_From_ W. E. PARKINSON, Esq.
11, WELLINGTON PARK TERRACE, BELFAST,
_July 7th, 1876_.
DEAR SIR,—The night before last was a clear night, and I got the
6-1/2 inch out, and though the air was not good when using a 3-1/4
inch refractor, I was much pleased with the performance of the
mirror.
Mr. W. came up about eleven o’clock and stayed till one; we got it
on Saturn, and although rather low it was really a fine sight—Mr. W.
was much pleased.
The moon being near to full we could not do much with faint points
of light.
Yours sincerely,
(_Signed_.)
Mr. G. CALVER.
* * * * *
_From_ F. G. LEMMAN, Esq.
74, HAGLEY ROAD, EDGBASTON,
_November 27th, 1876_.
DEAR SIR,—I have now got the 5 inch speculum fairly into adjustment,
and I am well pleased with it. Last night, the sky being clear for a
short time, I turned it on the moon; the definition of minute
craters was all that could be desired. I hope to have better
opportunities.
I am,
Yours truly,
(_Signed_.)
Mr. G. CALVER.
* * * * *
(_From the same Gentleman._)
74, HAGLEY ROAD, EDGBASTON,
_November 21st, 1876_.
DEAR SIR,—I have mounted the 5 inch speculum on a simple equatorial,
and it works well. I am sure it will turn out a fine glass, and I
shall not regret the time and pains I have spent over it. It is not
quite in adjustment yet, when it is it will afford me a treat. I
have just tried it once on the Orion Nebula and Trapezium, details
of Nebula well seen, and the 5th star in Trapezium easy.
I am,
Yours truly,
(_Signed_.)
* * * * *
_From_ D. C. CARMICHAEL, Esq.
DOWLAIS,
_December 27th, 1876_.
DEAR SIR,—I have thoroughly tested the speculum, and am pleased to
tell you it stood its trials well.
Yours truly,
(_Signed_.)
Mr. G. CALVER.
* * * * *
ST. DENIES, SOUTHAMPTON,
_August 14th, 1876_.
DEAR SIR,—With reference to your enquiry as to the performance of
the 6-1/2 inch reflector, I have pleasure in stating that I am
perfectly satisfied. It readily divides the test objects, and shows
delta Cygni with as low a power as 160. The comes to Sirius may be
considered an atmospheric test, perhaps, but I have repeatedly seen
it. Your stand I find very steady and convenient; altogether I can
fairly say that I consider that I have an instrument of considerable
power at a comparatively small cost. I now find the attempt to
observe with a refractor the reverse of pleasant.
The owner of a 3 inch refractor, after using my reflector, writes
that he envies me its power, ease, definition, and comfort in
observing.
I am, dear Sir,
Yours truly,
A. H. S.
* * * * *
_From_ W. L. LANCASTER, Esq.
25, HAMILTON TERRACE, ST. JOHN’S WOOD,
_May 26th, 1877_.
MY DEAR SIR,—I have much pleasure in informing you that the very
first time I saw Saturn through your 6-1/2 inch reflector, the
definition of the planet was far superior to anything I had observed
before, even with a good 4-1/4 inch refractor; and on another
occasion I was greatly pleased with the clear and easy view of the
“Comes” to ε Boötis. But even without including the stars, the views
of Saturn and Jupiter through my 6-1/2 inch mirror do _alone_ (in my
opinion) well repay the cost of the telescope.
Yours truly,
(_Signed_.)
Mr. G. CALVER.
* * * * *
From A. A. COMMON, Esq., F.R.A.S.
37, EATON RISE, EALING,
_February 13th, 1877_.
DEAR SIR,—I like the 18 inch speculum, and I think it as good as it
can be, and if the larger one is as good I shall be delighted with
it.[1] It gives beautiful star images; I see Sirius as a brilliant
dot, a glorious object without ray or flares of any kind. I never
saw it so well before.
Yours truly,
(_Signed_.)
Mr. G. CALVER.
Footnote:
[1] This alludes to the 37 inch, then under consideration; and I may
now add that Mr. Common is perfectly satisfied with it, and
“consider it a _very fine_ mirror.”
* * * * *
(_From the same Gentleman._)
37, EATON RISE, EALING,
_February 3rd, 1877_.
DEAR SIR,—I have tried the 18 inch speculum on some tests, and
especially the satellites of Uranus, and it appears fine, very fine.
