88 Star anfr Meatbet Gossip 



as possible. Have some mature idea of the lines you 

 intend to follow when you set out at first in the work 

 of lunar observation some purpose in view and do 

 not be seduced from that purpose." 



The tyro in selenography may here be reminded of 

 what Elger said, namely, that however indifferent a 

 draughtsman an observer may be, if he endeavour to 

 portray what he sees to the best of his ability, he will 

 ultimately attain sufficient skill to make his work 

 useful for future reference. In any case, it would 

 be of more value than a mere verbal description 

 without a sketch. Elger recommended thirty-five 

 miles to an inch as the scale of drawings of lunar 

 formations. Mr. Porthouse says that in his own case 

 probably ten miles to an inch is about the minimum. 

 He regards as the most effective drawings those which 

 are made on a big scale and afterwards reduced by 

 photography. 



On the whole subject of lunar study, it is indeed 

 pleasant to be able to record the activities of such a 

 devoted band of amateurs. From Mr. Hallowes, I 

 learn that he has got his new 12J-in. reflector to work, 

 and Mr. Scriven Bolton recently informed me that he 

 was busy with the mounting of a 26j-in. reflector. 

 Mr. Bolton is one of the most skilful all-round astrono- 

 mical draughtsmen to be found in the country. His 

 private observatory is situated at Bramley, on the 

 outskirts of the great industrial city of Leeds. It 

 overlooks the river Aire, as well as the famous Kirk- 

 stall Abbey. Not far away resides that enthusiastic 

 lover of the stars, Mr. J. G. Talbot Hassell. Many a 

 brilliant night-sky have I seen in that district. 



