1^4 Suggestions for the Observation 



should be noted (mentally) sufficiently to enable the obser- 

 ver to identify them afterwards upon a celestial globe. In 

 particular, the observer should note the place of the smallest 

 star which he can see. The apparent colours of the stars 

 should be noted ; and the observers should also record what 

 they judge to be the colours of the same stars when seen in 

 a dark night. 



24. Among the coarser kinds of observation to be made 

 with the naked eye during the totality may be mentioned the 

 following. Whether bushes of light radiate from the corona, 

 in what number, and in what directions. Whether there are 



''beams in the direction of the ecliptic, like pyramids with 

 their bases united at the sun, in the manner of the zodiacal 

 light. Whether there is a red band of light near the hori- 



' zon, or in any part of it. Whether the outlines of hills can 

 be seen. Whether the smoke of chimneys can be seen. 

 Whether any plants (as the sensitive plant, the convolvulus, 

 or the silk-tree acacia) close their leaves or petals. Whether 

 animals appear frightened. 



25. As the duration of the totality will be, in most places, 

 approximately known, the chronometer-bearer should be pre- 

 pared to give about ten seconds^ notice to the observers of the 

 reappearance of light. At places near the north or south 

 boundary this may be scarcely sufficient. Each observer 

 should then remark, — first, whether there is anything pecu- 



- liar in the circumference of the moon ; secondly, whether the 

 reappearance of the sun is heralded by anything Uke a twi- 

 light on the moon's limb ; thirdly, whether the corona dis- 

 appears in separate parts ; fourthly, whether beads or strings 

 are seen ; fifthly, whether the moon's circumference is visible 

 beyond the sun's visible limb; sixthly, whether the brilliancy 

 -of the sun's limb is equal to or less than that of the portions 

 of the disc immediately within it. The first appearance of 

 white light should be noted by signal, as before. 



26. It would now be interesting for the naked-eye observer 

 to remark, if possible, whether the light of the sun appears 

 to sweep over the country ; whether there is any fluctuation 

 of light on the ground, or on walls, &c. ; and also whether dew 



V or fog is formed. 



