[ 344 ] 
by the favourable fituatlon of Venus in 1769, when 
,we may be alfnred the feveral Powers of Europe will 
again contend which of them (hall be mod: inflru- 
mcntal in contributing to the folution of this grand 
problem. Poflerity mud: refled: with infinite regret 
upon their negligence or remiflhefs ; becaufc the lofs 
cannot be repaired by the united eftorts of indullry, 
genius, or power. Plow far it may be an objed of 
attention to a commercial nation to make a fettlement 
■in the great Pacific Ocean, or to fend out fome diips 
of farce with the glorious and honourable, view, of 
difeovering lands towards the South pole, is not my 
bufinefs to enquire. Such enterprizes, if fpeedily 
undertaken, might fortunately give an advantageous 
pofition to the adronomer, and add a ludre to this 
nation, already fo eminently didinguiflicd both in arts 
and arms. 
I 
Oxford, December i, 1765. 
i 
• INDEX. 
