REPORT OF THE SECRETARY. 8^ 
new method of reducing solar radiation observations so as to deter- 
mine the solar constant of radiation with at least equal precision to 
that obtained by the older method, and the advantages (1) that the 
new method is independent of the variability of atmospheric trans- 
parency, and (2), that it requires only about one-fifth as much time 
as the old. 
Respectfully submitted. 
C. G. Abbot, 
Director^ Astrophysical Observatory. 
Dr. C. D. Walcott, 
/SeG7'etary, Smithsonian Institution. 
