SOLAR SURFACE FROM 1908 TO 1920 123 
1914 
There was a noticeable revival of activity this year. Observa- 
tions in February were few owing to intense cold, frequent storms 
and unsteady air. A very fine spot was on the disc from 13th to 
26th of August, visible to the naked eye in the northern hemis- 
phere. It reappeared by solar rotation for the second transit of 
the disc about September 9, although it was much smaller, disap- 
peared on the 22d and did not again appear in succeeding rota- 
tions. However, the location was marked by large faculse in 
October. 
1915 
The first three months of this year were characterized principally 
by small groups of small spots, but at the beginning of April the 
forces concerned with the ushering in of the period of maximum ac- 
tivity began to assert themselves and a giant group in the form of 
a long train of large spots fully 175000 miles in length and visible 
to the naked eye made the transit of the disc in the northern hem- 
isphere. This disturbance reappeared for several solar rotations 
though in decreasing area and activity, and in May the sun was free 
of spots for several days. About the middle of June brilliant Auro- 
ras and earth currents interfering with the telegraph service over 
the United States were coincident with another outbreak of active 
spot regions and during part of July and August fine groups were 
observed in the northern hemisphere. These gradually declined in 
activity and the balance of the year was about normal for the pe- 
riod. 
1916 
There was a gradual increase in activity during the first six 
months of this year with fairly large spots present each month, the 
fine group of the last week in May being of a wonderfully intricate 
appearance. The month of June also witnessed a disc covered with 
smaller spots. A decrease was noted during the next three months, 
followed by some revival in October, November and December. 
On the night of August 26 an aurora of surpasing beauty and in- 
terest was observed, being one of the finest I have seen for twenty- 
five years. A boreal crown with colored beams and streamers, 
-double arches and curtains were part of the wonderful display. 
It is of interest to note that this aurora occurred when the visible 
disc was practically free of sun-spots. 
1917 
This year was noted for : 
1. The presence of large spots almost continuously throughout 
