32 peesident's address. 



The differences of longitude between most of the principal 

 observatories have been determined in this manner. 



I trust that I have now made it clear to you that though in 

 the speculative branches of astronomy imagination may occasion- 

 ally assist in forming conclusions from probably insufficent data, 

 there are other and more important branches which rest on a 

 solid and truthful basis, such as the well-proved theories of the 

 movements of the sun, moon, and planets, in their respective 

 orbits, and the numerous facts relating to the physical 

 constitution of the heavenly bodies, many of which have been 

 proved over and over again by different observers and methods 

 of observation. Even an inexperienced star-gazer may soon be 

 convinced of the reality of what he sees in his telescope as he 

 scans the varying lights and shadows seen on the faces of the 

 sun, moon, and planets. Astronomy is indeed a fascinating 

 science to those who are sufficiently educated to appreciate and 

 understand the general principles of the construction of the 

 starry universe, and who are anxious to become interested in the 

 movements and composition of the heavenly bodies. 



And now, ladies and gentlemen, I cannot conclude this 

 necessarily imperfect astronomical portion of this address, 

 without impressing upon you the pleasing fact that however 

 much has been unfolded to our minds by the remarkable activity 

 of observers in all countries up to the present time, there is a 

 strong indication that astronomical knowledge is still advancing 

 from year to year. Most powerful telescopes, the like of which 

 could hardly have entered into the minds of the astronomers of 

 the last generation, are now constantly directed to the heavens 

 in Europe, America, the Cape of Good Hope, and Australia, by 

 men eager for discovery, and intellectually competent to turn to 

 the best advantage whatever novelty they may see. As on our 

 earth it has been proved that nearly every apparently rude element 

 teems with animal life, so do the regions of infinite space teem 

 with unexhausted wonders, requiring only the clear and 

 intelligent mind, and the observant eye of the astronomer to 

 detect. The works of creation are as boundless in the distant 

 regions of the universe, as under our own eyes in this compara- 

 tively little world which we call the earth. Planets countless 



