nuscript. I am in correspondence with the
Commission which is entrusted with the arrangements for observation of
the Transit of 1882.--The Numerical Lunar Theory has been much
interrupted by the pressure of the Transit of Venus work and other
business."--In his Report to the Board of Visitors (his 46th and
last), Airy remarks that it would be a fitting opportunity for the
expression of his views on the general objects of the Observatory, and
on the duties which they impose on all who are actively concerned in
its conduct. And this he proceeds to do in very considerable
detail.--On May 5th he wrote to Lord Northbrook (First Lord of the
Admiralty) and to Mr Gladstone to resign his post of Astronomer
Royal. From time to time he was engaged on the subject of a house for
his future residence, and finally took a lease of the White House at
the top of Croom's Hill, just outside one of the gates of Greenwich
Park. On the 15th of August he formally resigned his office to Mr
W.H.M. Christie, who had been appointed to succeed him as Astronomer
Royal, and removed to the White House on the next day, August 16th.

His holiday movements in the portion of the year up to August 16th
consisted in his winter visit to Playford, from which he returned on
Jan. 24th: and a subsequent visit to Playford from June 7th to 18th.

* * * * *

The following correspondence relating to Airy's retirement from office
testifies in a remarkable manner to the estimation in which his
services were held, and to the good feeling which subsisted between
him and his official superiors.

10, DOWNING STREET, WHITEHALL,
_June 6, 1881_.

DEAR SIR GEORGE AIRY,

I cannot receive the announcement of your resignation, which you have
just conveyed to me, without expressing my strong sense of the
distinction you have conferred upon the office of Astronomer Royal,
and of the difficulty of supplying your place with a person of equal
eminence. Let me add the expression of my best wishes for the full
enjoyment of your retirement from responsibility.

I remain, dear Sir George Airy,
Faithfully yours,
W.E. GLADSTONE.

* * * * *

ADMIRALTY,
_June 10th, 1881_.

SIR,

I am c