167 
1917-18.] Mirage on the Queensferry Road. 
slight haze, light west wind. Usual point of observation on the Queens- 
ferry Road. 
Mirage water on road, very well defined, in several large patches, grass, 
etc., clearly reflected. I saw the wheels of a motor vehicle distorted by the 
reflection, on passing over a patch. I drew the attention of a passer-by 
to the phenomenon. He said that he saw it clearly, and was much struck 
with it. 
June 2, 1918. Sunday, bright sunshine, hot west wind. After church 
walked to usual observation-point, accompanied by two friends. We had a 
fine exhibition of the road mirage, seeing several “ pools ” with reflection of 
the green grass, etc. 
June 3. 5.15 p.m. Was overtaken near Craigleith Station by Lieutenant- 
Commander Robert Alexander, R.N.R., in a motor car, which he invited me 
to enter. Above Blackhall we saw a patch of mirage on the road, and I 
proposed we should go on to my usual observation-point, which we did, and 
saw the appearance of “reflecting water” very well. We were joined by 
a well-known manufacturer of Leith, who also observed it. 
June 4. Glorious sunshine, clear sky, east wind. I took the Rev. 
Mr Mitchell, U.F.C. minister of Davidson’s Mains, to my usual point of 
observation, and saw very perfect mirage, like pools of water reflecting 
clearly the green grass and leaves. 
Later the same day, about 5 p.m., Dr Knott accompanied me to the 
same place. The mirage pools were still well in evidence. 
June 18. Sky cloudy, occasional gleams of sunshine, wind cool to cold. 
At midday I walked up to my usual observation-point. As I neared the 
summit of the eminence at the quarry, I saw across the road a silvery band, 
a few inches in depth. As my eye rose above it the “ pools ” of water 
appeared on its top surface. As I moved towards the spot (about sixty 
yards off) it disappeared. The road was perfectly dry. I observed this 
silvery band before, on a day when the sunshine was intermittent and 
the wind cold. 
June 19, 1918, Wednesday. Wind light easterly. At 12.30 p.m., in 
bright sunshine, I was walking through Blackhall village towards 
Davidson’s Mains, and ascending the hill, when, opposite St Columba’s 
Church, I saw the silvery belt I have already described, extending across 
the road, and a tree which rose above the horizon of the incline appeared 
like an island in a lake, the belt of silver being between the crest of the 
road and the tree. 
The Queensferry Road at the parts referred to is made up of bitumen 
and road metal and is sheltered. 