What I have done in photography promises well.
Yours truly,
(_Signed_.)
Mr. G. CALVER.
* * * * *
_From_ J. L. LANCASTER, Esq.
SOUTHEND-ON-SEA,
_March 17th, 1877_.
MY DEAR SIR,—Circumstances have prevented me from making many
observations of late, but I am more confirmed in my opinion that my
telescope of your make is a very fine instrument (a 6-1/2 inch). I
heartily wish you success, which I feel sure you will obtain, as you
are so painstaking and turn out a thoroughly reliable article. I
shall be curious to compare my brother’s telescope with mine.
Sincerely yours,
(_Signed_.)
Mr. G. CALVER.
* * * * *
_From_ The REV. W. P. MATTHEWS.
GORLESTONE,
_March 30th, 1875_.
DEAR SIR,—You have asked me for my opinion of the 10 inch speculum.
I have tested it, and can speak in the highest terms of its
performance. Definition in good air is as near perfection as it is
possible to imagine. Such tests as ζ Cancri, γ^2 Andromedæ are well
divided. The 6th star in the Trapezium stands out well clear of its
brighter neighbour. On the moon any power may be applied, only
lessening the light, but retaining sharpness of outline. I have
tried a good many telescopes, but never yet saw these 10 inch
mirrors surpassed. The image of a star disc expanded on each side of
the focus is of as nearly the same appearance as possible.
Yours truly,
(_Signed_.)
* * * * *
416, BRIXTON ROAD,
_April 20th, 1875_.
DEAR SIR,—In compliance with your request, I send particulars of my
observation on φ Draconis. It was about 12.45 this morning when I
directed my 8-1/2 inch to this object, the air was very unsteady, in
fact not nearly so good as some nights lately, and I well divided it
with a power of 450. I then used a 6-1/2 inch stop, which I found
very much increased the steadiness of definition.
Yours very respectfully,
P. H.
* * * * *
_July 10th, 1874_.
DEAR SIR,—I tried the 6-1/4 inch mirror I had from you for the first
time last night. The night was not a good one for definition, but I
was very much pleased indeed with its performance.
Yours truly,
C. H. W.
* * * * *
_From_ H. SADLER, Esq., F.R.A.S.
HONITON RECTORY,
_December 23rd, 1874_.
DEAR SIR,—I have been wishing to tell you how pleased I am at the
performance of your mirror. Many thanks for your kind offer to
change the mirror if needful, but I think it could hardly be better
than it is, its performance on different double stars is most
excellent. I have examined nearly 100 of these since September with
the 6-1/2 inch, most of them very difficult, but the mirror came out
well under all tests. I send you a list of some of the objects I
have examined.
Yours truly,
H. SADLER.
* * * * *
π _Aquilæ._—Divided, power 80. 14-^m. Webb might have been rated
15-^m. [6-^m., 7-^m. 1″·5.]
A B C A-B A-C
δ _Aquilæ._—[3-1/2, 16, 14, 96″, 194″.] Comites easy, 3 other
excessively minute ones, not shown by the 11 inch refractor with
which P. Smyth measured B.C. Found 6-1/2 in. Sept. 12th, est.
± 17 mag. 100″ to 110″.
ζ _Persei._—My friend “Linea” sees two minute stars with 4·28 in.
Wray, not in Webb, and Wray himself sees an excessively difficult
companion. I see these 3 stars easily with 6-1/2 in. (Wray says his
companion is “very difficult with 7 in. refractor, really only a
glimpse star, even with the best atmosphere”), and have added two
more stars to the group.
β _Delphini._—Close double discovered by Burnham, est. 0″·7. In
contact 6-1/2 in., power 430.
η _Coronæ Borealis._—Very low, long past meridian, in contact 164
power.
_a_ _b_ _c_ _n_
β _Equalei._—[5-1/2, 13, 14, 16: _a-b_ 35″, _a-c_ 50″ _b_-B 3″.]
16-^m. not seen, Webb 9-1/3 in. Just divided 164, easy 430 power.
Two other companions (not seen by Smyth or Webb?)
μ _Andromedæ._—The 16-^m. comes, a very difficult test, easy; other
comites (not seen by Smyth or Webb?) seen.
Companion to Vega pretty easy, Nov. 12th, 37m. after sunset.
