90 Str J. Herschel’s Astronomical Observations 
which is even richer in objects of that class than the densest por- 
tion of the northern group, the general character of this hemis- 
phere, is that of alternating patches of nebule, and vacuities of 
greater or less extent, some of the latter, however, being very 
extensive. In one of those vacuities, in which comparatively 
ew nebule occur, the south pole is situated, having one nebula, 
however, in half a degree of it, as the north pole has also one 
within five or six minutes. This barren region extends nearly 
15° on all sides of the pole, and immediately on its borders oc- 
curs the smaller Nubecula. 
One of the most remarkable features in the southern nebulous 
system, is the extraordinary display of fine resolved and resolva- 
ble globular clusters, which occurs between 16h. 45m. and I9h. 
in R. A, in the region occupied by Corona Australis, the body 
poe head of Sagittarius, the tail of Scorpio, with part of 'Teles- 
copium and Ara. Here ina circular space of 18° radius, we find 
Seen no less than thirty of these beautiful and exquisite objects. 
e general conclusion which*our author draws from this sur- 
vey is, that the nebulous system is distinct riod the sidereal, 
though involving and to a certain degree intermixed with the latter. 
portion. “It must not be left out of consideration, (says he,) and 
has been distinctly remarked by Sir William Herschel as an ele- 
ment of whatever speculation a closer attention to this subject, 
and a more perfect classification of nebulous objects, may lead 
us to indulge in, that the most condensed portion, and what may 
fairly be regarded as the principal nucleus of the region of Virgo, 
is situated almost precisely in one pole of the “Milky Way. 
Taking that great circle as a horizon, the whole of that stratum 
orms, as it were, a canopy occupying the zenith, and descending 
thence to a considerable distance on all sides, but chiefly on that 
towards which the North Pole lies. The phenomena on the 
other side of the Milky Way, though much less characterized, 
are not altogether dissimilar, the nebulous region of Pisces and 
Cetus standing, on the whole, in pretty nearly the same relation 
to that circle, the most condensed part of that stratum being ale 
vated at an altitude of between 60° and 70° above its plane 
Among the treasures contained in the great work under on 
not the lenad valuable are the numerous delineations of rare celes- 
tial objects given in the plates at the end of the volume. Of these 
there are seventeen, comprising about eighty drawings of the 
most elegant description. In estimating the various gifts that 
must be combined to form the great astronomer, a sufficient de- 
of i not been ascribed to the power of deline- 
wit delicacy and perfection, the objects which rev 
ves to the eye of observation. Such drawin gs enable 
