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CORRESPONDENCE. 
*** The Editor does not hold himself responsible for statements of fa&s or 
opinions expressed in Correspondence, or in Articles bearing the signature 
of their respective authors. 
DARKNESS IN MASSACHUSETTS. 
To the Editor of the Journal of Science . 
Sir, — About a fortnight since the telegrams from America stated 
that almost complete darkness was experienced during the day 
in Massachusetts. I have not seen any further account of it in 
the London papers. Have you seen any explanation of this 
phenomenon ? 
I find, in the 11 History of Lynn, Massachusetts,” under the 
“ Chronological Table,” the following : — 
1716. Extraordinary darkness at noonday, Ocftober 21st : dinner 
tables lighted. 
1780. Memorable dark day, May 19th : houses lighted as at 
night. 
— I am, &c., 
Charles W. Harding. 
INSECTS DURING THE PAST SEASON. 
To the Editor of The Journal of Science . 
Sir, — Perhaps the following notes in illustration of the influence 
of seasonal peculiarities upon animal life may be of interest to 
some of your readers. It will be remembered that the spring and 
early summer of 1881 were uncommonly dry, cold, and bleak; 
that we had a short fit of unusual heat in July; and that since 
the end of the first week in August the temperature has been 
low, rain abundant, and high winds plentiful. 
