124 



Account of the Solar Eclipse of 1868. 



[Nov. 19, 



There was no one in my neighbourhood (except those of my own party, 

 who had been warned to keep silence), but when totality commenced a wail- 

 ing shout was heard in the distance, apparently rising all round us, which 

 was succeeded after a few seconds by silence. 



"The distant features of the landscape disappeared, and I noticed one 

 light (apparently a village fire) some miles distant. 



" I give below the different times 1 observed as of possible interest. 

 Local apparent time is used : — 



First contact. Last contact, 



h m s h m s 



Sun and moon 7 45 13 10 21 59 



Spot No. 1 7 57 39 9 7 5 



Entire disappearance .... 7 59 5 



Spot No. 2 8 40 28 9 54 39 



Spot No. 3 8 46 58 10 3 25 



I cannot state with any approach to accuracy either the instant of com- 

 mencement or [that of] termination of totality." 



Latitude of station 16 30 10 



Longitude 75 20 



(Signed) "W. R, Campbell, Lieut. R.E." 



"Bangalore, August 31, 1868." 



True copy. 



Bangalore, September 15, 186S. 



J. Kerschel, Lieut. R.E. 



(Copy.) 

 No. 886. 



From J. Geoyheyan, Esq., Under Secretary to Government of India. 

 To The Superintendent of the Great Trigonometrical Survey of India. 



Fort William, February 21, 186S. 



Sir, — I am directed to acknowledge receipt of your letter No. — of 

 4th instant ; requesting permission to employ certain officers of the Go- 

 vernment Trigonometrical Survey in taking observations of the total solar 

 eclipse of the 17th, 18th August, and asking sanction to the expenditure 

 on this account estimated roughly not to exceed 2000 Rupees. 



In reply, I am directed to state that the Governor-General in Council 

 cordially approves of your proposed arrangements, and sanctions the ne- 

 cessary expenditure. 



The Government of India, I am to state, will be prepared to do every- 



