1870.] and Recent Phenomena of Refraction. 231 



the moon's disc about three diameters. Its outline was clearly- 

 defined, especially towards the inner part of the circle, and the 

 colour was exquisite in tone. Farther from the moon, by about 

 two apparent diameters, there was another ring, less denned and 

 wider than the first, and of a beautiful crimson colour. Altogether 

 this was the most beautiful appearance of the kind that I ever 

 witnessed. It occurred about 11 J p.m. on the evening following 

 that on which the first-described halo appeared. All three were 

 followed by drenching rain, lasting about a week in the first case. 

 A gale came shortly after the second (December 19 th). The 

 cirrhus clouds which almost filled the sky resembled in form an 

 appearance of aurora on this occasion, and had a peculiar motion, 

 vanishing and reappearing in fresh forms, though there was no 

 wind at the time. 



R 2 



