_Past and Future._—Observers and telescopes go on increasing day by day, and the future of astronomy has a most brilliant outlook. Photography has latterly effected a partial revolution in observation, though it can never entirely supersede old methods. Spectrum analysis, too, has formed a valuable acquisition during the last quarter of a century. With the new and refined processes, and with the gigantic instruments which have been erected, we may confidently anticipate many additions to our knowledge, especially in regard to very small and faint bodies which the inferior appliances of previous years have failed to grasp. And it is certain that some of the presumed discoveries of past times must be expunged, because not verified by the more perfect and powerful researches of a later date. Let us place in parallel columns (1) a few of the suspected objects thus to be erased, and (2) some of those which the future will probably add to our store:-
Satellite of Venus. Satellites of Uranus and Neptune. Vulcan. Ultra-Neptunian Planet. Active Volcanoes on the Moon. Changes on the Moon. Detached cusps of Venus and Mercury Rotation of Mercury, Venus, indicating high mountains. Uranus, and Neptune. Rings of Uranus and Neptune. Minor Planets. Multiple companions to Polaris Periodical Comets. and Vega. Nebulæ and Double Stars.
Whatever may be the direction of future enquiries or the departures from old and tried methods, ordinary amateurs with small instruments, though handicapped more heavily as regards the prospect of effecting discoveries, may yet always be expected to accomplish useful work. Even to him who simply makes the science a hobby and a source of recreation in a leisure hour after the cares of business, the sky never ceases to afford a means of agreeable entertainment. He may neither achieve distinction nor seek it; but this he will assuredly do—gain an instructive insight into the marvellous works of his Creator, and acquire a knowledge which can only exercise an elevating tone to his life. The observer who quietly, from his cottage window, surveys the evening star or the new Moon through his little telescope often finds a deeper pleasure than the proficient astronomer who, from his elevated and richly appointed observatory, discovers new orbs with one of the most powerful instruments ever made.