112 



Lieut. J. HerscheFs Account of the [Nov. 19, 



for self-congratulation that the journey was accomplished as quickly as it 

 was. I followed on the 1st of August, and reached Jamkandi on the 

 morning of the 14th. The journey was so exceedingly disagreeable a one 

 that I shall say no more about it. 



21. Arrival at Jamkandi. 

 By the evening of the 14th the observatory was put together and the 

 telescope &c. ready for adjustment. 



22. Prospects. 



I was surprised and considerably disappointed to learn that the weather 

 had been for some days past as cloudy as I found it. I had left heavy rain 

 behind me at Belgaum, and found none at Jamkandi certainly ; but the 

 sky was thick with passing cloud. I was told that it was quite unusual, 

 and that it could not last ; but by the morning of the 18th both Lieut. 

 Campbell and myself had made up our minds not to be disappointed (if 

 we could help it), should we be denied more than a few glimpses. 



23. Bad weather not unusual at this season. 

 I learned afterwards that at some time or other at that season a burst 

 usually takes place on the Ghauts, causing a sudden and violent flood in all 

 the rivers, and that the influence of this extends beyond their limits and 

 occasions the fortnight of cloudy skies and scanty rainfall which such places 

 as Jamkandi enjoy once a year. This periodical flood had occurred be- 

 tween the time of our camp's and our own arrival, and we were now expe- 

 riencing the cloudy season. It was very unfortunate, but could hardly 

 have been foreseen. Not only our own party, but others in the neigh- 

 bouring district of Bejapur were unlucky. Three days later the whole 

 aspect of the country was changed. The rivers subsided ; the heat which 

 we had expected, but missed, began to make itself felt ; the villanous black 

 soil hardened ; and the natives said confidently that their rainy season was 

 past, and that the rivers would not rise again till next year. 



24. Lieut. CampbelVs Station. 

 On the 1 7th Lieut. Campbell selected his position on a hill about a mile 

 distant. We had agreed that the character of the clouds was such that a 

 greater separation was unnecessary, owing to their uniform distribution and 

 regular current. 



25. Final preparations. 

 I come at length to the more interesting part of my narrative. The 

 three days and nights which preceded the event were occupied in adjusting 

 the polar axis, in examining every adjustment that could or could not 

 require it, in exchanging the broad coarse pointer which I had used for 

 night work for a stout but sharp needle, in going over and over again a 

 mental review of the probable appearances and the possible contingencies 

 which might arise. The three months' disuse, too, since I had to give up the 



