Observations on the Annular Solar Eclipse, 133 



rounded with a faint cloudiness, which appeared parallel to the 

 interior nucleus. In this encircling band which surrounded the 

 largest spot, were observed several small dark specks, in colour 

 resembling the interior nucleus itself; others were formed into 

 groups and clusters, and dispersed on various parts of the sun's 

 western disc. 



Several seconds (6 to 10) before the formation of the annulus, 

 a faint light was perceptible encircling the moon"*s limb before it 

 advanced on the solar disc. This light gradually preceded the 

 horns or cusps of the sun, as they approached each other, from 

 the moon's progressive motion. Small detached portions of the, 

 sun's body were also observed around the lunar limb imme- 

 diately before the formation of the annulus, an appearance pro- 

 bably owing to the rugged or uneven surface of the moon's body. 

 At this time the darkness which prevailed, was certainly not 

 so great as was expected. Venus alone was distinctly visible, Ju- 

 piter could with great difficulty be distinguished, and none of 

 the fixed stars could be observed. It was interesting, however, 

 to trace during the continuance of the eclipse, and while the 

 darkness gradually increased, the various characteristic changes 

 which were produced. The peculiar dimness of the light ema- 

 nating from the half-obscured sun, or when it alone exhibited 

 a narrow ring, resembling the peculiar light afforded by the 

 moon in tropical latitudes. The various rays of light as they 

 penetrated through the foliage, gave faint and undecided sha- 

 dows, while they presented the peculiar crescent form of the 

 eclipse itself. These, however, were not the only points which ac- 

 companied this unusual and beautiful phenomenon. Nature, 

 both animate and inanimate, was equally influenced by the ap- 

 proach and progress of the darkness ; — for as the penumbra gra- 

 dually overspread the place of observation, the birds took up for 

 a moment their evening song ; but speedily, as if alarmed by the 

 unusual character of the twilight and its chilling coldness, ceased 

 their notes, and became silent and motionless. Vegetable crea- 

 tion participated also in the general and universal change. The 

 wild anemone, which shortly before was fully expanded, now 

 yielded to Nature's laws and closed its leaves as on the approach 

 of night; whilst a night-flowering plant in the greenhouse, ia . 

 accordance with the laws of their peculiar constitution, opened 



