PREFACE.
An observatory on a mountain top is an ideal place in which to write on astronomy and poetry, but it has one drawback: the difficulty of obtaining books on special subjects. My husband's criticisms and help have been invaluable, and of books on modern astronomy there is no lack; but many others which I have wished to consult I have been unable to procure, and doubtless there are many more which I ought to have read, but of whose existence I am ignorant.
This defect has been partly remedied, however, by Mr. Wicksteed's great kindness in lending me a number of books on Dante subjects.
I am much indebted to my sister, Miss Orr, who has helped me in preparing these sheets for the press. The index is mainly her work.
Thanks are also due to several members of the staff of this observatory: Mr. Sitarama Aiyar made some calculations, Mr. Nagarajan Aiyar projected the map facing page 295, Mr. Krishna Aiyar prepared photographs of several illustrations, and Mr. Krishnasawmy typed the greater part of the copy for press. Mr. Raymond Beazley, the Trustees of the British Museum, and Messrs Macmillan, have kindly allowed me to reproduce illustrations from their publications.
To all these I offer grateful thanks.
M. A. EVERSHED.
Kodaikanal Observatory,
South India.
October 1913.
