e point from which the meteors start on
their flight. This point is an apparent one, however, due to an
illusion of perspective, for the meteors really approach the earth in
parallel paths.

The dates given for these showers are those of the maxima, and the
meteors should be looked for several nights before and after the dates
specified.

The showers that are to be seen after midnight are, unless of special
note, omitted.

There are, besides the meteors that have been classified, certain
shooting-stars that apparently have no determined radiant point. These
are called sporadic meteors.

In these lists of meteors, the radiant point is only approximately
given; for scientific purposes a far more exact position is required
in terms of right ascension and declination. There are several good
lists of meteoric showers to be obtained, which afford this
information for those who care to pursue the matter more in detail.
See the Rev. T.W. Webb's book, entitled _Celestial Objects for Common
Telescopes_. For purposes of identification, the radiant points here
given will be found for the most part sufficient.

NOTE.

Many readers of this book may be the fortunate possessors of
small telescopes. It may be that they have observed the
heavens from time to time in a desultory way and have no
notion that valuable and practical scientific research work
can be accomplished with a small glass. If those who are
willing to aid in the great work of astrophysical research
will communicate with the author he will be pleased to
outline for them a most practical and fascinating line of
observational work that will enable them to share in the
advance of our knowledge respecting the stars. It is work
that involves no mathematics, and its details are easily
mastered.

THE NAMES OF THE STARS AND THEIR MEANINGS.

ACUBENS, [a] _Cancri_, "the claws."

Situated in one of the Crab's claws. It is white in color
and culminates[1] March 18th.

A-DAR'-A, [e] _Canis Majoris_, "the virgins," a name for
four stars, of which Adara is brightest.

Situated in the Dog's right thigh. It is pale orange in
color, and culminates Feb. 11th.

ADHIL, [e] _Andromedae_, "the train of a garment."

Situated in the left shoulder of the chained lady.

ALADFAR (al-ad-f[:a]r), [m] _Lyrae_, "the talons" (of the
falling eagle)

AL BALI, [e] _Aquarii_, "the good fort