in the Greenwich Observations for 1821. 45.8 



The comet also which was observed by Dr. Burney at 

 Gosport, on the evening of the 24th of February, and on se- 

 veral evenings after, appears to have been overlooked. 



It seems to be the practice at Greenwich (for six nights in 

 a week at least) to cease observing from midnight to sun-rise. 

 For it would be difficult to prove from the observations of 

 1821, that either the astronomer or any of his assistants 

 quitted their warm beds much more than about 40 nights 

 out of 365, for the purpose of making an observation. 



There is no institution in the world so amply endowed in 

 every respect as the Royal Observatory at Greenwich. It 

 was a favourite object with the late king ; and the truly royal 

 munificence of its present patron must be acknowledged with 

 gratitude by every sincere friend to astronomy. Provided with 

 no less than four assistants, whose salaries, added to his own, 

 amount to upwards of 1200/. a-year, — surely the Astronomer 

 Royal might appropriate a rather larger portion of the night 

 to the cultivation of the science over which he is appointed to 

 preside, with so many advantages and encouragements. In- 

 struments and books have been furnished here in abundance, 

 without the least regard to expense, and every accommoda- 

 tion that private comfort can require, granted without reserve. 



I am, gentlemen, yours, &c. 

 London, Dec. 20, 1824. STEPHEN LeE. 



Class IV. 



Merid. Pass, by Transit. By Circle. 



II. m. s, h. m. s. 



<J Feb. rj, Aldebanm 4 25 20-84 4 25 6'00 



Capella 5 3 10-74 5 2 54-50 



Intervals 37 4990 37 48-50 



S Feb. 6, Capella 5 3 10-74 „.„ 5 2 54-50 



9 7, 5 3 10-20"" U ™ 5 2 54-00 U DU 



Therefore the rates of the two clocks were so nearly alike 

 that no allowance need be made on that account. But the 

 interval between the passage of Aldebaran and Capella is 1 $, 4 

 of time greater by the transit than by the circle. 



II. If. S. H. If, S. 



9 Sept. 7, a Lyrae 18 30 40 68 18 30 22-00 



a Ainiilae 19 41 51-72 19 41 34-50 



Intervals 1 11 11-04 1 11 12-50 



% Srut.fi, iAmiOffi 1!) 41 52-30 , R 19 41 34'50 



9 _7, — 19 41 51 72-° 58 19 41 34 50 ° ° 



Therefore 



