ia 
— 
83 
judicious plans and to interest both astronomers and lawgivers 
in the proposed enterprise. “ Remembering,” said he, in a’ 
letter to Gerling, in November following, “the vast outlays 
Europe has encountered in efforts for the faithful solution of 
this very problem, as well as in other hundreds of scientific 
enterprises, and the fact that America, which participates so 
largely in the benefits derived from the labors of astrono- 
mers, has hitherto contributed so trifling an amount to the 
common stock, Iam the more keenly sensible of the noble 
opportunity now within our grasp to present the world, from 
our own continent as a base, the dimensions of our common 
system. . . . . There is but one perceptible obstacle, — pecu- 
niary outlay, — yet when its very inconsiderable amount is 
contrasted with the grandeur and importance of the object to 
be attained, I cannot bring myself to believe that this objec- 
tion will be suffered to weigh, and I therefore repeat the re- 
mark made in my former letter, — give the proposition the 
- encouragement of scientific men, and I stand pledged for its 
successful equipment. At all events, regarding it as a pos- 
sible attainment only, two questions present themselves for 
consideration, and it is time they were discussed: first, Is 
the locality proposed (Childe) the best which can be selected 
for the contemplated object? And second, Will the instru- 
ments which have been specified to you permit the accom- 
plishment of that object in the most satisfactory or desirable 
Manner ? ” 
To the careful examination of these all-important questions 
_ Gilliss addressed himself with zeal, entering into sarreapent: 
3 and 
€nce on the subject with A 9 
gathering information and counsel from aes sie quar- 
ter. He soon found that the climate of Childe was ill-adapted 
to his purposes, and that the betier climate of Valparaiso 
Would in all probability more than compensate for the dimin- 
