Total Eclipse of August 7, 1869. 197 



The wire, the pencil, and the zero of the graduated disk 

 were set parallel to the equator a few minutes before con- 

 tact, by causing a small solar spot to traverse the wire 

 across the field. Wind prevented setting it as accurately 

 as I desired. The accuracy of measurements made in this 

 way, depends on the nearness to which the sun and the 

 field are brought to concentricity. 



The position of four of the principal spots, were roughly 

 as follows : a, 33°, b, 102°, c, 105°, d, 183°. 



Estimated distances from sun's centre in solar radii 

 were about, a, two-thirds, b and c, one-half, d, seven- 

 eighths. 



In this manuer I recorded the position of first contact, 

 which was about 341°. Some 15 minutes before the com- 

 puted time of contact, I tried to see the limb of the moon, 

 but with no power or aperture could I get the least 

 glimpse of it, though I continued the effort until within 

 one minute of contact. 



A bright spot was seen on the sun near the point of 

 contact, and the mottled appearance showed remarkably 

 well and steady, although some dancing undulations were 

 visible around the limb of the sun, yet on the whole, 

 atmospheric disturbances were nearly at a minimum ; one 

 reason for it, I think, being that I took the precaution to 

 set my instrument where it was entirely surrounded by 

 grass. 



The time of first contact was recorded by chronograph, 

 and though well observed, I call it recorded about one and 

 a half seconds too late, as I was deceived by an unlooked 

 for phenomenon. 



For about two seconds after the contact that portion of 

 the sun covered by the moon was bounded by a straight 

 line, instead of a curve, as I expected it would and 

 ought to be. A little to the right of the point of contact 

 were five lunar mountains. I distinctly saw them enter on 



