104 On Meteorites. 
The iron of the meteorites, as a rule, contains more or less nickel 
irregularly distributed through the mass. If the polished surface 
of the meteoric iron be exposed to the action of some acid, there will 
appear peculiar linear designs, called the “ Wiedmannstitten figures” 
(after the discoverer), the 
acid attacking the iron 
J WAY containing nickel to a less 
degree than the pure 
MANNII, | 
Q 
z NN € metal. 
AN \ 
AS È 
E 
= 
AY 
\ 
We will now direct our 
attention to our third sub- 
ject, and consider the 
meteorites as celestial bod- 
jes. 
Before entering into this, 
it will be necessary, how- 
ever, to say a few words 
in regard to shooting-stars 
and comets, these being 
the celestial phenomena 
with which the meteor- 
ites are most nearly com- 
parable. 
To a common observer; 
who does not make a spe- 
nifed 6 times. Globules composed of enstarite cial study of the heavenly 
Festa meee pe o, grain of olivine vault, it looks as if the 
shooting-stars move quite 
irregularly—now in this direction, now in another. If, howeve?, 
their courses be carefully traced on an astronomical chart, it will be 
found that in most cases they radiate from certain points in the sky 
—-a great many of which have already been ascertained. That the 
shooting-stars come from a certain point means that they are moving 
from that section of space towards the earth, the radiation being 
only the effect of the perspective as they move from the distance ™ 
the direction of the observer. The best-known swarm of shooting- 
‘stars is undoubtedly the one which appears to radiate from the 
constellation of the Lion, and is passed by the earth on the 13th of 
November. As on this day extremely numerous falls of stars have 
been observed, with a regular interval of thirty-three years, 1t !$ 
