During the 1880s, a Mr. H. Petit of Belmont, Ontario had a large telescope and corresponded with A.F. Miller and other members of the Astronomical and Physical Society of Toronto. He may or may not have contributed to the unsuccessful efforts of Mr. Charles Clark to start a corresponding society in London at that time. Mr. H. Pettit of Belmont was elected a corresponding member of the Astronomical and Physical Society of Toronto on 1890-06-17. His name was not included in the list of corresponding members in 1891. Between 1892 and 1897 his name was included in the list of associate members.