a sort of base or platform on which we appeared to stand and magnified to about three times our natural size. We made several movements – my wife with her parasol, and I with my walking-stick &c., all of which were answered distinctly, as if in a large mirror. When we stood close to each other we could see one another so reflected; but on my moving a step or two on one side I could only see my own shadow. This continued for about five minutes, when it gradually disappeared, and we became enveloped in a fog. I calulate(sic) that this fog or vapour to have been about a quarter of a mile distant from us, and to have been two or three hundred feet high.”
Prize Meetings of the St. Leonards Archers
The above stated phenomenon was evidently similar to the “Spectre of the Brocken”[a] and one which on rare occasions had been witnessed previously on the Hastings and Fairlight hills. I have sometimes thought that this natural phenomenon suggested the invention of the Magic Lantern. A similar phenomenon was seen in India by the talented artist and traveller, Miss Marianne North, of Hastings. In her Recollections of a Happy Life, Vol II, page 33, she says “I took possession of paintings at Joubos? next day, and saw a most civilous? reflection of myself and the sun’s disc in the mist opposite the setting sun, with a gold halo and rainbow tints around. It would have made a good suggestion for a Madonna or saint’s picture.”
A Thunder Storm. Although in the sense in which the foregoing occurrences are regarded, a thunderstorm can hardly be described as a phenomenon, yet the one here noticed, in consequence of its local effects, may be worthy of record. At about half-past six on the morning of June 7th, during a violent thunderstorm, two cottages near to Mr. Wyatt’s residence at Mount Pleasant were struck by lightning and one of them was completely wrecked. The electric discharge appeared to pass down the chimney of one of the houses, and shatter everything in its way. The staircases of the premises were blown up, and nearly all the glass in the windows, as well as the crockeryware was smashed to atoms. It seemed to be marvelous that Mrs. Butchers and four children, who were in their beds, should have been unharmed except the shock resulting from fright. The site of the said cottages was where is now the Congregational Church.
Archery Meetings.
The Queen’s St. Leonards Archers held their first meeting for the season on her Majesty’s birthday anniversary, at which the Ladies’ prize was won by Miss Beecham, and the Gentlemen’s by the Rev. J. Simpson.
At the 2nd meeting, on the 28th of June, Miss Yeoman carried off the Ladies’ prize and Mr. Alfred Burton, the Gentlemen’s. The Visitors’ prize was taken by Miss L. Willan.
The 3rd meeting was held on Saturday, July 28th, at which there was a good attendance, albeit the weather was showery. Miss Brown won the Ladies’ prize, and the Rev. J. Simpson the Gentlemen’s. Miss Sheen and Mr Boger gained the Visitors’ prizes.
The Annual Grand Meeting was held as usual, on Aug. 17th, and was attended by about 300 members and visitors. The day was fine, the beautiful grounds were in good order, -
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