i *8 3 
IV. Observations of a quintuple Belt on the Planet Saturn. By 
William Herschel, LL. D. F. R. S. 
Read December 19, 1793. 
Every analogy that can be traced in the appearance of the 
planets, seems to throw some additional light on what we 
know of them already. In some of my former papers I have 
established the spheroidical form of the planet Saturn, and 
pointed out the motion of a spot on its disk. From the first 
of these may be inferred a considerable rotation on its axis ; 
while the latter goes a step farther, and shews that it has such 
a motion. My late observations seem to hint to us, that the 
period in which it revolves is, probably, not of a long dura- 
tion. 
They are as follows : 
' Nov. it, 1793. 3 h 3 5'> 7- feet reflector, power 287. 
Close to the ring of Saturn, where it passes across the body 
of the planet, is the shadow of the ring ; very narrow, and 
black. See Tab. VI. fig. 1. 
Immediately south of the shadow is a bright, uniform, and 
broad belt. 
Close to this bright belt is a broad, darker belt ; which is 
divided by two narrow, white streaks ; so that by this means, 
it becomes to be five belts'; namely, three dark, and two 
bright ones ; the colour of the dark belt is yellowish. 
