Variations of S Dor and HDE 269006.

S Dor has recovered from a deep minimum which lasted 10 yr. its radial velocity determined from [Fe ii] emission undistorted by P Cyg absorption has remained constant between 1955 and 1970. Fe ii is as diffuse as [Fe ii] emission when the star is faintest because of freedom from P Cyg absorption at that stage. HDE 269006 is shown to be a new instance of variation of S Dor type in the LMC but at a higher temperature. Both objects show expanding relatively cool shells, are redder at maximum and show [Fe ii] emission at minimum. Other cases might be discovered by long-term monitoring. These two variables are compared with Hubble-Sandage variables in external galaxies. The latter cover a wide range of colours and the best studied cases appear to be of considerably later type. Visual luminosities are comparable (Mv -9.4). Eta Car is distinguished from the LMC variables at minimum mainly by the strong wide wings accompanying sharp [Fe ii], Fe ii, etc., although the LMC variables have similar, but weak, wings accompanying Balmer lines at maximum; at minima such wings must fade or be obscured. The Eta Car wings are attributed to the inner regions of the nebulous halo which forms a remnant of the 1843 outburst.