It is simply a physical phenomenon, which any intelligent observer can appreciate as much as the astronomer. Indeed, the astronomer with all his imposing instruments, has, as yet, contributed little more than any one might have done with the use of his naked eye. Any one who goes merely for the enjoyment of the spectacle, should discard all scientific pretensions, and abjure the use of instruments. The time of observation is so brief, that the attention would be distracted and the enjoyment destroyed by attempting to employ any optical appliances.
The most accessible part of the eclipse's track is in the north-west of Spain. The centre of the shadow first touches the coast about Santander, and crosses the peninsula nearly along the valley of the Ebro. The French astronomers have selected the lofty mountain of Moncayo, as being in the very centre of the shadow, and enjoying a climate that precludes all fear of disappointment. There is, however, no need to climb a mountain to enjoy the spectacle to advantage. The mere amateur will have much more scope for observation in the neighbourhood of a populous town. Perhaps the best for this purpose is Vittoria. The traveller reaches Bayonne from Paris by railway the whole distance, and the distance from Bayonne to Vittoria across the Cantabrian Pyrenees is only about twenty-five miles, the journey being performed by diligence. The eclipse is also total at Pampeluna, Burgos, Santander, Bilbao, Eeynosa, all
