OF ARTS AND SCIENCES. 167 



the dumb-bell nebula, exhibited a multitude of points of light, with 

 a few larger stars, which were probably accidental, or not belonging to 

 it, scattered over its surface. Three observers were confident of the 

 resolution of this nebula. It occupied considerably more space than 

 the field of the telescope would take in, and the form by which it has 

 hitherto been distinguished was entirely lost. There appear, however, 

 to be two centres of condensation. 



" On the same evening, a Lyras was examined. It showed a small 

 round disk ; but the troubled state of the atmosphere rendered it un- 

 steady. Thirty-five stars were counted in the same field with it. 

 The ring nebula of Lyrse was beautifully shown. My friend, Hon. 

 Wm. Mitchell, who was observing with us, was confident that he saw 

 many stars within the compass of the ring. 



" The companion of Antares, discovered by Professor Mitchell of 

 Cincinnati, was quite conspicuous, notwithstanding the tremulous state 

 of the atmosphere at the low altitude of the star. The great nebula 

 in Andromeda has a bright central point closely resembling a star. I 

 do not recollect having seen any notice of this. 



" On examining the moon near the quadrature, the light is so ex- 

 ceedingly vivid, when the whole aperture of the object-glass is used 

 with a power of 180, that it becomes painful to the eye. With higher 

 powers, the mountains are brought out in bold relief, and the depths are 

 opened. On the evening of the 20th, having a friend with me who 

 takes a strong interest in these matters, we were examining the moon 

 along the boundary of light and darkness, and saw what had every 

 appearance of being the effect of atmospheric refraction. The deep 

 black shadows of the rugged mountain-tops, stretching far across the 

 plains until they were lost sight of in the unilluminated portion, ena- 

 bled us by contrast to distinguish what seemed to be the first gray tint 

 of dawn, and to trace the gradually increasing light to the full splen- 

 dor of mid-day. 



" But I must recollect that you require of me only a brief account of 

 our telescope. The objects revealed to us by this excellent instrument 

 are so numerous and interesting, that it is difficult to know where 

 to stop. 



" With the highest regard and respect, 



" I remain, dear Sir, yours sincerely, 



« W. CRANCH BOND. 



" To President Everett." 



