The properties of a low-pressure pulsed mercury discharge (p equals l. 2 multiplied by (times) 10** minus **3 torr) are studied. Under these conditions the electron energy distribution is Maxwellian within 5. 5 mu sec after the voltage is applied. Information is obtained on the time evolution of the electron density, the electron temperature, and the axial field for various pulse lengths and various duty factors. The intensity of the mercury spectral lines is studied. The results of these intensity measurements agree with calculations which take account of the variation of the electron density and temperature.