Dec. 14, 1888.] 



SCIENTIFIC NEWS. 



595 



But they have also to discharge a more delicate 

 function, in which they cannot be assisted by European 



omens, which they do in a manner showing great 

 simplicity. 



Fig. i.— General View of the Observatory. 



savants. This is to determine the lucky and unlucky 

 days, an operation of the greatest importance in a country 



The council of the Observatory of Pekin meets in full 

 conclave on the evening of the last day of the year, and 



Fig. 2.— Bronze Armillary Sphere, supported by Dragon made in 

 the Seventeenth Century. 



where a faith in astrology is universal. They have, 

 besides, like the ancient Augurs of Rome, to consult 



remains sitting until midnight, when the new year begins- 

 At this moment the astronomers look from what quarter 



