REPORTS OF AMERICAN OBSERVATORIES. 539 



successful observations being made towards morning. More than one 

 hundred shooting-stars were seen in the space of one hour before the 

 moon interfered, and several bright meteors flashed across the sky, 

 leaving luminous trains behind them, and presenting a fine appearance, 

 notwithstanding the close proximity and brightness of the moon. Ob- 

 servations of the aurora were made on various occasions, although no 

 extraordinary displays were seen; and on many successive evenings in 

 March, the unusual and remarkable brightness of the zodiacal light was 

 particularly noted. 



The only systematic observations with the telescope since it was placed 

 in the high-school building have been made by Arthur K. Bartlett, 

 of Battle Creek, who has used the instrument for practical purposes, 

 and given private instructions to the students and others who are fre- 

 quently entertained on pleasant evenings. This telescope has been used 

 for various observations of the heavens. It was employed with success 

 during the last transit of Mercury, on May G, 1878, and the first external 

 and internal contacts of the planet were well observed, but the last two 

 were prevented by clouds. During the past year the instrument has 

 been chiefly directed to observations of the various nebulae, star-clus- 

 ters, and the interesting phenomena of Jupiter's satellites. An occupa- 

 tion of the star Antares by the moon was observed, and several draw- 

 ings of celestial scenery were made by the aid of the telescope. 



IV. Work proposed for the coming year (1879-'S0): 



It is expected that the telescope will be provided with new eyepieces 

 of high power some time this fall, and when they are secured the instru- 

 ment will be in much better working order, so that it can be used in 

 many other practical observations, for which it is not adapted at pres- 

 ent. During the coming year I propose to study the sun at frequent 

 intervals, when the weather is favorable, and shall employ the high 

 powers mostly for observations of the planets, various nebulae, and 

 close double-stars. I shall also devote much time to literary work, and 

 intend to lecture some during the winter. Meteoric astronomy, which 

 has been a subject of special interest to me for some time past, will re- 

 ceive a good share of my attention in the future. The charming system 

 of Jupiter will be studied with much pleasure, as in the past, and I also 

 intend to continue my sketches and drawings of interesting objects in 

 the heavens. 



V. Principal publications of the observatory during 



THE YEAR: 



My publications have consisted mostly of newspaper articles on various 

 astronomical subjects, which have been prepared with the objectof pre- 

 senting to general readers the principles and wonders of the science, 

 and also to keep them informed concerning many interesting phenomena 

 of the heavens. Among the articles contributed by me to the press dur- 



