Viewing page 22 of 520

This transcription has been completed. Contact us with corrections.

SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTION    1220

Astrophysical Observatory: At three field stations observations of the intensity and quality of the radiation emitted by the sun have continued without interruption. The staff in Washington has concentrated on the development and installation of equipment for the measurement of sun and sky radiation at Camp Lee, Virginia, under contract with the Office of The Quartermaster General, Army Service Forces. This is part of an extensive series of tests conducted by the Quartermaster Board to determine the causes of the deterioration of tents and tent fabrics.

At Mount Wilson, California, with the aid of the 100-inch telescope, Dr. C. G. Abbot made measurements of the distribution of energy in the radiation of several of the brighter stars. These experiments, with a sensitive radiometer of his own design, disclosed that certain improvements would add to the accuracy of the results. He is now working on the improved equipment.

In the Division of Radiation and Organisms work proceeds on improved apparatus for accurate measurement of extremely small amounts of carbon dioxide, and on improvement of technique for studies on wave length balance and plant growth. The work in hand, which is on plants, covers the development of seedlings as a whole, the growth of the coleoptile, and of the root, particularly the effect of light on the latter.

Bureau of American Ethnology: During the next few months the Institution expects to undertake extensive examinations of the archeology in river valleys that will be flooded under dam projects now contemplated by the Army Engineers and by the Reclamation Service. About 85% of the archeological sites in our country are in the stream valleys where they may be covered by impounded waters, so that it is important that the more valuable of these

R.W.