1871.] On the Telescopic Appearance of Buckets Comet. 89 



minute stellar nucleus which was suspected at the eastern extremity of the 

 fan is not marked in the figure. 



Fig. 2. November 8, 7 p.m. — The fan was now brighter and more de- 

 fined in form. The nucleus, as a minute bright point, appeared to be 

 situated not at the extreme western point, but a little within it, towards the 

 north. 



The sides of the fan were slightly curved, suggesting an approach to a 

 parabolic form. 



The fan was brighter on the southern side. The eastern edge of the 

 faint light by which the comet was surrounded still preserved a right line 

 from north to south. 



Fig. 3. November 14, 6.40 p.m. — The appearance of the comet was 

 essentially the same as on Nov. 8. 



The bounding lines of the fan were perhaps less curved ; they enclosed 

 an angle of from 85° to 90°. 



The nucleus had become brighter, and now appeared to form the extreme 

 eastern point of the fan. 



No prolongation of the eastern boundary, where the tail is usually 

 formed, was seen. 



Fig. 4. December 5, 5.30 p.m. — Thin mist in the atmosphere allowed the 

 brighter parts only of the comet to be satisfactorily observed. 



The condensation of light was now much stronger at the eastern end, but 

 a defined nucleus was not detected. 



The fan form was less marked ; the brighter part of the comet more re- 

 sembled a brush-like flame. 



The atmospheric haze nearly concealed the faint light surrounding 

 the comet, but, by glimpses, a tail was now seen to project towards the 

 east ; it was traced to a distance of about twice the length of the bright 

 brush. 



The tail appeared to come from the northern side of the longer axis of 

 the comet, and to consist of a faint ray with sides nearly parallel. 



As I am at present without a suitable micrometer, I was not able to take 

 measures of the comet. 



The Society then adjourned over the Christmas Recess to Thursday, 

 January 11, 18/2. 



VOL. XX. 



