MERIDIAN ASTROMETRY — BOSS. 211 



only because of the fundamental importance of their relation to the two- 

 hemisphere work. 



So far the results of our observations of stars and of our previous com- 

 putations furnishing predicted positions of the standard stars for the epoch 

 of observation are in very satisfactory agreement. The differences, within 

 the practicable range of observation at Albany, are very little, if any, greater, 

 either in right ascension or declination, than those which may readily be 

 attributed to casual errors of observation. This remarkable agreement may 

 be partly the result of chance, a fact which can be effectively tested when we 

 shall be in possession of results from the southern station. 



The program of the coming year involves in the first line observations 

 with the meridian circle of the Dudley Observatory at Albany, These 

 observations are planned with special attention to their function as corre- 

 sponding observations with those to be made later in the southern hemi- 

 sphere. The two series north and south are to be discussed with a view to 

 producing one integral and consistent determination of the positions of 

 standard stars from the north to the south pole. In connection with the 

 observ^ations here (as at the southern station also) the observing force will 

 be largely occupied with determinations of position for the stars of the 

 general program, due apportionment of the objects having been made for 

 different periods of work. 



The computing force will also be occupied with preparatory works for the 

 discussion of motion of stars for the General Catalog. This will include the 

 preparation of ephemerides of the stars, as well as works of compilation 

 upon various series of observations published during the last century, but 

 which, in the present shape, have not been considered as available for use 

 in our researches. The full extent of these latter operations can not now 

 be foreseen. Experience must be relied upon to settle the balance of 

 advantage, or disadvantage, between effort expended and value received ; 

 but it is certain that several series of observations now existing in the form 

 of annual results are well worth compilation into homogeneous catalogs. 



