PRESIDENT S ADDRESS. 1 1 



agreement with that which the theory of rotating bodies would 

 lead us to expect. 



Allied to the study of stellar variation is the still more im- 

 portant branch of stellar photometry. 



The profound problem of the structure of the universe is at 

 present based mostly on catalogues of position and spectra. 

 Except for the brighter stars we have no authoritative southern 

 catalogue of stellar magnitudes. 



True the Cape Photometric Durchmusterung supplies us with 

 all we at present need. 



But the day is not very remote when momentous cosmic 

 problems will rely for their solution on the most refined esti- 

 mates of stellar brightness, just ?s at present we are depending 

 on certain fundamental catalogues of position for delineation of 

 star streams. 



The extent of our Universe, the constitution of the milky 

 way, the extinction of light in its passage through space, are 

 questions that must depend, to some extent at least, on photo- 

 metric surveys for an answer. 



For some years past work in this direction has been done at 

 the Union Observatory, at Bulawayo, at Lovedale, but the time 

 is near for a more serious consideration of the matter. 

 Astronomy is enlarging its bounds in every direction : no longer is 

 it the detailed study of single stats that concern us most; rather 

 it is the weighing, charting, photometrically evaluating battalions 

 of stars, that we may thereby place the encl of our measuring rod 

 against the outer rim of the Universe, cast all its stars into scales, 

 and focus into one huge glow its multitudinous lights. 



My self-elected task of relating what has been done 

 in Southern Astronomy is nigh ended. I know I have left much 

 unsaid. 



I have also left many activities untouched or considered 

 but poorly. T would fain hope I have not left aught out regard- 

 ing those who have added a kindly humanity to their exalted 

 talents, men whose friendship I have been honoured with for 

 the better part of a lifetime, and to whom I owe a debt of grati- 

 tude that no words can sufficiently acknowledge, far less dis- 

 charge. 



There is a great future before astronomy in this land, and 

 just as in past days men have been found who have responded 

 to the clear call and the certain claim, and have kept their science 

 high and honourable, never lowering their ideals, or narrowing 

 their outlook, so in the days to come men will arise who will fill 

 adequately the room, the yet larger room, waiting for them, 

 because of the inspiration and distinction of a worthy past. 



