[ 368 ] 
But what principally engaged my attention, at 
this time, was the gradual approach of the Jlurora 
towards the fouth, infomuch that though it was 
at fird; mod apparently an Aurora Borealis^ and that 
of the common kind ; it neverthelefs, by the gra- 
dual variation of its original pofition, I'eemed to have 
commenced a fort of Aurora Aujiralis, ( i ) of which 
uncommon fpecies of meteors I have given a fhort 
account in one of my former papers, before its. 
cxtindion. This happened a little before nine 
o’clock ; after which nothing worthy of notice, as 
far as 1 could learn, during the remainder of the 
night, in any part of the heavens, occurred. 
As the gradual variation of the original pofition, or 
fituation, of this phaenomenon feemed to me a pretty 
extraordinary circumftance, and was fuch a one as I 
had never obferved, nor heard of, before ; I thought 
myfelf hereby fufficiently authorized to communicate 
the very concife defcription of this meteor, now fent 
you, to the Royal Society. You will therefore be fo 
good as to excufe the trouble given you by the com- 
munication i and believe me to be, with all podible 
confideration and efteem. 
Sir, 
Your mod: obedient humble fervant. 
Chrlft-Church, Oxon. 
Sept. 28, 1769. 
John Swinton. 
(i) Phtlofoph. TranfaSi. vol. LIV. for the year 1764, p. 328, 
329. Load, 1765. 
LETTER 
