[From the American]

The Comet

As the comet has excited considerable attention to-day, the following extract from an article on comets, in Rees' Cyclopœdia, published some thirty years ago. may be of interest. 'The elements of the orbits of the comets in 1264 and 1556, were so nearly the same, that it is very probable it was the same comet; if so, it ought to appear again about the year 1843.' The error here of five years, is a very small one when we consider that the period of this comet is about 292 years, or a little more than that.

From its first appearance in 1264

to its second appearance in 1556

was a period of 292 y's

Adding to this period the time

of its last appearance, viz: 1556

We have for its third appearance the year 1848

The idea that this was the planet Venus, and that the increased size and brightness of it, and its long tail, were owing to the action of the suns rays upon it by reflection or otherwise, we consider absurd. It is far more reasonable to suppose that it is the comet of 1264, and 1556 making a third visit to the earth.

By referring to the American Almanac, it will be seen that Venus is now at it's aphelion, or greatest distance from the sun. It was stated recently in a French journel [journal], that the French Astronomers were expecting the appearance of a comet to the earth about this time. Al.

Feb. 28.