[WIC96] RV 4 , the SIMBAD biblio

<P>Near-infrared photometry is presented of 75 late-type giants in the direction of the Sagittarius dwarf galaxy. 71 of these are thought to be members of the galaxy; the other four are late-type M stars in the Bulge. The carbon stars and possible carbon stars have a wide range of properties. The reddest ones are similar to carbon stars in Fornax, while the bluest are more like those in Sculptor, Draco and Ursa Minor. A clearly defined giant branch indicates a metallicity slightly weaker than that of 47 Tuc and a value of <F>[<RM>Fe/H</RM>]<=-0.8</F> is estimated. The most luminous star which is a confirmed member of the dwarf galaxy is a carbon star with <F>M<INF><RM>bol</RM></INF>∼-4.5</F>. Four variable stars have been discovered; these are probably of the semi-regular and/or Mira type with periods of the order of 150 to 300 days.</P>