Suggests reasons for doubting the distribution of bright stars that RP had reported. Responds to RP's query concerning a statement in Outlines Ast. Encourages RP's hypothesizing on star distribution.

Reports on his studies of stellar and nebular distributions, discussing especially whether the Magellanic Clouds show a relation to the Milky Way stars. Speculates on whether recent studies on meteors bear on stellar formation and change. Stresses need for statistical studies in stellar astronomy.

Sends map from his new atlas. Reports finding a region rich in bright stars in the northern hemisphere but distinct from the Milky Way. States that in a Royal Institution lecture, he will claim that telescopes cannot reach the limits of the sidereal system and that it is far more complex than traditionally assumed.