mber--were thrilled with the announcement in its columns of certain
"Great Astronomical Discoveries Lately Made by Sir John Herschel, LL.D.,
F.R.S. etc., at the Cape of Good Hope," purporting to be a republication
from a Supplement to the Edinburgh Journal of Science. The heading of
the article was striking enough, yet was far from conveying any adequate
idea of its contents. When the latter became known, the excitement went
beyond all bounds, and grew until the "Sun" office was positively
besieged with crowds of people of the very first class, vehemently
applying for copies of the issue containing the wonderful details.

As the pamphlet form in which the narrative was subsequently published
is now out of print, and a copy can hardly be had in the country, I will
recall a few passages from a rare edition, for the gratification of my
friends who have never seen the original. Indeed, the whole story is
altogether too good to be lost; and it is a great pity that we can not
have a handsome reprint of it given to the world from time to time. It
is constantly in demand; and, during the year 1859, a single copy of
sixty pages, sold at the auction of Mr. Haswell's library, brought the
sum of $3,75. In that same year, a correspondent, in Wisconsin, writing
to the "Sunday Times" of this city, inquired where the book could be
procured, and was answered that he could find it at the old bookstore,
No. 85 Centre Street, if anywhere. Thus, after a search of many weeks,
the Western bibliopole succeeded in obtaining a well-thumbed specimen of
the precious work. Acting upon this chance suggestion, Mr. William
Gowans, of this city, during the same year, brought out a very neat
edition, in paper covers, illustrated with a view of the moon, as seen
through Lord Rosse's grand telescope, in 1856. But this, too, has all
been sold; and the most indefatigable book-collector might find it
difficult to purchase a single copy at the present time. I, therefore,
render the inquiring reader no slight service in culling for him some
of the flowers from this curious astronomical garden.

The opening of the narrative was in the highest Review style; and the
majestic, yet subdued, dignity of its periods, at once claimed
respectful attention; while its perfect candor, and its wealth of
accurate scientific detail exacted the homage of belief from all but
cross-grained and inexorable skeptics.

It commences thus:

"In this unusual addition to our Jou