Meteorological Phcenomena observed at Svoansea, 87 
are amongst the reciprocal electrical phaenomena of the clouds, 
distinct from, though allied to the water-spout, is, perhaps, 
well-known ; and I was myself once witness to an appearance 
of this sort, between a higher and a lower cloud, that had the 
strongly electric aspect before they had resolved themselves 
into nimbus. It was a bent narrow column of dark vapour, 
which I could distinctly observe to be in rapid rotatory mo- 
tion, passing from one cloud to the other, continuing for 
some minutes, and then gradually disappearing. During this 
time it emitted no sound, and had no visible connexion with 
the earth whatever. 
The above theory of hail-stones will be further corroborated 
if we consider the form of the stones in this instance, viz. a 
sphere flattened at its poles, as the result of a rotatory mo- 
tion ; especially if it be a law, as perhaps it is, that all solids 
in rajpid gyration acquire per seipsos a rotation on their ow;^ 
I am, dear Sir, yours, &c. 
Pulboroiigh, Dec. ]6, 1839. P. J. MaRTIN. 
XV. Notice of certain Meteorological Phcenomena observed 
at Swansea, By J. W. G. Gutcii, Esq, 
To the Editors of the Philosophical Magazine and Journal, 
Gentlemen, 
T hinking that the following notice may prove interest- 
ing to some of your meteorological readers, I forward 
it for insertion in your valuable publication. 
On the morning of the 20th of November, an unusual rise 
in the barometer was observable, as sudden as it was great. 
At 5 p.m. on the 19th, my barometer stood at 29*75 ; at 9 a.m. 
on the 20th at 29*99, being a rise of 0*24. At 9 a.m. on the 
21st it sunk to 29*99, being a fall of 0*70 ; and so sudden a 
rise and fall I have not had occasion to record in my registry, 
now kept for the last four years. The wind during the whole 
period was a dead calm ; the weather cloudy and hazy, with oc- 
casional light showers. A similar phenomenon was observed 
by my friend Mr. Addison of Malvern. The sudden fall of 
the barometer was noticed by that gentleman on the 20th, 
and the rise on the 21st, and like mine unaccompanied with 
wind, and at Malvern no rain fell. The explanation of this 
sudden rise and fall I am yet to learn, and should be glad if 
any of your correspondents could elucidate the subject. 
On Wednesday, Nov. 6, the most brilliant meteor occurred 
that has been observed here for a great length of time, illu- 
