9315068 Sneden The production and distribution of elements in the Galaxy can be most directly studied through high resolution spectroscopy of nearby stars. The elemental abundances in old disk and population II giants, in metal-poor field stars and in globular cluster giants will be determined. Spectra of selected stars will be used to determine the abundances of calcium and sodium in interstellar clouds in the galactic halo. Although diffuse interstellar bands have been observed in reddened stars for a long time, the agent responsible is still not identified. A new strategy involving lightly reddened stars will be pursued to identify them. ***
