The proceedings of the Canadian Eclipse Party, 1869 Part 2

"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 gra.s.s 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!

"A murmur is now heard, and voices arise, proclaiming the sublimity of the scene they had just witnessed, one of the most wondrous and imposing sights presented to the human eye, in the firmament of heaven! The words of the Psalmist involuntarily fell from the lips: 'The heavens declare the glory of G.o.d, and the firmament sheweth his handiwork.'

"At the approach of totality, the station-master informed me his poultry quietly went to roost. In Jefferson City, the swallows flew down upon the ground, amidst the granite boulders, and remained till the light returned, when they arose and flew wildly about.

"It remains only for me, in conclusion, to thank you and Mr. Douglas for inviting me to join this highly-interesting expedition, and to congratulate you and Mr. Douglas upon the great success which attended your photographic operations.

"I have to thank you for beholding the wondrous and vast prairies west of the Mississippi. 'Haec olim meminisse juvabit.'

"I remain, dear Capt. Ashe, yours very faithfully,

"ALEX. PYTTS FALCONER.

"GLENALLA, QUEBEC, _August_ 28_th_, 1869."