28 Sir J. Norman Lockyer. 



some most excellent masons and carpenters, picked men from Rat- 

 nagiri as we later ascertained, and plenty of material for the con- 

 struction of the necessary concrete bases and huts. It was important 

 to erect the huts as soon as possible, not only to shelter the instru- 

 ments but the observers from the sun. Several screens were made 

 which could be moved and placed in any required position ; these 

 were found to be invaluable while the instruments were being 

 erected. A considerable number of coolies was also present to do 

 such work as carrying packing-cases, sawing wood, clearing the 

 camp, &c. 



In the fort was also a police guard sent from Ratnagiri. The 

 camp was watched both by day and night so effectively by them that 

 no damage to any instrument was reported. 



On the arrival of the " Melpomene " at Viziadrug, Mr. Bomanji 

 came on board to report the arrangements which had been made for 

 the expedition by the Government of India. As these were not quite 

 completed, it was necessary for the first few days to return to the 

 ship every evening, but afterwards Mr. Fowler, Dr. Lockyer, and 

 myself took up our quarters at the Dak bungalow inside the Fort, 

 close to the instruments. Meals were provided at the Collector's 

 camp, which was also inside the Fort. 



A party was landed at the fort on the afternoon of our arrival to 

 inspect the site suggested by Mr. Bomanji, and it was at once evi- 

 dent that it would satisfy all requirements, provided the fluctuations 

 of temperature of the great masses of masonry composing the fort 

 had no disturbing influence on the steadiness of the air. In order to 

 investigate this point a 3|-inch telescope was erected, and observa- 

 tions of the surrounding landscape, and, at dusk, of various stars, 

 were made, from which it appeared that the atmosphere was suffi- 

 ciently steady for the observations. 



Next morning the instruments were landed and the concrete bases 

 for them were commenced. The erection of the huts was also begun 

 by the native workmen and continued without intermission. 



The instruments were set up as soon as their bases were ready, 

 and by the end of a week all were practically in readiness for the 

 eclipse. Constant clear skies enabled all the adjustments to be made 

 without difficulty. 



During the week preceding the eclipse the adjustments were fre- 

 quently tested, and a complete system of drills was established. 



As the number of volunteers was so large I pointed out to Captain 

 Batten, who had volunteered to aid in a special branch of the work, 

 the importance of his taking charge of the whole camp and giving 

 all the necessary orders for conducting the operations during the 

 general rehearsals, and the eclipse itself. He eventually agreed to 

 this, and the procedure and time signals were arranged between us. 



