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 in. 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.
DEAR MR. CALVER,—The sky last night cleared up in places and enabled me to try the 10-inch; there was a slight haze, but I never saw discs so perfect and neat. I felt certain it would divide anything divisible. Clouds came up and put an end to work.
I am, Dear Sir, Yours sincerely, St. V. B.
25, HAMILTON TERRACE, ST. JOHN’S WOOD, _May 26th, 1877_.
MY DEAR SIR,—I have much pleasure in informing you that the very first time I saw Saturn through your 6-1/2-inch reflector, the definition of the planet was far superior to anything I had observed before, even with a good 4-1/4-inch refractor; and on another occasion I was greatly pleased with the clear and easy view of the “Comes” to ε Boötis. But even without including the stars, the views of Saturn and Jupiter through my 6-1/2-inch mirror do _alone_ (in my opinion) well repay the cost of the telescope.
37, EATON RISE, EALING, _February 13th, 1877_.