The announcement of a new comet is always read with avidity by amateurs, and their first desire is to see it for themselves. This they may readily do by marking its place on a star-map or globe, and noting its relative place amongst the stars near. The telescope should then be directed towards the point indicated, and if the comet is not presented in the field, the instrument should be moved a little so that the surrounding region may be examined. If failure still attends the effort, the observer should point the telescope a few degrees E. or W. of the suspected point, and then carefully sweep over the place of the comet. It will then be picked up, unless it is too faint for his aperture. The first announcement of a comet generally gives the position at discovery, and the daily rate and direction of motion. The latter must of course be allowed for when the search is instituted. The physical aspects of comets are as diversified as they are variable. No two comets are exactly alike, nor does the same comet exhibit a permanency of detail. Of course, when these objects are enormously distant, and barely visible, many of them appear to present similar characteristics; but under the closer and more expanded views obtainable near perihelion the resemblance vanishes, and every comet is seen to possess features peculiar to itself. To trace these features, and to record them by delineation and description, forms one of the most interesting branches in which amateurs may engage. Much has been learnt of previous comets by successively noting their transitions of form and brightness, and the same scrupulous attention should be given to future comets. The tails of comets are not always turned away from the Sun. Indeed, the contrary effect is sometimes produced. Occasionally there is a duple tail, the largest branch of which follows the normal direction, while the other is turned towards the Sun. Forms of this character require close watching from night to night. Is the sunward tail developed suddenly? and has it a fairly durable existence? Instances of singular curvature should also be noted. The tails are seldom perfectly straight, especially those attached to naked-eye comets, and decided changes affect their visible outlines at very short intervals. In large comets the space over which the tail extends should be sketched upon a star-map on successive evenings; its changes of position and curve will then be manifested by comparisons, and its increasing or decreasing length will also be apparent. Dark rifts, like shadows, often run lengthwise through the tail, and occasion a fan-like appearance analogous to that which distinguished the great comet of 1744 and gave it a sextuple tail.