Now, the ether comes down the axis with the temperature of space, and may possibly derive a _little_ additional temperature in passing over the body of the sun; so that in this position the earth is protected from the chilling influence of the radial stream, by being protected by the body of the sun. And although, from the immense velocity of the ether, it cannot derive much additional temperature, there may still be an appreciable difference, due to this cause. It is the chilling influence of the ethereal stream which originated the idea among philosophers, of _frigorific impressions, darted from a clear sky_. In some years the sun will be nearly in the centre of the system; in other years the axis of the vortex will not come near the sun. And as the sun's longitude may vary through the entire circle, it may happen that the earth's longitude shall coincide in winter or summer, or spring or autumn. When, however, the earth emerges from the protection of the sun, and enters the conical shell, considered as a space of considerable depth, she will again be exposed to the full force of the radial stream, rendered more active by the previous deflection, and by the numerous cross currents pervading it; so that a mild and calm winter may be succeeded by a cold and stormy spring. The present season, (1853) the earth's longitude coincided with the sun's longitude in about 135°, and consequently was in the conical space spoken of, during February and March; but the radius vector of the sun's centre, being then less than 300,000 miles, the protection was not as complete as it is sometimes. Still, the general fineness of these months was remarkable; yet in April and May, when the earth became again exposed to the action of the solar stream, the effect was to retard the spring, and disappoint the prognostications of the weather-wise. In applying these principles, we must consider the effect in those latitudes which are more readily affected,--that is, in the temperate zone, midway between the two extreme zones of heat and cold. In 1837 and 1838, the longitude of the sun's centre corresponded with the earth's, in August and September, when there was neither rain nor electrical excitement; and consequently those seasons were sickly over the whole country. Now, there is another cause which renders the months of August, September, and October, deficient in electrical energy, and consequently more prone to be sickly. If, therefore, the two causes unite their influence, the autumnal months will be more sickly at those times. This last cause, however, only affects the _northern latitudes_ in autumn, and consequently, _ceteris paribus_, the autumnal months should not be so proverbially sickly in the southern hemisphere. This is, however, only suggestive.