While engaged in cable work in the West Indies, I had, during the winter and early spring of 1875, a number of very favourable opportunities of examining the zodiacal light.

Before leaving this country I had, under the advice of Professor Tait, and with a note of recommendation from Professor Jenkin, applied to the Royal Society for the loan of a spectroscope, to make observations with during the voyage; but unfortunately I was unable to obtain one, and so had to content myself with a small pocket-spectroscope.