_a_ _b_ _c_ B _a-b_ _b_-B _a-c_
_P._ 178 xx. _Delphini._—[7-1/2, 8, 16, 9: 14″·3, 0″.7, 20″.]
Smyth 16 by evanescent glimpses; easy 164 power, 6-1/2 in. 8-^m.
well elongated in direction of 230°, power 430.
* * * * *
_From_ H. BLYTH, Esq.
REGENT ROAD, GREAT YARMOUTH,
_October 24th, 1874_.
DEAR SIR,—Doubtless you have anticipated hearing from me, relative
to the 10 inch telescope, but the weather has been so indifferent
for delicate astronomical work, that it has not yet had a fair
trial.
In middling good air, when I could use a reduced aperture with
satisfactory results, the star images reminded me of the 6-1/2 inch,
which I considered so superb a mirror that nothing could surpass its
fine performance either on stars or planets.
With the recollections of the truly splendid views I had of Jupiter
last season, I count much to see him with the 10 inch.
Yours truly,
(_Signed_.)
* * * * *
_From_ T. AYERS, Esq.
REGENT ROAD, GREAT YARMOUTH,
_February 2nd, 1875_.
DEAR SIR,—In reply to yours, I have not had a really good night to
test severely the defining powers of the 10 inch mirror, but judging
from the few difficult objects I have seen, the mirror promises
well, and I have no doubt of its excellence.
I had a fine view of the grand nebula in Orionis, and noticed that
the 5th and 6th stars were quite plainly seen, when the aperture was
reduced to 5-1/2 inches. I consider your stand a great improvement,
being very convenient and steady.
Yours truly,
(_Signed_.)
* * * * *
_From_ THE REV. A. P. ARNOTT.
AM STREET, EDINBURGH,
8-1/2″ ALT. AZIMUTH. _February 25th, 1878_.
DEAR SIR,—I have found no difficulty in putting up the instrument,
and the adjustments do not appear to be hard to manage. It is a very
beautiful instrument, and the case with which its movements are made
is extraordinary.
I am, dear Sir,
Yours faithfully,
(_Signed_.)
Mr. G. CALVER.
* * * * *
_From_ J. SLATER, Esq.
TOWN HALL SQUARE, BOLTON,
_September, 1877_.
DEAR SIR,—Last night, through a break in the clouds, I managed to
get my first look with the telescope (an 8-1/2″). I turned it on
delta Cygni. The definition was rather fluttering, but a 6-1/2 in.
stop enabled me to see it well with 170; the first time I have ever
divided this star[2] the colour was obvious. I then tried Pi Aquilæ,
which was beautifully divided. I am much pleased with the instrument
and its performance, and when I do get a fine night I expect great
things from my 8-1/2 in.
Yours truly,
(_Signed_.)
Mr. G. CALVER.
Footnote:
[2] The observer had used an 8-1/2″ reflector, however, for some
years.
* * * * *
(_Another Letter from the same Gentleman._)
BOLTON,
_December, 1877_.
DEAR SIR,—As to the adjustments of the 8-1/2 in., I have had very
little trouble, and I have tried it again on a few objects, a few
nights ago, and with a 7 in. stop, and a power of 300, I split Zeta
Cancri and the close double _sf_ Castor; with the full aperture they
were very easy. I have also split Gamma Andromedæ with 7 in. stop,
and on a very fine night. I believe 6-1/2 in. would do it.
I just got a look, on November 7th, at the shadow of Titan, on
Saturn’s disc; but was driven inside before I could observe the time
of its passing the centre. I have seen the Moon on two occasions
with the finest definition I ever saw. Altogether I am highly
pleased and proud of my telescope. I have not yet tried many faint
objects; still I saw the Crab nebula in Taurus much nearer Lord
Rosse’s drawings than Herschel’s, as given by Chambers.
I am, dear Sir,
Yours truly,
(_Signed_.)
Mr. G. CALVER.
* * * * *
_From_ G. BILLINGTON, Esq.
WELLWICK, WENDOVER,
_July 19th_.
DEAR SIR,—I am perfectly satisfied with the mirror, a 6-1/2 in., now
that I have tried it with _your_ flat, and I have no difficulty in
seeing star disks when the air is good.
I am, dear Sir,
Yours truly,
(_Signed_.)
Mr. G. CALVER.
* * * * *
_From_ THE REV. S. TOMLINSON.