The Polarization of the Zodiacal Light has been already referred to under the head of “Polarization of the Aurora:” but it may be here noted that Mr. Burton’s observation of polarization of the light there mentioned has been confirmed by Wright and Tacchini, and the presence of reflected sunlight established. In this respect it differs from the Aurora, in which no trace of polarization has hitherto been detected; and looking at this, and at the weight of evidence in the spectroscopic observations, the theory of a connexion between the Aurora and the Zodiacal Light must, as the matter stands, be given up. CHAPTER VII. AURORA-LIKE PATCHES ON THE PARTIALLY-ECLIPSED MOON. [Sidenote: Aurora-like patches on the partially-eclipsed moon, Feb. 27, 1877.] In anticipation of the total eclipse of the Moon on the 27th February, 1877, several articles appeared in the leading journals of the day describing, for the public benefit, the appearances which might be expected during the occurrence of the phenomenon. [Sidenote: Formerly it was thought the moon was illuminated by auroral light.] Among these was one by Mr. R. A. Proctor, in which the following passage occurs:—“That dull, or occasionally glowing red colour, shown by the moon when she is fully and even deeply immersed in the shadow of the earth, is a phenomenon whose explanation is not without interest. Formerly it was thought that the moon possessed an inherent light, or _perhaps was illuminated by auroral light_, which only became discernible at the time of total eclipse. Indeed even Sir W. Herschel fell into the mistake of supposing this the only available explanation, having miscalculated the efficiency of the true cause.” [Sidenote: Author’s notes of the eclipse. Colour-tints described. A crimson-scarlet tint reminded author of an auroral glow.] This passage was only pointed out to me by a friend after the eclipse had actually taken place, and I had sent him some notes of what I then saw. My notes on the occasion comprised, amongst others, the following remarks:—“The tints of colour also during partial eclipse, owing, no doubt, to the moon’s considerable altitude, were singularly bright and well contrasted. Silver-grey, dusky copper-red, and the same tint clearer and brighter were ranged side by side with a lovely jewel effect. _We noticed also at times a crimson-scarlet tint, deeper and less mixed with yellow than the copper colour._ This last tint reminded me much of a _crimson glow common to the Aurora_, and which I also once distinctly remarked (of course in a weaker degree) in the zodiacal light” (_antè_, p. 68). [Sidenote: Eclipse, Aug. 23-24, 1877. Sky clear, but eclipsed moon misty and indistinct until total obscuration. Succession of colours.]