26 The Saturnian System. (January, 
have been made in the northern hemisphere, though even 
there systematic observations have been wanting. Now 
Jupiter for six years and Saturn for fifteen years lie to the 
south of the equator, and are therefore ill-placed for obser- 
vation from northern stations. It may well be that changes 
occur having as their period the year of either planet, in 
which case observations made during one half only of the 
year of either planet cannot reveal the law or nature of 
such periodic changes. And in any case it must needs be 
unsatisfactory that trustworthy observations should be 
interrupted for periods so long as those I have named. 
A similar consideration applies to the Saturnian rings. 
It seems to me to have been demonstrated that these rings 
consist of multitudes of discrete bodies, though whether 
these be solid, fluid, or vapourous remains uncertain. 
Observations of both sides of the ring-system are much 
required, however, to elucidate the whole subject of the 
constitution of these strange objects. Now hitherto only 
the northern side of the system has been satisfactorily 
examined ; and this side is only presented towards us under 
conditions favourable for study during two or three succes- 
Sive oppositions out of the whole series of oppositions 
occurring during a Saturnian year. It is worthy of remark 
that all the chief discoveries respecting the rings have been 
made at these times. It cannot but be regarded as most 
desirable that the opportunities afforded when the ring 
is most open, but the southern side turned earthwards, 
should not be lost. If, as is supposed, the ring-system 
is undergoing processes of change, systematic observations 
at these favourable times are essential to the inquiry into 
their condition. 
nature, brought forward by Colonel Strange; and it is to be feared that it may 
not be received with such favour in Government circles as it would perhaps 
have obtained if not foundin questionable company. Nevertheless it is in itself 
an excellent proposition, and, supported as it was by all the leading members 
of the council except one, it is difficult to imagine that Government would 
refuse a favourable hearing to it. Should it ever be carried out, we can 
scarcely doubt that the physics of astronomy would be importantly advanced, 
and results obtained which at present are unattainable owing to the limited 
range of our northern observatories. 
