REPORTS OF ASTRONOMICAL OBSERVATORIES. 731 



was given for a reiiistering ap])aratus for transit observation, and for 

 three electrical clock attachments, to be employed in tlie small isulated 

 pavilion. 



In the total absence of an instrnmeiit for measuring zenith distances 

 preliminary communication has been hehl with the celebrated tiim of 

 Kepsoed SonNE, in Ilamburg, for the preparation of a medium sized 

 vertical circle. Fnrther projects for the equipment of the Observatory 

 have to be dtdayed for the i)resent. 



The Wackerbarth reliector and the IvEPSOLD universal instruments 

 have nndergone repairs, and results in the improvement of the latter 

 for transit observation. The Steiniieil transit instrument is at present 

 in the hands of Mr. Rose, maker to the University, for repair, having in 

 view its application in the vertical of the Pole star. 



The library of the Observatory originated by ])rivate donations, has 

 received its principal increase in voluntary contributions by scientists 

 and institntions abroad. It consists of four distinct groups : the IIjor- 

 TER and Mallet donation, the CoUectio Eecentior and the Svanberg 

 collections. The catalogue shows for these four the following tigiu-es, 

 respectively: 1150, 880, 300, and 1200, of which, however, many, such as 

 journals, annuals, ephemerides, &c., consist of a large number of vol- 

 umes. On occasion of the emancipation of the meteorology, the works 

 relating to this branch were set apart for that institute. The increase 

 during the past year amounted to 1)0 contributions, of which 70 came from 

 abroad ; sixty books were bound. 



In consequence of the circumstances referred to, little scientitic work 

 has been done during the past year. The director has continued his obser- 

 vations on nebula^,, while the assistant made time determinations. The 

 director's time has been largely consumed in perfecting arrangements for 

 instruction. Very desirable text-books have been published at govern- 

 ment expense, and i^reparations made to facilitate astronomical iustruc- 

 tion for the students, among which is the establishment of a work-room, 

 in which opportunity is given to the students to acquaint themselves 

 between the observations with recent astronomical literature and jour- 

 nals. 



Eight students have practiced during the year, and many have at- 

 tended the astronomical lectures. 



Utrecht, Holland. 



Observatorium. 



Longitude from Greenwich, 20"" 31«.7 E. 

 Latitude, 52° 5' 10".5 K. 

 JDirec^ors; J. F. Heunert, 1707; 



G. Mall, 1812 ; 



R. VAN Rees, 1836 ; 



M. HOEK. 1860 ; 



J. A. C. OUDEMANS, 1874. 



Founded in 1707. Remodeled in 1864. This Observatory possesses 

 an altazimuth. 



