88 Mil Pogson on the Madras Celestial Survey. 



Mr. Cooper's Observatory, Markree Castle, Sligo ; and by 

 the writer at the Radcliffe Observatory Oxford. 



Thus, while the polar and zodiacal portions in particular, 

 and the northern hemisphere in general, have been explored 

 by Argelander and others, no steps had until lately been 

 taken for similarly overhauling the southern hemisphere. 

 That task, precisely similar in its nature and extent to Pro- 

 fessor Argelander's in the north, I have formally undertaken 

 at the Madras Observatory ; and though from not being 

 able to turn my undivided attention thereto until another 

 work, an " Atlas of Telescopic Variable Stars" now in hand 

 has been completed, and also from the climate of India 

 being less suitable for bodily exertion than that of Europe, 

 the Madras Southern Survey will probably be longer in 

 hand than Professor Argelander's was, it was nevertheless 

 commenced on January 1st 1863, and will I trust be com- 

 pleted by me, if blessed with life and health throughout the 

 required number of years. 



It has been suggested, that, since the polar portion of the 

 southern heavens is not visible at Madras, the work should 

 be divided between this and some southern observatories, 

 but against this proposal I beg to enter my most earnest 

 and decided protest ! All members of the Indian Service 

 must at some period or other of their term take leave of 

 absence to visit a cooler climate, and when such change 

 becomes requisite in my own case, I purpose to visit Aus- 

 tralia or the Cape of Good Hope, and having all previous 

 preparations duly made, there to complete the few southern 

 maps not observable at Madras. While the southern nebulae, 

 double stars, and the polar region offer ample choice of 

 unappropriated pursuits, it would be a pity to see the 

 same undertaken in unfriendly rivalry at different observa- 

 tories ; while being first in the field, I pledge myself never to 



