LETTERS AND EXTRACTS FROM THE FOLLOWING GENTLEMEN.
11, WELLINGTON PARK TERRACE, BELFAST, _July 7th, 1876_.
DEAR SIR,—The night before last was a clear night, and I got the 6-1/2 inch out, and though the air was not good when using a 3-1/4 inch refractor, I was much pleased with the performance of the mirror.
Mr. W. came up about eleven o’clock and stayed till one; we got it on Saturn, and although rather low it was really a fine sight—Mr. W. was much pleased.
The moon being near to full we could not do much with faint points of light.
74, HAGLEY ROAD, EDGBASTON, _November 27th, 1876_.
DEAR SIR,—I have now got the 5 inch speculum fairly into adjustment, and I am well pleased with it. Last night, the sky being clear for a short time, I turned it on the moon; the definition of minute craters was all that could be desired. I hope to have better opportunities.
74, HAGLEY ROAD, EDGBASTON, _November 21st, 1876_.
DEAR SIR,—I have mounted the 5 inch speculum on a simple equatorial, and it works well. I am sure it will turn out a fine glass, and I shall not regret the time and pains I have spent over it. It is not quite in adjustment yet, when it is it will afford me a treat. I have just tried it once on the Orion Nebula and Trapezium, details of Nebula well seen, and the 5th star in Trapezium easy.
DEAR SIR,—I have thoroughly tested the speculum, and am pleased to tell you it stood its trials well.
ST. DENIES, SOUTHAMPTON, _August 14th, 1876_.
DEAR SIR,—With reference to your enquiry as to the performance of the 6-1/2 inch reflector, I have pleasure in stating that I am perfectly satisfied. It readily divides the test objects, and shows delta Cygni with as low a power as 160. The comes to Sirius may be considered an atmospheric test, perhaps, but I have repeatedly seen it. Your stand I find very steady and convenient; altogether I can fairly say that I consider that I have an instrument of considerable power at a comparatively small cost. I now find the attempt to observe with a refractor the reverse of pleasant.
The owner of a 3 inch refractor, after using my reflector, writes that he envies me its power, ease, definition, and comfort in observing.
25, HAMILTON TERRACE, ST. JOHN’S WOOD, _May 26th, 1877_.