of the Earth by means ofOccultations of the fixed Stars. 409 



what the author has suggested in § 15 of his Memoir. In fact, 

 by increasing the number of observers to an indefinite extent, 

 over the whole surface of the globe, almost every occultation that 

 occurs might be brought in aid of the method proposed by 

 M.Cagnoli. 



In the present contracted state, however, of the science of Astro- 

 nomy, we must confine our views to a more limited scale of assist- 

 ance. [i\ this country, indeed, there are many persons scattered 

 throughout the kingdom who have the means and opportunity of 

 making observations of this kind : and, amongst the numerous 

 occultations which they observe,-if they should find only one that 

 belongs to that peculiar class of occultations, which is alluded to 

 in fhe preceding pages, it would be a valuable discovery; and 

 ought to be noted down accordingly, with all the circumstances 

 attending it, in order that it may be compared with others of a 

 similar kind. 



It is much to l)e lamented, however, that in this country there 

 is no association of scientific persons formed for the encourage- 

 ment and improvement of Astronomy. In almost all the other 

 branches of the arts and sciences, institutions have been formed 

 for the purpose of promoting and diffusing a general knowledge 

 of those particular subjects ; such as Botany, Agriculture, Che- 

 mistry, Anatomy, Geology, &c. &c. : the beneficial effects of which 

 are too evident to be insisted upon in this place. But, Astrono- 

 my, the most interesting and subhme of all the sciences (and, to 

 our country, certainly the most useful) cannot claim the fostering 

 aid of any society. It is however well known thut many indivi- 

 duals, in various parts of the kingdom, have of late years erected 

 and furnished private observatories at a very considerable ex- 

 pense. Nevertheless the utility of those establishments must be 

 greatly circumscribed through the want of some mode of general 

 communication amongst observers, by means of which their la- 

 bours might be collected and registered ; and thus rendered 

 permanently useful. The formation of an Astronomical So- 

 ciety would not only afford this advantage, but would in other 

 respects he attended with the most beneficial consequences. It 

 would induce many intelligent persons (who are at ])resent re- 

 strained by want of due encouragement) to come forward as the 

 patrons and followers of the science ; and excite the more expe- 

 rienced to further exertions and new discoveries *. Although 



* The name of the Royul Society will naturally occur to the reader on this 

 occasion : but tliat society was formed for the promotion and encounif^ement 

 of science In f^ancral; and the subject of Astronomy appears to form hut a 

 small portion of its labours. Nevertheless the Astronomkid Society would, 

 in common with the Liniiccuii, (Ictiliii^kal and other scicntifu: societies, hope 

 for the co-operutioii of its learned members. 



much 



