71 



" In regard to the use of geometry it was never my intention to 

 apply it, but only to sketch the object as an eye draft, and by 

 adopting the term ' line of sight,' it was intended to simplify by 

 always observing the object in one position, i.e., the telescope lying 

 in a direct line W.N.W. to E.S.E. (the drawing being reversed), 

 and at an angle of from 70*^ to 80° above the horizon, according to 

 the state of the atmosphere at the time, and in this line of sight all 

 the drawings have been made ; and in an easy sitting position, with 

 the light shaded from everything but the paper, the object has 

 always been carefully delineated. 



" With regard to ' all the stars agreeing with either Sir John, or 

 Lieut. Herschel's configuration,' I never expected they would, as 

 apparent changes have more or less constantly been taking place. 



" The question asked in No. 7, ' the drawing (Lieut. Herschel's) 

 had undoubtedly reached Australia, has Mr. Abbott copied it ?' I 

 answer no ! The whole of my drawings were made previous to, and 

 independent of any others. 



"In making comparisons it would be desirable to refer to the 

 original drawing, as in the lithographs, which are on a reduced 

 scale, some trifling inaccuracies occur.'' 



[Sent October 7th, 1871, to the Hon. Secretary, R.A.S., and to 

 Mr. R. A. Procter, together with the plates and paper read before 

 the R. S. of Tasmania.] 



