John Herschel discovered NGC 5556 = h3564 on 8 May 1834 and recorded "eF; L; 2' diam; has some small stars involved." His position is accurate.

300/350mm - 13.1" (3/17/86): extremely diffuse, moderately large, very difficult, low surface brightness "hazy" region. Involves 3-4 fainter stars on the north side.

Notes by Steve Gottlieb