ADDRESS ANSWER
VIA SAN JOSÉ, CALIFORNIA

(LICK OBSERVATORY,)

University of California,

MOUNT HAMILTON,

Dec 19, 1890

My dear sir,

I have your note of the 6th inst. I should be very glad to give you any assistance in reference to your proposed paper before the Society, but my time is so taken up with observing, I have very little opportunity to do much writing, even in connection with my own work. You will certainly have no difficulty in making out a strong case in favor of the use of small telescopes in many departments of important astronomical work. Most of the early telescopic work was done with instruments which would now be considered as inferior to modern instruments, in quality as well as size. You are doubtless familiar with much of the amateur work in this country and elsewhere, done with comparatively small apertures. The most important condition is to have the refractor, whatever its size may be, of the highest optical perfection, and then the test will depend on the zeal and industry of the observer.

I am glad to know that your Society is prospering, and trust that the interest of the members will result in some good work.

Sincerly yours
S.W. Burnham