56 
H. G. E0KDHAM-THE METEOKITE 
almost all observers who give any definite idea of direction agree 
that the sound came to them from the westward. The principal 
observations are : — Suffolk , — Westley, S.W. : Essex, — Elmdon, 
Heydon, Chishill, and Saffron Walden, W. and W.S. W.: Cambridge¬ 
shire, —Shelford, S.W. ; Thriplow and Ickleton, W. ; Melbourn, 
S.W.: Bedfordshire, —Sandy and Girtford, W. and S.W.; Dunton, 
Edworth, Clifton, Shefford, and Lidlington, W.; Stotfold, S.W. 
by W. to W.S. W.; Arlesey, W.H.W.; and Stondon, N.N.W.: 
Hertfordshire, — Hinxworth, S. W. ; Bygrave, W. ; Baldock, 
W.H.W.; Throcking, S.W. ; Coles, S.S.W.; Cumberlow Green, 
N.W. by W.; Cromer, W.; Stagenhoe, W.; Codicote, W.S.W. ; 
Digswell, W. It is true that the observations made' at several 
places in these counties are at variance with this general westerly 
direction, but they are neither so weighty nor numerous as to 
invalidate the assumption to be derived from the observations 
indicating a westerly origin for the sound of the meteorite. It is 
also important to notice that in general in this eastern section of 
the area of disturbance, the noise is described as like a long, heavy 
peal of thunder, or roar, or as a number of successive explosions; 
in one case (Melbourn) as many as five are distinguished. 
In the remainder of the area of disturbance (i.e. to the west¬ 
ward of the meridian of Bedford) a different character is given to 
the noise and shock experienced, while uniformity of direction is 
entirely wanting. Instead of a prolonged sound, we have here one 
sharp shock, as of a single explosion, very generally likened to the 
report of a cannon. At points on the borders of this area to the N. 
and S. {eg. Sulgrave, Oxford, and Beading), a rumbling, or con¬ 
tinuous sound is, it is true, reported, but these localities were 
probably at a considerable distance from points of explosion. 
The little information I have as to centres of sound-origin in 
this western district is conflicting, and establishes no general direc¬ 
tion. It is consistent, however, with the theory that several 
explosions may have occurred upon the course of the meteorite 
within the district. 
(4) Summary of deductions from evidence of effects of aerial disturbance . 
It appears, then, probable that the meteorite, following a course 
approximate to that laid down as the Barrington-Wantage line, 
passed over the eastern section of the area of disturbance without, 
in that part of its track, giving rise to any sound, of a clearly de¬ 
fined character at least. The theory that there was no explosion 
until the meteorite reached a point further to the westward is 
supported by the fact that nothing of a nature to point to such an 
explosion was observed from Hertford, while there is evidence of a 
breaking up of the meteorite at one point (further to the west). 
If this be so, the shock and sound experienced in the eastern section 
had their origin at some point or points on the course of the 
meteorite to the westward of the meridian of Bedford. In that 
western section there seem to have been several explosions, and 
