1 66 Mr. Pond on the parallax of the fixed stars. 
and, in proportion as stars do not possess this property, both 
Dr. Brinkley and myself find either a much smaller discor- 
dance, or none at all. 
It is rather, therefore, to this peculiar circumstance that 
we should look for some explanation of the difficulties. 
In addition to this I should add, that I find y Draconis 
involved in this discordance, « Lyras and y Draconis have 
been observed together for five successive years. Above 
three hundred observations of each star have been made in 
opposition, and as many in conjunction, and I find the diffe- 
rence of parallax from the mean of all these observations 
to be about 0,25", which quantity by the French refraction 
would be reduced one-half, or to an insensible quantity. 
Now it is quite improbable, that two stars of such different 
brightness should have so exactly the same parallax. 
These arguments, however, though they seem to me to 
arise naturally from the data before us, are nevertheless by 
no means absolutely conclusive, and 1 am well aware, how 
much easier it is to suggest doubts, than to propose satisfac- 
tory explanations. I shall, therefore, conclude this Paper, 
by expressing my hopes that, before a very long period shall 
elapse, the instruments lately erected may afford something 
more satisfactory and decisive. 
