OBSERVATIONS OF THE SPECTRA OF Q0122-380 AND Q1101-264

The spectra of the QSOs Q0122 -380 (zem =2.181) and Q1101 - 264 (zem =2.143) are described and discussed. Wavelengths and equivalent widths for the absorption lines in the range 3200—5200 A are given for each object, and a number of absorption systems are suggested. Evidence is presented for velocity structure in some of these systems. We draw attention to the biasses and errors in continuum fitting, and their effect on the measured equivalent widths of the absorption lines. The Lya absorption line densities in these and other QSOs are compared. It is found that in a single QSO the absorption line density appears to increase with decreasing observed wavelength (or absorption redshift). In contrast, from QSO to QSO there is a small increase in mean line density with QSO emission (or mean absorption) redshift. Some systematic effects may account for this difference, and for the small data sample available the density function is consistent with that expected from a uniform space distribution of comoving absorbers. © Royal Astronomical Society.