Astronomy. 113 
In laying before the Society the preceding abstracts, which are the 
results of a great mass of computations, I consider that I can with some 
confidence offer the following conclusions, which are derived from this 
discussion :— 
1.) In “eye-and-ear” observations, the probable error of a Greenwich 
transit observed in 1853 over one wire is + 0*-078, while that of a com- 
plete transit over the seven wires is +0%029. In chronographic observa- 
tions, the probable error of a Greenwich transit observed in 1857 over 
‘one wire is +-05-051, and that of a complete transit over the nine wires is 
+05-017. ‘ 
(2.) There does not appear to be any certain difference in the probable 
error of transits of stars between the first and sixth magnitudes. 
n “ eye-and-ear” transits, for stars whose N.P.D. is greater than 
60°, it would seem that the probable error of a transit increases slightly 
as the N.P.D. decreases ; while in the chronographic transits the corres- 
ponding changes are insignificant : 
4.) In “eye-and-ear” transits, the personal discordances are liable toa 
considerable variation between the different observers ; in chronographic 
transits, the differences betwveen the observers are comparatively small. 
The general steadiness of observing by the latter method is very remark- 
excepting only that there is a tendency in both methods towards an in- 
crease in the probable error when transits of stars of the first magnitude 
are observed. The a 
5. 
various places in the United States to watch for the shooting stars on the 
Mornings of Nov. 13th and Nov. 14th. The sky was entirely overcast 
m Most places, and nearly so in all. Through openings in the clouds, 
Which would last a few minutes, occasional stars were seen, but whether 
there or more than usual it is impossible - determine. There was 
certainly nothing like the great display of 1833. : ! ; 
In San Frinéheo the ay was intel It is possible that some my 
of California were favored with clear skies, and that we may yet obtain 
observations from them. Mr. Quetelet writes that a similar a . 
n ~N, 
open 
has an ellipticity differing much 
Am. Jour. Sc1.—Sxcoxp Serres, VOL. 
15 
* 
