Castor, (γ) Leonis, (γ) Virginis. The author has therefore arranged the doubles to be noted, so that those most worthy of observation come first in the column assigned to them.
The chapter on the moon is arranged according to the same idea as the matter on the double stars, conciseness and brevity being especially aimed at. The pleasures of sclenography are so fascinating, that the author feels assured that the student will add to the brief outline here given by collateral reading. Only the principal objects of interest are mentioned in the text accompanying each successive view of the moon. The observer will note a wealth of detail in every peep he takes at the moon that will add greatly to his pleasure.
In a word, then, the raison d'être of the book is convenience of arrangement. The author has found by experience that what the student most needs when he is observing with the telescope, is a page to glance at that will serve as a guide to the object he desires to view, and which affords concise data relative to that object. The diagrams therefore direct the student's vision, and the subject matter affords the necessary information in each case.
The fact that there are so few telescopes in use, comparatively speaking, in a great measure accounts for the little interest in astronomy taken by the public. If these pages serve to awaken the slightest interest in the fascinating study of the heavens, the author will feel amply repaid.
