' 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.
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