August 27th.—ζ Herculis. Both stars occasionally without ray or ring. Two brilliant dots. Colour of companion, pale lilac. Full aperture. Power 207, Cooke. 6 p.m.
August 30th.—Dumb bell nebula. Well seen. Not at all regular in outline, as given by H. Several glimpse stars.
September 24th.—ζ Herculis. Very fine definition. The difficulty with this star is clearly atmospheric. I saw it well with 8 in. aperture, power 207: but the interference ring became thicker and continuous all round: probably owing to the larger size of my diagonal prism, nearly 2-1/2 in.
The planets are now again simply magnificent. All the usual details I see splendidly with full aperture of 12 in., and as sharp as if cut out with a penknife. The great red spot is a wonderful phenomenon. What is it?
The great nebula in Andromeda, seen through your fine nebula power is a mysterious sight. You seem to be looking at something which eludes your vision (except the nucleus); you see it, and yet, ghost-like, you see through it. I long for the great nebula in Orion. I did not see it last year on account of illness.
Believe me,
My dear Mr. Calver,
Very truly yours,
(Signed.)
Mr. G. Calver.