Double Stars. 297 



count about thirty spots of light in the grey level, and at 

 another time, by the aid of his great 27-ffc. reflector, he was 

 able to distinguish fifty-nine or sixty of various magnitudes, 

 and probably might have detected still more. Such variations 

 of aspect he was disposed to refer to modifications in the lunar 

 atmosphere, and he considered them as forming a striking 

 analogy to the occasional freckled aspect of the M . Grisium, 

 mentioned in its place (Int. Obs. v. 203), the reality of which, 

 has been confirmed by modern observations, without the 

 slightest clue being obtained to any more probable explana- 

 tion. 



DOUBLE STAES. 



We shall revert to the diagram given in our last number 

 for the purpose of identifying some objects contained within its 

 area, and as yet undescribed. One is 



150. 307 P. XIX. AquilcB. 15". 307°'8. 7 and 13. Lucid 

 white and blue (1834*63) . This is chiefly inserted as a test 

 for light, in which respect it will be found convenient for 

 moderate-sized telescopes. To me it is very easy. A seems 

 to be pale orange (1865*65) There is a minute closer pair p, 

 a little s, in the field. It will be found just following o, a 

 5 -mag. star, about l-~° n of Al Tair. 



151. Double star in Sagitta. Between 7 and of this 

 asterism we shall find rj, a 6-mag. yellow star. At some little 

 distance, perhaps 35' or 36', from this, sf, but more / than s, 

 lies a pretty little open white 8-mag. pair, not mentioned by 

 Admiral Smyth* or ^ (for whom it was probably too wide) . 

 When viewed in a large field, its aspect seems to bespeak 

 physical connection. It is closely associated with a 12-mag. 

 star, forming with it a right-angled triangle. Another less 

 interesting double star occurs nearer 77, sjp, but more s than p. 



The whole area comprised in our diagram is of such rich- 

 ness as well to repay the trouble of sweeping over with a low 

 magnifier. A beautiful region may' be pointed out, before we 

 leave it, marked by two small stars (6 mag.) in the engraving 

 between 6 and 8 Anseris, and 2 and 3 Sagittce, but nearer to 

 the latter. It is visible as a group to the naked eye, and is a 

 fine object of a rudely triangular form in the finder, but is too 

 wide for the telescope. The / star of the two southernmost 



* On the first recurrence of the name of this illustrious astronomer, hydro* 

 grapher, and antiquarian, after his departure from among us, it may be permitted 

 to me to give expression to the regret which all scientific readers of these pages 

 must feel, at the loss of one so distinguished alike by the variety of his attain- 

 ments and his eminence in each of them. 



" Nihil quod tetigit non ornavit." 

 Personally, I might add more ; this very brief and imperfect tribute ia due from 

 all who love the objects of his most successful study. 



