the Nature of the Sun . 305 
corrugations, or self-luminous clouds, which, according to the 
observations that have been given, are not closely connected, the 
light reflected from the lower clouds will be plainly visible, 
and, being considerably less intense than the direct illumination 
from the upper regions, will occasion that faint appearance 
which we have called indentations. 
Cause of the mottled Appearance of the Sun. 
This mixture of the light reflected from the indentations 
and that which is emitted directly from the higher parts of the 
corrugations, unless very attentively examined by a superior 
telescope, will only have the resemblance of a mottled surface. 
Formation of small Openings, Ridges , and Nodules. 
When a quantity of empyreal gas, more than what produces 
only pores in ascending, is formed, it will make itself small open- 
ings; or, meeting perhaps with some resistance in passing upwards, 
it may exert its action in the production of ridges and nodules. 
Production of large Openings and Shallows. 
Lastly, if still further an uncommon quantity of this gas should 
be formed, it will burst through the planetary regions of clouds, 
and thus will produce great openings ; then, spreading itself above 
them, it will occasion large shallows, and, mixing afterwards gra- 
dually with other superior gases, it will promote the increase, and 
assist in the maintenance, of the general luminous phenomena. 
If this account of the solar appearances should be well 
founded, we shall have no difficulty in ascertaining the actual 
state of the sun, with regard to its energy in giving light and 
heat to our globe ; and nothing will now remain, but to decide 
the question which will naturally occur, whether there be actu- 
ally any considerable difference in the quantity of light and heat 
Rr 
MDCCCI. 
