184 
SIR NORMAN LOCKYER AND OTHERS ON THE 
The exjierience gained during this eclipse indicates that the determination of 
definite intervals before totality by the observation of the cusps is of great value. 
Observations on Natives, Animals, &c. 
Three observers were told off to note the behaviour of the natives, animals, &c., 
during the eclipse. The notes were collected by Lieutenant Blackett, who has 
summarised them as follows ;— 
“ The natives, so far as was observed from the fort, were not much disturbed 
by the eclipse. They had been previously warned not to light fires, the smoke 
of which might interfere with the observations, and also not to make a noise. On 
the beach a few—according to a matter-of-fact observer thirteen-—ran into the sea, 
and bathed, as is their custom on these occasions ; they also set up a discordant 
yell for 3 minutes. It was ascertained afterwards that a large proportion of the 
natives retired to another beach about 3 miles away out of sight and hearing 
of the fort, and here, undisturbed by the local police, were able to bathe and howl 
ad infinitum. 
“ This district being particularly devoid of land Ijirds, owing to the barren 
nature of the soil, not much was gained from observations. A few small birds 
twittered a good deal during the partial phase, and especially about 10 minutes 
before totality, but at 7 minutes before totality a sudden silence fell on them all. 
Some crows [Corvus hienialis) were observed to roost, and martins were seen to be 
flying unusually high. Bats were not observed to be disturbed in any way, 
though carefully looked for in likely places. A few snakes came out as they 
usually do towards dusk.” 
A snake was also seen by Mr. Barnett about 7 minutes before totality. 
Lieutenant Dugmore states that “ the gulls, which seemed sonmambulant soon 
after first contact, rose at the commencement of totality and flew off silently 
towards the light in the south, returning, however, in a few seconds while totality 
was still on, and again settling on the water, where they I'emained until about 
45 minutes after, when they grew more lively and commenced fishing operations. 
The live-stock on board did not take much apparent notice.” 
Observations on animal life, &c., were also undertaken by Mr. E. H. Aitken, 
Assistant Collector of Salt, who was good enough to supply the following notes for 
insertion in this Report:— 
“ The darkness was neither so intense nor so sudden as I had anticipated, and 
the effects which it produced on living things were less striking than those 
described in accounts of former eclipses. At 12.40 a cock began to crow, and it 
continued doing so at intervals till some minutes after totality was over. Up 
to 12.42 kites and swallows were flying about as usual, and little birds of several 
species were chattering. I especially noticed the toot of the little barbet, commonly 
