2 SEPTEMBER 1905, Page 3

Though the solar eclipse of Wednesday was visible in but

few parts of the British Isles owing to cloudy weather, suc- cessful observations were made at Assuan, Sfax, Guelma, and Tripoli, most of the missions reporting their satisfaction and expectation of great results, while the number of photographs taken exceeded those secured on any previous occasion. At Sfax the contrast between science and superstition was emphasised by a panic amongst the natives, who fled to the Arab quarters, while the mosques were filled with praying Mussulmans. And yet for at least four centuries the Arabs held undisputed supremacy as astronomers.

Bank Rate, 2; per cent.

Consols (2f per cent.) were on Friday 91f.