The Portland daily press., 1866-02-14
An Astronomical Observatory in Maine.

An Astronomical Observatory in Maine.
IF the absence of everything answering the
purpose of an astronomical station of the first
order in all its appointments within our State
implies that in intellectual culture it holds but
a subordinate rank, we believe the substantial
interests of its citizens would be promoted by
giving it a rank of higher grade.
Argument going to show the Importance
of astronomical science is here quite out of
place, since full admission of its pre-eminent
Importance is found in the circumstance that
the elements of the science form an essential
part of the course of study in our system Of
public instruction. g TO
If we are thanklessly appropriating to our
own use the results of science no part of
which proceeds from our own cost and labor
in original and independent observations, we
can hardly escape the effects of the inference
that if through our neglect or inability to
make original contributions to branch of
knowledge as yet only partially developed, our
public instructors must therein be, in some
degree, superficial. 15 ti6or4 III
The number of objects throughout the
depths Of celestial space presented for the
study of astronomers, is literally infinitely
great, yet the number engaged in this stupen-
dous work is, in comparison, Infinitely small.
In the eastern hemisphere, where for the most
part no general system of public instruction is
provided, eighteen grand observatories, super
ipfopdad bxyo rroof fans, cn;apoo- ara
munifcently sustained, and in this western,
the District of Columbia, Pennsylvania, Ohio
and Massachusetts have each an astronomical
station, and New York two,-and these TWEEN
ty-four are all the principal ones, we believe,
in both. 800
Maine possesses equal advantages, geograph-
ically, for conducting celestial observations
with the other States of the Union, unless
those on the Pacific coast at some seasons of
the year should be excepted, and even superb
or to some of the stations in the eastern hem
isphere. % '.''''i 1854. ~ -f 't' y s'et2 vel
The number of superior scholars in the va
rious departments of learning who have en-
nobled their native Commonwealth of Maine
at every period of its history, is an assurance
that within the borders of our State may be
found those who, if provided with the needful
instruments from the hand Of the best mech
anicians, would take high rank in this grand
science. And an assurance of ability for the
execution of such work is afforded in the
profuse abundance of the elements of materi-
al wealth all around us, and the vigorous and
continuous application of appropriate instru-
menta lities to increase their produetiveness.
A work of this kind, worthy in every re-
spect the character Of our State, instructing
us how to sow as well as to reap in the inn
measurable field Of science, is not only in per-
feet harmony with all the better and nobler
interests of our people, but all these varied in
terests need and invite its cooperation.
And it must be fresh in the remembrance of
every one that we have pledged ourselves in
written instrument, formally executed, to es-
tablish educational institutions within our
State as the circumstances of the people may
authorize. But none Of these institutions
thus far established are prepared to impart in
struction, in its due import, in branch of
knowledge beyond all others requiring high
and varied attachments for its successful pros
ecution. ...F 1873
On the 9th of December, 1874, will occur
celestial phenomenon, recurring only at the
long intervals of more than century,-regard-
ing this with the other soon following as only
one,-upon the exact observation of which
some parts of astronomy can alone be verif-
ed, and many accomplished observers, over al
most every part of the earth's surface, viii be
needed with suitable instruments to note with
the utmost accuracy its continually changing
phases. Ill, a.. t,., .t. i
But the illimitable regions of space at all
times present an innumerable multitude of OBJ
jects increasing in intensity of interest as the
work of improving the power and refnements
OF instruments progresses, and as the observ-
ers themselves findbe methods for adyanc-
ing, cautiously yet steadily, the outposts along
their vast field of operations.
Of the numerous subjects now undergoing
scrutiny and discussion by astronomers, it is
not even an easy work to select those having
the highest claims to attention, and quite inn
possible to say what grand results may not
still attend the continuance of these labors.
In the prosecution of this study the human
intellect has exhibited its highest power, and
richly has it been rewarded .tf
Though the study and the term by which it
is expressed are of high antiquity, almost all
that is of chief value has been the work of
comparatively recent times, and of those, too,
whose ancestors were known only as rude,
umlettered barbarians. ~ hD3't .'11
If we will but give this subject the atten-
ton it deserves, if we will but look upon it, to
borrow an expressive phrase from the great
work OF Copemicus, dmbo6us ocatxs. our peo-
pie may have the rare privilege of doing what
Wliibe no less creditable to their intelligence
than serviceable to the cause of science. o.
The charming assembIage of our lake, river.
forest, valley and mountain scenery, its varied
beauty through the successive changes of the
seasons of the year, the ever attractive view
of the ocean in its alienation of disturbance
and repose, the garniture of its extended
shore in islands grouped and diversified in
multitudinous forms of the picturesque. are
all efficient elements of genial and enrolling
influences, the Introductory lesson of our
childhood to the study of the infinitude of
natures grand Celebrations. !" B. ID. B.
ia, ., .. Mr.. Bancroft's Grafton.
The special dispatch to the Boston Post says
the grafton Of Mr.. Bancroft in commemora-