In the first place, the student who wishes to appreciate the facts and theories of astronomy should familiarize himself with the nature of that instrument to which astronomers have been most largely indebted.

In the second place, some of the most important discoveries in astronomy have been effected by means of telescopes of moderate power used skilfully and systematically.

One instance may suffice to show what can be done in this way.

The well-known telescopist Goldschmidt (who commenced astronomical observation at the age of forty-eight, in 1850) added fourteen asteroids to the solar system, not to speak of important discoveries of nebulae and variable stars, by means of a telescope only five feet in focal length, mounted on a movable tripod stand.
The feeling experienced by those who look through a telescope for the first time,--especially if it is directed upon a planet or nebula--is commonly one of disappointment.

They have been told that such and such powers will exhibit Jupiter's belts, Saturn's rings, and the continent-outlines on Mars; yet, though perhaps a higher power is applied, they fail to detect these appearances, and can hardly believe that they are perfectly distinct to the practised eye.
The expectations of the beginner are especially liable to disappointment in one particular.