December, 1877.
Dear Sir,—As to the adjustments of the 8-1/2 in., I have had very little trouble, and I have tried it again on a few objects, a few nights ago, and with a 7 in. stop, and a power of 300, I split Zeta Cancri and the close double sf Castor; with the full aperture they were very easy. I have also split Gamma Andromedæ with 7 in. stop, and on a very fine night. I believe 6-1/2 in. would do it.
I just got a look, on November 7th, at the shadow of Titan, on Saturn’s disc; but was driven inside before I could observe the time of its passing the centre. I have seen the Moon on two occasions with the finest definition I ever saw. Altogether I am highly pleased and proud of my telescope. I have not yet tried many faint objects; still I saw the Crab nebula in Taurus much nearer Lord Rosse’s drawings than Herschel’s, as given by Chambers.
I am, dear Sir,
Yours truly,
(Signed.)
Mr. G. Calver.
From G. Billington, Esq.
Wellwick, Wendover,