John Herschel discovered NGC 3244 = h4019 on 22 Apr 1835 and recorded "vF; above a * 11m, dist 1.5'." It was included in a "supplementary nebulae" list at the end of the Cape catalogue (h4016 to h4021) which Dreyer identified as "h o n" ([John] Herschel Omitted Object) in the NGC. His position and description matches ESO 317-024.

400/500mm - 17.5" (3/28/87): faint, very diffuse, almost round. A mag 11 star is 1.9' N. Located 14' NW of NGC 3250.

Notes by Steve Gottlieb