Means which have been adopted for ascertaining the velocity of light and the sun's distance, with especial reference to the forthcoming transit of Venus over the sun's disc, in 1874 and 1882.

I have been induced to bring this subject before the meeting as astronomers have already begun to talk of preparing means and adopting situations for making unremitted observations on the next transit of Venus over the Sun's disc, in 1874 and 1882. It is essential to remark that the transits will take place in the month of December, and at that time the earth's South Pole will be turned towards the sun, and those regions of the earth included between the South Pole, and the southern limit of illumination will be carried by rotation, opposite to the direction of all the northern parts of the earth.
Only two transits of this planet over the sun have occurred since Dr. Halley invoked the attention of astronomers to these rare astronomical events, viz., in 1751 and 1769. The transit of 1769 was most favorable, and afforded an opportunity which can only occur once in a lifetime