1884.] Moral Epidemics and Contagions. 645 
Schmidt ; but very few paths were accumulated by these 
observers in January and February, and hence the radiant 
might easily evade discovery. . 
The fadt that the finest meteors from this stream have 
been recorded during the displays occurring in the intei val 
from the end of January to about the middle of March does 
not necessarily prove that the radiant point is more rich in 
fire-balls at that time than at an earlier period of its mani- 
festation. The position of the shower must rendei it invi- 
sible until near midnight in November, while in Januaiy, 
February, and March it will be above the horizon nearly all 
ni^ht, and its favourable aspeCt in the evening sky enables 
it to command a large number of observers lor its most 
striking meteors. In November such a showei would o - 
viously escape the notice of all but those who extend then 
watches into the morning hours. I mention these circum- 
stances to show that the foremost showers from Sextans 
may probably have greater strength than the obseivations 
indicate, though it has never been satisfactorily gauged. 
A display which I saw during the two hours aftei mid- 
night, on December 8th, 1877, was judged to be one of 
considerable importance. But from the perfect labyrinth of 
streams abounding in almost inextricable contusion of ai- 
rangement along the Earth’s path, and in view of the diffi- 
culties inseparable from trustworthy determinations of 
intensity and epoch of individual systems, we may well be 
content for the present to point out such instances as deserve, 
as they will doubtless receive, further recognition at the 
hands of those observers who may hereafter apply themselves 
to investigations of this kind. 
Bristol, 1884. 
HI. MORAL EPIDEMICS AND CONTAGIONS. 
(Concluded from page 576.) 
§ N the contrary, do we wish to struggle against sadness ? 
Then joyful countenances, brisk conversation, and 
gay songs will aid us in escaping from that state, 
just as in the above-cited example sound-waves assist us in 
