II. Account of the great Melbourne telescope from April 1868 to its commencement of operations in Australia in 1869

Abstract

A description of the great Melbourne reflector, and its history, up to the time of inspection by the Committee, have been communicated to the Royal Society; the following additional account of the doings connected therewith since the instrument was consigned to my care may be of interest to the Society. Mr. Grubb commenced taking down the telescope at the end of April 1868 ; this was accomplished in no great length of time, and without any difficulty. The specula (by the advice of Mr. Lassell, who had found this method answer perfectly) were coated over with shellac varnish to prevent oxidation on the voyage o u t; they were then protected in their cells and on their lever supports by strong double wood casings, and the other parts of the telescope and machinery cased or otherwise protected. To only casualty which there seemed to be any reason to fear .could give to any serious consequences was a tilting over of the speculum cases, their great weight was, perhaps, a sufficient guarantee from such an event§ it was nevertheless thought prudent that the telescope, and machinery genrally, should not be left entirely to the tender mercies of the shipping and crane labourers ; I was therefore present at the shipping in Dublin board a steam-tug hired for the purpose, and at the transshipment in Liverpool, on board the * Empress of the Seas.’