In observing _Comets_, a very small power should generally be used, even on large instruments. These bodies possess so small a quantity of light, and they are so frequently enveloped in a veil of dense atmosphere, that _magnifying_ power sometimes renders them more obscure; and therefore the _illuminating_ power of a large telescope, with a small power, is in all cases to be preferred. A comet eye-piece should be constructed with a very large and uniformly distinct field, and should magnify only from 15 to 30 or 40 times, and the lenses of such an eye-tube should be nearly two inches in diameter. The late Rev. F. Wollaston recommended for observing comets, ‘a telescope with an achromatic object-glass of 16 inches focal length, and 2 inches aperture, with a Ramsden’s eye-glass magnifying about 25 times, mounted on a very firm equatorial stand, the field of view taking in 2 degrees of a great circle.’ In viewing the _moon_, various powers may be applied according to circumstances. The best periods of the moon for inspecting the inequalities on its surface, are either when it assumes a crescent or a half-moon phase, or two or three days after the period of half-moon. Several days after full-moon, and particularly about the third quarter, when this orb is waning, and when the shadows of its mountains and vales are thrown in a different direction from what they are when on the increase,--the most prominent and interesting views may be obtained. The most convenient season for obtaining such views is during the autumnal months, when the moon, about the third quarter, sometimes rises as early as 8 o’clock P.M., and may be viewed at a considerably high altitude by ten or eleven. When in the positions now alluded to, and at a high altitude, very high magnifying powers may sometimes be applied with good effect, especially if the atmosphere be clear and serene. I have sometimes applied a power, in such cases, of 350 times, on a 46-inch achromatic, with considerable distinctness; but it is only two or three times in a year, and when the atmosphere is remarkably favourable, that such a power can be used. The autumnal evenings are generally best fitted for such observations. The _full moon_ is an object which is never seen to advantage with high powers, as no shadows or inequalities on its surface can then be perceived. It forms, however, a very beautiful object, when magnifying powers not higher than 40, 50, or 60 times are used. A power of 45 times, if properly constructed, will show the _whole of the moon_ with a margin around it, when the darker and brighter parts of its surface will present a variegated aspect, and appear somewhat like a map to the eye of the observer. 4. _Mode of exhibiting the Solar spots._