For there can be little doubt, I hope, that it is due to the action of this Prefect that the sun is shining to-day in Tongchuan.

The Chinese might well ask if any barbarian missionary could do as he did.
Eclipses in China are foretold by the Government almanac published annually in Peking by a bureau of astrology attached to the Board of Rites.

The almanac is a Government monopoly, and any infraction of its copyright is a penal offence.

"It monopolises the management of the superstitions of the people, in regard to the fortunate or unlucky conjunctions of each day and hour.

No one ventures to be without it, lest he be liable to the greatest misfortunes and run the imminent hazard of undertaking important events on blackballed days." The Chinese almanac is much more comprehensive than ours, for even eclipses are foretold that never happen.