These examples, and many others of a similar kind, explain sufficiently the nature and extent of that species of power that one telescope possesses over another, in consequence of its enlarged aperture; but the exact quantity of this power is in some degree uncertain. To ascertain practically the illuminating power of telescopes, we must try them with equal powers on such objects as the following,--the small stars near the pole-star, and near Rigel and ε Bootis--the division in the ring of Saturn--and distant objects in the twilight or towards the evening. These objects are distinctly seen with a 5 feet achromatic of 3-8/10 inches aperture, and an illuminating power of 144, while they are scarcely visible in a 3-1/2 feet with an aperture of 2-3/4 inches, and an illuminating power of 72, supposing the same magnifying power to be applied. The illuminating power of a telescope is best estimated, in regard to land objects, when it is tried on minute objects, and such as are badly lighted up; and the advantage of a telescope with a large aperture will be most obvious, when it is compared with another of inferior size in the close of the evening, when looking at a printed bill composed of letters of various sizes. As darkness comes on, the use of illuminating power becomes more evident. In a 5 feet telescope some small letters will be legible, which are hardly discernible in the 3-1/2 feet, and in the 2-1/2 feet are quite undefinable, though the magnifying powers be equal. Sir W. Herschel informs us, that in the year 1776, when he had erected a telescope of 20 feet focal length of the Newtonian construction, one of its effects by trial was, that when towards evening, on account of darkness, the natural eye could not penetrate far into space, the telescope possessed that power sufficiently to show, by the dial of a distant church steeple, what o’clock it was, notwithstanding the naked eye could no longer see the steeple itself.