On the non-linear relationships between N(CaII), N(KI) and N(H)

Calculations by Penstonet al. (1969) of the mass distribution of interstellar clouds are reexamined in the light of Hobbs's data on the relationship between N(Caii) and N(H). The mass spectrum is calculated using two different sets of simple assumptions. Two possible explanations of the quadratic dependence of N(Ki) on N(H) are briefly examined.