for the detection and measurement of the flexure of the tube.
Much trouble was experienced in securing a good casting for the
steel axis of the instrument. Three were found imperfect under
the lathe, and the fourth was chosen; but even then the pivots
were made in separate pieces, which were set in very deeply and
welded. Dr. Gould said he had been requested by the gentlemen who
had this enterprise in charge to suggest, as a mark of respect to
a gentleman of Albany who was a munificent patron of Science,
that this instrument be known as the Olcott Meridian Circle.


WHAT THE DUDLEY OBSERVATORY IS.

It stands a mile from the Capitol, in the city of Albany, upon the crest
of a hill, so difficult of approach, as to be in reality a Hill of
Science. There are two ways of getting to it. In both cases there are
rail fences to be clambered over, and long grass to wade through,
settlements to explore, and a clayey road to travel; but these are minor
troubles. The elevation of the hill above tide-water is, perhaps, 200
feet; its distance from the Capitol about a mile and a half. The view
for miles is unimpeded; and the Observatory is belted about with woods
and verdant lawns. There could not be a finer location or a purer air.
The plateau contains some fifteen acres.

The Observatory is constructed in the form of a Latin cross. Its eastern
arm is an apartment 22 by 24 feet, in which the meridian circle is to be
placed. The western arm is a room of the same dimensions, intended for
the transit instrument. From the north and south faces of both rooms
are semi-circular apsides, projecting 6 feet 6 inches, containing the
Collimator piers and the vertical openings for observation. The entire