IN TTTE SOLAR SYSTEM. 



97 



After passing through the heated stratum, our planet is, for a few weeks, on the north 

 side of the mass, or inside the ethereal cone. (See Plate I, fig. 6.) 



During this time the autumnal equinox occurs. The declining power of the sun, and 

 increasing length of the nights, seem to produce a rapid advance toward winter. But the 

 earth soon approaches and enters the ethereal mass the second time in the year, and the 

 progress of winter seems stayed. Again our atmosphere is obscured, the sun's disc looks 

 red, and the mornings and evenings seem to rival the noontide in warmth. These phe- 

 nomena appear the more striking, because they often take place after the occurrence of 

 frosts. 



This delightful season is known over the North American continent, from New England 

 to California, and from Canada to Mexico. In the United States and Canada it is called 

 the "Indian Summer," and in Mexico, "Veranillo dc San Martin,"* the little summer of 

 St. Martin. 



The name of Indian summer was probably given to it by the English colonists, because 

 the season being unknown in the British islands, they supposed it to be peculiar to their 

 new home. The Mexican name is the one used in Spain. 



It is known in France as "L'ete do St. Martin," and in Southern Europe by names of 

 similar import. 



In Germany it is called "Alter Weiber Sommer" (old woman's summer). In Russia, 

 "Babic Leto;"f meaning the same as the last. In Sweden, "Efter Sommarn,"$ the after 

 summer. 



At Itio Janeiro, at the time of the year when the Indian summer prevails in the northern 

 hemisphere, the atmosphere has the obscurity which characterizes the season. § 



The Indian summer does not make its appearance on a fixed day in the year, its ap- 

 proach (in America) is gradual. Some days possessing its features are generally observed 

 in the end of October; they occur at intervals, and in periods of varying duration through 

 November and the influence of the season is sometimes felt in the early part of December. 



The burning of the grass on the prairies by the Indians in North America, has been given 

 as the cause of the warm weather and obscured atmosphere of tins season. The phe- 

 nomena being observed in Europe, is a sufficient refutation of the hypothesis. 



The name given to the season in the south of Europe, and in Mexico, is perhaps the 

 best indication of the period of its greatest intensity. 



The feast of St. Martin is celebrated on the 11th November. 



Thus, we find that in the time of the occurrence of the canicular days, as well as of the 



* Sefior Felix Merino, Consul, Philadelphia. 

 J Mr. Carl Arfwcdson, Stockholm. 



VOL. XIII. — 13 



-j- Comte do Bouxhoevdcn, Russian Army. 

 § Dr. Charles Evcrsficld, U. S. Navy. 



