The object of the present communication is to show, by a series of experiments, that the solar rays possess sensible magnetic properties, which are observable in the vibrations of a magnetised needle exposed to those rays, independently of the effects produced by the heat which they impart. I propose likewise to point out the changes which take place in the intensity of a magnetised needle from changes of temperature, as deducible from the times of its vibration. I have before stated in my paper on the effects of temperature on the intensity of magnetic forces , that, in deducing the terrestrial magnetic intensity by means of the vibrations of a needle, a correction ought to be introduced where the observations have been made at different temperatures. I had not at the time made any experiments by which I could ascertain how far changes in the temperature of a needle would be sensible in the time of its vibration; and the first observations which I made with this view being with a light needle, did not give very decided results: they however led me first to notice the very singular fact, that a magnetic needle comes to rest more quickly when vibrated exposed to the rays of the sun, than when vibrated in the shade. In order to ascertain the effect which changes of temperature have on the times of vibration of a needle, it is necessary to know the temperature of the needle itself during the observations, and I saw no better means of ascertaining this, even approximately, than to vibrate it in the shade and then exposed to the rays of the sun, and to consider the temperature of the needle to be that indicated by a thermometer near to it. On my first doing this, I found, that although I could easily mark the 50th vibration when the needle was shaded, I could not distinguish beyond the 40th when it was exposed. I at the same time found that the time of vibration was slightly diminished at the higher temperature, instead of being increased, as I had reason to expect. As however the needle was not vibrated in the same spot in the two cases, the diminution in the time of vibration and of the arc when it was exposed, might be independent of the change of temperature and of any influence in the solar rays. To avoid any uncertainty arising from difference of disturbing causes in two situations, I placed the compass out of doors, with a screen composed intirely of wood, supported at the height of four feet above it, and by removing which the rays of the sun struck directly on the needle. A thermometer having the bulb near to the compass-box indicated nearly the temperature of the needle. When the shutter was up, so that the needle vibrated in the shade, I could very distinctly note the 100th vibration; but when it was removed and the needle vibrated exposed to the sun's rays, I could not so distinctly mark the 75th. I made use of a needle six inches long, weighing 42.75 grains, and contained in a brass compass-box with a glass cover: the needle was suspended by a fine hair, and commenced vibrating 30° from zero.