ast gale, the summer
torment of this harbour, has occurred. This is a thing almost
unheard of here, and has indeed been most fortunate, since
otherwise it is not at all unlikely that some of the boats,
laden as they were to the water's edge, might have been lost,
and the whole business crippled.

[Footnote 1: Herschel married a Miss Stewart in February 1826.]

"For the last two or three days we have been looking at houses,
and have all but agreed for one--a most beautiful place within
four or five miles out of town, called 'The Grove.' In point of
situation it is a perfect paradise, in rich and magnificent
mountain-scenery, and sheltered from all winds, even the fierce
south-easter, by thick surrounding woods. I must reserve for my
next all description of the gorgeous display of flowers which
adorns this splendid country, as well as of the astonishing
brilliancy of the constellations, which the calm, clear nights
show off to great advantage."

Mr. Herschel settled at Feldhausen, about 142 feet above the sea, and in
long. 22 deg. 46' 9".11 E., and lat. 33 deg. 58' 26".59 S. Here he entered upon
his great series of observations of the southern heavens, which he
continued with unwearied ardour for a period of four years. The results
were afterwards published, at the cost of the Duke of Northumberland, in
a work entitled "Results of Astronomical Observations made in
1834-35-36-37-38, at the Cape of Good Hope." In this superb work, which
placed its author on an equality with the most brilliant and illustrious
astronomers, he defined and described 4015 of the nebulae and
star-groups in the southern hemisphere, and 2995 of the double stars;
besides entering into a variety of valuable particulars relative to
Halley's comet, the solar spots, the satellites of Saturn, and the
measurement of the apparent magnitude of stars.

On his return to England (in 1838) the astronomer received a noble
welcome. Honours poured in upon him. The Gold Medal of the Astronomical
Society was conferred upon him for a second time. William IV. had
previously distinguished him with the Hanoverian order of K.H.; but, on
the coronation of Queen Victoria, he received a baronetcy; and in 1839
the University of Oxford made him a D.C.L.

Continuing his career of scientific industry, he issued, in 1849, his
important and very valuable treatise entitled "Outlines of Astronomy."