WELL, here are some of the descriptions mentioned above. Something original if not unique, a reflecting binocular, is the product of Hilmer Hanson, R. F. D. 5, Holdrege, Nebraska. Let Mr. Hanson describe it, noting the photograph and sketch (as drawn by him) on this page.

"The mirrors of the binocular have a focal length of 54 inches. Estimated magnifying power with the pair of eyepieces used is about 65 diameters. One advantage of this telescope over a monocular is, of course, that it enables one to view objects with both eyes. It gives an admirable view of an object such as the full moon. The stereoscopic effect on terrestrial objects up to a mile or so is a great deal exaggerated. It gives one. a sense of position of the objects viewed, though these objects are reversed and inverted.

"The method of grinding and polishing two six-inch mirrors to the same focal length was as follows: Both mirrors were ground alternately on one tool. In rough grinding the mirrors were changed on the tool once on each wet, and in the finer stages they were changed several times in a wet. The polishing was done somewhat in the same manner as in the grinding. Only one pitch lap was used.

"The mirrors were tested and figured individually with the knife-edge, but simultaneously with binocular eyepieces. This test was not difficult to set up, and should prove quite valuable in determining the focal length of binocular mirrors. Although the test was not made before the mirrors had been brought to approximately the same figure, it showed them to have the same focal length on the first trial. The test was very interesting, as the image could be viewed with both eyes, and by manipulating the eyepieces in certain ways it was possible to examine the images of the pinhole individually, and compare them with one another. When viewed as one image with both eyes the pinhole has the appearance of solidity. The performance of this telescope is good and gives a wonderful binocular view of the heavenly bodies. It was not much more difficult to make than an average reflector.

"The pedestal is a half of a rear axle housing. A brake drum is used for R. A. circle and a protractor for declination. A slender tube without lens, mounted on the telescope, is used for sighting."

Mr. Hanson also made two single-tubed reflectors of which photographs are reproduced. He writes concerning one of them: 'The open tube telescope is a 10-inch with a focal length of 79 inches. The polar axis is a heavy spindle with bearings and hub, from the front wheel of an automobile. The fork of the telescope is fastened to a plate welded to the spindle body. The tube of the telescope has a counterweight at the bottom end, and there is also enough clearance between the bottom of the tube and the fork to permit one to view the Pole Star, or to reach any part of the sky. The adapter tube, diagonal, and eyepiece are all in one unit which can be revolved in the support, so that no neck craning is necessary. The whole telescope can be moved about on its casters. This open tube telescope was made with the one purpose in view-to improve on seeing, and as com"pared with the same mirror used before in a metal tube, a marked improvement, with steadier seeing, is noticeable."

JAMES A. McCARROLL, 521 Palisade J Avenue, Teaneck; New Jersey, an architect, has turned his natural inclination into a structure of unique design for supporting his six-inch mirror. He writes: "After grinding, polishing, and figuring the mirror twice I obtained very satisfactory results. The tube is made of thin galvanized leader pipe and the hexagonal pieces around it and the lengthwise slats are of wood, the latter being for protection. The convex attachment to the bottom of the wooden cell is a ten cent aluminum bowl partly filled with plaster of Paris and is mainly for making the tube balance at the desired point. 11

"The diagonal is a glass mirror and the eyepiece a single lens from an old telescope, having a focal length of about an inch and a quarter. All the optical parts are completely adjustable and easily removable, which would seem to be a necessity. The finder is a 1-1/4 inch metal tube with a 3/16-inch hole in a stop at the eye end and a half inch stop opening at the other. Having no place to set an equatorial mounting permanently I made the 'revolving post' altazimuth type shown in the photograph and this has proved satisfactory. By attaching wooden rings and slats to the light sheet metal tube most of the subsequent operations were simple woodworking ones. The instrument weighs 53 pounds and the total cost was less than 30 dollars. I consider my small outlay in; 'Amateur Telescope Making' one of the best investments I ever have made, as it has provided me with a hobby which from all indications will furnish me with a fascinating indoor and outdoor sport for the rest of my life-at very little expense."

WE learn of some very definite signs of life in Pittsburgh where the enterprising amateurs are organized as "The Astronomical Section of the Academy of Science and Art of Pittsburgh," Leo J. Scanlon, Secretary-treasurer, 1405 East Street, N. S. Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. They have worked out an aluminum observatory having original features. The story is too long for our available space but later we may find place for a part of it.

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