In the meantime the clear air of St Andrews was daily suggesting to him how desirable a place it was in which to teach Astronomy. At night, when he walked over the links, the stars were so clear above him, and the hills so inconsiderable on the horizon, that he felt that nowhere in Scotland was there a site more suitable for an observatory. His idea was cordially agreed to by the University, and sufficient money had been collected by 1673 to admit of the authorities commencing their arrangements. Accordingly Gregorie was commissioned to proceed to the selection of the instruments needed for the carrying out of his plan. * * * * * ‘Commission, University of St Andrews, to Mr James Gregorie, Professor of Mathematics. ‘_10th June 1673._ ‘Be it knowen to all men be these presents, Us, Rector, Principals, Doctors, and Professors of the University of St Andrews, under subscribing: For as much as we have formerly taken to our serious consideration the great detriment and losse this ancient seminary hath been at in times past, and doeth yet sustain by the want of such proper and necessary instruments and utensils as may serve and conduce for the better, more solemn and famous profession, teaching and improving of Naturall Philosophy and the mathematical sciences, and especially for making such observation on the Heavens and other bodys of this Universe (as easily may be by such helps, with the great advantage of the pure air and other accommodation of this place) whereby we may be enabled to keep correspondence with learned and inquisitive persones in solide philosophy everywhere, for the forsaid effect: And having purposed (to be forthcoming to our duty and the encouragement of others) to set as effectually as may be about this laudable and necessary work, for providing the forsaids instruments of all kynds, ane observatory, and all other accoutrements requisite for the improvement of the forsaid sciences, the benefite, advantage and delight of youth to be trained up here, the honour of the Kingdom, the reputation of our benefactors, and the lustre and splendour of the University: Did therefore commissionat some of our number to make application unto all persons, whom they knew to be encouragers of learning, and patrons to the professors thereof, representing unto them that we were instantly upon the effectuating of the forsaid designe, And to that end to crave their affections and such other encouragements for the said work as they please to bestow; And to report to us their diligence therein, with the names of our benefactors, to the effect this University may record them, and endeavour to make such respectfull resentments to them and their posterity, as becomes: giving them power to do every other thing proper and requisit in the said affair; They being always answerable and accountable to us anent the premises.