the atmosphere, when the head was about 7 deg. above the horizon, and
disappeared; and in the room thereof were seen three bodies like stars,
within the compass of a little more than three degrees from the head,
which also kept descending with the head.

That before this, in another place, near Ancram in Scotland, (where the
same meteor was seen) one-third of the tail, towards the extremity,
appeared _to break off_, and to separate into sparks, resembling
stars.--That soon after this the body of the meteor had its light
extinguished, with an explosion; but, as it seemed to the observer
there, _the form of the entire figure of the body, quite black, was
seen to go still forwards in the air_.[MM] By some persons, also, an
hissing noise[NN] was apprehended to be heard.

Whether this might, or might not be an ignited body, of the kind we have
been describing, falling to the earth, deserves consideration. Sir John
Pringle seems to have been convinced that it was really _a solid
substance_; but fairly adds,[OO] that if such meteors had really ever
fallen to the earth, there must have been, long ago, so strong evidence
of the fact, as to leave no room to doubt.

Perhaps, in the preceding accounts, we have such evidence, _now_ fairly
collected together; at least in a certain degree.

I take all the facts, just as I find them affirmed. I have preserved a
faithful and an honest record.

For the sake of possible philosophical use;--let the philosophical, and
curious just preserve these facts in remembrance.

For the sake of philological advantage;--let the discerning weigh, and
judge. For (if such things be,) what has so often come to pass,
according to what is commonly called _the usual course of nature_; may
most undoubtedly, henceforth, without any hesitating doubts, be believed
to have been brought to pass, on an extraordinary occasion, in a still
more tremendous manner, by the immediate _fiat of the Almighty_.

Let no man scoff; lest he drives away the means of real
information.--And let all men _watch_, for the increase of science.--

The wisdom and power of God are far above not only the first
apprehensions, but even the highest ideas of man. And our truest wisdom,
and best improvement of knowledge, consist in searching out, and in
attending diligently, to what he has actually done: ever bearing in
mind those words of the holy Psalmist.[PP]

"_The works of The Lord are great: sought out of all them that have
pleas