William Herschel discovered NGC 4868 = H II-644 on 17 Mar 1787 (sweep 714) and recorded "pB or cB, S, R, mbM. Among some scattered star." CH's reduced position is 9 sec of RA west of UGC 8099.

300/350mm - 13.1" (2/16/85): moderately bright, small, almost round. A mag 12 star is on the north edge 1.2' from center. Forms a pair with NGC 4919 19' E.

Notes by Steve Gottlieb