3 1 S 
the Nature of the Sun. 
In going back to early observations, we cannot expect to 
meet with a record of such minute phenomena as we have at- 
tended to. The method of viewing spots on the sun, by throw- 
ing their picture, in a dark room, on a sheet of white paper, is 
not capable of delicacy ; nor were the direct views of former 
astronomers so distinct as, in the present improved state of 
the telescope, we can have them ; a very imperfect account of 
solar spots may therefore be expected, considering our present 
inquiry, which would require complete observations of every 
spot, great or small, that has been on the sun during such 
periods as will be examined. 
With regard to the contemporary severity and mildness of 
the seasons, it will hardly be necessary to remark, that nothing 
decisive can be obtained. But, if we are deficient here, an indi- 
rect source of information is opened to us, by applying to the 
influence of the sun-beams on the vegetation of wheat in this 
country. I do not mean to say, that this is a real criterion of 
the quantity of light and heat emanated from the sun ; much less 
will the price of this article completely represent the scarcity 
or abundance of the absolute produce of the country. For 
the price of commodities will certainly be regulated by the 
demand for them ; and this we know is liable to be affected 
by many fortuitous circumstances. However, although an 
argument drawn from a well ascertained price of wheat, may 
not apply directly to our present purpose, yet, admitting the 
sun to be the ultimate fountain of fertility, this subject may 
deserve a short investigation, especially as, for want of proper 
thermometrical observations, no other method is left for our 
choice. 
Our historical account of the disappearance of the spots in the 
mdccci. S s 
