By Ernest Thompson Seton
An Indian Clock, Shadow Clock, or Sundial
To make an Indian shadow clock, or sundial, prepare a smooth hoard about fifteen inches across, with a circle divided by twenty-four rays into equal parts. Place it on a level, solid post or stump in the open. At night set the dial so that the twelve o'clock line points exactly north, as determined by the Pole Star and nail it down. Then, fix a stick or pointer with its upper edge on the center and set it exactly pointing to the Pole Star (a b); that is, the same angle as the latitude of the place, and fix it there immovably; it may be necessary to cut a notch (c) in the board to permit of a sight line. The hours eight at night to four next morning may as well be painted black. As a timepiece, this shadow clock will be found roughly correct. The Indians of course used merely the shadow of a tree, or the sun streak that fell on the lodge floor through the smoke opening.
To make a more scientifically accurate Sundial, see Collins, "Book of the Stars, p. 42.
See Also:
How to Make a Scientific Sundial
