PROCEEDINGS FOR 1S99 XIX 



surveys of the tides and currents in Canadian waters. Only about $5,000, 

 or one-half the sum of former years, is to be appropriated. 



From the remarks made by Sir Louis Davies in the recent debate 

 on the question in the House of Commons, he appears to have been mis- 

 informed as to the importance and necessity of the service by some 

 officers of his department. It is only necessary to refer to the Trans- 

 actions of the Royal Society of Canada for years, and to a memorial from 

 4Q0 of the ablest navigators of the Dominion, in the reports of the 

 department, to see that the weight of the authority of scientific men, as 

 well as practical sailors, is in favour of such tidal investigations. The 

 Minister himself, we are confident, will look fully into the matter as one 

 of national interest. 



19. The Total Eclipse of the Sun in 1900. 



The following circular explains itself, and is referred to the Third 

 Section of this society for their consideration : — 



February 10, 1899. 

 Dear Sir : 



At the Conference of Astronomers and Astrophysicists, held at the 

 Harvard College Observatory in August last, a committee was appointed 

 to gather information regarding intended observations of the total eclipse 

 of the Sun which will occur on May 28, 1900. As the Moon's shadow 

 will pass from near New Orleans to near Norfolk, it may be expected 

 that many observers will take part in the eclipse work, and the com- 

 mittee is ready to do anything in its power to secure concert of action 

 among them. 



It is well to remark, in the first place, that the duration of totality 

 is brief. It will amount only to about 1™ 40s where the shadow passes 

 into the Atlantic Ocean near Norfolk, and will diminish toward the 

 southwest. Hence less can be done than if a longer duration were avail- 

 able. Observers will probably prefer stations east of the Alleghenies, 

 as west of those mountains the duration will range from 1"^ 13s near New 

 Orleans to 1™ 30s near the mountains. Should you desire to cooperate 

 in any plan that may be arranged by our committee, we should be pleased 

 to learn from you the following particulars : 



(l)'Your opinion as to what measures, if any, should be taken to 

 secure observations of the eclipse on a well-concerted plan. 



(2) Your opinion as to what classes of observations are to be con- 

 sidered most important, with suggestions regarding the best means of 



making them. 



Proc, 1899. B. 



