“Hugh D. Vail.”
mr. falconer’s observations.
“To Captain Ashe, R.N., &c., Observatory, Quebec:
“Dear Sir,—As requested by you, I now give you the results of such observations as were made by me on the 7th of August last, during the progress of the eclipse.
The limbs of the moon could be clearly defined beyond the S. and S.E. limbs of the sun. Shortly before totality, there appeared on the sun’s northern limb several watery-looking globules, which merged into each other as they passed from West to East, and then disappeared. At this instant, also, appeared distinct long, brilliant, yellow, rays of light, running East and West, and far away, and as straight as if ruled; others again ran North and South, and reminded me of the glory ancient painters depict around the heads of Saints. On the Southern limb appeared, just at totality, a large circular opening, or ring of bright silvery light, which assumed the shape of a red-hot crooked bar of iron. This, resting on the dazzling silvery coronal light, gave a strange and wondrous addition to the glorious scene we now beheld. Several constellations shone brightly fourth, and a star or two low down on the Western horizon. I must not omit the strange protuberances seen at this moment: on the Eastern side was one like a tongue bent upwards, with streaks of a reddish hue; the others the shape of knobs, dark and colorless, and rugged in outline.
“I now come to the general appearance of the land and sky, and the changes that took place over the vast prairie, stretching far and wide, upon which you had erected your observatory. It was long before any appearance of gloom or darkness occurred, not till 4h. 29m., when a hazy gloom gradually spread over the broad expanse which surrounded us. At 4h. 34m. was seen a dense cloud approaching from the N.W. and S.W., rolling along in its course and obscuring everything around. Indeed, it had the appearance of a coming storm, and seemed in part to issue from the prairie. It did not reach or envelope the observatory. In front of this was a lurid, unearthly glare, clear and bright, of a greenish tinge; the dense prairie grass around might have contributed to this effect. Presently, when totality took place, all became comparatively dark; every tongue was hushed amongst the groups of persons who had come out on foot, or were seated in their waggons, from Jefferson and the country around.
And what did they behold? A wondrous sight! At the moment of totality, burst forth the beautiful coronal light of the brightness of burnished silver! Upon the Southern portion of this ring of light, rested that curved, elongated protuberance, of a fiery redness, rendered more ruddy in contrast with the dazzling silvery light of the corona.
“Several constellations shone bright and clear; several stars also were observed above the Western horizon. All these gave the scene a magnificence and grandeur. Wonder and admiration sat upon every face uplifted to the sky. Every voice was hushed. Sublime, indeed, was the scene presented. In reverential awe the groups stood mute. Each one seemed to ponder within himself over the glorious scene in front of him.
“Presently, the light of the sun suddenly bursts forth; the clouds which covered the vast prairie lift, and gradually roll away. Then along the Western horizon are displayed long bright streaks of light, as seen at the approach of coming day. The purple hue upon the distant prairie vanishes. The stars also disappear, and the momentary night is turned into day!