388 Scientific Intelligence . 
2. Notice respecting Venus. — In September and October 
last, Venus was several times observed here, in open day-light, 
and also in part of the month of November, particularly on the 
9th and 14th. The morning of the latter day being very fine 
and clear, I observed the planet perfectly distinct for a con- 
siderable time, when, by an exact observation, I found the 
sun’s altitude to be 13° 44' : soon after this she was obstructed 
from further view by Cirro-cumulus. The planet was not to 
be found by the eye, but was immediately seen on looking 
towards the SW. Had the atmosphere continued clear, I have 
little doubt but she would have remained visible for one-half 
or two-thirds of an hour longer. Venus sheds the most splen- 
dour when about one-fourth of her disc is illuminated, when she 
is at her greatest north latitude, and when, at the same time, 
she is between her inferior conjunction and her greatest elon- 
gation. This concurrence, however, happens but once in about 
7.93 years. At the time when the planet was so clearly seen 
here, 105 days had revolved since the inferior conjunction, and 
36 since the greatest elongation had taken place ; and her north 
latitude was about 1° 19'. As these positions are not consider- 
ed the most favourable for day observations, I was induced to 
make the remarks I have just transcribed. Towards the close 
of October next, the planet will be upward of 41° to the west 
of the sun, and in this favourable position will, I haye no 
doubt, be distinctly seen in the glare of open day, by the un- 
assisted eye, particularly on her appulse to the meridian ; for 
though, at the end of that month, her illuminated part will be 
about 8.785, her great western elongation will, at that season of 
the year, render her propitious for day observation. T. J. 
Hill Top , near Wetherby , August 8. 1821, 
OPTICS. 
3. On the Phosphorescence of Marine Animals.— During 
a voyage to the Shetland and Orkney Islands, Dr MacCulloch 
had various opportunities of investigating the phenomena of 
marine luminous animals. In proceeding from the Mull of 
Canty re to Shetland, and in almost all the harbours of Shetland 
and Orkney, Dr MacCulloch found the water filled with a spe- 
cies of animal which he considers to have been undescribed. A 
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