Prismatic Structure in Ice

Abstract

DURING the late frost and subsequent thaw, I have watched the ice as far as was in my power to see whether its demeanour bore out Mr. Langton's explanation of the prismatic structure (NATURE, vol. iii. p. 105) in reply to my communication (Id. vol i. p. 481). At the time when I received his letter, I felt unable to accept the compromise which he proposed, and the result of these last investigations has been to confirm my previous opinion. Let me, however, first explain away a slight misconception into which I have led him. In using the words “severe frost,” I spoke as an Englishman, and used the epithet relatively, without thinking how it might be understood by one accustomed to a colder climate. All I meant was a frost severe enough to form ice more than an inch or so thick.