Double Shadows

Abstract

ONE cloudless evening lately, while walking on a hillside near the southern shore of Loch Etive, Aygyllshire, facing the setting sun, I observed each member of our little company cast a double shadow on the upward slope of the hill; first, the usual complete, well defined shadow cast in clear sunshine; and second, a longer fainter shadow of the upper part of the figure, extending for some distance in the same line beyond the first. The explanation was not far to seek. The loch beneath us was perfectly calm, and reflected the sun's disk with dazzling brilliancy. The second shadow was evidently produced by the reflected rays, thus:—