t 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. My evenings are my own. When the
heavens are clear, I watch them; when obscured, there are my books and
letters.

"Dr. Alexander Brown, of Arbroath, is one of my correspondents. I have
sent him my drawings of the rings of Saturn, of Jupiter's belt and
satellites. Dr. Ralph Copeland, of Dunecht, is also a very good friend
and adviser. Occasionally, too, I send accounts of solar disturbances,
comet a within sight, eclipses, and occultations, to the Scotsman, the
Dundee Evening Telegraph and Evening News, or to the Blairgowrie
Advertiser. Besides, I am the local observer of meteorology, and
communicate regularly with Mr. Symons. These things entirely fill up
my time.

"Do I intend always to remain a railway porter? Oh, yes; I am very
comfortable! The company are very kind to me, and I hope I serve them
faithfully. It is true Sheriff Barclay has, without my knowledge,
recommended me to several well-known astronomers as an observer. But
at my time of life changes are not to be desired. I am quite satisfied
to go on as I am doing. My young people are growing up, and are
willing to work for themselves. But come, sir," he concluded, "come
into the garden, a