METEOROLOGICAL PHENOMENA. 
15 
of the Scorpiorij measured a segment of at least sixty 
degrees, and finally exploded into a dozen or more 
burning fmgments, each of which was distinctly observed 
obeying the laws of gravity. The light emitted during 
its flight, previous to the explosion, was a greenish blue 
of rare brilliancy, that pained the eye by its unexpected 
appearance and intensity of power, and illuminated our 
decks as effectually as if a blue-light had been burnt on 
each mast-head and yard-aim. At the time of its explo- 
sion it could not have been distant more than a mile, and 
yet he heard no attendant report. It was like the burst- 
ing of an immense rocket, and as the flaming fragments 
fell in curves towards the sea he listened in vain for the 
expected sound. 
“The second of these was seen by Captain Collins and 
myself last night, w^hile the first watch was dragging to 
its close. 
“Though undoubtedly the most rare and singular of 
the two, it offered scarcely any ground for description. 
It was without motion, and wanted the beautifully-varie- 
gated colour of the former. It presented a most perfect 
representation of the human eye, though visible for not 
more than a second at the utmost. We distinctly saiv it 
contract and dilate twice during that limited period, im- 
mediately after which the lids, as it w^ere, closed, and shut 
it out from view.’' 
What now was this phenomenon ? A comet without a 
train or more than a momentary existence? A shooting 
star or meteorite without motion ? or an ignis fatuus in 
mid-heaven? One more conversant with the stars than I 
must answer the question. * * * 
