41 8 Mr . Marsden on the Era of 
into contradictions, from negleCting to explain to their readers 
a diftinCtion of which they muft have been themfelves fuffi- 
ciently aware *. Thefe modes may be denominated the vul- 
gar or practical, and the political or chronological reckoning. 
The vulgar or practical reckoning is that which eftimates 
the commencement of the year, or firft day of the month 
Moharram, from the appearance of the new moon, 941 the 
evening of the firft or fecond day after the conjunction, or 
from that time at which it might from its age be vifible, if 
not obfcured by the circumftances of the weather, which is 
fcarcely ever fo foon as twenty- four hours, and feldom later 
than forty-eight hours^after the aCtual change. This appearance 
is announced by perfons placed on the pinnacles of the mofques 
or other elevated fituations, to the people below, who wel- 
come it with the found of inftruments, firing of guns, and 
other demonftrations of refpect and zeal-f* The month thus 
commenced is computed to laft till the new moon again be- 
comes vifible ; and fo of the remaining months, till (he has 
completed her twelfth lunation, and, emerging from the fun’s 
rays, marks the practical commencement of another year ( h ). 
In the political or chronological mode of reckoning, the re- 
turn of a new year, or the duration of the months which 
compofe it, is not regulated either by the appearance of the 
moon, or the calculated period of conjunction, but according 
to a certain divifion of a cycle of thirty years, adopted for this 
* The juflice of this remark will appear evident by contrafling the authorities 
quoted under the letters (b) (z) and (m). 
f Thefe falutations are more folemn or clamourous at the return of fome 
months than of others, and particularly on the appearance which terminates the 
month of falling, or Ramadan. 
purpofe. 
