84 LIGHT SCIENCE FOR LEISURE HOURS. 



so favourable for observational purposes as the great 

 Indian eclipse of 1868, yet there is a considerable 

 variety as respects the choice of stations. In fact, there 

 are no less than four distinct sections of the moon's 

 shadow-track to which it has been judged advisable 

 to send observers. The track crosses the southern 

 extremity of the Indian peninsula, and along this part 

 of its course there will probably be several observing 

 parties, the arrangements being superintended by Mr. 

 Pogson, the Government Astronomer at Madras, and 

 by Colonel Tennant and Captain Herschel, both known 

 to fame through their observations during the great 

 eclipse of 1868. Thence the shadow-track passes to 

 the northern part of Ceylon, and along this part of its 

 course the English eclipse expedition will be stationed. 

 It will probably be in the remembrance of most of my 

 readers that the English Government granted (several 

 months back) the sum of 2,000., as well as trans- 

 port and the means of camping, for an expedition to 

 Ceylon. It was hoped that Professor Stokes would 

 have been able to take charge of this expedition ; but 

 these hopes were disappointed. Mr. Lockyer, however, 

 has been able to give his services, and doubtless the 

 expedition will be a highly effective one. The shadow- 

 track passes from Ceylon to Java, where a French party 

 under M. Janssen will be stationed. Lastly, the 

 shadow-track passes to the northern part of the 

 Australian continent, and a strong observing party has 

 proceeded from Sydney and Melbourne to the stations 

 along this part of the shadow's course. 



