The annual report of the Astronomical Observatory shows that this department of the university, about which we know less perhaps than we do about any other, is piling up results with the same tireless energy that characterizes the work of every other department of the University. The story of the work being done at the observatory here in Cambridge and at the one in South America is full of interest for those engaged in scientific study. During the past year considerable progress has been made along several lines of special investigation and interesting results are announced.

Through the researches of those connected with the observatory an almost invaluable library of scientific records has been accumulated. In this collection there are a large number of manuscripts and photographic plates which, if they should be destroyed, could never be replaced. For several years these valuable records have of necessity been stored in a frame building, where fire could destroy in a few minutes the work of years, and have in consequence been a source of great anxiety to the officers of the Observatory. It will be good news, therefore, to all interested in the work of this department that there is now some prospect that a suitable fireproof structure will be built for the library of the Observatory. Enough money has already been given to justify beginning work on such a building this year. It is certainly to be hoped that sufficient money will come to the officers of the Observatory to insure the early completion of the building, and thus the preservation of the valuable results of the work of this department be provided for.