The Past and Coming Transits and Arctic Explorations. 305 



quely back to the costal margin just before the cilia, sending off above 

 the fold a branch to the middle of the costal margin ; but, as stated 

 before, these whitish marks are not distinctly outlined ; there is, how- 

 ever, a tolerably distinct white spot on the dorsal margin before the 

 cilia, which is obscurely connected with a smaller one a little further 

 back at the base of the costal cilia. Abdomen and anal tuft, more 

 decidedly yellowish on top. Al. ex. quarter inch. A single specimen 

 taken at light at Spanish Bar, July 4. 



The Past and Coming Transits and Artie Explorations. By Richard A. 



Proctor, 



The materials obtained during the recent transit of Venus have been 

 gathered together, and though many months must elapse before the 

 definite solar distances to which they point can be ascertained, we 

 already possess the means-of forming an opinion as to their general 

 value. The result is not altogether that which had been anticipated 

 by any among those who Avere interested in the preliminary arrange- 

 ments and preparations ; though, on the whole, it would appear that 

 the astronomers of America formed the justest anticipations respecting 

 the probable course of events. I am not, of course, referring here 

 to accidental circumstances, such as the weather at this or that station. | 

 It must be clear that the best laid plans were liable to be defeated by 

 conditions of weather ; for though some of the stations were placed in 

 regions where the weather probabilities were exceedingly favorable, 

 and others unfortunately (but necessarily) in regions exposed to 

 almost continual storms, yet nothing could be confidently inedicatec], 

 even respecting these stations, and far the greater number had simply 

 the ordinary chances of fair or foul weather. It happens, indeed, 

 that of the two most favored regions, Egypt and New Zealand, the 

 former barely sustained its reputation (the sun at some stations only 

 just clearing a cloud-bank in time to be seen), while the latter had 

 worse fortune than any other region of like extent. On the other hand 

 several stations where bad weather was regarded as too probable — as 

 St. Paul's Island, Auckland Island, and Kerguelen Land— had very 

 favorable weather. I may notice, in passing, that even as respects 

 the manner in which weather probabilities were dealt with, there was 

 a wide difference between the American and our English manner of 

 acting. For we find that the official astronomers responsible for the 



