CHAPTER IX 

 CONCERNING TWO SUN-ECLIPSES 



VAVATJ, an island of the Tonga group, was selected by 

 the British Government Expedition as the observing 

 station for the total eclipse of the sun in -April, 1911. 

 It was humorously suggested by the Rev. Aloysius 

 L. Cortie, however, that a certain other island might 

 constitute a favourable position, but as it periodically 

 appeared and disappeared, it was thought advisable 

 not to choose it. 



It was on Vavau that Father Cortie experienced 

 his first earthquake. One curious effect of the tremor 

 was that Mr. McClean's instrument, which was not in 

 perfect adjustment, was shaken into its proper place. 



This eclipse was a light one owing to the cloudy 

 state of the sky. The reflection from the clouds, 

 indeed, was so great as to make the use of lamps 

 unnecessary. 



I am often asked when we shall be favoured with 

 another total sun-eclipse in England. My answer is : 

 Not until 1927. It is an answer which usually produces 

 a look of blank disappointment. We are certainly not 

 bored by the frequency of total solar eclipses. The 

 last to be seen in any part of our country was in 1724, 

 and it appears to have had the distinction of having 

 been observed by only one person. He was stationed 

 at Haraden Hill, near Salisbury Plain. 



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