234 
HOW TO SKETCH THE MOON. 
By the Eev. T. W. WEBB, M.A., F.E.A.S. 
T he unprecedented development, during late years, of the 
science of astronomy as regards its extent, must neces- 
sarily in the end lead to a subdivision of labour. In the days 
of the old refractor, the earlier achromatic, and the metallic 
speculum, the ordinary subjects of observation could easily be 
examined within a moderate time ; before we had penetrated 
-SO far into the temple, the eye could readily embrace its more 
accessible and obvious glories. But the case is now greatly 
altered by the increased facilities of study. The achromatic 
has been at once enlarging in size and diminishing in price ; 
and its beautiful and less expensive substitute, the silvered 
reflector, has been gradually winning its way, as it well de- 
serves : and not only are observers thus greatly multiplied by 
the removal of a very serious pecuniary restriction, but the 
objects of observation are almost indefinitely increased, and 
work is found to abound even in a greater proportion than 
corresponds with the improved means of accomplishing it. It 
is therefore advisable that those who are disposed to cultivate 
this fascinating study should mark out for themselves some 
definite line of enquiry, and such a line as may conduce in its 
prosecution not merely to individual amusement, but to the 
advancement of the science. If, indeed, our intention goes no 
further than merely to see for ourselves, or to show to our 
friends, in a general view, how the heavens declare the glory 
of Gron, we may be well satisfied with simply gazing at such 
objects as the season of the year may present. But if we 
really intend to ‘ leave our footprint on the sands of time,’ 
we had better arrange our operations on some definite system. 
Nights may be wasted ; energy misapplied ; fine weather 
turned to little account, in merely looking about us, when we 
might have been doing work of some value. 
Numerous lines of enquiry might be specified, that promise 
a reward to the diligent investigator ; but at present our remarks 
will be limited to the study of the lunar surface, more especially 
