1826.} i . ■ Astronomical Society. 299 



operation, to which your Council here advert, are so well 

 understood in the present advanced state of astronomy, that a 

 mere hint will (it is hoped) suffice, to produce the desired 

 concert." 



The Report then adverts to the contributions and exertions of 

 other scientific bodies, alluding to the erection of an Observatoiy 

 at the University of Cambridge, and the still more recent announce- 

 ment of a prize of 76/. at Edinburgh, to be awarded to the authors 

 •6f the two best essays on Comets ; also to the reduction of Mr. 

 Groombridge's observations, and the arrangement and publication 

 of those of Tobias Mayer, which have been determined upon by 

 the British Board of Longitude. As another subject of congra- 

 tulation, the Council mention the interest which appears 

 recently to have been excited in the United States of America 

 in the subject of astronomy. 



" With respect to the Prize Questions proposed at the last 

 General Meeting of the Society, the Council report that they 

 have received only one answer to the first question, which, 

 being just dehveredin, is now under investigation. The period 

 allotted for the determination of the second question will not 

 expire till the next anniversary, and that allotted for the third, 

 question not till the anniversary in 1828: prior to which time 

 the Council trust that the subjects proposed will have excited 

 the attention of astronomers, and induced them to forward to 

 the Society the result of their inquiries and investigations." 



The Council then state their opinion, that it would tend mate- 

 rially to the advancement of astronomy, if an accurate descrip- 

 tion of every principal Observatory could be obtained, accom- 

 panied with a ground plan and elevation of the iDuilding; 

 .together with a description of the instruments employed, and 

 drawings of such as are remarkable, either for their novelty or 

 peculiar interest. " It is well known," they observe, " that 

 there are several instruments in constant use on the Continent, 

 and much approved by astroi>omers, which have not yet been 

 seen in this country; and some in this country, which are not 

 sufficiently known abroad ; or even amongst ourselves. The 

 Council would encourage every attempt to promote this species 

 of information, by publishing in their Memoirs the accounts 

 which they may from time to time receive on this subject, and 

 the drawings with which they might be accompanied." 



The Report concludes in the following manner : 



" Your Council think it unnecessary to extend this Report to 

 .a greater length. It must be evident that many things which 

 (as far as regard the objects and labours of this Society) were 

 six years ago only matters of hope and anticipation, have now 

 become subjects of mutual congratulation. But it can only be 

 by a cordial and zealous co-operation of all its members, and by 

 a continued course of perseverance; thut the Society can ever 



