EEPOIiT OF THE SECEETARY. 23 



also that the solar-energy curve was traced bolometrically with both 

 glass and rock-salt prisms. The solar cooking apparatus on Mount 

 Wilson referred to in previous reports suffered the loss of the cover 

 of the oil reservoir through a high wind, and snow having gotten 

 in, much water had leaked into the oil reservoir. It proved im- 

 possible to remedy this condition soon enough to undertake the 

 proposed new experiments before the expedition returned to Wash- 

 ington in September. 



In order to get the opinions of competent critics as to the value 

 of the Smithsonian solar radiation measurements, the director wrote 

 to the American representatives of the International Astronomical 

 Union as follows: 



It is the intention of tlie Smithsonian Institution to continue daily observa- 

 tions at Mount Harqua Hala and Montezuma certainly until July, 1923, at 

 which time it is proposed to consider the state of the work and the results 

 reached with a view to deciding whether it is worth while to continue daily 

 observations of the variability of the sun indefinitely or whether the usefulness 

 of that work is unequal to the trouble and expense involved. 



An expression of opinion on the part of those interested in the subject 

 would be of great value to the Smithsonian Institution in making this decision. 



At a meeting in Washington the American representatives unani- 

 mously indorsed the work of the observatory, and later at Rome 

 the international representatives passed a resolution expressing the 

 same opinion. In. view of these impartial indorsements of the 

 work, it is a pleasure to announce that Mr. John A. Roebling has 

 made it possible to assure the continuation of the solar constant 

 stations at Harqua Hala and Montezuma until July, 1925. By that 

 time it will doubtless be evident from the data obtained whether they 

 should be continued longer. 



A movement is under way in Australia to establish a solar observ- 

 ing station there similar to the Smithsonian stations. The Meteoro- 

 logical Service of Argentina is also proposing to equip its station 

 at La Quiaca for solar observations, and it is expected that during 

 the next fiscal year two sets of solar constant apparatus will be pre- 

 pared for the Au.^stralian and Argentine stations. 



INTERNATIONAL CATALOGUE OF SCIENTIFIC 

 LITERATURE. 



In the statement last year regarding the International Catalogue 

 of Scientific Literature reference was made to the very apparent 

 need of cooperation between organizations publishing abstracts to 

 -scientific literature and the International Catalogue. This year in 

 the annual report of the United States regional bureau suggestions 

 are made for an even greater consolidation of bibliographical inter- 

 ests. Although the combination of interests suggested would make 



