22 THE INDIAN ECLIPSE, 1898. 



between the spot where our chairs had been put and the lines 

 of lamps, the fireworks were shown. These were simple, but 

 exceedingly effective. They consisted of clay globes filled with 

 a sort of u golden rain " composition, which, lighted at the top, 

 threw out a spout of yellow sparks about 20 feet high. These 

 the exhibitors manipulated with a great deal of ingenuity and 

 taste. Sometimes one or two would be put down flat on the 

 ground, and would spout up their fiery fountains straight into 

 the air. At other times they would be made to cross each 

 other at varying angles, and so with very simple means a good 

 deal of variety was thrown into the exhibition. From time to 

 time also coloured fires were introduced here and there, with 

 which the native spectators seemed exceedingly pleased, but 

 which rather spoiled the effect to us, who preferred the more 

 genuinely native elements of the show. However, we amused 

 ourselves by watching these from our distance through direct- 

 vision spectroscopes, and recognising the familiar lines and 

 bands of strontium and magnesium. Nor were our eyes only to 

 be feasted. Our ears likewise were regaled by the strains of a 

 native band. But here unfortunately our Western prejudices 

 prevented our feeling as much gratitude to the performers as 

 their hearty goodwill deserved. Those who know the party 

 processions in the north of Ireland, and are acquainted with the 

 constitution of a full orchestra in such namely, five big drums 

 and a cracked fife will have a correct appreciation of the chief 

 points in the musical programme. 



Then came the climax. The great masses of natives moved 

 up towards where we were seated for not only were the 

 inhabitants of Talni itself out in full force, but the entire taluc 

 was represented then halted some twenty yards away, whilst a 

 deputation, chief amongst whom we recognised the good-looking 

 and courteous Tahsildar of Chandur Taluc, Krishnaji Anaut. 

 came forward, and one of their number addressed us on behalf 

 of the assemblage, bidding us welcome, and asking us to accept 

 the display which we had just witnessed as intended for a token 

 of their wish to do us honour. Then several members of the 

 deputation stepped forward and made the usual presentation of 

 betel and scent, and hung our necks with garlands of flowers ; 

 whilst on our side Mr. Smith, as the senior member of our 

 party, returned thanks for us in a very appropriate speech. 



This ended the day's work for ourselves, but not for Mr. 

 Evershed, who, directly the flare of the illuminations had faded, 

 began the development of his photographs. The next afternoon, 

 to our great regret, Capt. Molesworth left us, and he was 

 accompanied as far as Pulgaon by Mr. Evershed, who was 

 anxious to compare notes with our neighbours there. Mr. 

 Evershed, who returned to us by the midnight train, brought 

 back a glowing account of the beauty of the photographs which 



