Star Following. 339 



keep it in motion, for in the more delicate observations the 

 observer is often sadly distracted by his efforts, owing to the 

 imperfection of his stand, to keep the object steadily in the 

 centre of the field of view. 



It has been remarked by eminent astronomers, that an 

 inferior telescope on a good stand will do more than the best 

 instrument badly mounted ; that recommended by the inventor 

 in this and the previous articles, combines the advantages of 

 great steadiness and comfort in use in a high degree. It will 

 be observed that the forces which produce motion both in 

 azimuth and altitude are exerted on the base of the stand, and 

 that the tube is never touched ; there is, therefore, as little 

 proportional tendency to shake it as there would be to shake 

 a tree by applying force to its roots, instead of seizing its 

 branches. Besides, the telescope is not held by one joint only, 

 but it is actually supported on four trunnions, the long side- 

 arms doing duty as bearers as well as steadying-rods. 



Although this construction may not be adopted for sale by 

 opticians as being less portable, and not so easily packed in a 

 case as the pillar-and-claw stand, it will be found very de- 

 lightful to amateurs, who, if possessed of a little mechanical 

 skill, and with the aid of a joiner and tinman, may erect one 

 for a small sum. The tripod stand for out-of-door service is 

 very much used, but it is not a comfortable arrangement, 

 especially in any of the more delicate observations; if the 

 astronomer stand up he finds it difficult to keep his head 

 steady, and to sit down in the open air is not always pleasant 

 in a winter night. 



Mr. Bird in the last number of the Intellectual Obseevee, 

 p. 242, remarking upon the almost necessity of comfort to the 

 observer, if he would make anything of minute details in the 

 Stellar or Planetary Orbs, says, " To do any of these things 

 effectively in the open air, with one's telescope agitated by the 

 passing wind and a body shivering with cold, is clearly next to 

 impossible/'' 



The strong recommendation of this gentleman, who has 

 done so much with silvered specula, that amateurs should pro- 

 vide themselves and their instruments with the genial shelter of 

 a cheap observatory, cannot be followed too soon or too gene- 

 rally ; but the writer, having the same end in view, hopes that 

 the above-named very intelligent astronomer will pardon him 

 for stating that though cheap, his is not the cheapest obser- 

 vatory, he (the writer) having himself erected one for half the 

 money, which he most strongly recommends to the consider- 

 ation of all amateurs who possess a garden or other ground 

 with tolerable sky -view ; it is extremely pretty both externally 

 and internally, and forms a most pleasing ornament to a garden 



vol. v. — no. v. A A 



