the projection, I shall here describe, is that mentioned by Mr. Flamsted.  When the sun is in Cancer, Leo, Virgo, Libra, Scorpio or, Sagitary, the Axes of the Globe must lie to the right hand of the Axes of the Ecliptic, but when the sun is in Capricorn, Aquarius, Pisces, Aries, Taurus, or Gemini, then to the left.

“Says the wise author FERGUSON, when the sun is in Capercorn, Aquarius, Pisces, Aries, Taurus, and Gemeni, the Northern half of the Earths Axes lies to the right hand of the Axes of the Ecliptic and to the left hand, whilst the Sun is on the other six signs.

“Now Mr. Ellicott, two such learned gentlemen as the above mentioned, one in direct opposition to the other, stagnates young beginners, but I hope the stagnation will not be of long duration, for this I observe that Leadbetter counts the time on the path of Vertex 1, 2, 3 &c. from the right to the left hand or from the consequent to the antecedent,—­But Ferguson on the path of Vertex counts the time 1, 2, 3 &c. from the left to the right hand, according to the order of numbers, so that that is regular, shall compensate for irregularity.  Now sir if I can overcome this difficulty I doubt not being able to calculate a Common Almanac—­Sir no more

                              “But remain your faithful friend,
                                        “B.  BANNEKER.

     “Mr. GEORGE ELLICOTT, Oct. 13th, 1789.”

His mother, an active, intelligent, slight-built Mulatto, with long black hair, had exercised a tender but positive influence over him.  His character, so far as is known, was without blemish, with the single exception of an occasional use of ardent spirits.  He found himself conforming too frequently to the universal habit of the times, social drinking.  Liquors and wines were upon the tables and sideboards of the best families, and wherever Banneker went it confronted him.  He felt his weakness in this regard, and resolved to abstain from the use of strong drink.  Some time after returning from a visit to Washington, in company with the commissioners who laid out the District of Columbia, he related to his friends that during the entire absence from home he had abstained from the use of liquors; adding, “I feared to trust myself even with wine, lest it should steal away the little sense I have.”  On a leaf of one of his almanacs, appears the following in his own handwriting:—­

     “Evil communications corrupt good manners, I hope to live to
     hear, that good communication corrects ‘bad manners.’”

He had a just appreciation of his own strength.  He hated vice of every kind; and, while he did not connect himself to any church, he was deeply attached to the Society of Friends. He was frequently seen in their meeting-house.  He usually occupied the rear bench, where he would sit with uncovered head, leaning upon his staff, wrapt in profound meditation.  The following letter addressed to Mr. J. Saurin Norris shows that his character was upright:—­