But I would not have it to be supposed that the Great Nebula in Orion is unique, unless in respect to its convenient position. The circumstances of its situation in space happen to make it a comparatively easy object for observation by dwellers on the earth. There are, however, very many other nebulæ, although, with one exception—namely, the Great Nebula in Andromeda, to which we shall have to refer in a later chapter—they do not from our point of observation appear to be so brilliant as the nebula in Orion. The fact is that by large and powerful telescopes multitudes of these nebulæ are revealed, and the number ever tends to increase as greater depths in space are sounded. Many of the nebulæ are objects which possess sufficient detail to merit the particular attention which they receive from astronomers. It must, however, be confessed that by far the greater number of these objects are so dimly discerned that it is impossible to study their individual characteristics. Among the nebulæ which possess sufficient individuality to merit study for our present purpose, I must mention the so-called Dumb-bell. This most interesting object can be seen in any good telescope. It requires, however, as indeed do all such objects, an instrument of the highest power to do it justice; in these modern days, however, the eye observation of nebulæ through great telescopes has been superseded by the employment of the photographic plate. I may take this opportunity of mentioning that a photograph really shows more details in the nebula than can be perceived even by the most experienced eye when applied to the most powerful telescope placed in the most favoured situation as to climate. Those lovers of nature who desire to observe celestial objects through a great telescope, and have not the opportunity of gratifying their wishes, may perhaps derive consolation from the fact that a good photograph actually represents the object much better than any eye can see it. More of the nebula is to be seen by looking at the photograph than has actually been directly observed by any astronomer. We have chosen the Dumb-bell (Fig. 7) and the Great Nebula in Orion as characteristic examples of this remarkable class of celestial objects; but there are many others to which I might refer, some of which we represent in these pages. The Crab Nebula (Fig. 3) and others have been distinguished by special names; but I must forbear to dwell further on them, and rather hasten to give the results of recent observations which have enormously extended our knowledge of the nebulous bodies in the universe.