35$ Mr, Latham’s Account of a 
were, that they pointed out, and named to me, the different 
places they had been accustomed to visit; such as, the Bay, 
the Old Head or Man, the Windmill, &c. at Boulogne ; St. 
Vallery, and other places on the coast of Picardy ; which they 
afterwards confirmed, when they viewed them through their 
telescopes. Their observations were, that the places appeared 
as near as if they were sailing, at a small distance, into the * 
harbours. 
Having indulged my curiosity upon the shore for near an 
hour, during which the cliffs appeared to be at some times 
more bright and near, at others more faint and at a greater 
distance, but never out of sight, I went upon the eastern cliff 
or hill, which is of a very considerable height, when a most 
beautiful scene presented itself to my view ; for I could at once 
see Dengeness, Dover cliffs, and the French coast, all along 
from Calais, Boulogne, &c. to St. Vallery; and, as some of the 
fishermen affirmed, as far to the westward even as Dieppe. 
By the telescope, the French fishing-boats were plainly to be 
seen at anchor ; and the different colours of the land upon the 
heights, together with the buildings, were perfectly discernible. 
This curious phenomenon continued in the highest splendour 
till past eight o’clock, (although a black cloud totally ob- 
scured the face of the sun for some time, ) when it gradually 
vanished. 
Now, Sir, as I was assured, from every inquiry I could pos- 
sibly make, that so remarkable an instance of atmospherical 
refraction had never been witnessed by the oldest inhabitant 
of Hastings, nor by any of the numerous visitors, (it happen- 
ing to be the day of the great annual fair, called Rock-fair, 
which always attracts multitudes from the neighbouring places,) 
