On the Solar Eclipse of 9th September, 1885. 893 



shadow on the earth's surface, and their flickering movements 

 were due to the moon's movement altering continuously the 

 distance of the undulations from either side of the moon, and 

 with them the positions of the shadows." 



Observing at Tahoraite, Mr; A. McKay, of the Geological 

 Department, remarked the flickering of different shades of 

 light at the surface of the ground, and on looking up obliquely 

 towards the sun, saw most distinctly undulating vibrations in 

 the air like those produced by ascending currents. From his 

 position he had a favourable opportunity of observing during 

 totality the return of the light in the rear of the shadow on the 

 Euahine Eanges, 6,000 feet in altitude, and about 6 miles to 

 the westward, and he distinctly saw the light advancing as 

 banded streamers. 



Note. — The Ven. Archdeacon Stock has called the Editor's 

 attention to the following extract from the London Athenceum, 

 August 2nd, 1851, p. 821, which evidently points to a similar 

 phenomenon having been observed on the occasion of a previous 

 total eclipse : — 



" Great Solar Eclipse. — In observing the solar eclipse here 

 yesterday, during the intervals that the showery and cloudy 

 state of the weather permitted, I noted the following fact, which 

 I am not aware has been before observed, and which may be 

 interesting as in a great degree explanatory of some of the most 

 remarkable phenomena attending total eclipses. The rays pass- 

 ing close to and over the moon's body were much agitated. 

 This I at first was inclined to ascribe to the vapoury state of 

 the atmosphere, but soon noticed that could not have been the 

 cause, as the light from the sun's external limits was calm, and 

 gave a most distinct marginal line, while that portion of the 

 sun's face which was bounded by the convex and dark outline ot 

 the satellite and that outline seemed to be dancing together. In 

 case of any mistake, I caused two friends successively to examine 

 the appearance, and they both reported it to be distinctly such 

 as described. The instrument used was a Newtonian reflector, 

 of 6 inches diameter, with a magnifying power on of about 180. — 

 I am, &c. — P. McFaelane.— Comrie, Perthshire, July 29, 1851." 



