ECLIPSE COMMITTEE. 67 



ments, goods, and chattels, contained in some eighty (80) lieav}'- 

 packages. These comprised the wooden skeletons of three large 

 observing sheds, a transit room, and a dark photographic room, all of 

 which were required for the proper use and protection of the instruments. 

 These stnictures were specially designed and constructed in Melbourne 

 for the purposes of the Expedition. The instruments included those 

 which were sent out to us for the occasion by the British Eclipse 

 Committee. 



We arrived at Bruni Island, on Saturday, 16th April. 



The camp was pitched on a fine elevated site about 1 mile from 

 the landing jetty at Alonnah. We were joined later on by contingents 

 of observers from the Adelaide Ob&ervatory, Sydney University, and 

 New Zealand. The Postal Department erected a branch telegraph 

 line connecting our transit room mth the Hobart Office, by which we 

 were enabled to exchange clock beats directly with the Melbourne 

 Observatory each night for the purpose of determining the accurate 

 longitude of our station. 



One telegraph official remained on duty in camp under instruction 

 from the Hobart office till the longitude operations were completed. 



On the day of the eclipse twenty-seven (27) persons, all carefully 

 drilled and well prepared to take full advantage of the opportunity, 

 stood at their post. All instruments were in good adjustment and 

 working order. A large number of spectators had come by several 

 boats from Hobart and other localities from the mainland, and crowded 

 beyond the rope fence which enclosed our camp and observing sheds. 

 The Premier of Tasmania had very considerately sent three constables 

 to maintain order and silence during the eclipse. 



The day remained, however, completely overcast since early 

 morning, and light rain fell throughout the 200 seconds of totality. 

 Thus the Expedition entirely failed in its main object. 



Mr. Merfield and myself took our departure from Bruni Island 

 on the evening of 12th May, and reached Melbourne on 15th May. 



Messrs. Wigmore and Bjnrne were left at the station under instruc- 

 tion to complete the packing, to return all camp material to military 

 head-quarters in Hobart, and to look after the transport of the instru- 

 ments, &c., back to Melbourne. 



They left Hobart on 19th May, and reached Melbourne on the 

 21st, having carried out their instructions most satisfactorily. 



At a late hour on the same e\'ening the equipment of the Expedition 

 was safe at the Observatory, complete and in good order. 



I am pleased to say that every man under my orders did his work 

 faithfully and well, and that the cost of the Expedition is well within 

 the estimated sum of Two hundred and fifty pounds (£250). 



January, 1912. P. Baracchi. 



c 2 



