edge of A, thus affording unmistakable confirmation of the satellite theory of the rings. Keeler's results have since been confirmed by Campbell and others; and it may be regarded as a demonstrated fact that the rings, as already stated, consist of a vast number of small satellites. It has been maintained that the ball of Saturn is eccentrically placed within the ring, and further, that this eccentricity is essential to the stability of the system; while the suggestion has also been made that the ring-system is undergoing progressive change, and that the interval between it and the ball is lessening. It has to be noticed, however, that the best measures, those of Barnard, indicate that the ball is symmetrically placed within the rings; and the suggestion of a diminishing interval between the ring-system and the ball receives no countenance from comparison of the measures which have been made at different times. There can be no question that of all objects presented to observation in the solar system, there is not one, which, for mere beauty and symmetry can be for a moment compared with Saturn, even though, as already indicated, Mars and Jupiter present features of more lasting interest. To quote Proctor's words: 'The golden disc, faintly striped with silver-tinted belts; the circling rings, with their various shades of brilliancy and colour; and the perfect symmetry of the system as it sweeps across the dark background of the field of view, combine to form a picture as charming as it is sublime and impressive.' Fortunately the main features of this beautiful picture are within the reach of very humble instruments. Webb states that when the ring system was at its greatest breadth he has seen it with a power of about twenty on only 1-1/3-inch aperture. A beginner cannot expect to do so much with such small means; but at all events a 2-inch telescope with powers of from 50 to 100 will reveal the main outlines of the ring very well indeed, and, with careful attention will show the shadow of the ring upon the ball, and that of the ball upon the ring. When we come to the question of the division in the ring, we are on somewhat more doubtful ground. Proctor affirms that 'the division in the ring (Cassini's) can be seen in a good 2-inch aperture in favourable weather.' One would have felt inclined to say that the weather would require to be very favourable indeed, were it not that Proctor's statement is corroborated by Denning, who remarks that 'With a 2-inch refractor, power about ninety, not only are the rings splendidly visible, but Cassini's division is readily glimpsed, as well as the narrow dark belt on the body of the planet.' The student may, however, be warned against expecting that such statements will apply to his own individual efforts. There are comparatively few observers whose eyes have had such systematic training as to qualify them for work like this, and those who begin by expecting to see all