TRANSIT OF VENUS. , | 331 
of Venus met as they gradually approached each other on the 
edge ofthe sun. The time noted for this observation might be 
uncertain twoseconds. The decimal of a second given in the 
table arises from applying the clock correction to the recorded 
time. 
The various observers enumerated had each two assistants, 
one to count aloud the second-beats of the clock or chronometer, 
the other to note the minutes and the times given by the ob- 
server. In this manner the records of each observer were made, 
and his report of phenomena written before consultation with 
others, so as to guard against error or bias. 
The weather was favourable for observation at all the 
stations,—at Wellington especially so. The sky being bright 
and clear, no wind, and a steady atmosphere. There was no 
tremor or boiling of the sun’s limb at the time of observation. 
With a power of 250, the definition was excellent in the telescope 
at Boulcott street. This instrument is a splendid 5-inch 
Equatorial Telescope, 80 inches focal length, by Grubb, of 
Dublin. It was recently imported by Mr. King and very 
generously lent by him for the observation. 
At Mt. Cook observatory, Wellington, Mr. C. W. Adams, 
observed, with a 4-inch telescope and a power of 70, through 
which he projected the sun’s image on a screen attached to the 
telescope by-a light frame work. The telescope was the property. 
of Mr. Barnard, and was kindly lent by him 
Mr. Boscawen at the same station observed with an 8-inch 
Transit Theodolite. 
Mr. Humphries at New Plymouth, with a 4-inch Cooke’s 
telescope, power 200. Mr. O’Donahoo at the same place with a 
telescope, aperture 234 inches, power IIo. 
Mr. Marchant at Bidwell’s, Wairarapa, with a 4-inch 
Browning refractor, focal length 66 inches, power 200. This 
telescope the property of Mr. David Gray, of Wellington. 
Captain Hewitt was also at Bidwell’s with an 8%-inch 
Browning’s Reflecting Telescope, the property of Mr. Pope, 
Inspector of Native Schools. | 
The times given are sidereal, and are all referred to the 
meridian of Mt. Cook observatory. The longitude of this 
station is the determination given by Mr. J. T. Thomson, 
derived from his observations of moon culminating stars at 
Rockyside, Caversham, Dunedin, in 1869-71, and connected with 
Mt. Cook observatory by telegraphic and_ trigonometrical 
connection. The longitudes of the other stations are based on 
that of Mt. Cook. 
The reports and details of the observations have been 
placed in the hands of Col. Tupman for disposal. It would 
therefore be unseemly to enter on any discussion of them at 
present. But the general summary of them is as under. 
