78 
I have entered somewhat minutely into particulars of what 
has been done in this branch of our favourite art, in order 
that we may have before us a kind of summary or index of 
the work done up to the present time, so that those who 
desire further information may at once refer to the authori- 
ties quoted. It may be asked why it was thought necessary 
to draw up this paper, as Mr, Ue la llue and others have 
said almost all that is necessary to enable anyone to take up 
the subject and to pursue it sucessfully. 
It is true there are very elaborate papers, and from their 
perusal I have derived much useful information, but at the 
same time it must be confessed their very elaborateness de- 
terred me, for a long time after I possessed the necessary 
apparatus, from commencing the experiments which have 
since afforded me so much enjoyment. 
Every writer on this subject speaks of the difficulties 
encountered from optical, instrumental, and atmospheric 
causes ; and to this may be attributed the fact that we have 
so few of our amateur astronomers giving their attention to 
the subject. Another reason may be that comparatively few 
of those who possess telescopes may have the necessary pho- 
tographic knowledge ; but surely some friend having this 
knowledge might be found who would be willing to spare a 
few hours occasionally to assist in taking negatives of the 
stars, planets, or of the moon. The reason, then, why this 
subject is brought before your notice this evening is, that it 
is believed that the apparatus I use is, in some particulars, 
more simple than any heretofore described, and as it can be 
used with any kind of telescope, a greater number of ama- 
teurs than are now engaged in it may be induced to follow 
this fascinating branch of photography. 
It will have been noticed that when particulars of the 
apparatus have been given the writer has spoken of a small 
camera, which has been fixed at the eye piece end of the tele- 
scope. As to how this was effected 1 have seen no description, 
