h he_, there were four, at least three, in
the Year 1618. and in other Years there have been two and more at the same
time. What he adds about their signification, we leave to _Astrologers_ to
dispute it with him. He concludeth with asking pardon, if he have committed
mistakes, which he hopeth he shall obtain the sooner, because of the small
time he hath had for these calculations; and he wishes that he could have
made all the Observations himself, seeing that it is easie to fail, when
one must trust to the Observations of others, whereof we know not the
exactness: where he instanceth, that according to his Observations, the way
of the _Comet_ should go neerer the Ecliptick than he hath marked it, even
without having any great regard to the Refractions: but since he would
subject himself to others, he hath made it pass a little higher, which, he
saith, was almost insensibly so, in those few days that he was observing
and writing, but that this may perhaps become sensible hereafter; which if
it be so, he affirms that it will cut the _Ecliptick_ and _Equator_ sooner,
than he hath marked it, &c. However, he thinks it convenient, to have given
aforehand a common Notion of what will become of a _Comet_, to prepare men
for all the Changes that may fall out concerning it: which he affirms he
hath endeavoured to do; the rest being easie to correct, as soon as any
good Observations, somewhat distant, have been obtained, considering, that
there need but two very exact ones, a little distant when the Star is not
swift, to trace its Way; although there must be at least three, to find out
all the rest. But, then would he have it considered, that although his
Method should be very exact, if there be not at hand Instruments big
enough, and Globes good enough to trust to, nothing can be done perfectly
in these kind of Predictions. {41}

* * * * *

_A Relation of the advice given by Monsieur _Petit_, Intendant of the
Fortifications of _Normandy_, touching the Conjunction of the _Ocean_ and
_Mediterranean_._

This Intelligent Gentleman, Monsieur _Petit_, having been consulted with,
touching the Conjunction of the _Ocean_ and _Mediterranean_, delivers first
the Proposition, and then giveth his thoughts upon it.

The Proposition is, That there being about two Leagues below _Castres_ in
_Languedoc_ a Rivolet, called _Sor_, passing to _Revel_, there may by the
means thereof be made a Communication of the two