"THE WORLD ON EIRE.' 



151 



its arch across the heavens from S.E. to W., the whole southerly 

 of the vessel. Though not at first so, yet now their base is of 

 prismatic colors. I know of no phenomenon more deeply inter- 

 esting than that which is to be seen here every fair night in the 

 aurora." 



Again, on another morning, December 17th, at six o'clock, I 

 write, " The heavens are beaming with aurora. The appearance 

 of this phenomenon is quite changed from what it has been. 

 Now the aurora shoots up in beams scattered over the whole 

 canopy, all tending to meet at zenith. How multitudinous are 

 the scenes presented in one hour by the aurora ! This morning 

 the changes are very rapid and magnificent. Casting the eye in 

 one direction, I view the instantaneous flash of the aurora shoot- 

 ing up and spreading out its beautiful rays, gliding this way, then 

 returning, swinging to and fro like the pendulum of a mighty 

 clock. I cast my eyes to another point; there instantaneous 

 changes are going on. I close my eyes for a moment ; the scene 

 has changed for another of seemingly greater beauty. In truth, 

 if one were to catch the glowing heavens at each instant now 

 passing, his varied views would number thousands in one hour. 

 Who but God could conceive such infinite scenes of glory ? Who 

 but God execute them, painting the heavens in such gorgeous 

 display ?" 



At another time the aurora presented a new phase, rays shooting 

 athwart the southwestern sky parallel with the horizon. 



Later still, March 11th, I say: "It seemeth to me as if the 

 very doors of heaven have been opened to-night, so mighty, and 

 beauteous, and marvelous were the waves of golden light that a few 

 moments ago swept across the ' azure deep,' breaking forth anon 

 into floods of wondrous glory. God made His wonderful works 

 to-night to be remembered. I have witnessed many displays of 

 the aurora since making anchorage in this harbor, a great many 

 of them of surpassing magnificence, yet what I beheld this night 

 crowns them all. I could never have anticipated the realization 

 of such a scene ! 



"I was not alone enjoying it. Captain Budington and Mate 

 Gardiner were with me, and we all looked on in wondrous yet- 

 delighted awe. 



t£ The day had been fine, with a moderate wind from the north- 

 west. When the sun went down behind the ridge of mountains 

 limiting the bay, a perfect calm followed, with a sky absolutely 



