250 REPORTS FROM THE SECTIONS. 
The plan proposed then is, to make a polar axis, the lower 
end of which is similar to that in an ordinary equatorial stand, 
but from that point upwards it branches = two arms, wide 
enough apart to allow the telescope room to move between ‘them. 
On these arms the telescope is supported, like a Geant instrument, 
on its centre of gravity, so that no counterpoise is required ; and 
the tube being supported at two points need not be made so strong 
as in the ordinary mounting. Now so _ as we have Mr. Lassel’s 
semi-circular piece, which is very carefully turned, and runs on 
two large friction wheels; this, in fact, constitutes the second 
bearing ‘of the polar axis. With proper care, such a bearing may 
be made sufficiently accurate for the purpose —I think as accurate 
as the ordinary bearing, and it would work quite as freely. 
small piece projecting from the stand over the inner part of the | 
semi-circle, and two small stops, prevent the polar axis from being 
turned too far, or thrown off its bearing 
Now the axis of the tube (declination axis) is made to bisect 
the polar axis, and the telescope may therefore be laid down in 
the semi-circular bearing, until it points to the pole, or it may be 
inted to any degree of declination between that and 20° north 
m 20° north to 20° south may be watched from rising to 
setting, and all objects from 20° south to the pole may be watched 
from (say) seven hours before meridian to seven hours after it ; 
and this is far more than such an instrument is wanted to do. 
A slight increase in the length of the polar axis would make 
the range greater, but that seems unneces: 
Now as to the weight of the = axis. Having much less to 
i and, from the method of sup- 
trouble in putting it together, less room required in the observatory, 
greater facility of transport, and greater ease in working. 
But about these I will not detain you. One word about the 
just they seem ess-—the ordinary 
