252 The Great Comet of 1861. 
relation to any supposable direct action), how the soil affects the 
ife of the plant otherwise than by feeding it, &c. &c. 
e are approaching in fact by slow degrees to an understand- 
ing of the physiological significance of the soil, a grand result 
to which chemistry and physics cooperate. 
We trust that in the future, the American people will not less 
but more appreciate the value of science in its practical and es- 
g suas its agricultural bearings; that here, as in Germany, 
rance and England, the labors of those who seek to unite Prac- 
tice with Science may be fostered and sustained. But to this 
end scientific men must be cautious that in endeavoring to help, 
— honestly and laboriously they may work, they do not 
inder. 
Sheffield Scientific School, August 20th, 1861. 
Art. XXIII.—The Great Comet of 1861.* 
1. Observations at New Haven. 
On Monday ng, sev- 
eral individuals had noticed in the north a bright streamer i 
* The first part of this paper was published in 
We now reproduce it with important additions.—Eps 
