1863.] 



Presidents Address, 



23 



Observatory, the opinion of the Royal Society on this subject, and also on 

 the most suitable construction of the telescope, both as to the optical part 

 and the mounting, its probable cost, and the time required for its com- 

 pletion. It had happened that in 1853 the Royal Society and the British 

 Association had united in an earnest representation to Her Majesty's 

 Government of the scientific importance of establishing in some convenient 

 locality in Her Majesty's dominions, from whence the southern nebulae and 

 multiple stars could be observed, a telescope of the requisite optical power ; 

 and in a preparatory correspondence, which was printed at the time, and 

 in which the principal persons interested in such researches had partici- 

 pated, the best form of telescope, its probable cost, and all particulars 

 relating to it, had been largely discussed. The representation thus con- 

 curred in by the two principal scientific bodies of the United Kingdom was 

 not successful in securing the desired object ; but the correspondence then 

 printed was still fitted to supply in great measure in 1862 the information 

 on which the President and Council could ground their reply. The dis- 

 cussion in 1853 had terminated in the appointment of a committee, con- 

 sisting of the Earl of Rosse, Dr. Robinson, and Messrs. Lassell and Warren 

 de la Rue, to superintend the construction of the telescope, in the event of 

 the recommendation of the two Societies being favourably received. But 

 as it was possible that the opinions previously entertained might have been 

 in some degree modified by subsequent consideration or by more recent 

 experience, the correspondence with those gentlemen was reopened, and 

 their replies have formed a second correspondence, which, like the first, 

 has been printed for the information of those Fellows of the Society who 

 take a special interest in the subject. Availing themselves of these valuable 

 communications, the President and Council replied to the Colonial Ofiice 

 by a report dated December 18, 1862. They have been since informed 

 that copies of the report and of the correspondence have been sent to 

 Melbourne for the information of the gentlemen with whom the proposition 

 originated. 



It is quite possible that the thoughtful discussions embodied in the 

 correspondence referred to may be found to have a prospective value not 

 limited to the occasion which has given rise to them. The considerations 

 which apply to a telescope for the observation of the Southern Nebulae at 

 Melbourne are no less applicable to one which might be established on a 

 site from whence a great part of the Southern Nebulae could also be ob- 

 served (as well as those of our own hemisphere), but enjoying the immense 

 advantage conferred by elevation into the higher and less dense strata of 

 the atmosphere. Such sites are to be found in the Nilgiris at elevations of 

 several thousand feet, combining also convenient accessibility and proximity 

 to the resources of civilized life. It may be hoped that at some not 

 distant day the subject will receive the consideration which it deserves from 

 those who are entrusted with the government of that now integral part of 

 the British empire. 



