Concord Register

The smoky Atmosphere.-We state it not as a matter of information, for all our readers in the vicinity we presume are apprized of the fact, that the atmosphere on Saturday [and Sunday last] assumed a very singular appearance. The air seemed filled with an almost impenetrable fog; but from the strong smell of smoke and the effect upon the nostrils and eyes, it is believed there could be but little vapor mingled with it. Various speculations have been indulged in, as to its probable origin. Many have thought it was occasioned by most terrible and devastating fires among our eastern neighbors, as the wind was about N. E. But the papers from the east have mentioned no recent fires in the forests, and certainly the smoke of the extensive conflagration in the woods in Maine, some two or three months since, must have been dissipated long ere this. The most rational theory we have heard of is, that it may be what is sometimes called, a falling atmosphere. The temperature on Friday was uncommonly warm for the season. May it not be, then, that this unusual heat so rarified the atmosphere near the surface of the earth, as to cause it to become lighter than the vapor arising from the smoke of dwellings and other exhalations, and consequently, as the air became rarified and ascended, the smoke, &c. descended to the earth?

Boston Traveller.