Page:Philosophical Transactions - Volume 001.djvu/366

 congeal'd into Ice, in those parts, Viz. at Upsall in Sueden.

7.That the Frost pierces into the Earth, two Cubits or Swedish Ells; and what moisture is found in it, is white, like Ice: That Waters, if standing, freeze to a greater depth, even to three such Ells or more; but those that have a Current, less: That rapid Rivers freeze not at all; nor ever-bubling Springs; and that these latter seem even to be warmer in Winter, than Summer.

So far this Observer; who likewise offers his Services in giving an answer to the remaining Queries, and in entertaining a commerce in such other Philosophical matters, as he is conversant in.

Another Paper written by Monsieur Fehre, chief Secretary to Prince Ratzivil, contains these particulars;

1.That the College of the Learned in Borusia finds it not so easie to resolve all those Quæries sent from England to M. Hevelius: but yet that they will try what may be done upon it.

2.That as for himself; he can assure from his own Experience concerning the Effects of Cold; First, That in the War against the Muscovites and Cosaks, A. 1655. in January, in White Russia, at the Siege of Bichow, 30. Leagues from Smolensko, and three from Mothilo, near the River Boristhenes, when they had Quarter in a Village call'd Iskau, they were seized on with such a Frost, that all their Provisions of Spanish Wines or Petersimen, and Beere, were in one Night frozen upon the Sleds, notwithstanding they were cover'd with Straw; in so much, that when next morning they would have drawn of those Liquors, they found all dry, and were constrain'd to carry them into a Stove, to thaw them; which they could not do in two whole days, and were obliged to break the Vessels, and put pieces of the Icy Wine into Kettles to thaw them over the Fire, for Drink; That they asked not for a Draught, but a Morsel of Wine or Beer: That their Horses had no better cheer than themselves, as to matter of Drink; the Pool of the Village being so thoroughly frozen, that there was but very little Water left between the Ice and the bottom of the Pool; whereby the poor Beasts were forced to drink with great reverence, kneeling on their forefeet to thrust their heads into the holes, made for them in the Ice, and to stuck thence some drops of Water; and that, if they had not had Snow to eat; there would have dyed a far greater Rh