The polar axis of the Crossley reflector is a long, hollow cylinder, separated by a space of about one-eighth of an inch from its concentric casing. The idea was to fill this space with mercury, and float the greater part of the thrust of the axis, the function of a small steel pin at the lower end being merely to steady the axis. But this mercury flotation, as applied to the Crossley telescope, is a delusion, as I think Mr. Crossley had already found. The mercury, it is true, relieves the thrust to some extent, but it greatly increases the already enormous side pressure on the steel pin at the bottom, thus creating a much greater evil than the one it is intended to remedy. The workmen who set up the mounting inform me that the small bearing at the lower end of the polar axis is badly worn, as I should expect it to be. Instead of putting mercury into the space intended for it, I have therefore poured in a pint or so of oil, to keep the lower bearing lubricated. For the reasons indicated above, the force required to move the telescope in right ascension is perhaps five times greater than it should be. The lower end of the polar axis ought to be fitted with ball bearings to take the thrust, and with a pair of friction wheels on top; but it would be difficult to make these changes now. It should be observed that the disadvantages of the mercury flotation are considerably greater at Mount Hamilton than at the latitude for which the telescope was designed. [Illustration: THE CROSSLEY REFLECTOR.] As already stated above, the range of the telescope is limited on the south by the construction of the mounting. The greatest southern declination which can be observed is 25°. In England this would doubtless mark the limit set by atmospheric conditions, but at Mount Hamilton it would be easy to photograph objects 15° farther south, if the telescope could be pointed to them. The original driving-clock having proved to be inefficient, at least without an electric control, a new and powerful driving-clock was made by the Observatory instrument maker, from designs by Professor Hussey. In its general plan it is like that of the 36-inch refractor. The winding apparatus, contained in the large casting of the original mounting, has no maintaining power, and can not easily be fitted with one. The clock could in no case be wound during a photographic exposure, on account of the tremors attending the operation, but it would be somewhat more convenient to have the stars remain on the plate during the winding. With a little practice, however, one can wind the clock without actually stopping it, though the object must afterwards be brought back to its place by means of the slow motion in right ascension.