80 Caroline Lucretia Hcrschel. [i7ss. 



-cnce on the occasion of her first discovery has already 

 been quoted, and in a note she explains that many of the 

 letters from distinguished men which she received had 

 been given to collectors of autographs. The letter to 

 the Astronomer Royal, announcing the discovery of 

 her second comet, has been preserved, with his 

 answer. 



MISS HERSCHEL TO THE REV. DR. MASKELYNE. 



DEAR SIR, 



Last night, December 21st, at 7 h 45', I discovered a 

 comet, a little more than one degree south preceding /? 

 Lyrae. This morning, between five and six, I saw it again, 

 when it appeared to have moved about a quarter of a degree 

 towards 8 of the same constellation. I beg the favour of 

 you to take it under your protection. 



Mrs. Herschel and my brothers join with me in com- 

 pliments to Mrs. Maskelyne and yourself, and I have the 

 honour to remain, 



Dear sir, 



Your most obliged, humble servant, 



CAROLINA HERSCHEL. 

 SLOUGH, Dec. 22, 1788. 



P.S. The comet precedes Lyras 7' 5" in time, and is 

 in the parallel of the small star (/3 being double). See fifth 

 class, third star, of my catalogue. WM. H. 



THE REV. DR. MASKELYNE TO MISS HERSCHEL. 



GREENWICH, December 27, 1788. 



fr DEAR Miss CAROLINE, 



I thnnk you for your favour of the 22nd instant, con- 



