52 ANNUAL RECORD OF SCIENCE AND INDUSTRY. 



sun to be observed with any advantage and 80 more observations 

 were made and 76 drawings obtained. With those obtained last 

 year, the series of drawings numbers 212. These drawings, made 

 under very favorable conditions, offer ample data for the construc- 

 tion of a reliable chart of the southern hemisphere of Mars. Dur- 

 ing these observations new markings have been observed, and high 

 mountains notching the terminator have been recognized. This long 

 series of observations will throw much light on the meteorology of 

 Mars. Deimos, the outer satellite, has been observed independently 

 on three occasions with the 6.3-inch refractor; its magnitude has 

 been estimated at 14 of Argelander's scale.* 



The observations on Jupiter were continued, and 65 drawings ob- 

 tained. The markings on its surface have continued remarkably 

 steady throughout the year, and the successive returns of prominent 

 spots to the meridian have afforded data for the determination of the 

 period of rotation. But great difficulties will be encountered in de- 

 ducing the true period, as it appears from these observations that the 

 spots have a very irregular proper motion. Lately a very remarka- 

 ble red spot has made its appearance outside of the rosy equatorial 

 zone. This curious spot still exists, and its western end was on the 

 central meridian on November 29 at 5 h 15 m . 



The planet Saturn has been carefully observed for the disappear- 

 ance of the ring, and throughout the year up to date. Very curious 

 phenomena have been observed, which seem to indicate that the sur- 

 face of the ring is not parallel with its general plane, but somewhat 

 inclined to it. The planet has been observed 108 times, and 4 draw- 

 ings were made ; besides, 92 diagrams, showing the position of the 

 satellites, have been delineated. 



Venus has been closely followed; it was observed 137 times, and 

 26 drawings obtained. Two prominent white spots, very similar to 

 those of the poles of Mars, have been observed on the two opposite 

 sides of the limb near the terminator, and were seen during three 

 consecutive months before the inferior conjunction in February. 

 After the conjunction, the white spots were seen no more. 



Mercury has been observed fourteen times; no spots were recog- 

 nized on its surface. Besides, the transit of this planet over the sun 

 on May 6 has been successfully observed, a luminous ring around 

 the black disk having been recognized, and the indication of the 

 k - black drop" seen. 



Uranus has been seen several times; besides, many nebula? were 

 drawn and observed. The usual record of the meteors, aurora?, and 

 zodiacal light has been kept. 



The moon has been observed whenever the state of the sky pcr- 



* 13.2 mag. is the it- intnium visikile of a G. 3-inch refractor on Akgelander'b scale 

 extended. E. B. B. 



