Urging JH to recommend the services of Lieut. James Bance to Gilbert Elliot (2nd Earl of Minto).
Urging JH to recommend the services of Lieut. James Bance to Gilbert Elliot (2nd Earl of Minto).
Expects an occultation of Jupiter this evening. Hopes JH enjoyed the fine cool breeze of last evening. Another English vessel reported. N.S. Wales acacias are showing signs of ambition.
Readings for the occultation of Jupiter.
Wind is likely to be higher in the evening. Would like JH's views on the effect that the motion of the center of the mural circle has on the readings of the microscopes. Wind was too high last night to observe Zeta Octantes.
Has just finished the observations of Mars and the circle is free from any particular use. Further comments on his query regarding the motion of the center of the mural circle. Would like JH's assistance on the examination. Has had some brass ingots stolen from the observatory.
Sends the projection of Monday's readings and one of those from the lever of contact for comparison; comments on this.
Has replied to Richard Sheepshanks in the Memoirs of the Astronomical Society. Is surprised how near he got to the general figure described by the Circle Centre. Comments on calculations he intends to carry out. Cannot say decidedly that Zeta Octantes is double; it is doubtful seen through the 8-ft. transit.
Has been unable to locate the planetary nebulae; did JH give their places correctly, or is the instrument unequal to the task? Sends a comparison of John Pond's declinations and the Cape Zenith distances. Comments on the latitude of the Cape. The Hungerford got off yesterday.
Much obliged for JH looking over the observations. Comments on these and the accuracy of the Cape circle and mural circle. Will send his observations on Crucis.
Encloses the Brisbane observations. Appears to be a discrepancy in some of the stars.
Has arranged with Lady Herschel for Sir John to spend a night at the Observatory. Come early; then he can reverse the transit instrument. Is not satisfied with the performance of the transit clock. Intends to clean it. Is ready to adopt JH's suggestions for measuring the tides. Curious that JH and [T. G.?] Taylor should suggest similar plans for measuring the divisions of a mural circle.
Has received letters and books from England. Leave of absence of William Meadows and nomination of Piazzi Smyth. Is preparing a packet of observations for England; has JH anything to send?
Acknowledges Lady Herschel's two notes and will communicate with her in the morning. Encloses the note of Mrs. Smyth [wife of W. H. Smyth?]. Hears that Dr. [John] Lee has been contesting Aylesbury, without success. Estimates for stable have been cut out.
Last night was a splendid night for observing. Will be pleased to place the barometer at Captain Richard Wolfe's disposal. Eclipse was interesting. Will call if he goes to Simon's Bay.
Has received some papers and newspapers. Four parcels are on their way to JH via H.M.S. Rattlesnake. Encloses a letter from William Wallace regarding the Edinburgh Observatory.
Sends his two mountain barometers; comments on them. Method of interpolating the clock errors graphically answers well.
Captain John Stevens was at the Observatory yesterday and wishes to superintend the tidal observations himself. TM intends to make the observations personally, or with the assistance of T. W. Bowler. The lunar eclipse was uninteresting. Has had copies of G. B. Airy's papers; they are excellent.
Has received the box from H.M.S. Rattlesnake and lists the parcels for JH. T. W. Bowler commenced the tidal observations yesterday. Outlines the method used. Was beset by dogs on the way home. Expects to hear from the first ship of an Assistant.
Encloses a copy of the hourly observations. Comments on the tides of Table Bay.
Sent the barometric readings with Mr. Curnan's paper. Comments on the tidal observations. Send the tide book. William Lamb (2nd Viscount Melbourne) is reinstated.