Miscellaneous Intelligence. 149 
“The train attained its largest apparent dimensions on the 10th, when 
the main stream of light could be distinguished through an are of 60°, 
corresponding to a length of fifty-one millions of miles, or rather more 
than half the distance of our earth from the sun. The distribution of its 
light at a distance of 20° or 30° from the nucleus in parallel or slightly 
diverging bands, alternating with dark spaces, was strongly exhibited. 
They were 5° long, and 20’ or 80’ wide, and might aptly be compared 
either to the streamers which often break up the continuity of an auroral 
arch, or to a collection of five-or six tails of small comets, forming from 
the remains of the large one.’ 
“The most recent intelligence leaves no room to doubt that the comet 
of Donati is periodical, having a time of revolution of about two thou- 
iy years. The following are the results arrived at by different com- 
puters :— 
Watson, - - ~ - a 2415 years. 
ee 
Grabith. ni rr oie | 
raham, “i “ - - ~ 
Brinnow, - < oe aie - - no i 
Newcomb, ‘ } s : - - 185 
V. MISCELLANEOUS SCIENTIFIC INTELLIGENCE. 
1. Tables, Meteorological and Physical, prepared for the Smithsonian 
Institution : by Arnouip Guyor, LLD. 2d edition, revised and en 
Washington, Smithsonian Inst., 1858, 8vo.—The full value of this exten- 
Sive and important collection of tables it is impossible to exhibit without 
4 detailed catalogue, which our limits do not permit. They are ! 
om a wide range of authorities, by a gentleman who is well known for 
his thorough acquaintance with the best sources of knowledge on these 
® accomplished editor, and to the Secretary of the Smith ; 
pices king snnonibleas so sabes a =a so precious a collection of 
auxiliary tables. 
sf 
