per: oA obser va tions of the eclipse. 



ual diffusion of its light it was impossible to determine the exact extent of this 

 beautiful, flashing appendage, the delicate, subtile nature of which may possibly 

 be more fully understood when we observe that we saw Delta-Cancri, a star of the 

 fourth magnitude, shining through its substance. However, we estimated its 

 greatest height at rather more than 500,000 miles. The beautiful phenomenon 

 known as " Bailey's Beads," was observed for three or four seconds at the begin- 

 ning and end of totality. These delicate objects appeared as somewhat irregular 

 globules of light, intensely brilliant, tending, by their general appearance and du- 

 ration, to strengthen the popular theory that they are caused by the lunar 

 mountains dividing into fragments the slender threads of the chromosphere visible 

 at the beginning and end of totality. A few seconds before the close of totality, the 

 beautiful ruddy layer of glowing hydrogen called the chromosphere sprang into view, 

 extending along the western limb about 120 , and remaining visible about six sec- 

 onds, when it was shivered into as many as 35 or 40 fragments (Bailey's Beads), alto- 

 gether forming one of the most beautiful and never-to-be forgotten sights ever wit- 

 nessed by the writer. 



The well-known solar protuberances were neither so numerous or prominent 

 as on former occasions, only five being seen, protruding from that part of the 

 sun's western limb near the point of first contact. Two of these were quite prom- 

 inent and clearly defined, the others were small. The first in size was broadest 

 at its base and tapered to a fine point at its extremity, which was strongly curved 

 to the north, giving it a shape much like that of a horn. We estimated its height 

 at fully 45.000 miles. The second, from a more narrow base, spread to a point 

 where it divided into two forks, which, with their minor offshoots, presented a 

 decidedly unique figure, somewhat resembling the antlers of a deer. These 

 prominences seemed perfectly quiescent. As the dark body of the moon passed 

 on, revealing successive parts of the largest one to view, its color was seen to 

 range from the purest white at its extremity to a delicate pink in the center, 

 merging into a rich rose color at the base. 



Our search for Vulcan proved unsuccessful. The darkness was not so great 

 as we expected, although chickens sought their roosts and Mars, Venus, Mercury 

 and several of the brighter stars were conspicuous objects to the naked eye. 



As totality closed we glanced regretfully after the dusky shadow, gliding 

 swiftly away to greet the eager eyes of other observers posted along its path. The 

 time of the third internal contact (end of totality) was 3:31.45. The temperature 

 fell perceptibly during totality but quickly recovered, reaching its maximum for the 

 day at 5:10 p. m. The fourth external contact (end of the eclipse) took place at 



4:35 P- m- 



Many attribute the remarkable fitness of to-day to the proverbial devotion of 

 astronomers, for has not the assertion of the poet Young that " an undevout as- 

 tronomer is mad," passed into a proverb? With all possible respect for Young, 

 and a firm belief in the strong tendency of astronomical research to develop vener- 

 ation for the Creator, the Great First Cause, the "Eternal One, whose presence 

 bright all space doth occupy, all motion guide," we still venture the opinion that if 



i 



