24 A. W. Roberts —Variable Star observing and [Oct. 28, 
VARIABLE STAR OBSERVING AND RESULTS FROM 
OBSERVATIONS MADE AT LOVEDALE, SOUTH. 
AFRICA. 
By A. W. RosBERTs. 
[READ 28TH OCTOBER, 1891.] 
In the present day it would naturally seem that giant telescopes: 
and first class observatories, equipped regardless of expense and: 
directed by men great among their fellows, have elbowed the humble 
amateur out of the road. 
This may be so in some walks of astronomical research, but it 
is not soin all. There are still pleasant ways for the possessor of 
nothing but a good pair of eyes and the determination to use them, 
well to travel. 
Of these by-ways—and there are many full of the promise of 
success to the assiduous student—one of the most interesting is the 
study of, and search after, variable stars. 
It is pre-eminently a study for the amateur, using the word in 
its generally received though wrong meaning. Every true astronomer 
is an amateur of astronomy. | 
For one section of astronomical research powerful lenses in com- 
bination with the most exquisite workmanship in circles and screws. 
are needed. For the study of variable stars as well as of star colours, 
and stellar configurations, instrumental aid should only be used 
when absolutely necessary. And when it is necessary all larger 
glasses should be shunned, the best instrument for all stars above 
the 9th mag. being a binocular of good definition. Likewise no 
extensive and expensive library of catalogues, charts, proceedings,. 
tables, reduetions and other necessary adjuncts to more ambitious. 
work is needed. 
A good atlas such as Proctor’s, a reliable hand-book such as. 
Chambers’, are all that is necessary, at least asa beginming. And. 
what a splendid field for research there is among the southern stars !: 
The number of known Northern variables is nearly two hundred.. 
The Southern variables as yet only number fifty. In Northern. 
