"In April, 1878, a large meteor was observed in broad daylight,
passing from south to north, and falling it was supposed, about
twenty miles south of Ballater. Mr. A. S. Herschel, Professor of
Physics in the College of Science, 'Newcastle-on-Tyne, published
a letter in The Scotsmam, intimating his desire to be informed of
the particulars of the meteor's flight by those who had seen it.
As I was one of those who had observed the splendid meteor flash
northwards almost under the face of the bright sun (at 10.25
A.M), I sent the Professor a full account of what I had seen, for
which he professed his strong obligations. This led to a very
pleasant correspondence with Professor Herschel. After this, I
devoted considerable attention to meteors, and sent many
contributions to 'The Observatory' on the subject.[4]
"You ask me what are the hours at which I make my observations?
I am due at the railway station at six in the morning, and I
leave at six in the evening; but I have two hours during the day
for meals and rest. Sometimes I get a glance at the heavens in
the winter mornings when the sky is clear, hunting for comets.
My observations on the sun are usually made twice a day during my
meal hours, or in the early morning or late at evening in summer,
while the sun is visible. Yes, you are right; I try and make the
best use of my time. It is much too short for all that I propose
to do.
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