an easy matter for us
when a Diagram is laid down before us, to draw one in
resemblance of it, but it is a hard matter for young Tyroes
in Astronomy, when only the Elements for the projection is
laid down before him to draw his diagram with any degree of
Certainty.

"Says the Learned LEADBETTER, the projection, I shall here
describe, is that mentioned by Mr. Flamsted. When the sun is
in Cancer, Leo, Virgo, Libra, Scorpio or, Sagitary, the Axes
of the Globe must lie to the right hand of the Axes of the
Ecliptic, but when the sun is in Capricorn, Aquarius,
Pisces, Aries, Taurus, or Gemini, then to the left.

"Says the wise author FERGUSON, when the sun is in
Capercorn, Aquarius, Pisces, Aries, Taurus, and Gemeni, the
Northern half of the Earths Axes lies to the right hand of
the Axes of the Ecliptic and to the left hand, whilst the
Sun is on the other six signs.

"Now Mr. Ellicott, two such learned gentlemen as the above
mentioned, one in direct opposition to the other, stagnates
young beginners, but I hope the stagnation will not be of
long duration, for this I observe that Leadbetter counts the
time on the path of Vertex 1, 2, 3 &c. from the right to the
left hand or from the consequent to the antecedent,--But
Ferguson on the path of Vertex counts the time 1, 2, 3 &c.
from the left to the right hand, according to the order of
numbers, so that that is regular, shall compensate for
irregularity. Now sir if I can overcome this difficulty I
doubt not being able to calculate a Common Almanac--Sir no
more

"But remain your faithful friend,
"B. BANNEKER.

"Mr. GEORGE ELLICOTT, _Oct. 13th, 1789._"

His mother, an active, intelligent, slight-built Mulatto, with long
black hair, had exercised a tender but positive influence over him.
His character, so far as is known, was without blemish, with the
single exception of an occasional use of ardent spirits. He found
himself conforming too frequently to the universal habit of the times,
social drinking. Liquors and wines were upon the tables and sideboards
of the best families, and wherever Banneker went it confronted him. He
felt his weakness in this regard, and resolved to abstain from the use
of strong drink. Some time after returning from a visit to Washington,