REPORT OF COMMITTEE ON OBSERVATORIES 43 



this work ought to be taken into serious consideration by the Insti- 

 tution, should it be ascertained that there is no reasonable prospect 

 of provision for it elsewhere. 



(9) Photometric Observations. 



Professor Seeliger urges the importance of precise photometry on 

 the southern stars in the interest of problems relating to the structure 

 of the sidereal system, and to supplement similar work carried on 

 in the northern hemisphere. All the arguments which have been 

 presented in relation to the first four numbers of this program apply 

 to this. Statistical methods of investigation in this field have 

 already led to significant and interesting conclusions, and we cannot 

 doubt the power of this method, which has already proved such a 

 valuable guide in affording reliable clues to the structure of the 

 sidereal system. We think that Professor Seeliger' s suggestion is 

 worthy of further inquiry and consideration. 



(10) Researches of Minor Scope. 



A number of researches of minor scope have been suggested by 

 our correspondents, all of which are of importance. For some if 

 not all of them it seems desirable that interest should be excited at 

 existing observatories in the southern hemisphere to take up these 

 works and carry them to a successful conclusion. One of the good 

 results which we should hope from the proposed Southern Observa- 

 tory would be that it would serve to stimulate interest in astronomy 

 throughout the populations of the southern hemisphere. 



It will thus be seen that there is no lack of work of pressing im- 

 portance to be done in the southern hemisphere. If an observing 

 station should be established on a liberal scale for the execution of 

 these works, it would still be a problem requiring wisdom and firm- 

 ness to keep the program within practical limits and concentrated 

 upon the furtherance of the great end desired. 



The Question of Site. 



We have given much attention to the question of a suitable site 

 for the proposed Southern Observatory, but we are not j 7 et prepared 

 to make a definite recommendation. 



For valuable information in regard to this question we are in- 

 debted to Mr. H. C. Russell, Government Astronomer at Sydney, 



