200 



RemarTcs on the Dudley Observatory 



In directing the attention to the conditions of the at- 

 mosphere near Albany, the whole visible valley of the 

 Hudson could be seen filled with heavy mists and vapors, 

 which, increasing in density until about 23*" 00°", seemed 

 then to move up the ranges to the east. 



At Helderberg almost immediately after II, the sky 

 became overcast with clouds, and with the exception of an 

 occasional interruption, continued obscured until nearly 

 the time for egress. Indeed so unpromising had the pros- 

 pect become, that as the time for egress approached, all 

 hopes of the possibility of observing it had been abandoned, 

 although every preparation was made and the observers 

 were in as complete readiness as though nothing threatened 

 the observation. Most fortunate was it, for at five minutes 

 before predicted time of III, a small but rapidly increasing 

 rupture in the clouds appeared, which soon permitted the 

 sun to be seen, and gave just convenient time for setting 

 the telescopes before internal contact. The conditions for 

 observing at egress, though inferior to those at ingress, 

 were still moderately good. And though the images were 

 much less steady than in the morning, the sharpness of 

 definition was still noticeable. And on the whole, the an- 

 ticipations of the meteorological conditions entertained in 

 the selection of the station, were fully realized. 



After the close of the transit nothing remained but the 

 packing of the equipment and preparation for the return, 

 which was deferred until the following morning. The 

 party and outfit reached Albany safely on May 7th, some- 

 what fatigued, but thankful' for the safe conclusion of the 

 trip. 



In conclusion, I desire to express my acknowledgments 

 for special favors to Prof. J. T. Gardner, director of the 

 IS, Y. State Survey, in placing at the disposal of the expe- 



