Page:Madras Journal of Literature and Science, series 1, volume 6 (1837).djvu/73

1837.] tions by reflection from quicksilver in the manner now practised at Greenwich. These two instruments are ordered respectively from Mr. William Simms, and Mr. Thomas Jones, with the same instructions as to perfection as those given to Mr. Dollond for the transit instrument.

5th. A clock, exactly similar to the transit clock, to be placed in a corresponding recess on the opposite side of the same pillar.

6th. An altitude and azimuth instrument, having 18 inch, and 15 inch circles, with three micrometrical microscopes to each, made by Mr. Simms, to be placed on the Up of the granite pillar above the middle room, and under the revolving dome No. 1. This instrument having been ordered by me, for my own use, about two years ago, has just arrived at Madras, and is now on its way to me by land.

7th and 8th. Two powerful telescopes, one of the refracting and the other of the reflecting kind, with micrometers and all appurtenances for observations on the double stars, &e. to be placed under the revolving domes Nos. 2 and 3.

Besides these principal instruments, the Observatory will be completely furnished with meteorological, magnetic, and pendulum, instruments and apparatus; and the assistance afforded by His Highness in the observing and computing departments, is as complete and liberal as every other part of the establishment.

I may here mention that until these instruments are received from England, observations will be carried on with small but very excellent ones of my own—consisting of the altitude and azimuth circle above mentioned—a thirty inches transit instrument—an equatorial, by Troughton and Simms—a forty-six inches refracting telescope—chronometers—reflecting circle, &c. &c.

I also take this opportunity of announcing that a system of hourly observations throughout the day and night, of the thermometer, barometer, and hygrometer, has already been commenced at this observatory, the result of which will be duly made public: and this, as supplying an important desideratum in the science of meteorology, will doubtless be received by all cultivators of that branch of physics, with the consideration and gratitude which the present Rajah of Travancore will by it eminently entitle himself to.

The Trevandrum Observatory stands on an insulated hill, about sixty feet high, and 195¾ feet above the level of the sea (as ascertained by levelling), from which it is distant, in a straight line, about two miles. It commands an extensive and beautiful view of an undulating and finely variegated country towards the north, the east, and the south—and (overlooking the declivity towards the sea and its fringe of cocoa-