De, Macgowan, writing to the Nagasaki journal with reference to the light pieinmena observed in the Shimabara Gulf, ing more to add to the subject of periodic meteors, a I tind that the accounts I have given are discredited by many foreigners. It is not strange that considerable scepticism prevails on the subject. Foreigners have been here for centuries without having head of the phenomena, and there are not many natives who are questioned on the subject who will say they have heard of the lights, much less seen them. Even the Kuchinotsu lighthouse-keeper, who has been on duty five years, hins never seen them—dves not believe in their existence. He rises at night to trim -the lamp, and then re-ires, not having the curiosity to rise at 2 an, to test the accuracy of what a few of his friends firm on the subject.
For the benefit of those who disbelieve that jack-o'-lanterns periodically and fitfully "illumine Shimabara Gulf I add the following:—At 2 a.m. on Jan, 18th, wh an almost freezing, drizzling rain, I had faint glimpses of the phenomenon, Mr. G. C. of the Miike coal mines, was called from his rest to witness a' spectacle, in expectation of which above five hundred natives had already assembled. He bad so many assurances that the lights would be visible at the regular time, that he was not surprised ut the strange, weird flames thnt came into view fora few seomnds, vanishing and re-appearing during the space of two hours. They appeared to be moving up the Gule with the tide, and to be several feet above water, occupying " space of several miles.
Mr. Kana forms me that when these meteors again appear, it will not be, us ormerly stated, on the day of the 7th moon, but on the 30th, that is on Septem. ber 10th, 2 tod am., that they are due.
Lhope several of those who take " run aver to the Gulf on that occasion will be provided.with kodak, as photography should be invoked to aid research on this striking phenomena.
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.