SPLENDID ASTRONOMICAL INSTRUMENT.
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The great Refraction Circle, ordered for the Ma
uonal observatory some two years ago from the
Messrs. Erel, Of Munich, has arrived. 1t came in
eight large boxes and is one of the most splendid
lnstruments-not to be used as an equatorial--in
the world. 1t has an obect-glass of seven inches,
with focal distance of one hundred and eight. 1t
has two circles OF four feet each, with twelve read
ing microscopes. 1t is constructed that it is its
own comator; and its eye-pieces, Of the highest
power, are collimatng eye-pieces. 1t has COLI
mator, also, through the axis of rotation. II has
the advantage of reversing readily between two
plers instead of at the side of them-a most mpor-
tant point. Yet so perfect is the machinery for
reversing the instrument that the immense weight
more than two thousand pounds-can be raised
with the little finger In all its parts it bears the
marks OF the most exquisite workmanship. Ii was
made, to the mnuest parts, after plans and draw
ings furnished by Lieut.. MAuRY, Superintendent Of
the National Observatory and is pronounced by
the makers to be the best and most perfect nsiru-
ment that has ever come from their hands. 1t is
for the purpose, among other things, of investigat
ing some of the most interesting and delicate pro-
blems in practical astronomy, viz. paraax of the
fixed stars atmospherica refractions, and the effect
of the moon upon the plumb-lne. We understand
the duties upon it amounted to upwards of $1,000.


Union


ihoio 10 haiuiy aii li'ciiiSeh' oi''Loh III '''o
whole country, we presume, who would not read
the above paragraph with pleasure, and feel glad
that his Government is paying that regard to the
cultivation and advancement of science which is
due to the character of great and enlightened ma
ton. But what will strike some of our elder read
ers is the complacency with which the editor of the
Union announces the importation of this great In
strument for a (" National ObserUatory." Where,
0 pink of consistency slept the holy horror with
which thou vert stricken by the recommendation
of President ADAMS for the establishment of a Ma
tional Observatory! That was monstrous pro-
position to subvert the Constitution and was assail-
ed with all the ferceness Of outraged patriotism.
Now the same thing is by the same lips lauded to
the echo