202 
Dr. Herschel/s Observations 
The result of my observations would have been communi- 
cated long ago, if I had not still flattered myself with the 
hopes of some better success, concerning the diurnal motion 
of Venus ; which, on account of the density of the atmos- 
phere of this planet, has still eluded my constant attention, as 
far as concerns its period and direction. Even at this pre- 
sent time, I should hesitate to give the following extract 
from my journals, if it did not seem incumbent upon me to 
examine by what accident I came to overlook mountains in 
this planet, which are said to be “ of such enormous height , as 
to exceed four, Jive, and even six times the perpendicular elevation 
of Cimboraco, the highest of our mountains 1” * 
The same paper, which contains the lines I have quoted, 
gives us likewise many extraordinary relations, equally won- 
derful ; such as hints of the various and singular properties 
of the atmosphere of Saturn.-f A ragged margin in Venus, 
resembling the uneven border of the moon, as it appears to a 
power magnifying from i to 4.J One cusp of Venus appear- 
ing pointed, and the other blunt, owing to the shadow of 
some mountain. § Flat spherical forms conspicuous on Sa- 
turn. |! All which being things of which I have never taken 
any notice, it will not be amiss to shew, by what follows, that 
neither want of attention, nor a deficiency of instruments, 
could occasion my not perceiving these mountains of more than 
23 miles in height',** this jagged border of Venus ; and these flat 
spherical forms on Saturn. 
* See Phil. Trans, for 1792, Part II. page 337. f Ibidem, p. 309. J p. 310. 
§ p. 312. II P- 336. ** The height of Chimbo-ra9o, according to Mr. Con da- 
mine, is 3200 French toises; and the English mile, by Mr. De la La nde, measures 
830. If the mountains in Venus exceed Chimbo-rajo six times in perpendicular eleva- 
tion, they must be more than 23 miles in height. 
