem, resting upon several conditions. 
—We shall state the conditions, without knowing whether they can 
be fulfilled or not. This want of knowledge is occasioned by a two- 
fold cause, and is in part unavoidable and in part voluntary. It is 
in part unavoidable; for the writer has no time, at present—if 
he have the ability—to attempt so complicated a problem: it is also 
in part voluntary; for some of the most important conclusions of 
this paper rest upon the discussion of probable evidence ; and in such 
a case it is better that the mind feel its way, without a theoretical 
guide to tempt it to stray from the path of rigid and impartial investi- 
gation. It is upon direct evidence that our conclusions have rested— 
whether in the case of facts which are unquestionable, or such as are 
only highly credible, and we put down the problem and its conditions 
as we conceive them, without having any concern, at present, about 
the possibility of a consistent solution. But if a consistent solution 
shall come to light, then indeed the writer will not hesitate to adopt 
