PROCEEDINGS. 
, 429 
station in Nova Scotia. The noteworthy features developed by 
the experiments were the great strength of the kites compatible 
with lightness, the high angle to the ground of the retaining 
rope, and the remarkable steadiness, especially when the broad 
side is turned to the wind, like a bird with wings extended. 
[Published in the National Geographic Magazine June 13, 
vol. xiv, pp. 219-251.] 
A brief discussion followed, participated in by Professor 
Webster and others. 
586th Meeting. May 7, 1904. 
Vice-President Abbe in the chair. 
Twenty-two persons present. 
Mr. F. E. Fowle, Jr., presented a paper on The absorption- 
spectrum of water-vapor in the infra-red solar spectrum, based 
on work at the astro-physical observatory. The transmissibility 
of the atmosphere to solar energy decreases with increasing wave¬ 
length, and is well expressed by a modification of the exponent in 
Bouguer’s logarithmic formula. Aqueous vapor seems to have 
no general absorption between 0.7 and 2.0 v. [Published in 
Smithsonian Miscel. Cols., vol. 47, p. 1 (No. 1468) (1904).] 
The paper was discussed by the Chairman. 
Mr. S. T. Tamura then by invitation discussed mathematically 
the problem of The nocturnal cooling of the atmosphere. The 
paper could not well be abstracted. [Published in the Monthly 
Weather Review, vol. xxxviii, p. 138 (1905).] 
It was discussed by Messrs. Abbe, Bauer, and Littleiiales. 
587th Meeting. May 21, 1904. 
Vice-President Day in the chair. 
Thirty-five persons present. 
The election and qualification of Messrs. A. L. Baldwin, N. W. 
Carkhuff, and M. G. Lloyd were announced. 
Mr. W. H. Dall read a Memorial address on the late Major 
J. W. Powell, a former President of this Society. [Published 
in this volume, p. 300.] 
