THE ROSAT CATACLYSMIC VARIABLE RX J2353.0-3852

We report observations of a ROSAT-discovered cataclysmic variable, RX J2353.0-3852. The optical spectrum shows strong, double-peaked Balmer emission, embedded in absorption troughs from H beta onwards and simil arly doubled He I and Fe II emission; He II lambda 4686 is not seen. O ptical light curves obtained in 1993 November show a periodicity at 52 46 sec with its first three harmonics, and another at 2282 sec. These periodicities were not present in further observations made in 1994 Se ptember. A pointed observation in 1994 with ROSAT yielded a spectrum c onsistent with a dwarf nova with a low mass transfer rate.