REMARKABXE ATMOSPHERIC PHENOMENA. 105 



tage to observe an eclipse of the sun which was to 

 happen in the end of October. 



On the 27th, the day before the obscuration, they 

 went out in the evening, as usual, to take the air. 

 Crossing the beach which separates the suburb of 

 the Guayquerias from the landing place, they heard 

 the sound of footsteps behind, and on turning saw a 

 tall Zambo, who, coming up, flourished a great palm- 

 tree bludgeon over Humboldt's head. He avoided 

 the stroke by leaping aside ; but Bonpland was less 

 fortunate ; for, receiving a blow above the temple, 

 he was felled to the ground. The former assisted 

 his companion to rise, and both now pursued the 

 ruffian, who had run off with one of their hats, and 

 on being seized, drew a long knife from his trou- 

 sers. In the mean time some Biscayan merchants, 

 who were walking on the shore, came to their as- 

 sistance ; when the Zambo, seeing himself sur- 

 rounded, took to his heels, and sought refuge in a 

 cowhouse, from which he was led to prison. The 

 inhabitants showed the warmest concern for the 

 strangers ; and although Bonpland had a fever dur- 

 ing the night, he speedily recovered. The object 

 of the Zambo, who soon afterward succeeded in 

 escaping from the castle of San Antonio, was never 

 satisfactorily made out. 



Notwithstanding this untoward accident, Hum- 

 boldt was enabled to observe the eclipse. The days 

 which preceded and followed it displayed very re- 

 markable atmospheric phenomena. It was what is 

 called winter in those countries. From the 10th of 

 October to the 3d of November a reddish vapour 

 rose in the evening, and in a few minutes covered 

 the sky. The hygrometer gave no indication of hu- 

 midity. The diurnal heat was from 82*4° to 89-6°. 

 Sometimes in the midst of the night the mist dis- 

 appeared for a moment, when clouds of a brilliant 

 whiteness formed in the zenith, and extended to- 

 wards the horizon. On the 18th of October they 



