The interest centred in the conjunction of Sept. 20, 1889, was enhanced by the fact that Regulus was only 47′ distant, while Venus was also in the same region. I observed this phenomenon in my 10-inch reflector, and with the help of a comet-eyepiece made the above sketch of the positions of the objects as they were presented in the field. [Illustration: Fig. 46. Mars, Saturn, and Regulus in same field, Sept. 20 1889, 4^h 45^m A.M.] Perhaps there is not much scientific importance attached to the observation of these conjunctions, though comparisons of colour and surface-brilliancy are feasible at such epochs, and are not wholly without value. As spectacles merely, they possess a high degree of interest to everyone who “considers the heavens.” CHAPTER XIV. _COMETS AND COMET-SEEKING._ Ideas concerning Comets.—Appearance.—Large number visible.—Nature of Apparition.—Tenuity of Comets.—Differences of Orbit.—Discoveries of Comets.—Large Comets.—Periodical Comets.—The Comets of Halley, Encke, Biela, Brorsen, Faye, D’Arrest, Pons-Winnecke, and Tuttle.—Grouping.—Further Observations required.—Nomenclature of Comets.—Curiosities of Comets.—Naked-eye Comets.—Comet-seeking.—English weather.—Aperture and Power required.—Annual rate of Discovery.—Telescopic Comets and Nebulæ.—Ascertaining Positions.—Dr. Doberck’s hints.—Prizes. Superstitious ideas with regard to comets as the harbingers of disaster have long since been discarded for more rational opinions. They are no longer looked upon as ill-omened presages of evil, or as “From Saturnius sent, To fright the nations with a dire portent.” Many references are to be found among old writings to the supposed evil influence of these bodies, and to the dread which their appearance formerly incited in the popular mind. Shakespeare makes an allusion to the common belief:— “Hung be the heavens with black, yield day to night! Comets, importing change of time and states, Brandish your crystal tresses in the sky;” and in relation to the habit of connecting historical events with their apparition, he further says:— “When beggars die, there are no comets seen; The heavens themselves blaze forth the death of princes.”