singular Instance of atmospherical Refraction. 359 
I thought an account of it, however trifling, would be gratify- 
ing to you. 
I should observe, the day was extremely hot, as you will per- 
ceive by the subjoined rough journal of a small thermometer, 
which was kept in the dining-room above mentioned. I had no 
barometer with me, but suppose the mercury must have been 
high, as that and the three preceding days were remarkably 
fine and clear. To the best of my recollection, it was high 
water at Hastings about two o'clock P. M. Not a breath of 
wind was stirring the whole of the day ; but the small pennons 
at the mast-heads of the fishing-boats in the harbour, were, in 
the morning, at all points of the compass. 
I am, &c. 
WILLIAM LATHAM. 
P. S. I forgot to mention that I was, a few days afterwards, 
at Winchelsea, and at several places along the coast ; where 
I was informed, the above phaenomenon had been equally visi- 
ble. I should also have observed, that when I was upon the 
eastern hill, the cape of land called Dengeness, which extends 
nearly two miles into the sea, and is about sixteen miles distant 
from Hastings, in a right line, appeared as if quite close to it ; 
as did the fishing-boats, and other vessels, which were sailing 
between the two places : they were likewise magnified to a 
great degree. 
■f 
