222 DISSERTATION on the 



which mod enjoy the kindly influence of the fun, that fuffer 

 by the effects of its fuperior heat ; fo that if the atmofphere of 

 the north is not fo genial as that of the fouth, at lead it re- 

 mains perfectly quiet and ferene, without threatening deftruc- 

 tion to man and the product of his induftry, as in what are 

 commonly called happier climates. 



Aurora Borealis. 



As to the Aurora Borealis, it often illuminates our hemi- 

 fphere, more particularly in winter, when it appears from fix- 

 teen to feventeen times in the fix months, although we, by no 

 means, enjoy fo much of its light as our more northern neigh- 

 bours, who have certainly a better title to its fervices, from the 

 beautiful plan of equality mentioned above. Some remarks 

 which I (hall make in the next article but one, may probably 

 ftrengthen the opinion of its being an electric phenomenon, 

 that is to fay, if proving the atmofphere in general to be un- 

 commonly electric, at the time of its greatefl prevalency, can 

 lead to a prefumption pf its connection with that fluid. 



Parhelhwis and Mock Moons 



Are feen pretty frequently in the north. Probably our* 

 frozen mifts and vapours make thefe phenomena more frequent 

 here than in the temperate climates. 



General Obfervations on the Winter Atmofphere. 



The air, though cold, is remarkably pure and elaftic during 

 our fevere froft, fo as to give a moft furprifing degree of fpring 

 and tone to the human frame. At this time the atmofphere is 

 moft aftonifhingly electric, even more fo than during our vio- 

 lent thunder- ftorms in fummer, if we are to judge from the 



great 



