760 THE UNIVERSE. 



nous form, is computed at millions. There are some which, 

 according to Humboldt, seem almost to graze the summits 

 of Chimborazo. 



Meteoric stones, which have all the appearance of 

 shooting -stars, but which are much bulkier, and leave 

 behind them a long stream of fire, which for a moment 

 lights up the earth hke the moon, must be briefly 

 noticed. 



332. Swarm of ShootiDg-stars at Sea. 



They sometimes burst Avith a sound like that of a 

 cannon, and let fall on the earth a number, sometimes 

 consideral>le and at others not, of meteoric stones, which 

 drop smoking and burning. 



While speaking of the mysterious phenomena which 

 attract our wondering eyes to the celestial regions, we 

 must not in such a work as this omit to mention the great 

 lights which often illuminate the heaven of the polar 



