[ 291 ] 
The great difcouragement which the different 
Comniittees laboured under, at their firfl appoint- 
ment by this Society, was the want of proper appa- 
ratus, elpecially good telefcopes. The generofity of 
our Provincial Affembly foon removed a very confi- 
derable part of this difcouragement, not only by their 
vote to purchafc one of the belt refleding telefcopes 
with Dollonds micrometer, but likewife by tLir 
fubfequent benefadion of one hundred pounds, for 
ereding obfervatories, and defraying other incidental 
expences It was forefeen that, on the arrival of this 
telefcope - , added to other private ones that could be 
procured in this city, and the fitting up the inftru- 
rnents belonging to the honourable Proprietaries 
VIZ. the large affronomical fedor, and the equal alti- 
tude and tranfit infirument, nothing would be 
wanting for the city obfervatory, ereded in the State- 
“ 
_ We remained, however, ftill at a lofs how to fur- 
‘m® j But this difficulty 
gradually vanilhed. Early in September, 1768 
loon after the nomination of the Committees, I re- 
^ from that worthy and honourable 
g ntleman, Thomas Penn, Efquire, one of the Pro- 
pr.etors of this province, expreffing his defire that we 
would exert ourlelves in obferving the tranfit, for 
which oar fituation was fo favourable ; and inclofiiur 
of Mr. Malkelyne’s direflions for tha“ 
by N™e ft'”''’’ It was made 
Dy i\airne, feef, and us gieateft magnifying nower Arn 
tunes; with an excellent micrometer. ^ ^ 
P p 2 
This 
