The outer, middle and inner rings, with their various subdivisions, are clearly shown in Plate X., and are best seen on the so-called _ansæ_, or handles, projecting on either side. The gray _outer ring_ is separated by the dusky pencil line into two divisions, both of which appear slightly mottled on the ansæ, as if with clouds. The _middle ring_ has three sub-divisions which are clearly distinguishable, although separated by no dark interval, viz., a brilliant white outer zone, distinctly mottled, as seen on the extremities of the ansæ, and two interior zones of gradually diminishing brightness. The _gauze_ or _dusky ring_ is seen at its full width on the ansæ, but on the background of the strongly illuminated globe only its outer and presumably denser border is visible. The shadow of the globe on the rings is seen on the lower portion of the eastern ansæ. The shadow on the dusky ring is with difficulty perceptible; the shadow on the middle ring is slightly concave toward the planet, which concavity is abruptly increased on the outer zone of this ring; while the shadow on the outer ring slants away from the globe. These appearances are fully accounted for by supposing a general increase of level from the inner edge of the dusky ring to the outer margin of the middle ring, and a uniform lower level on the outer ring. Other observers have regarded the deflection of the shadow as an effect of irradiation. The inner margin of the double outer ring presents on both ansæ a number of slight indentations, which, if not actual irregularities in the contour of this ring, may be explained as shadows caused by elevations on the outer border of the middle ring, or possibly by over-hanging clouds. _Approximate scale, 6,500 miles--1 inch._ PLATE XI.--THE GREAT COMET OF 1881. _Observed on the night of June_ 25-26, _at 1h. 30m. A. M._ A view of the comet 1881, III., drawn as if seen with the naked eye, the minute details, however, being reproduced as seen with the telescope. The star-like _nucleus_ is attended by four conical wings which cause it to appear diamond-shaped. The _coma_ appears double, the brilliant inner coma, immediately enveloping the nucleus, being surrounded by a fainter exterior coma, which has a noticeable depression corresponding to that of the inner edge of the principal coma. The tail is divided lengthwise by a dark rift and is brightest on its convex or forward side. An inner portion of the tail, brighter than the rest, is more strongly curved, as if by solar repulsion. Stars are seen through the brighter parts of the tail, as they may be seen even through the coma and nucleus, with little diminution of their light. PLATE XII.--THE NOVEMBER METEORS. _As observed on the night of November_ 13-14, 1868.