^68 Prof. Hall on the Extraordinary Darhness observed in 
The water caught in this shower was observed to be much 
discoloured. A quantity caught in a clean vessel, exposed in a 
situation where it fell directly from the heavens, was preserved 
for many days in a corked phial, and did not wholly deposit its 
colouring matter. In appearance it was not unlike water im- 
pregnated with soot. As to the degree of darkness which pre- 
vailed, it may be observed, that writing, reading, or needlework 
could not be properly performed without candles. Indeed, 
candles were used during most of the day in many of the houses 
and workshops. Towards evening it brightened up a little, but 
night brought darkness tangible.” 
The darkness was observed throughout the northern portion 
of this State, and in several parts of Canada. At Montpelier, 
about forty miles north-east of this place, it is said to have lieen 
greater than it was here. A gentleman, from that town, in- 
formed me that the darkness there was so great, that the speaker, 
of the House of Representatives could not distinguish the coun- 
tenances of the members, so as to determine who was addressing 
him. The same gentleman added, that where he stopped to 
dine, he was obliged to make use of a candle to distinguish the 
different kinds of food which wen^ placed before him. 
In the small quantity of water which fell from the atmosphere, 
I did not observe any extraordinary colour, or smell, or taste. 
It is stated in Le Courier du Bas-Canada^ ‘‘ that the water was 
of a black colour, as if it had been impregnated with a large 
proportion of soot ; and several persons who had tasted it, dis- 
covered die taste of soot. This colour the water retained a 
considerable time.” I have read remarks of a similar kind in 
the newspapers ftom various parts of New England. Had the 
fall of water here been more copious, I should probably have 
noticed the peculiarity above described. 
The appearance of the heavens during the late period of dark- 
ness, was very much like that which is frequently occasioned by 
extensive fires in the woods. An effect, similar in kind, but far 
inferior in degree, was produced a few years since, by the fires 
which raged several weeks, and consumed most of the under- 
wood on the Green Mountains opposite this place. The dark^ 
ness observed at that time was very considerable, and the sky 
was of a pale yellowish-rpd. aspect. 
