49 
a comet seen at Valparaiso. 
On its first appearance, the comet was of a dull white 
colour : the tail seemed to be split, or to have a dark streak 
between its sides. On the second evening, the tail subtended 
an angle of 7 0 , reaching to p Ceti : the northern part of the 
tail was the longest. On the third, the appearance was 
much the same. It was hid till the seventh by clouds : the 
tail then appeared shorter, and the nucleus less bright; 
changes which at the time were ascribed to the interference 
of the moon’s light ; but which, I think, must have arisen 
from the increased distance of the comet. The tail at first 
was nearly at right angles to the horizon, but ar each suc- 
ceeding night it inclined more to the south. The time of its 
appearance was always very short, and that time was gene- 
rally occupied with the adjustment of the micrometer, so 
that I was not enabled to draw it so frequently as I could have 
wished ; but these few sketches [PI. IV.] will give some idea 
of its appearance. 
BASIL HALL. 
MDCCCXXII. 
H 
