From Frank C. Dennett, Esq.
10, Terminus Terrace, Southampton,
July 11th, 1880.
Dear Sir,—It is a long time ago that you asked me to write and let you know how I liked the 9-1/2 in. I have not done so because I wished first to see what was to be made of the planets.
Last night, at 14h 30m, I had my first peep at Jupiter through it, and a grand sight it was; his belts coloured, though not so vivid as they are sometimes, were fine in the extreme; and, though the power employed was only the achromatic 215, the satellites were beautiful little discs, one especially showing the tint of its surface.
A quarter of an hour later Saturn was in the field of view; a grand object, several of the satellites surrounding it. A little cloud was coming up over it, so I could not see so much of this planet as I should have liked, though amply sufficient to prove incontestably its high class.
With double stars I have not attempted much, though on turning it on μ2 Boötis I found the division easy, the components being respectively slightly orange, and dullish white or pale yellow.
I have had lots of grand views of the wonders of the “star depths,” clusters, and nebulæ, notably 57 Messier, the Ring nebula, in Lyra, the great Orion nebula, and the marvellous Whirlpool nebula, the chief outlines of which were well shown.
Hitherto the instrument has been chiefly employed on the Moon, the details of which come out hard and sharp in a beautiful manner, with all powers up to 515, the highest I have.
The 5-1/4 in. pleased me very much, but the 9-1/2 in. delights me.