TWO YEARS LA.TER. 49 



upper and unattainable regions, and other like subjects, 

 than from all the methods by which as yet men of 

 science have attempted to master these stubborn 

 problems. 



It must not be forgotten, however, that the eclipse 

 will last as far as totality is concerned for a very 

 brief time. For about two minutes the exact time 

 cannot be known until the observing stations are 

 decided upon the sun will be totally hidden from 

 view ; and whatever new information is to be obtained 

 respecting the constitution of the corona, and about 

 other subjects which will occupy the attention of 

 observers, must be gleaned in that short interval of 

 time. Those at home must not be surprised or disap- 

 pointed, therefore, if the results actually obtained 

 should seem at first sight disproportioned to the expense 

 and trouble involved by the expeditions, or to the 

 number of persons who will take part in the work of 

 observation. Science must be content in such cases to 

 expend a large amount of time and trouble where yet 

 the prospect of remuneration will be but small. All 

 the more credit to those who are ready to join in an 

 enterprise so arduous, and presenting so many chances 

 of failure. 



in. 



