[ 8 ?3 ] 
us at that rate, would have been much louder) I 
concluded it an Earthquake : And, going immedi- 
ately to the Top of my Houfe, found the Sky cloudy, 
but nothing like a Thunder-cloud in View 5 only 
there was a Shower of Rain from the Eaftward pre- 
fen tly after, and the coldeft that I have felt. I thought 
the Shock an Earthquake, as I told you before 3 but 
fince find it was attended (and I fuppofe caufed) by a 
Ball of Fire, which palled with great Rapidity over 
our Country, from Weft ward to Eaftward, for how 
long a Journey I cannot tell. It began with Two 
great Blows, like the Reports of Cannon, (which the 
Jumbling of my Safhes prevented my diftinguifhing); 
and then roll'd away till it was heard no more. The 
Appearance, I hear, was as that of a very large (hoot- 
ing Star ; and it left a Train of Light, which foon 
aifappeared, it being Noon day. If this was a general 
thing, your Society will hear of it from all Parts 5 
if only with us, I fuppofe this Account will give you 
fome Pleafure. It is the beft I am yet able to fend 
you: But I ought to tell you, I met a Pilot To-day, 
coming from ‘Deal, whom I asked about it and he 
told me he faw no Fire-ball, but heard theNoife, and 
that it made the Ship fhake he was in, going from 
Gravefend to the Flore. 
Farewell. 
W. Goftling. 
See more Accounts of this Matter in the next Tranfadtion. 
Addenda to Page S6o, 
This Hytocauft may ferve as a Model for Malt-kilns , or for drying 
Hops &c. X 
AN 
