Report of the Astronomical Society. 273 



Some of the specimens furnished by Mr. Rose were placed by 

 the committee in the hands of Mr. Muss, and of other artists, in 

 order to be submitted to experiment both with regard to the 

 perfection of the glaze itself at high temperatures, and its re- 

 action on the several colouring materials. 



Mr. Muss's trial pieces were proved first in a common kiln, 

 and afterwards were subjected to the action of a much higher de- 

 gree of heat than it is possible that they can ever be exposed to 

 in the fair course of enamelling. In this extreme heat the ground 

 of the ware is not in the least degree softened or affected ; the 

 glaze remains firm and perfectly uniform without any specks or 

 spits having been produced on its surface ; the colours, even the 

 pinks and chrome greens, come out remarkably well upon it. 

 Mr. Rose's glaze not being so hard as that used by the French 

 manufacturers, incorporates more completely with the colours, 

 and renders them perfectly firm ; whereas every artist knows that 

 colours laid on French porcelain are extremely apt to chip off, 

 crackle, and flake, if it is necessary to make them pass the fire 

 a second time. On the whole, therefore, Mr, Muss considers 

 the samples placed in his hands by the committee, as the best 

 both in body and glaze that have ever coaie under his observa- 

 tion. 



Similar reports of the excellency of the glaze, in the particulars 

 above mentioned, were made by the other artists who had made 

 trial of it. 



XLVI. Report of the Council of the Astronomical Society of 

 London to the first Annual General Meeting Feb. 9, 1821. 



An making this first report of their proceedings, the Council 

 cannot but congratulate the Members on the success wiiich has 

 attended the first attempt to establish, in this country, a Society 

 for the promotion of so important a branch of science as Astro- 

 nomy. 



Notwithstanding the difficulties and delays usually attending 

 the establishment of every institution, the efforts of the founders 

 of this Society, have been crowned with an accession of strength 

 far beyond their most sanguine expectations; and which irccms 

 likely still to increase. Meanwhile, adhering steadily to the prin- 

 ciples laid down in the Address, circulated at its first institution, 

 *' of avoiding all interference witli the objects and interests of 

 other established scientific bodies," it cannot but be gratifying 

 in the highest degree to have observed a reciprocity of feeling on 

 •this suljject, recently expressed from the chair of the most emi- 

 nent scientific institution which this or any other country can 

 {least. 



Vol. .J7. No, 27(5. April 1821. M m In 



