In the sixty-second annual report of the Astronomical Observatory, lately issued, Professor Edward C. Pickering '65 lays especial stress on the late extension in the scope of publications, "the principal return of an astronomical observatory." This has been secured by the duplication of the recent gift of Mr. Charles S. Fairchild '65 of $5,000 by another donor. Professor Pickering also recommends an increase in the force of assistants for studying photographs and a new building for the astronomical library.

The observations in the departments of the East Equatorial and the Meridian Circle have been carried on with the usual carefulness and perseverance, thirteen thousand photometric comparisons having been made in the first department. Both the 4-inch and 12-inch meridian photometers are now almost sufficiently completed to assist much in the work. With the telescopes at the observatory, chiefly the 8-inch and 11-inch Draper, about 3200 photographs of the stars have been taken this year, and thirty-five stars and nine meteor trails have been found.

At the Arequipa station much progress is reported, the total number of photographs being reported as 2719, and important meteorological observations have also been made.

There is great need at the observatory, if not for new buildings, at least for permanent ones, as was well shown last year when a slight fire starting in the residence threatened to spread over the entire structure. Had it not been for the prompt action of the observatory fire department, which had had practice drills for several years, serious damage might have resulted.

The library, one of the finest of its kind in the world, now contains 37,449 books and pamphlets, 1,801 having been added during the past year. Professor Pickering strongly emphasizes the fact that this most valuable collection "is, however, in constant danger of destruction by fire, and is scattered through the rooms of the observatory," making the need of a new structure imperative. The photographic department is especially valuable, as it enables the observatory to trace the history and variations of a star while most other observatories must base their calculations on its present conditions.