Her later letters abundantly show that she had learned to love the gentle sister-in-law whom she so pathetically entreats to hold on with her in their common old age, and the journals of her astronomical researches sufficiently prove that her zeal in “_minding the Heavens_” knew no abatement. It was at this period also that she made some of her most important discoveries. Before the end of 1797 she had announced the discovery of eight comets, to five of which the priority of her claim over other observers is unquestioned. A packet, in coarse paper, bearing the superscription, “_This is what I call the Bills and Receipts of my Comets_,” contains some data connected with the discovery of these objects, each folded in a separate paper, and marked “First Comet,” “Second Comet,” &c., &c. Some of the correspondence on the occasion of her first discovery has already been quoted, and in a note she explains that many of the letters from distinguished men which she received had been given to collectors of autographs. The letter to the Astronomer Royal, announcing the discovery of her second comet, has been preserved, with his answer. [Sidenote: 1788. _Second Comet discovered._] MISS HERSCHEL TO THE REV. DR. MASKELYNE. DEAR SIR,— Last night, December 21st, at 7^h 45ʹ, I discovered a comet, a little more than one degree south—preceding β Lyræ. This morning, between five and six, I saw it again, when it appeared to have moved about a quarter of a degree towards δ of the same constellation. I beg the favour of you to take it under your protection. Mrs. Herschel and my brothers join with me in compliments to Mrs. Maskelyne and yourself, and I have the honour to remain, Dear sir, Your most obliged, humble servant, CAROLINA HERSCHEL. SLOUGH, _Dec. 22, 1788_. P.S.—The comet precedes β Lyræ 7ʹ 5ʺ in time, and is in the parallel of the small star (β being double). See fifth class, third star, of my catalogue.—WM. H. THE REV. DR. MASKELYNE TO MISS HERSCHEL. GREENWICH, _December 27, 1788_. DEAR MISS CAROLINE,— I thank you for your favour of the 22nd instant, containing an account of your discovery of a _second_ comet on the 21st, and recommending it to my attention. I received it only on the 24th, at ten in the morning, owing to the slowness of our penny post.